Buying a cheap value packed Chinese Mini Excavator Rippa

[@chadsimmons6347]

Whatever Mike learns about something,,he has to tell you what it was or he worries you won't know enough ,,He talks too much, shut-up-please

[@Mikefestiva]

Wow Chad what a rude person you are. Just don’t watch my videos if you don’t like them, simple as that!

[@michaelfrick8928]

@chadsimmons you sound very intelligent.

[@jodylinnartz4461]

@@Mikefestiva keep up the detailed research info. We appreciate ya

[@thedealnow]

Then don't watch him!

[@liberpater1342]

What a clown! I just stumbled upon this video. I've operated equipment across this country and I found this video very detailed and informative.

[@smokesandalloy9487]

That tailgate is the real MVP

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha yes I definitely load tested it 😂 the tail gate was fairly messed up from hauling logs in my truck so I wasn’t too concerned, it actually closed better after I unloaded the mini. I probably will flatbed my F250 in the next year or so. Thanks for watching 👍

[@joecuevas6368]

I was concerned for a bit specially when he stop right on it to swing...🤣

[@onyxpartitian]

@@Mikefestiva I built a flat deck that dumps for my F250! It's the way to go!! I definitely overbuilt mine though, a little to heavy haha I uploaded videos on it if you want inspiration

[@mikecude4167]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Crispy983]

Do these things have a fork attachment to be able to lift ibc totes?

[@ChristopherC207]

Great video! Thanks for putting this together. I stumbled across your channel with your Templar 250 review and have been working my way back through your content. I really appreciate your approach to reviewing equipment. You keep an open mind, are comprehensive in your coverage, and keep things real with your audience. I also appreciate the diversity of your content. Looking forward to your next video!

[@sojourner1999]

I could not click on the video fast enough. Its going to be a great friday!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man! I appreciate it 😊👍 Have a great weekend!

[@WHJeffB]

Not that I need a 1 ton excavator, but I saw this video in my feed and chose to watch it... $6100 for that machine is a BARGAIN!!! I just ordered an imported, precision benchtop milling machine for my shop. With all the goodies and shipping it was $6300, shipping weight, about 400lbs. So $6100 for a machine of that size, with all the complexity that it has is one heck of a value for the money. For that price, I'd buy one just to play in the yard with! Enjoy it... Looks like a fun and very useful machine to have.

[@drubradley8821]

I enjoyed watching this video!!!! I want one of these so bad, but, $6K for a man like me who is poor, just not gonna ever happen... That is okay, I will live through you folks who do have one... Thank you for sharing this.

[@JMartinhomestead]

I picked up a backhoe for my Kubota tractor a few months ago for $2400. its pretty clapped but I don't mind working on it. My dad and I have already done 25-30 hours of digging and its invaluable. I like it because its not an entire machine and I can store just the attachment when its not used. one of these days I need to tear it down and bore out all the pivots and press in some bushings. BTW I have one of those YESWELDER Mig/stick/tig machines since they seem to work well for you. One day ill convince my wife to let me buy the Langmuir CNC.

[@Wil_Liam1]

Hey Mikie,don't forget that you cannot rotate counterclockwise more than 7 turns in a row or else you'll unscrew the cab from the carrier... 😁

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha 😂 👍

[@berguney]

Is this real? 😅

[@Wil_Liam1]

@@berguney shhhhh,not really,but inexperienced operators as well as the unknowing fall for it every time 😉

[@berguney]

@@Wil_Liam1 haha that's me 🤣

[@colemine7008]

The child in me loved watching you play with this new machine. I was wishing I was in a situation that for some reason I needed one. I am not. They look like soo much fun.

[@staudenmaierca]

Looks like a handy machine. For what's it's worth, I did receive a notification for this video. 👍

[@jimnelsen2064]

I am pretty impressed with how much quality and foresight they built into this little machine.

[@Mikefestiva]

So far I have been really happy with my purchase. I got 30 hours on it so far, still holding up well.

[@FabbinAdventures]

Hey Mike, thanks for the shout out for my channel! Man, your little excavator sure looks well thought out and built! They sure are handy! And a major back saver for sure! I love my little qh12.

[@Mikefestiva]

No problem 😊👍 I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more videos on your mini soon. I was really interested in the QH12 but the price went up $500 on EBay overnight on all of them so I decided the extra $500 was worth it to buy this Rippa instead.

