Buying (and Fixing) My First Excavator. Yanmar VIO-50

[@paulhammond7489]

As I know you'll take care of it, 20k is a good investment, particularly in this crazy market. Enjoyed the way you used the shop air to help eject the old oil from the drive motors. Looking forward to the next chapter of this latest acquisition.

[@calholli]

Yeah, it's not exactly breaking any records for the lowest price-- but this is a good machine--- But for that kind of money, it should probably still have the enclosed cab, with the AC working. It will pay for itself over time though-- and Yanmars last virtually forever; it's a good machine for sure.

[@csmithy3057]

@Paul Hammond Hi how are you? Can we be friends

[@thepragmatic6383]

I like watching you work on your Yanmar, while drinking a good coffee and above all, without getting my hands dirty. In 2013, two years before building my house, I purchased a 2002 Kubota KX 61-2 mini excavator to prepare the construction site. I had paid $16,500 CAD for this machine and was planning to resell it once the work was completed. But I later changed my mind and chose to keep it, mainly for cleaning and laying out trails in the forest. With this machine, pulling a tree out of the forest becomes almost child's play, a toy weighing nearly 6,000 pounds. Aside from changing oils, filters and regular greasing, the only other part I had to change was the battery. In winter, after snow removal from the roofs, I use it to remove the banks of snow around the buildings. This machine was only equipped with a canopy roof placed on the four posts of the ROP, so I built a cabin from these elements, in order to protect the controls and its operator.

[@Kendoe0341]

Just a suggestion from a retired heavy equipment mechanic, 1 your track is worn and diameters are different, and 2 I think the worn track side drive motor is on the week side. Unless you have metal in the planetary gears your good, drive motors are fairly easy to do.

[@genehunsinger3981]

how do you feel about ppl putting an engine oil filter in DRY?I like filling them,+ oiling the gasket.

[@Kendoe0341]

@@genehunsinger3981people have different opinions on prime or no prime and over the years I've done both. But I generally prime the filters on my personal equipment.

[@Kendoe0341]

@@genehunsinger3981 always put oil on the o ring

[@FishFind3000]

@@genehunsinger3981 depends if the filter is vertical or horizontal

[@genehunsinger3981]

@@FishFind3000 most of the oil stays in,try it.Fill 1 up and the turn it on its side.Not much comes back out.

[@scottaddison8071]

I think you made a good buy and I think you are one of very few people who has the aptitude & ability to repair and restore this machine for productive work. Good job

[@csmithy3057]

@Scott Addison Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@Highstranger951]

Those yanmar minis are hands down the best machine in its class. I did however have to replace the drive motor on the same side…. The oil leaks internally. Pro tip, when pouring from a spout bucket, start with the spout on top…less glugging. Also, put your backfill blade down to stabilize the machine, your guts will thank you. The factory bucket/slash thumb pin on our machine was bored through the center for grease and would break in half every couple years. We had one machine solid and drilled the knuckle and put in a grease zerk, problem solved to this day.

[@michaelmactavish4445]

i looked at the kubota execavators wich pile of room and head room in there open and enclosed cabs like a luxary mini ex

[@Highstranger951]

@@michaelmactavish4445 they are nice, but are more expensive and not as smooth IMO. Those yanmars are tough bud.

[@petercarlson8858]

I bought a Vio 35-2 a couple years ago and am very impressed with what it will do. About the same condition as yours but 2200 hrs. ($14,500 from private party) and did pretty much everything you did when I first got it. Seemed to run a little warm when at half throttle or higher but not familiar with this machine, figured it was normal. Sat over winter and in spring started a hidden mouse nest on fire which revealed a (hidden) lengthwise split in muffler which was putting hot exhaust gases into the engine compartment, thus the overheating. $550 for a new Yanmar muffler but only $90 for an aftermarket JD compact tractor one with matching manifold flange (modified to fit space). Had a final drive start to lock up occasionally (broken gear tooth or something floating around in the motor/planetary gears) and finally had to replace it - $2200 but still very happy with the machine. Your video was very well done and informative. Thanks for a job well done.

