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

[@warbirdwf]

It's refreshing to see a middle age guy working so hard doing laborious work on youtube! Most of my favorite KZbin channel guys who really bust their butts are in their 20's or 30's. Way to represent us older guys!

[@davidboreham]

I have a similar machine that wouldn't drive straight when it arrived from auction. Various theories were suggested including needing to rebuild the drive motors. In the end it turned out to be a sticky cable between the lever and the spool valve for one side. The fix was less than $100.

[@keithstephenson1228]

Great feed back. Likeing this link.

[@EmilCohenblackrose]

Rare but has occured a twisted frame! Very hard to detect -raise the machine an take a look 99% of the time it will all be fine- so check for a lodged stone ... raise one track run it back and forth...

[@jesperwall839]

In this case it’s probably the different size tracks that are the problem.

[@heartobefelt]

I have a similar machine that wouldnt drive straight , the previous owner paid over $ 15,000 to someone who kept replacing parts and still didnt find the cause. Admittedly it took me 25 hours diagnostics to find the problem , it was just the pilot spool valves under the travel levers , the little cast iron rocker that pushes down on the spools was worn down and also a little bush had fallen out giving too much slop in the levers and the travel spools were not being pushed all the way down , i just replaced the rocker arms and the machine has 100 % travel function both sides. Hope that helps someone :) Cheers from Australia.

[@pauls3204]

@@jesperwall839 you can stretch the tracks quite a fair bit , that wouldn’t be the problem, if the track was to long it would slip about then most likely fall off within a few feet of driving

[@glenpaul3606]

Glad to see you cleaning up the machine. Cant stand dirt and grunge and yet many guys I have watched on you tube never bother to clean but rather work in dirt and nastiness.... I think it is indicative of the quality of the workmanship. Cleaning makes it easier to work on and as they say cleanliness is next to Godliness. A clean machine always runs better!!

[@gooseypig84]

Haha! I think like that too! A clean machine always feels and works better ;)

[@moman0166]

Yanmar equipment goes for ever. I have a 20 year old John Deere Yanmar diesel engine that has never let me down

[@kanius]

Watching you solve problems is so damn satisfying. Thank you.

[@Handleyman]

That’s the essence of being male, solving problems. It’s in our DNA and it’s why I like his channel so much too. 👍

[@spideybrent]

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

[@lydialas8759]

@Hello Brent how are you doing

[@BumblingB-DC]

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

[@frederickburns1739]

I'm a retired diesel and equipment mechanic. The black stinky oil you drained from the final drives is a hypoid gear oil that new is black and stinky also. The chamber on the hydraulics is exactly what you thought it's a shock absorber which stop what is called hammering in the lines. Love your body work especially the WOOD. 👍

[@csmithy3057]

@Frederick Burns Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@MindlessDude]

I just took a hydraulic class for my millwright apprenticeship and the gold thing seems to be an accumulator. It does exactly what you said it does but that's the technical name. I see others have already commented it but figured I'd chime in. Also there are 3 basic types of hydraulic pumps. The piston one like you have the vein pump and gear pumps. Really interesting stuff. No way out of getting the hydraulic fluid everywhere haha. Iv been covered head to toe in it at work before.

[@DieselRamcharger]

Been working on my mini ex past few weeks. Im up to 5 showers a day. I dont know how people do this shit for a living. Id go broke on soap and hot water alone.

[@MindlessDude]

@@DieselRamcharger I don't either. It's only been a couple times for me when working on a big press with hydraulic lines everywhere that we have to disconnect is when I got covered. All the other times it's usually just my hands and arms that get it.

[@bluegrallis]

My old Allis tractors, from the 50's and 60's, have a 4 piston pump that runs off a cam shaft. No swash plate. 3 pistons are for volume and the 4th is for high pressure. Allis only had one way cylinders back in those days and they worked fine for what the were designed for. Now days, people want a 2 way system so they add an open center valve to run a 2 way cylinder. The biggest problem is, these pumps are high pressure, low volume and if you use a common 4 inch farm implement cylinder, it's going to be slow.

[@calholli]

@@DieselRamcharger Just wipe off with a towel and keep working. 5 showers is kinda silly.

[@DieselRamcharger]

@@calholli hell no it isnt! my shop is at my home so it have to work very hard to not have my house end up looking like a shop. lots of extra cleaning. its 115+ degrees here 6 months out of the year. the showers are to help me not die from exposure. and probably most importantly is cross contamination. if i do a hydraulic job then need to paint or run a cnc machine there is no way i can do so without showering, or i will contaminate the next work space. i dont have 1 job, i have them all.....