[@noahmaurano181]

Extend the boom and dipper before storing in rainfall to help protect the finish on the pistons. Great video thank you.

[@10p6]

Looks like a nice little unit. The best part for the price is the hydraulic thumb :-)

[@terryfromsouthcarolina4601]

Cool video Mike! Many years ago I bought a Yanmar 660 3point backhoe. I mounted it on the back of my "Ugly", a 1976 United Tractor warehouse tug. I have moved a lot of dirt, rocks and other things with it. I run it off a 13 hp Preditor for Harbor Freight. The tractor weighs around 4000 pounds and is every bit as big as a 9n Ford. That's after I took off the 1600 pound weight on the back by the way. It's powered by a Chrysler slant 6 and I just couldn't see having that engine run just to dig a hole. Had I not had that I would have been on the internet today looking at that little machine. Like I said a while back you could make watching paint dry interesting. A fellow always comes away from your videos with some more knowledge if one keeps an open mind. I'm looking forward to see what mods you do to make this machine more fit your needs. BTW...I have sent a couple of subscribers your way too!😁👍 Cheers Terry

[@gabrielgreenham]

Super review on this digger I'm looking for one and thi would definitely be a huge help for me. Thanks Mike

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! Yes I wanted to show the info that I couldn’t find online about these. most people just completely brush over the info and just say they are great or they don’t like them in videos and don’t get down to the details. Thanks for watching!

[@urcindys]

Can't wait to see the attachment builds! Luv to see more on that arcdroid in use. Thanks Bob

[@NorthernChris1]

These tiny machines are game changers for the DIY'er. The low cost and the versatility is amazing. 90% of the pump/lines/ fittings can be bought at Harbour Freight making this an extremely easy machine to fix and maintain. Great Video!

[@Ants_Pants]

Would be a good to dig inside the house or close to it. Also a backsaver like you say

[@IHcubcadet]

Very cool! Finally a mini excavator I can afford. Been looking at thees for a while. Maybe 🤔 in a few years I will spring for one. Def worth spending a little more for the features on this one. The pin bushing are very important. My dads kubota back hoe does not even have that.

[@soulis1000]

Seems to be a nice machine, looking for something similar myself.

[@calculatedrush]

I'm thinking of getting one and I haven't worked with hydraulic equipment before. I am very appreciative of the level of detail you go into with this video, It's helpful for me. Anything I can't learn before I get one, I'll have to learn the hard way and I really would prefer to learn the easy way

[@1979augistine]

Definitely a better built machine then most I've seen that's for sure

[@forgeteverythingyouknow5413]

This is the perfect video. Thank you so much, dude. Also thanks for the mechanical overview and hints. I can buy one of these and work on my ninety-foot driveway cheaper than having a company do it. Couldn't believe it Could pick up those rocks like that. Amazing

[@doylerabjohn3435]

This is interesting...... I haven't seen a video on your channel in a while. I missed your videos?..... I've actually been looking for a Chinese excavator (for my 4 acre farm) about 3 months , I just never could decide on which one, this video is very helpful. God looks out for fools. Thanks a lot.

[@thebigdustin]

That’s a cool piece of equipment Mike. Looks like you’ll get a lot of use out of it.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks! Definitely got a lot of small jobs planned for it this spring/summer at my place and friends property. 😊👍

[@MrNosajwhitey]

Your a very discerning buyer of budget machinery and products mate 👍

[@samhale9493]

This is amazing for 6100 dollars. I bought some property a few years ago and have been doing pretty much everything by hand (and occasionally my neighbor takes pity and brings his big excavator over). This would be a great size for our place. My buddy bought a John deere tractor with a backhoe attachment and its handy but he spent a little over 20k for it. The backhoe doesnt have a thumb on it and its incredible how much that limits what it can do. Thanks for the info, you have a great channel

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video! Yes my older 3 point backhoe was useful but didn’t dig nearly as fast and wasn’t very good at fitting into narrow spaces like my new mini Excavator does.

[@DingDongDrift]

just a random side note, spring washers or lock washers have actually been tested to make bolts loosen more than using nothing at all.