[@csmithy3057]

@Peter Carlson Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@offgridsa2372]

I think you did OK on the excavator. It's always a balancing act of picking a machine with no deal breakers critical issues that are going to be prohibitively expensive and finding a machine with the combination of little issues you can deal with as you go...and they will all have small issues. I purchased a similar vintage machine about a year ago. Slightly more modern 2006 and next size up 7.5 ton It's a Yanmar vio75 for about the same price 20k. Though I am in Australia and I have the feeling our used market is a little less heated than the USis at the moment. That said I was happy with the price as it was all I could afford. It has air-conditioning and the cab is complete. I doesn't have a thumb (has the remote hydrologic setup for one) also it didn't come with any buckets. So that was an additional $3500 for a new 1ft trenching, 3ft GP and a 5ft mud bucket. It has more hrs about 5000 though is in used but clean condition. That said the tracks that came with it were near the end of their life and I have just purchased two new tracks last week. Havnt arrived yet and they were 4k . I had the same small oil leaks on some pump fittings that had made a mess but were easy fixes (though it's tight working in the space) my final drive fill plug bolts had nuts welded to them so it's obviously a issue with people rounding out the small tight hex drive bolts. The yanmar engines a the most reliable little diesel motors I have ever owned. Have a small yanmar tractor aswell. Not the most refined but they just fire to life every time..fist time and purr away all day with out a fuss. It's no wonder they use them in boats. This vintage excavator is nice not crazy old but not modern enough to have electronics and emissions. Will be following along with your future videos.

[@VictorTasTimpieces]

Yeah, I also live in Australia Tasmania and own an excavator! Loved his presentation and explained each step so well! I own a 3 ton Komatsu and one of the best purchase I've made! Where are you in Australia?

[@theresters1]

Dear Sir: The worn drive belt/track makes the travel less than the newer side, so the machine will always pull/steer to the left. Put a new drive belt/track and both sides will drive equally. 😁and you got and did a damn good machine and job! 👍

[@mohammadkhalifa8594]

I really appreciate the simplicity of explaining hard to explain mechanical complexity, thanks for sharing

[@llewellynlombard7428]

That unit you took out is a 'pressure compensator', with a thermal temperature regulating spring. It prevents pump shock in the system and when the oil gets hot it allows the operation to commence smoothly. It works similarly to your radiator thermostat in your water system. You got a very good deal, consider this machine as an extra pair of hands. For farm use, can not get better, for extra work, it will earn its money back.

[@alexmikhael5061]

TECHNALLY ALL HE NEEDS NOW IS SOME PLASTIC TILE PIPE to get all his fields TILED AND INCREASEED PROFIT!! CHACHING!! :) not to mention all the stump removals and watnot! :) cha-ching!!! CHA CHING!!! $$$ in the INCOMMING slot, not the $$$outgoing slot!!! :)

[@razaquu]

Indeed the golden thingie is a pressure accumulator, a sort of battery. Be careful with those things. A little tip on removing stuck bolts when you have to use heat is to point the heat directly at the bolt and not the surrounding area. Heat expands the bolt and when it cools down it shrinks and breaks it free. With longer bolts you have to pace your heating to not melt the head of course :) Absolutely awesome videos btw!

[@TechGorilla1987]

I just commented the same thing, but deleted it after reading your comment. Accumulator. The ones that we used to service on rock crushers were 4 feet tall with replaceable bladders. Tramp cylinders.

[@mrfudgierubber]

Thanks for the bolt tip it's invaluable, not heard it before.

[@Frontireadventures]

Great job. In today's market you got a fantastic deal. In 2004 I paid $39,000 for a 304 caterpillar. Today that machine is $ 123,000.

[@Locane256]

Oh my god I laughed so many times during this video, this is my new favorite video. Banging on the casing with a big of' hunk o wood, and then the oil - "Oh I spilled a drop! That's a quarter!" 😂😂😂 Absolutely loving your renewed commitment to doing videos, can't wait to see the track adjuster rebuild video!