[@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

[@Bob-uw1zn]

My father was a mechanic and I love watching people work on other vehicles other than cars and trucks. Heavy machines interests me. Thanks for the teaching :)

[@richardofoz2167]

Me too. Who doesn't love watching other people work?

[@bobw7066]

It is good to see that you cleaned the machine and gave it a service before you put it to work and at last a man who knows the correct way that a diesel fuel system works E.I. tank to prefiilter, lift pump, final filter, injector pump. I have been a heavy diesel mechanic for almost sixty years. From Australia

[@dumbmechanic365]

Little suggestion from a current heavy equipment technician. To be a little more efficient in changing the gear oil in your finals is once you drain it turn your top fill hole to either the 11o’clock or 1o’clock position to ensure proper fill. Sometimes the oil your putting in will run out the check hole and give you a misreading. Just a friendly tip. Love your videos.

[@calholli]

He was peaking into the center hole to ensure that the level was up to the right height. Still a solid tip though.

[@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.

[@carycleland9506]

I’m not sure how you got me to watch a 45 minute video on excavator maintenance but damn that was interesting. I’ve been wanting one for our new property and house build and know zero about them. Thanks to you I now know a little bit!

[@csmithy3057]

@Cary Cleland Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@geraldwenn9698]

You have the skill champ once its restored it will soon pay for itself👌

[@mohammadkhalifa8594]

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

[@osbornebay944]

Agree totally. I got a EX50urg off auction, 96 model, 4600 hour. Like yours, gone through with minor keeping ups. Man, over 15 years, I did a lot of work with it ( built 15 houses), sold it over I paid for with 5900 hours on it. Runs flawless.

[@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

[@spencerjhog4429]

Wow. Nice score and you really did a nice refresh on that unit. Just a word of caution to ANYONE regarding what hammer to use. A carpenter's hammer has a hardened face designed to strike softer nails until the end of time. Using a carpenter's hammer steel on steel can cause that hammer face to fracture and that becomes shrapnel. Please us a ball-peen hammer as the are designed and hardened for striking steel.

[@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.

[@blogblocks8370]

These videos bring back fond memories. I am a computer programmer, but in my younger years operated and repaired heavy equipment. Owner operators that do their own mecanical work, usually do take good care of their equipment. Good mechanics are expensive and hard to find.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@hearttraveler1548]

Great video, @ FarmCraft101 -I appreciate your skills, awareness and a well made video ! - Thank you !! Awesome to get a good deal on a quality machine with minimal computers, emission devices, limp mode etc !!! Suggestions: For the track adjust , a higher pressure grease gun may move the adjusting cylinder (lever or pneumatic, instead of pistol grip) Check the worn track for cracks that allow water to get at the internal cables making them rust & break. Most rubber tracks crack & break before the treads wear out. The hydraulic tank is pressurized & sealed (vent air in , but not out ) , important to vent the pressure before draining/ opening to avoid a blast of pressurized fluid. Sometimes there is a button to push on top of the tank or loosen the fill cap. Good to vent now and then to prevent possibility pressure buildup over time When checking the hydraulic level, the hydraulic cylinders need to be in specific positions (check manual), most machines usually call for most cylinders to be closed / retracted -putting max fluid back into tank (displaced by the volume of the cylinder rods) - Bucket uncurled all the way, dipper stick extended and boom down until bucket on ground, thumb retracted, swing boom cylinder closed (swing right ?). Blade down. Hydraulic tank max fill levels are engineered considering the size of the air pocket at the top of the tank that compresses when cylinders are retracted , too much fluid can reduce the volume of air and potentially over pressurize the tank.. Best Wishes

[@marvinr5054]

I don't know if you got any comments about removing the glass but the first time you pinch one of those hoses and they will explode hydraulic fluid in your face you'll be sorry you took the glass out. It happened to me and I took a bath with hot hydraulic fluid I was lucky enough to close my eyes at the exact moment. Be safe operating that machine.

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Enjoyed the video! Looking forward to seeing the projects you do with the new machine

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@northleftcoast]

As another reference, I paid $32,000 two years ago for a vio55 5b (basically same machine) with two brand new tracks, new thumb, two brand new buckets (2’ dig and 4’ muck) . Machine was clean with no leaks, intact cab glass and door, and was well maintained. 5700 hrs. I’ve put 500 hours on it with no major issues so far.

[@carlspletzer3433]

what is considered High time for a Yanmar?

[@heartobefelt]

@@carlspletzer3433 If it has 9000 - 12,000 hours on one you give it to your gran to dig up her cabbages and if it breaks down send it to a scrap yard. Otherwise they are worth maintaining and keep them going. In bigger machines i have seen Komatsu diggers with 12,000 - 16,000 hours on them but they are usually on their second pump and had an engine rebuild

[@martykr2376]

This is not your first time doing maintenance

[@soberpickle8195]

A man of my own heart, factory filters and the best lubricant money can buy. Money saved in the long run.