[@noyopacific]

This is definitely a temptation. Liked the motorcycle cover. I've been getting BBQ grill covers to use for covering tools. They are good quality for the price.

[@davesmith8936]

Your videos often cost ME money! LOL! Thanks fo rall the info.

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha sorry man 😂 Thanks for watching my new video.

[@krissfemmpaws1029]

Thank you for the update on the mini excavator. You have pointed me in their direction if we decide to get one. The single pump cuts cost and size needed for the pump... I wonder if they are using a rotary flow divider to split the flow to the different fuctions and not loose flow to other circuits. Oops sorry my designer is showing.

[@donfrance3]

Good show. we also got a similar mini excavator about 2 years ago without all these nicer improvements ... and you got a decent fair price on the deal. this machine has been huge helping out around the house and getting thru tight places and between trees. the wide finish bucket for snow jobs helps and the tracks work great on ice and snow. no problems so far but recommend the power thumb and chisel hammer attachments for rocky work areas.

[@dirtydish6642]

Mike - I watched a ton of these videos on YT for weeks when finally your video sold me on the this specific make and model. Due to inventory issues I had to be upsold on the cab model but at a discount. It just arrived today and to my surprise they sent me a unit with the foot pedals for the tracks. Unfortunately they failed to hit the fuel shut off switch before shipping it and now it wont start with the fuel flooding out the motor and oil. I had planned for an early oil change, just not while it was still on the pallet. Funny thing is I had it delivered to my work (my boss is cool like that) and it certainly gots all sorts of attention at the dock and shop floor. 😆Super geeked to get this thing in the dirt tomorrow, maybe I need to start my own channel.

[@johntherat339]

I picked up a similar one today from an auction (MachPro) which seems to be the manufacturer of these machines. It actually wouldn't start up because the trailer was on an incline and once it leveled out was able to get it going. I am thinking I have an issue with the fuel pump or filter but great little machine and can't wait to tinker with mine. Excited to see what improvements you make.

[@DecayWithUs]

Could be the low oil sensor. That could be deleted if a guy felt so inclined 😁

[@oby-1607]

I just picked up a 2.0 tonne rated mini Chinese excavator very similar to yours. It also has the hydraulic thumb but has the Kubota diesel engine. The Hitachi 120 I run can't fit into a lot of places that this little machine can and the 120 also requires a lowbed with a tractor trailer to move it any distance. This little Chinese machine can be loaded on my car trailer and can be gone in minutes. You will find this investment very worthwhile. Looking forward to more videos from you so I can get more ideas on how to use mine.

[@Sr-ps5eo]

Appreciate the video! Glad there’s still someone looking out for the little guy who’s just trying to get work done.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on man! 😊👍 Definitely a back saver, so far I have been really happy with it. So useful especially for the price, it’s about the same as a name brand zero turn lawnmower, I would much rather own this 😊👍

[@DingDongDrift]

man i freaking love small heavy machinery, i live in a suburb but just wanna dig my whole yard up for no reason lol

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha your entire back yard would be a playground for digging holes 🕳️ 😂 Thanks for checking out my new video 👍😊

[@DingDongDrift]

@@Mikefestiva I'd have so many ponds lmao

[@joell439]

Thanks Mike for the in-depth review and demonstration. 👍😎👍 That sure seems like a very agile machine for your property. As you say, saving the back is so worth it. Yes, almost all of those tasks you showed could be done manually by an energetic young person….. but take it from me, manual labor will eventually drive significant health care costs (physical therapy at a minimum) and decades of degraded quality of life and chronic pain.

[@jasonpeters3228]

Great timing. I am going today to look at an auction for a Chinese vs used Japanese mini excavator. The issue of parts cost and complexity of computers ect, of the Japanese machine's vs the cheap Chinese machines seems to favor the simple machines for future repairs. I have seen them at auctions before but not looked close because they weren't in the budget. Seems like the machine you got has much better upgrades and is stronger built then the standard ones you see out there. If I don't buy one tomorrow at the auction I will order one from the Texas company from your review of working with them and their build quality.

[@jasonpeters3228]

I ended up getting a 2016 Bobcat 418 excavator(same as e10) for 8k. The Chinese ones went for $3000-$5500 at the latest auction. Prices are down from 4 months ago. Seem to be alot more flooding in.