[@ljprep6250]

Retired auto mech here. I was going to call your first item a pressure relief valve and the second item an accumulator (like a water hammer arrestor in your washer circuit), but these are just guesses. Where you said "The struggle is real" reminded me why I took the grinder to a spare 12" crescent wrench. I cut it down to about 4" and it got right into those tight spaces with torque to spare on a large nut or bolt which was slow to come out. The price was good, too, since it was a spare. For smaller wrenches, I found a shorty set at Harbor Freight for $18, I think. Very handy. TIP: I tie a shop rag over my wrist to keep oil out of my armpit. (such an icky feeling) I'd love to have some heavy equipment to play with, but can't, retired on 1/3 acre. Your videos are wonderful to watch. I follow Matt at Diesel Creek, too.

[@jasongarland3165]

The thing about maintenance is that you can do it on your schedule or you can do it on the machine's schedule but it's going to be done sooner or later! Better to do it when you have the time and aren't in the middle of a project. So...dump truck, excavator, boom lift...all you need is a bulldozer and you'll have a nearly complete construction company!

[@csmithy3057]

@Jason Garland Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@bidousam]

The spring part of your piston pump is often called a horsepower limiter in my field. There are also many pump models that have a similar control unit, but instead they have a small hydro-electric valve which controls a piston that will hydraulically govern the swash plate. Those are known as servo-controllers.

[@wjgoh653]

the wrench your looking for is called a tappit wrench. I have made my own in a pinch, using cheap wilmar stock, but you used to be able to purchase them from PROTO or MAC TOOLS. They are thin and usually made from case hardened mollybendium alloy so they can take a little tork without breaking. Back when true hydraulic lifters were a thing, we used them to adjust the lash on the valve set on motors. And nice to see the younger generation tearing into stuff and learning as you go. There hasnt been a farm or ranch built over the millenia where the proprietor didnthave to fix, repair and /or maintenance their own gear...whether it's amodern excavator or a buckboard wagon.

[@calholli]

Yeah, but in this case, there was absolutely no reason to make a new tool. 16:56 .... There are plenty of threads there, all he had to do is screw down the jam nut another thread or two , and that would let you have more clearance to fit a regular wrench in there. Sometimes the fix is right there in your face. Think about it --- the last guy probably took it off with a normal wrench; then he spun that jam nut a little too high to fit his wrench in there, and that's why he couldn't tighten it back down and it leaked. lol.. So neither one of them noticed that you just need to unscrew the jam nut a bit, which would simply lower it on the threaded shaft, which will make the accumulator stand a little taller for more clearance. (like I said, there are plenty of threads there and they aren't tapered). And you have to clock it the right way for that other line to screw on and then you tighten down the jam nut.. You could probably raise it up enough to fit TWO wrenches in there, or even a fat crescent wrench. Cheers.

[@williammckenney3590]

That o-ring is originally round, usually once they start leaking the fluid will cut a groove in it and it will leak a lot worse. I have had to make a wrench skinnier , usually by grinding the side of it. Good job, nice and methodical without getting upset. 😊

[@sqeeye3102]

I enjoy watching you work the problem and I appreicate all those super tight shots you gave us even though it added 3x to the completion time. Lastly, this isn't my bag, but most guys just won't say prices unless it makes them look cool, so I really appreciate you giving us perspective. Just curious, when your kids ask what you do for a living do they mumble past the 'successful youtuber' part? ;-)

[@WaltWW]

I really like that voiced click on your torque wrench. Makes it much easier to hear!

[@Asdayasman]

"I'll just make my own wrench" god I love farmers.

[@court2379]

Depends on the farmer. I have fixed equipment that any time things were wrong they would just weld everything. No loctite, nut welded to bolt. Shaft collar slipping, welded to the shaft. Seal leaking, weld component to housing, etc. Later when real maintenance needs to be done it is so much harder grinding out all their welds and other makeshift fixes. Or the damage wouldn't have happened in the first place had they maintained it properly.

