Buying The Cheapest Excavator I Could Find. How Bad Is It?

Buying a 2001 Hitachi EX120 with 3600 Hours on it. Weighs between 26 and 30 thousand LBs

[@IndependenceIron]

Thats an absolute steal. Been looking for another excavator myself. That thing would fetch 25 pretty easy where i am located in midwest. Just saw a Tak145 with 13k hours which is crazy for a mini sell for 22k. A Ex 120 with only 3600 hrs and you paid less than $1/hr is insanity. You better go buy some lottery tickets after being lucky enough to score that deal.

[@nathanchurchill]

I definitely agree, I was thinking around 25k is what it’s realistically worth as well. That being said it’s too good of a deal to ever sell it. It’s proof that’s it’s not about what you know, but who you know

[@rangeandi]

Paid 34k for one last year with 9k hours no thumb either

[@nathanchurchill]

@@rangeandi honestly worth every penny if you need it all the time, I don’t know if I would have got it at market value just due to the fact I didn’t really need one this size

[@rangeandi]

@@nathanchurchill used it for a few months this year. Have it sold once the job is done for 40k 🤷‍♂️

[@patrickjordan7670]

A bargain of a machine I a zaxis 120_5 hitachi someone painted that machine it was originally orange its either a 03 to 06 year machine very reliable I wouldn't trust them hours on that age machine you can get a heavy equipment mechanic to plug in to it and get the through hours with them Hours that machine should be fast on the hydraulics and as for the engine there bullet pruf. A very popular machine here in Ireland and no problem getting parts for them a great investment good luck with it👍

[@repairfreak]

Wow, what a deal! Even someone like me could even afford that. Very impressed. I also would love to find a deal like that too. Enjoy my friend! Thanks for the video

[@super6954]

Nice find I wish there was something like that round me in Canada for less than 25-30K I got offered a mile of rail bed gravel for less than 15K locally. I think I can sell it but it's got to be dug and hauled that kills the deal if I can't do most of it myself. My buddy priced in his machine to even stock pile it at nearly $21K Canadian for 2 weeks with a driver. Then I need a big dump trailer or 2 on top, but I think I can hire them for 2 weeks to pull with big 4wd farm tractors . Thanks for the video, Take care.

[@davemiller3027]

Dam I love to find a machine at that price. I could really clean up my ranch with it.

[@nathanchurchill]

Proof that deals like that are definitely out there, few and far between but possible, I was blown away myself

[@vanderumd11]

Rent one for a week and get busy

[@Lee-At-Green-Pheonix-Rc]

Looks like a solid medium machine it will make u more than it cost the undercarriage looks in good shape too u got a sweet deal on that I've seen some go for x3 as much ready for the scrap yard too

[@nathanchurchill]

I’ve gotten a few offers from friends to buy it and I don’t think I will ever sell it any time soon. It can sit 28 days a month and still make money

[@KiotiTractorNL]

great deal love it look forward to more videos of this machine

[@nathanchurchill]

Much appreciated! Working on some maintenance videos as well as jobs that we are currently working on. Thanks for the support

[@destro513]

So stoked for you. That is t just a deal. It's the deal of a lifetime. Nice grey market rig

[@nathanchurchill]

Hopefully not the last great deal!

[@keaka560]

Thanks. Also very informative video.

[@nathanchurchill]

I appreciate it, I am making more videos of the excavator now that are going more in depth as to what needs to be done and maintenance

[@In2investing]

Smoking deal, those Hitachi EX 100-120s seem to all run hot, many operators keep the engine bay door open to help with cooling.

[@nathanchurchill]

That’s a really good idea! The temps I’ve been recording are still hovering around 190 F, thermostat cycles flawlessly as well. Maybe during the summer is when the problems will begin to show up, the radiator does seem like it would clog fairly easily

[@chipps1066]

Amazed you got it bought for that especially at Deere.Hell it will pay for itself on the first job.

[@nathanchurchill]

Already has! Definitely the find of a lifetime for me and I’m hopeful to find more deals like this in the future

[@daddywoofdawg]

It's very possible that the Autozone temp gauge or sensor isn't right, maybe temp-wise just fine. I would change that right away and see if that fixes the issue.

[@nathanchurchill]

I have a meat thermometer that I use for vent temps for hvac and to read radiator temps, I forgot to mention in the video that I left that in the top of the radiator with the cap off and it read pretty similar temps while the coolant was circulating, I’m definitely going to add a gauge cluster with better quality pieces and most likely a hydraulic fluid temperature as well

[@rangeandi]

Solid! This is basically a John Deere 120c, you got a deal on that!

[@JBFromOZ]

Pretty awesome! I just paid $6500 for my Poclain 115 20T excavator

[@joewong6662]

Have the radiator checked for blockages

[@51sicboy]

You called it, SMOKIN DEAL!