[@tylermarshall1]

so glad!!! I have been wondering about these and the logistics, and Mike the channel I want to support the most is doing it. thanks bud!!

[@joecuevas6368]

Mike, excellent review, I was also drawn to the RIPPA R319 but there is pretty much no good info online. I already pulled the trigger and your video gave me peace!!!

[@tracy419]

I'm hoping to have a need for one of these in the next year (don't have any land at the moment) and the one thing that has had me worried about the cheaper Chinese ones is the mechanical work needed. I have zero mechanical skills, but then I saw that you can get harbor freight welders for cheap and now I'm thinking what better opportunity to learn a series of new skills, then to get something like this and the tools to repair or fabricate new tools for it. For the cost of say, a cheap Japanese version, I could get one of these and a bunch of tools so I can really screw it up😂 Now to get some land so have an excuse.

[@gregbakke8296]

Looks like a decent little machine. Looking forward to updates on longevity, etc. Thanks for posting!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video Greg 👍 Yes longevity is key. I’m also looking forward to seeing how it holds up over time.

[@young11984]

These are ideal for home owners/homesteaders that will not be using them long hours at the time, you will see that an hydraulic cooler will be needed once temps reach the mid 70s and you use it mild and steady for 3-4hrs. Fluid will get into the 150s fairly quick, still an awesome little ex with a few add ons to refine it

[@coltonkruse2313]

Honestly didnt seem like a bad machine. Looks like quality main components and hoses. Pretty surpsing!

[@seansullivan3795]

That thing looks very handy.

[@Birch_Lv]

Thanks for the video.👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@michaelsimpson2490]

I've been thinking that one of these is handy as hell. I appreciate your detailed description, it answered a lot of questions. Thank You.

[@mammut1291]

Cute little digger, gotta get one myself, great review, thanks Mike💪

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 👍

[@wingandaprayeradventures6758]

Thanks pal. I have been looking at them all as well. You covered everything I would look for. The pins and hydraulic thumb sold me. I had a backhoe and know how fast the pins wear. I ordered me one a few minutes ago so keep us up to date of any issues. Be safe!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my video 👍 my Rippa is still doing great, I have about 24 hours on it so far, only thing I did other then change the motor oil and grease it up was the bucket sides are a little on the thin side so I welded on some 3/16” plate to reinforce them. I still feel it’s a great little machine. I think you will enjoy yours!

[@irateVpirate]

Thanks for doing all the research for me! I've been looking at auctions lately and hadn't found anything to make me pull the trigger. Just placed an order with these guys. Price was still $6,100 for me.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on 👍 I think you will like it, so far I have been really happy with mine. I got some plants to do some dirt work today with mine up at my garden, man they are back savers!

[@phillhuddleston9445]

Good tips on what to look for in these machines!

[@deanomachineo7281]

Thanks Mike, again, you've saved me hours and hours of research. Excellent and trustworthy review!

[@bulistik5039]

I purchased one of these after watching this video. Mine did not come with the rear plate behind the track driver motors and did not come with the exaust fan. The track controls are different and there are foot pedals for the plow/scrapper in front. The other foot pedals control the thumb. I attempted to pick up a log and when i squeezed the thumb hydraulic fluid started spraying from a hose. Took the top off, which bolts on different. Better in my opinion, and put it in garage and noticed the leaking hose was leaking at a loose fitting. I tightened it up but have not tested it yet. It does not say rippa texas on it and now has a small green battery voltage indicatior. The light switch is in a different spot. All stick actions seem to be very fast and jerky, unless u finess it slow almost to the point of just barly getting it to engage. I may need to add more hydraulic fluid as the container seemed pretty full when i filled it but the indicator window looked low. Thats my experience since unloading it and messing around with it before the hydraulic leak.peobably 30 minutes. It did seem hot under the engine shroud area. I removed the back plate and left it off for now while i test it out and break it in.There is a terrible briggs and stratton manual but thats it. Nothing on the rest of the excavator, hydraulics, or greaseing. Oh yeah and i did not get a grease gun with it. I got keys for a compartment in front at your knees, a BAG of chinese grease, a filter remover wrench a cheap cresent wrench, a set of larger allen keys, a 14mm socket, an L shaped piece of metal with 3/8 end of a ratchet and both ends that the 14mm socket fits on, and 2 ignition keys. Oh and the gas tank fill is where he said the diesel one is usually and has a float attached and a dial on top of the gas cap that shows fuel level. Thats what i can tell you about these so far as of 4/17/2024

[@MrBUYaLOT]

Thank you for this update. It seems like they are doing a different model now than the one Mike got. Is the build quality the same, same metal thickness? It is sad to hear they scrubbed the spreader bar and fan, those are 2 of the best features.