[@Asdayasman]

@@court2379 Perhaps there's some selection bias. All of my exposure to farmers has been them doing cool shit and putting it on the internet. I imagine the type of farmer to do dumb shit isn't likely to show it off.

[@court2379]

@@Asdayasman Yeah, that is probably true. It seems like there are two types, those that run something will negligible maintenance until it dies. And then leave it wherever it died for 50 years as it sinks into the ground. Or the type that takes care of their stuff. It's really probably a range, but the normal group in the middle doesn't attract attention.

[@patrickthomas6170]

Can use inexpensive wrench and grind it thin, then throw it in the tool box

[@onthelake9554]

@@patrickthomas6170 Excactly , I bought an extra cheap set just for grinding and bending .

[@iamthemoss]

Great videos, I have 25 acres with a Kubota L3901 tractor and JD 320E skid steer. I am an amateur mechanic, I come to KZbin to see what to do and what not to do. Thanks to all who provide great information. I have considered selling the Skid Steer when I am done with it and getting an excavator instead of renting one. They are very handy.

[@johnwiley8417]

26:06 Nice job with the spring clamps! More consistent clamping force through a wide range of temperature. Self adjusting, too! Screw (worm drive) clamps do well if the temperature stays fairly constant, but rubber compounds shrink with heat and expand with cold, exactly opposite of what the metal in the clamp does.

[@alaric_]

And the screw type clamps rust over time, making opening them sometimes annoying at best and nightmare at worst. Spring type clamps rarely (if ever) fails due to age and rust.

[@FishFind3000]

Worm gear work loose over time with heat cycles. Expansion and contraction.

[@Katya5cat]

Man this vid reminded me. I was a heavy equipment mechanic for 37 years. I always hated oil changes on Cat loaders we had. They had a huge drain plug they were always very tight. When they came loose you would get some form of an oil bath.

[@TheHomePros6221]

I just absolutely love all of your vids this one is is no exception and I love how when u buy new equipment u try and fix it up to make it close to new again I am the same way. Those yanmar engines are the best I have the smaller version of yours in my mini ex and it runs perfect so far 😊. I believe the gold thing does exactly what u said it’s a accumulator I beleive. Keep up the great work be careful of hydraulic injection which I’m sure your aware of. 👍

[@Darryl603]

A perfect example of why you should always remove the fill plug before removing the drain plug. Thanks for the video. I think you did alright with it

[@calholli]

You could still fill it through the middle hole if you had to. But I get your point. Worse case, he could have welded a 5/8" nut on the outside and took it off there with something stronger. But I like his technique, by turning it while hitting it with the air hammer after adding heat. Pretty slick

[@ridebadger]

Congratulations on the mini ex. I bought one 3 years ago and it is the handiest piece of equipment. Next up, track loader. Thanks for putting out great content.

[@csmithy3057]

@Damin Daling Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@edwinlipton]

Thanks for thee very important forgotten info on calcium carbide "acetylene" tank. Heard about this from a friend whos long since Grand DAD had a wrecking yard in Pecos, Texas and told me he and his brothers spent summers blowing things up when they were young. And yeah, granddad had a shed and switch that rewarded such behavior in young boys.

[@cnclathe21]

one of best videos so far for me... lot of work, cleaning and servicing... loved it

[@paulbuhler3615]

I bought a used 2013 VIO55 last year, and it serves me very well. I serviced the final drive gear oil too; it smelled bad also, but the motors work as they should. I also need one track adjuster seal replaced. I bought an Oem repair kit for about $50. I’ll be taking the track off and the idler system out in the near future. It doesn’t appear to be that big a deal to fix. I paid more than you, but I got a dry machine, new tracks and an enclosed cab, heat and ac that work too. It’s used, but wasn’t abused. Anyway, thanks for sharing your service video. I learned more about my machine watching you work on yours.

[@billyhaddock5540]

Congrats FC101 on getting a good deal on the Excavator. with some more use, u can use the finger s with the bucket to pick-up small things.