[@mattfleming86]

Man.. I follow a lot of GREAT KZbinrs. You are certainly one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing what you do with us. I've learned some neat stuff from you.

[@csmithy3057]

@Matt Fleming Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@kanointhephilippines8082]

I was thinking PB Blaster then you broke it out on the final drive fill plug. I'm retired now but miss wrenching and really enjoy your channel. Life goes by fast, enjoy your passion my friend. The memories will make you smile someday.

[@Dobbo2958]

Really enjoyed (As usual) this video. Really well made, sound and video etc. Looking forward to more maintenance. Thank you so much for your time and effort you put into this. Very best wishes to you and your family from Staffordshire England...

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@lawrencelipon8673]

Great in depth video, thanks for showing in detail the steps you took in ensuring your machine is ready for use and your plans for refurbishing other components on your new to you machine, enjoyed the presentation, camera work and editing.

[@csmithy3057]

@Lawrence Lipon Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! 👍

[@jamesward5721]

Those Yanmars are fundamentally solid machines - great engines, about as good a mini-digger you can buy - only Takeuchi or Kubota are better in terms of reliability/durability. They're slightly slow - but that's fine too. I doubt you'll be unhappy with your purchase. I'd ignore the track tension & have a look at the track pedals throw - the linkage may be off on one side - do the simple stuff first. Adjust the linkage throw. Leak looks to be the PRV, or pressure valve - ignore, lol - chuck in oil.. That Yanmar engine runs happily on 10w 40 or 15w 40 oil - boggo stuff is fine, no need for fancy oil. Change it often & bung on fresh filters often - and change all the hydraulic filters - this yoke will run for decades.

[@csmithy3057]

@James ward Hi how are you? Hope we can be friends

[@Kerfufflekitten]

I’m totally sold on yanmar, been running one for over 20 years and imo their isn’t a better excavator. Or a Takeuchi would be the only other one I’d buy.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

Step one: pressure wash everything. That way you can see what you're working on and you can see the leaks as they happen. It's a lot nicer to work on as well.

[@Gus1966-c9o]

He did

[@RangieNZ]

1, Remove debris by hand. 2, Soak in degreaser. 3. Pressure wash.

[@tonsssedell4318]

@@RangieNZ Yeah, that's the basic procedure to pressure wash anything nasty and greasy.

[@jonb3311]

I once pressure washed a car engine looking for a leak. I blew a huge hole in the sump. Opps.

[@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.

[@johnfisher4910]

If it saves your back just once, it's paid for itself. Thanks so much for all the amazing content; I've learned so much! Take care and keep up the good work!

[@csmithy3057]

@John Fisher Hi how are you? Hope we can be friends

[@ollie5707]

thats a great point John

[@magnum357225]

Great video, really enjoyed it, i never understood why people dont mantain the machines, i get u have a lot of work but u can separate 1 hr in a day to change a filter and the oil, coolant, wash it ect. I just restored a mini excavator pel job eb12 i removed 3 full buckets of mud from the center of the undecariage.

[@cnclathe21]

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

[@arcanewyrm6295]

21:56 Getting medieval on it, breaking out the old-school battering ram. Love it!

[@tman3036]

Hey man, been watching for years. You seem to have knowledge about a lot of different things. It would be cool to see a video of you telling your story of your background and how you got to where you're at in life. how you got your farm, work experience etc. I can respect if you would rather keep that stuff private that's cool. Im always curious about people's life experience. Anyways I enjoy your videos thanks for sharing and congrats on the new machine.

[@JesusUruchurtu1]

I would watch the HELL out of this video. Like My Self Reliance (they're similar dudes), and the way he goes about explaining how he got to where he is. Amazing channel as well.

[@dickritchie2596]

His day job is MD.

[@nixit302]

that would be a good video

[@tomoaktree4951]

Excellent video! My only complaint about a working on a compact excavator, is 50lbs of stuff in a 10lb package! FYI, when removing drain plugs, I put my hand in a plastic bag, and then remove the plug. They are awesome to have however!

[@-SF1-]

You did well for $20k for a large mini. It seems as though they did maintenance on the main things and sort of skipped over the smaller things. This is a great for us viewers who wish to learn more about maintenance of these because we’re going to buy one. ;)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@pkfan5112]

One most valuable thing that I learned about don’t give up easy, if you have a problem, there must a solution, may be two or three.

[@Vicarium]

I love your torque wrench...so handy.

[@Pest789]

Click!