[@Mikefestiva]

I had another person mention the changes as well. Honestly I would take the pedals for the blade and thumb with the fuel tank relocated with the gauge over the fan and spreader bar. The fan is about $20 on Amazon and the bar can be welded in very easily. The pedals are way more of a pain to setup from the control levers on my model. I’m pretty sure it’s the same model just has different features.

[@MrBUYaLOT]

Does it have the external oil filter? Any other changes that you can tell? Any pictures :) ?

[@bulistik5039]

kzbin.infokZULsiqYDoo?si=Vhq5GrP-LafCWw1F

[@MrBUYaLOT]

@@bulistik5039 thank you very much for the video. Does it have the cooling fan? I couldn't see that part with the new shroud. Did you order from Khazana or Ebay? Any other issues? I am having some reservations but I know I want one of these diggers.

[@NewTheLabel]

Gosh I love these videos. Shiat like this is why I cant save money.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man! Haha I know they are so affordable it’s hard to talk yourself out of buying one 😂

[@NewTheLabel]

@@Mikefestiva Any interest in building a shingle jig for the sawmill? I haven't seen anyone build one that works well. Who wants to pay the $1.5k for a woodmizer jig.

[@Mikefestiva]

@@NewTheLabel Definitely on my list! I have a bunch of components for one, after building my lap siding jig I lost a bit of interest in it due to the lack of viewer interest on that video, but I still plan to build one but was going to just do it without making a video on it, but maybe I will still do a simple short video of how I did it. Thanks for asking 👍

[@NewTheLabel]

@@Mikefestiva Right on man. Well grateful for all the work you put into the projects and content. I would be stoked to see even a simple short video on how you make one.

[@bobrat]

Thanks Mike!

[@FlawedOffroad]

Seems like a great value, wish my property could make use of one, Id buy in a heartbeat once I get some actual land. Take care Mike.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video! Pretty good little machine so far, definitely a game changer for a small piece of land 😊👍

[@nylonstringninja]

Thanks for showing how good this is for cutting up and dealing with logs. I have 4 acres of downed trees. Big ones. I was thinking about these machines and thought how great it would be for moving logs and picking them it to cut off the ground, stacking, etc. I just had another spinal injection today so I'm definitely at the point of using machines as much as possible.

[@michaelhoneycutt7138]

Thanks for video. I will definitely give them a look into. I have been looking at Agt lh12r. They have rear lid that opens and hydrolic cooling setup. Yours looks like it is smooth operation. All the pins and lines look good also.

[@fredmartinez933]

I like it.. I was looking for one of these..thank you for sharing..

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Fred! I really appreciate it 😊👍

[@charlesallen5425]

Thank you for posting, your video was well done.

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊👍

[@BarnStangz]

This little mini is sweet! I commented on your Insta before watching this and I can see why you left off the roof, it's not really going to protect anything anyway and it would be easy to just bail out, lol! For the money this thing is amazing. I would totally buy one if I didn't already have a 3.5 ton unit. I sort of wish my old man had something like this, it would make it much, much easier to process fire wood and like you said, is a HUGE back saver. I know a LOT of people knock on Chinese stuff, but if you do what you did, look around, do research, etc, you can find stuff that is pretty well made and with good components. I bet you'll have a LOT of trouble free years on this machine. Looking forward to more content Mike. Hope you're doing well.

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

I really like how you showed the additional value… it’s hard to see those things even when careful about buying… you’ve pointed out some great things and some improvements. I keep hearing lately about metal shearing when welding to thick metal…too big a heat sink…? Hoping your planned additions take that into consideration. What a great walk through.

[@MrJanaRobi]

WOW ! That was an eye opener .I have a very old Case 580 construction king .It just is not handy .