[@csmithy3057]

@Billy Haddock Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@bobbean4702]

I started watching your excavator series. Good stuff, I learned a few things. You did OK at $20K because it is big enough to actually do something. In a moment of insanity I recently also bought a similar pile of metal. Takeuchi TB250. High time but in a little better condition than yours was. Paid more because at age 82 fixing machinery takes more time and time is getting short.

[@stripedcollar335]

The algorithm introduced me to your channel years ago, when I watched your bronze cannon series. I have been following ever since, and I want to tell you I am impressed with your range of ingenuity. I am a self-taught mechanical designer that grew up on a farm. Your work makes me feel right at home. Your camera work and editing have come a long way too by the way. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@stripedcollar335]

@@csmithy3057 sure, assuming that you're not a bot. Lol

[@csmithy3057]

@@stripedcollar335 Omg, where from all that!

[@henmich]

That Vibratite sealer is the BEST! I love it, and use it all over the shop. (air compressor, coffee mug, etc.)

[@JuhaErkkila]

That Yanmar sure has landed into a good hands! You sure know lot of stuff and show logical thinking when fixing stuff. Subbed!

[@csmithy3057]

@Juha Erkkila Hi how are you? Hope we can be friends

[@lydialas8759]

@Hello Juha how are you doing

[@mrk8220]

I'm cracking up. I bought a mini just like this and just went through the same exact process as you. Except mine had been leaking worse, for longer. Bucks of oily junk were removed. Gallons of degreaser were used. The leaks were exposed and conquered. Felt good getting it fixed up.

[@maxwellchatman4800]

That little gold thing is exactly what you said it’s called a Hydraulic Accumulator.

[@michelecrown2426]

Love that you did all the maintenance yourself. I think you got a good deal. Those Yanmars last a long time even in a neglected state. If proper maintenance is kept up it will probably still be working long after you’re gone.

[@super6954]

Thanks for the video, It's interesting watching you work and even make tool. Over the years I've collected cheaper brand or yard sale tools so I can modify stuff for jobs if I need to ,instead of mangling expensive sets. you seem to have a better understanding of the wrench turning than some youtubers that make themselves look completely stupid to, No I don't mean Hamilton at least Hank admits he's not a mechanic but does good with what knowledge he's got available. My back grounds farming, and machine repairs, buy and sell some, and run a machine once in a while . open station cabs are ok on some days but ill tell you i'd rather have windows that open and close than nothing the day you got to dig and the winds blowing dirt all over you and you can't get out of it or quit until later. Cheap good and used machines are words that don't fit the same sentence, I know what I'm buying and can fix it, lots aren't that lucky and get hit hard with reality sadly. The big concern is your traction speed problem it could be something simple like linkage not moving right, seals in the rotary hydraulic swivel to the tracks, or something way more expensive. I think the price was probably about right compared to some complete overpriced junk thats out there waiting for a victim with a check book L.O.L. Looking forward to more, Take care.

[@VictorTasTimpieces]

Loved your presentation and you have a real talent, thank you! After living on a 6 acre property for 25 years and doing all the donkey work around the place with a pick, shovel, bucket and wheel burrow and as a consequence my arms are 2 inches longer and legs 2 inches shorter, I finally decided to buy a 3 ton Komatsu excavator, PC 30! Best purchase I ever made! I would advise anyone on a parcel of land to purchase one! It would definitely extend you life as it's so handy around a hobby farm and would pay for itself in no time! As one comment mentioned, "if It saves your back just once then it's already paid for itself." Also, excavators are so sort after that if you maintain and look after it's actually a worthwhile investment!

[@richardjones5255]

A great, thoughtful presentation and some careful, considered maintenance. The machine is an asset, and assets need support and care if they are to return on your investment. I am not sure whether that was fully accepted by the previous owner. At least you are aiming to get some years of great service from this purchase.

[@garpikemike1]

Its so much nicer when you can take your time like you did with that tank in the yard.

[@BeardManTimLaird]

You really impress me with your knowledge of repair. I learned a lot about a Excavator that I will never need, but happy I know.