[@Wordsnwood]

Click! So satisfying…

[@131R30]

When working for a major hydraulic manufacturer, I was taught to use Teflon tape, but never on the outermost two threads and only one wrap, and it worked great! That was to avoid the very thing you spoke about: making sure Teflon does not get into the system. Also, wrap the tape in the same rotation on the threads as when tightening the joint.

[@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

[@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!❤

[@flowerstone]

This is one of my dreams. Being able to afford one these excavators. Like what you are doing in fixing things up. 😊

[@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

[@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

[@citrusfarmer]

I have a VIO 27 and i love it. Super reliable. I got mine with 1200 hrs from a rental place that could not make payroll back in 2008. paid 14500 for it. I got a deal. I paid them 2 hrs after they called to ask if i wanted it.

[@RGSABloke]

Nice work young man. Andrew Camarata can tell how good Yanmars are and he has gone through a ton of equipment. He swears buy them and it looks like your repairs will push the life of that machine way into the future.

[@Mywhtjp]

Yep.. another good channel to waste time on.. but so worth it.

[@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.

[@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!

[@nathanmccorkle4278]

Thanks, seeing the two oil filters in the tank is really helpful for when I go to work on my no-instructions (or service manual) Chinese 2-ton. I got the filters from my Alibaba seller, but it wasn't clear where they were located.

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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!!! :)

[@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.

[@HomesteadJay]

New sub here. Love the channel. Been a mechanic my whole life and what a easy video to watch the way you break it down and show people. From one mechanic to another nice work brother. Will be catching up on the rest of the series.

[@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

[@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.

[@adanfranchi578]

Wow…amazing craftsmanship and narrator. Very well done and thank you for sharing! I look forward to more videos.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davemetcalfe3388]

I just tripped onto your channel and watched it all. I liked the details you showed and the way you did it. I'm subscribed. Keep it up!

[@csmithy3057]

@Dave Metcalfe Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@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.

[@artsisland1683]

Awesome torque wrench! "Sounds" like you can program all sorts of custom indicator clicks when you meet the right torque setting. With a state of the art tool like yours, I am guessing you don't have to look up the torque setting as it automatically will acheive the correct torque. I have used an older version, however, mine did not have the custom sound option. Great video and channel. Subscribed.

[@RobertFay]

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

[@racerx5773]

Good job! $20K is a good price for your VIO50 in the condition with some minor work maintenance it needs. . I have been looking and like you say, the price has gone up recently and there are a lot of bad machines out there to avoid. Thanks for sharing going over the issues and showing servicing the machine.

[@calholli]

yeah-- the engines on these are bulletproof. It should serve him well.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ChrisGahn]

Great video! I have a very similar machine IHI 45NX (10.5K lbs) I bought for a major renovation project I've replaced a bunch of stuff on it just as you did and it's running fantastic now. I think this is one of the most useful machines available. It's big enough to move just about any boulder, while still small enough to transport relatively easily.

[@csmithy3057]

@Chris Gahn Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@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. 👍

[@itsjustme9318]

Yanmar is an excellent brand very reliable!!! So glad to see you were willing to spend the time and money to do a proper and complete service on it. Money very well spent!!!

[@csmithy3057]

@Gord Beneteau Hi how are you? Hope we can be good friends

[@itsjustme9318]

@@csmithy3057 Hello Cindy hope all is well with you!!

[@csmithy3057]

@@itsjustme9318 Yes all is well, do you have any other platform like email or text we could stay in touch off here lol

[@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

[@henmich]

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

[@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

[@johnhamilton9229]

Here’s what I think. I watched every second. The humor. The humor is perfectly timed and seems to be the real you.

[@alexparadi522]

I would love to hear more about your learning process. From your videos it usually comes across as though you already know everything about these machines you're buying, but I'd guess you are doing a bunch of research in the background. I think it would be interesting to hear about where you found out about whatever you are working on (i.e. the past experience that gave you that knowledge, or the recent learning).

[@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? ;-)

[@Soulessdeeds]

It's crazy how much watching you do this reminds me of fixing and servicing Bradley's and M88A1s among many of vehicles, back when I was a Bradley mechanic in the Army. Man I am completely expecting to have cancer some day due to all the gallons of oils and fuels in have ingested or absorbed through my skin and cuts over the years. My god those things were so dirty to work on in the field and over in Iraq. Sad thing is I miss it. I loved the job. It was the Army I didn't love as much lol.

[@gleqx4080]

Another awesome video! I would enjoy hearing about your background and how you learned to do all the things that you do. Obviously you are very successful so maybe you could share your story in a video? Thanks again for all the good stuff!

[@torecrash6493]

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