[@Mikefestiva]

Pretty good little machine so far, fairly powerful for its size, definitely handy for the property. Thanks for checking out my new video 😊

[@bradharris8307]

That seems like a nice little unit to have around the house. Thanks for all the info on it. Have a good weekend and hope you get some relaxing in.

[@KPVFarmer]

Great vid. That hydraulic thumb is money

[@Mikefestiva]

Definitely a back saver! Thank for checking out my new video 😊👍

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Love this! I've been wanting to buy something like this for a long time. This is VERY helpful.

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! I definitely recommend looking on EBay, do some research on the machines sold, there’s a lot of machines and models. I also recommend checking out the Facebook Chinese mini digger groups, there you will find a lot of info, also you can see a lot of machines from the company AGT that people buy, you also see some of the quality control issues from AGT, reading on those groups definitely helped me decide to buy from a different manufacturer. Thanks for watching 👍

[@billwienands7298]

I really like any of your videos can't wait for the next one keep up the good work from Australia

[@fullmetalneck]

As always, I appreciate all of the research and detail! Definitely planning on picking one of these up at some point. Looking forward to the extended review.

[@lukesnyder9816]

Great to see a video from you. I always know that a review from you will need detailed, honest and very informative. Thanks Mike!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Luke 😊 I really appreciate it man 👍

[@gmjunky87]

this would def be cheaper than buying a frame mounted backhoe for my l series kubota. thanks for the vid!

[@tsaipod]

My thoughts exactly. Been looking for a backhoe attachment for my Kubota but these seem like a fun option.

[@bryanmartin2271]

I think he done a good job at displaying his new toy a jealous man might say bad words but a good man will pat him on his back I'm glad for him 👍 he was very informative and well said 👏 👍 😀

[@KK19825]

Looks surprisingly well built for what it is.

[@TheIregan]

Well.... I didn't know I needed one of these until now :D Great review Mike!

[@endlesslyabusedpowerended]

Fuel shut of is the best way to kill a gas motor to avoid gunk in the motor, so that should take some delay to shut off, pretty awesome machine!

[@Ronaldo郑]

I sincerely hope that everyone likes Made in China. Mini excavators are really cost-effective and practical, mainly because they are very cheap. I am a mini excavator manufacturer from China. If you have any questions during use, you can consult me at any time. Also includes machine problems! ! ! !

[@FenrirFabrication]

I'm always keeping an eye out for any of these little macines to buy non operational. I think it would be quite fun to tear one apart and see what fails and what can be done to keep them around. For the price you really cant beat them. I need a mini to add to my fleet of projects. nice video, seems way more stout than the ususl ones.

[@SCHAUDENLUCAS]

Definitely the best video I've seen about those so far. Thank you! Gald that KZbin did actually promote your channel enough so it popped up on my feed. 😉

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man 😊 Surprisingly YT actually notified some of my subscribers this time 😂 YT algorithm is odd how it works.

[@SCHAUDENLUCAS]

Trying to find the same model here in Germany now and I actually did. Unfortunately it doesn't have a hydraulic thumb nor the lines for it, also its missing the reinforcement plate behind the hydraulic motors for the tracks. I even contacted the seller and it seems those are modifications or add-ons only offered by the US importer. If some one could help me to source a kit for the thumb I would really appreciate that.

[@SCHAUDENLUCAS]

@@Mikefestiva Even though I haven't been a subscriber before I watched this video today, I also find the algorithm really mysterious sometimes.

[@betweenthesharksgarage]

also thanks for the explanation of the single pump system, i thought it was alllll user error on mine, but the first drive was very jerky

[@Hootman865]

Mike I feel like you’re one of the most genuine folks on KZbin. I feel like you’re the best instructor that’s not an instructor.

[@berguney]

Hi, i got the rippa 319 model last week. Its 99% the same machine with this one. Used that around 11 hours and let me share the little problems that it came up with during this period of time. First, my hourmeter, voltmeter and headlight turned off suddenly. Excavator was running but with no acc power supply. So i dig into electrical harness and find out that one of the ground connections got broke inside the harness. After the fix there was no problem. The second issue was sudden stall of the engine. Mine got a different engine, its koop brand diesel engine. After some inspection i found out that the fuel line was ripped of because of a tight hose clamp and probably vibration also helped to damage that. Just cut little piece off and works like a charm again. And there is the third problem. One morning i tried to run the engine but there was no crank. Little more investigation and i saw the starter solenoid's terminal was broken. It was because of the stretched harness. Got an extention on that cable and renewed the terminal. Works again! All these happened in first 10 hours. But no mechanical issues at all. Just minor chinese workmanship. Mine doesn't have the cooler fan, definately going to have one. So far so good, i love that machine, so usefull. It is soo much advised to put some soft damper materials to the main hydrolic line's touching spots the the sharp edges of the frame as told in the video.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for commenting, definitely good to know. The little Diesel Koop engines are pretty cool.