[@calholli]

He likely has already watched similar videos and learned, just like you did here. lol

[@birdcage189]

@@calholli ◈

[@Kirkee7]

@@calholli He consulted the manual and no doubt some knowledgeable people, like I would.

[@stuplant6693]

Me too

[@seanloughman7094]

Great work doing all the service items , don’t forget the hydraulic tank breather ( pipe looks a bit yellow in video and sits on top of the tank ) With all that material you cleaned out it’s possibly that the hose and gause could be blocked or collapsed over time . Best have the hydraulic tank breathing so oil can be fed to piston pump without restriction occurring 👍

[@csmithy3057]

@Sean Loughman Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@hypnolobster]

You did good! Those generation Vio's are excellent. Anybody that actually *does* maintenance always feels like they're doing endless maintenance on used equipment.

[@csmithy3057]

@Kirby Weldon Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@diamonddav6704]

I think you bought it right. I just bought a 2007 Yanmar vio55-B. 2800hrs. Came with Hydraulic thumb, 36in bucket, and 12in bucket. I paid $33,200 for it. I've owned it less than 2 months and get calls to do work with it all the time. Great machine. You'll definitely get your $20,000 back in the improvements you make on your own property, side jobs are just the icing on the cake. You'll do well. Good job!

[@djamelhamdia134]

The mystery part is like a "shock absorber", it works like water arrestor to prevent sudden pressure spikes like you said.

I was thinking the same thing, the design looks a lot like a Water Hammer Arrestors, just beefier. It's worrisome that your dealer did not know that, it could make a lot of damage to your pipes if removed...

[@aaronthobaven1939]

i know it as a hydraulic smoother/damper stops sudden jolts in the curcuit

[@brianwood1726]

first thing i did is turn around the foot petals , of course with little modification, so your feet have something to grip. makes hands free movement. movement with your feet while handling joy stick, spot on

[@JesusUruchurtu1]

Lot's to unpack here. But mainly, the last 2 minutes are hilarious, that's the convo he had with his wife when he was justifying that money towards a toy. But we're all him at this point! more power to you!. But my ultimate favorite part of it all is ... -he reads all the manuals and learns every nook and cranny of the machine... fetches a plank and slams it repeatedly on the grill to force it to close- that right there is farm work for you (I know, I own and work in one!). Love this channel so much! amazing content!

[@nickwildsmith6537]

I can't thank you enough for all this info i just got a yanmar vio 70 which has stood for circa 5 years so all this is ver valuable to me, cheers

[@user-tv5dt3nm9y]

I dig the new machine. I have been keeping an eye out for a reasonably priced hot water pressure washer. The heat really adds to the cleaning ability, especially on oily mess.

[@1956vern]

I had never seen nor herd of carbide being used for home lighting. I had a carbide light and my dad mad me a carbide cannon! Neat stuff carbide is! At least you do your best to maintain your equipment so after you restore to good working order, your investment in the excavator will pay dividends eventually! Equipment is after all a hole you throw that vacation money and time in. Lol thank you for bringing me along!❤

[@donhege772]

Going thru the same process on a Takeuchie TB135. Keep up the good work.

[@terencetyndall8596]

glad to see you are taking care of things right away - getting to know things .

[@csmithy3057]

@terence tyndall Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@FishFind3000]

16:40 might act like an air chamber on plumbing. Help prevent water hammering.

[@craighearn747]

I love how you can see the pre filter start fill up with crap as soon as it primes.

[@rjkStudios]

The Farmcraft adventure continues! Another fantastic video. I enjoyed every minute of it. 😎 👍

[@alonsoviton8278]

Seen the series of repairs that you have done on your "new" machines,that you have bought for the past few years, for the second time takes a comedy tone due to all the problems and fixes that will be coming. Awesome work from your part

[@sarahmayer8539]

I love how you always buy broken things haha

[@rongray4118]

Fuel tank drain valve is working now.. Love It!!

[@onehappyfarmer3461]

It’s not very often that I can watch a video over 20 minutes. But I watched this whole video and really enjoyed your commentary and content.

[@barienwhite1]

He paid $20k.

[@kman808alohamovement3]

Thank you for the content brother. I appreciate that you gave the old girl some TLC she’s going to be happy little working machine. Machines have souls too. Take be safe out there.

[@iainhetherington4608]

Pressure relief valve when you overload the the hydraulic system ,eg lifting a rock too big, that’s why the adjustment Great job you are bit like Andrew Camarata , great camera set up and shots well done ,that’s what makes it so good to watch Cheers from Aus

[@alanm3438]

My first thought is why they did not pressure wash it before selling it. All the things that you done to it, the owner should have done before the sale. Well, good job. I hope that you will be able to do the other repairs without to much pain and money. I hope that you had the hole filled in before the wife got home. Good job on the video. 😃😃😃😃 Oh yes, I am glad that the board did not slip and go into the window when adjusting that panel.

[@George196207]

Amassing how the former owner let basic care just slip by . Preventive care saves a lot of rushed fixing when your actual working and need it working at that moment. Nice rig , worth a couple cans of yellow and green paint to make it look like new.

[@spideybrent]

Hello from Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada great videos thanks for sharing

[@lydialas8759]

@Hello Brent how are you doing

[@watermanone7567]

Nice job and video. My diesel uses 15/40 diesel engine oil. Surprised your used a lighter grade oil. Looking forward to see the work on the track adjusters. Thanks for the video.

[@vanceostby5126]

I enjoy watching you work and How you methodically fix things.

[@justvideos6664]

I now know I NEED AN Excavator !!! & thanks to these videos We all know how to problem solve things = AWESOME !! Many Many Thanks 🙏

[@RobertFay]

*- Finally someone who cleans their work area first...and takes care of the little things.*

[@2LateIWon]

Great machine love that it already has a thumb

[@texasjetman]

You are into it for a real good price according to prices in my area, N TX, great job in your research and education and method of sharing with us your service manual education. Thank you much. Now I will be putting my set of MAC TOOLS LOW TORQUE, THIN Wrenches on ebay, that I rarely use and just follow your lead, make them up as I need them one at a time. Those things were super expensive, used in my previous life Private jet Aircraft technician.

[@BobJones-zf6ie]

with people driving around in $60,000+ cars, I'd say that is a great purchase especially having the knowledge to maintain it and bring it up to par...and being industrious enough to do just that.

[@mashyken]

if track won't tighten, could be bad idler wheel bushing/bearing. Mine wore out so bad the idler actually wore off the weld holding the spring and had to be rewelded. Take a look at the space between the back of the idler wheel and the part in front to the spring (sorry - you may have this problem fixed by now as I did not read all of the comments) Just found this channel. Nice to see someone else with the same machine making videos

[@torecrash6493]

Man, I have no idea what I am watching but loving it. Please post more, its so mesmerizing to watch

[@TheMaverickq]

This guy is a smart dude. There is shit tons of things he doesn't show, yet he fix 95% of the stuff on camera, so he got the brains to do it. Good job! I loved your work and i will subscribe. Next watching dump truck fix :)

[@TheAngelOfDeath01]

If you need it then you need it. You also have to appreciate the fact that if you were to hire somebody to do all those jobs you'd have to pay them to do it and depending on how many jobs you have that can literally run into many thousands -- and that is just THOSE JOBS. Machinery on a farm is important and while 20.000 is a heck of a slant the returns will more than likely outweigh the cost depending on how many jobs you have. But hey, when your wife tells you she wants a new patio, you don't have to call for someone to come and dig for you, which means you have more to spend on getting a nice patio!

[@Mywhtjp]

I love mini excavators.. So versatile. your got your money's worth.. it only took 45 minutes to show it some love.. haha.. I had a Branson 3510 I bought new.. (4wd 35 hp tractor) I used it for 10 years of self employment. Paid 20k for it, plus implements and a car trailer to haul it on.. but it had 3200 hrs on it when I sold it last year. Still got 10k for it.