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

That's a great investment , thanks for sharing !!!!! 😊🙏👍❤️

[@chrisreibold1634]

I can't wait to see what you fab up for this thing! Some sort of weight bracket for the rear would be great. Maybe it could accept suitcase weights or rectangular weights from a home gym?

[@SamOHalloran]

Very informative and helpful, thinking about getting a mini-excavator

[@Mikefestiva]

Right on! I’m glad my video helped, I have about 5 other videos covering work with this 1 ton mini you probably would like on my channel 😊👍

[@flapwheat]

Excellent video, as always Michael! I could really use a machine like that. Embarrassingly, I kinda thought the tiny excavators were toys, but I'm impressed with the capability. My wife really loved how you showed the engineering details that make the Rippa a good value.

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Really awesome!!!! Looks really well built!! Thank you for the guide to the new channels. We have to get together and go riding sometime. I am in Pa and I know we are kinda far but...I am about to start building my 1928 Morgan and making the channel.

[@sixpotshot]

Pretty extraordinary review - I know very few people who could come up with such detail and comprehensive information about any machine as you did! Thank you! ✨ ✨✨✨✨

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it 👍 still after 34 hours and 5 months I have zero regrets buying it.

[@philpatrick4519]

Nice review, I’ve had my eye on a mini for a while and I value your insight Cheers

[@Mikefestiva]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@ern48]

Great video! This mini ex was a good find and definitely better than most I've seen. As an equipment operator bigger is usually better, but as you said when you put it into perspective this little guy will still do a lot of work, save your back and better than a shovel.

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Very interesting thank you!👍🏽😀❤️🇺🇸

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Jeffry! 😊👍

[@maddogcyclone]

Great introduction to this machine! I'll be following along, can't wait to see what upgrades you make. Thanks Mike!

[@leonjbarela]

Great video

[@benjaminjansen6318]

The reason it stays on for a bit after you shut off the key is probably from the electric fan. When you shut the key off the power to the fan stops, but it will spin for a bit. The whole time it is spinning, it is creating electricity and backfeeding just enough juice to keep it running. You can put a diode inline with the fan so that it can't backfeed anymore. I had to do this on my skidsteer when i went to an electric fan.

[@johnpappas2060]

Enjoy. Looks great. Thanks 😊

[@thomasbambach9365]

bought one about 2 months ago with a cab and i love it

[@Mikefestiva]

Nice to know you have been enjoying yours as well. Pretty good machines 😊👍

[@BigMikesHobbyChannel]

Ive been interested in these chinese excavators for a long while now, but Im closing on my new house today with a little bit of acreage and something like this is looking more and more like the ticket considering Ive got several jobs this would simplify. I was looking at them to toy around with before but to be honest it looks like it would be extremely handy to have for the reasons you mentioned and more. I will certainly be looking into this unit more. Thanks!

[@54mgtf22]

I’d love one of those. Awesome little tool. 👍 My mulcher/shredder has the same B&S engine. Currently cleaning out the fuel system cause I left old fuel in there too long and gummed it all up.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video! Oh man that the Ethanol gas these days really suck. Well I’m sure it will fire up once you clean the float bowl and jets 👍

[@750schimel]

Great machine. I have the same one. Bought it from the same people but off ebay. No issues really so far. 10-15 hrs on it. They sold me a 8" trenching bucket for $130 but I've had to wait over 2 months for it. Luckily it's at UPS now. Also, I have an auger but haven't used it yet. Enjoyed the video!!

[@ChrisfromKeyfarm]

Really cool Mike ! Ive been the guy with a shovel and a pickaxe ⚒️ for a long time.

[@Mikefestiva]

Yes me to, I have done so much shovel and pick work over the years, definitely need to save my back. Thanks for checking out my new video!