[@SmittysShop]

Great video! Fair price on the machine! I watch the used market on stuff like this, obsessively! A "steal" very rarely comes up and when it does, you have to be on it like a hobo on a ham sammich! Just picked up a Yanmar B27 (grey market) and getting ready to go through it in the same fashion. I appreciate the video. Serves as a good "primer" before I tackle mine! You've got a new subscriber!

[@slope1957]

Just found your channel. I like the way you are describing the problems you face, and the explanations for fixing those problems. An old adage here in Australia, which I'm sure is just as pertinent in other parts of the world.....when all else fails, read the instructions.

[@Panellll]

Building your own bucket would be cool to watch.

[@Ingveyisnthome]

Great job you have great mechanical skills. Harder and harder to find. Thanks

[@jamestamu83]

That Yanmar just needed a little TLC, and now it's ready to give many more years of service! I like that you don't cut corners but do the right thing. Like finding and fixing the two hydraulic leaks on the pump. Most people would have accepted the leaks and moved on. As it turned out the fixes looked relatively simple (but granted not easy!). Enjoying your channel.

[@123Goldhunter11]

I have a Yanmar VIO35. Keep those excavator videos coming.

[@Kiddo311]

I like your very thorough approach. Very satisfying and informative video!!

[@monkeyfinger7949]

I will never probably need one of these, but really enjoyed this video. I love watching handy people take on projects like this. My favorite part was the home made wrench. I learned a lot here. Thanks for posting this.

[@glenpaul3606]

Suggest you spray Ospho on any rusted areas to stop the rust and neutralize it. Ospho turns iron oxide into iron phosphate which is inert. It can also serve as a primer for painting formerly rusted areas.

[@woodstar109]

Thanks for the video, I have a vio35-2... You answered alot of my questions in this video. If you fix more I'd love to see more videos

[@rogerbing5314]

I've worked for a case dealership for the past 25 years and we always tell our customers buyer beware when it comes to auctions. 20k for that mini is not to bad. Your a handy guy so that will cut a lot of the cost of fixing up your 1st excavator. As for the idler adjusters you should on bank on buying rods too because I bet they are really pitted . The only concern I would have is the tracking of the machine. when one side gets slower than the other could mean the travel reduction pump is going. My advice to you is change the oil "which you did" and run it. Good luck with your new toy.

[@davids2676]

I love the set up that's coming together. Sweet gmc dump truck, sweet yanmar excavator! I hope we get to see the 2 of them in action together soon!

[@glenpaul3606]

If you spray any rusted areas with Ospho they will turn black and stop any more rust from forming. Ospho contains phosphoric acid which turn iron oxide into iron phosphate which is inert. Any areas sprayed can also be painted as Ospho also acts as a primer. It is great stuff and used extensively by those living near or on a coast (saltwater) on their boats and other equopment. It also leaves a white powder residue which is easily brushed or wiped off. It works good on tools that rust too.

[@glenkelley6048]

A very fine and informative presentation in every way. Thank you Sir!

[@dwarrowdane1]

Looks like the lock nut doesn't need to be snugged to the body cylinder of the thing to make a seal, you could back it off a bit, width of a wrench and all and then install the housing. Making wrenches out of plate is cool too.

[@andytaylor2321]

I’ve always depended on my dealer for servicing and maintenance. But I’ve learned a few things from this video so thank you.

[@mikehill1613]

Great value given what you ended up with so far.

[@larryehrlich57]

I'm sure the machine enjoyed getting some love for a change.

[@Anonymous-vr9hp]

I have had to work on lots of very oil soaked woods equipment where washing to find a leak is not an option. I grab a handful of the best dust I can find, sometimes it's from the floorboard of the cab and I throw it on the area I suspect, it helps to show the leak when you run it.

[@logan2244]

Make sure that is the correct size track they put on it. When I change hydraulic lines I'll boom down so I don't have to climb ladder and risk falling when I'm trying to get em loose. Good video

[@rickeyman2215]

You did good my friend. $20k is reasonable for a Yanmar. Your body work is spot on!