[@robertgonzalez8419]

And that my friend is a smoking deal may the Lord bless you love to find something like that

[@nicksnextproject535]

Looks like a great deal.

[@nathanchurchill]

Has been so far, even if it breaks down tomorrow I really can’t complain, thanks for stopping by!

[@dominicharte1549]

I’ve run those old 130s they all over heat on hot days, I keep the engine cover open

[@nathanchurchill]

Not a bad idea at all, thank you! I was also thinking about adding a secondary cooler as well

[@mmaiorano3]

You stole that thing. Amazing deal. Worth well beyond on that I think, even with a few issues

[@play4dayzproductions347]

What a steal! You lucky dog

[@liveintensely]

That’s an insane price and would have easily fetched 10x here.

[@cal28kim]

A few years back I used to operate a Hitachi ZX 140 W -6 wheeled excavator with a three piece boom. The cab was filled with those grey twiddle switch things for axle locks outriggers blade and multiple different travel settings!! On your walk round it looks like there's no safety pin in your quick hitch!! The back larger diameter hole probably should have a steel pin through with a bucket clip to hold the release mechanism from opening during use. As yours looks probably spring loaded. I've not used this type but safety pins were pretty much standard on this item so just check ✔️.

[@nathanchurchill]

I’ll check it out! Thanks for watching

[@GrizztheForkliftMechanic]

What a steal! It’s as good as free. Almost just throwing you the keys

[@nathanchurchill]

That’s what I’m saying! Pretty damn good deal, thanks for watching

[@BouncingBaller]

The AD said, a fully hydraulic thumb for Hitachi $3500.00 comes with a free excavator.

[@nathanchurchill]

The Best Buy one, get one free deal I’ve seen!

[@Sam-lk6eo]

Could the coolant resevoir be the reason why it is overheating, Maybe it needs to have some low pressure in the system to cool properly, which it can't do ?

[@nathanchurchill]

The cap that is on it is an 18 LB and I’ve never seen it pop the cap, but I’m putting a new Amazon reservoir on just in case

[@Sam-lk6eo]

@@nathanchurchillHi Nathan, Yeah just a thought, If the resevior has a whole in it, maybe it can't create enough pressure to blow the cap and push coolant around the system ? Good score with the Digger and cool if the new reseviour works, Too easy !.

[@danlivernoche3856]

We have a grey machine also 2001 ex130-5 and we have no problem getting parts.

[@nathanchurchill]

That’s good to know, that was really one of my main concerns with it. Thank you!

[@jasonpearce1651]

Where do you find one like that for 3,500

[@Insulators]

That’s a crazy deal

[@Bungoonafarm]

When you opened the radiator door did you notice all the dirt and debris in the radiator core or screen , this maybe your overheating issue because it’s far worse than you think usually just pressure wash it out

[@nathanchurchill]

Yes I pressure washed it out once I got around to cleaning the whole machine and it was noticeably dirty

[@gordonagent7037]

Looks like a good machine, only thing I could suggest is that you weld some grousers on those flat plate feet she’s got, especially when you will be ,working on uneven sites, probably clay, chances of slipping when walking her or taking a bite are pretty high and believe me that’s a ride you don’t want. Pretty sure you will lick her into place.

[@nathanchurchill]

It’s a triple groused with bolt on rubber pads, when we are in mud now I take off every other, or every third pad. It’s the best of both worlds

[@jayirving6996]

!$3500... lucky bastard! nice machine!!!!

[@nathanchurchill]

Hey I’m not complaining! Thanks for watching

[@nigelstevens3627]

great music....

[@nathanchurchill]

Thank you!

[@plumber802]

I gave you a thumbs up for the vintage porn melodies at the beginning of the video. Oh and because you got a shamokin' deal on the excavator.

[@nathanchurchill]

Gotta love the classics….even if they had too much hair

[@mountainmike1685]

Hard to believe $3500.00 that would sell for $35000.00 around here or just about anywhere.

[@ferguson20diesel49]

That's is a z-axis dash 1. Not ex series. 7 roller undercarriage. Sold as zx120 or ZX 130. Plate should be near bottom of that leaky ram. Also you don't need to take ram off to repair it. Bang top pin across and let ram swing down. Replace seals that way. I've a lot of hours put up in a ZX 130 dash 1. They can run hot on a hot day here in ireland. Always have. Always have to keep radiators blew out.

[@ferguson20diesel49]

Btw 40k dollars is just stupid for an engine. If theres people giving that for engine over there. I'm going move to the us. Become a Hitachi dealer or something.

[@nathanchurchill]

This is why KZbin is awesome! I really appreciate the info especially since I don’t know much about these machines. I’m going to start looking into the ram here soon while it’s the wintertime so we will see how it goes. Certainly a learning curve

[@keaka560]

Did I miss it? Why did you get it for only 3500 for 3000Hrs? I'm look for a pre-owned mini and not to many less than 25K for 3000 hrs work

[@nathanchurchill]

The local John Deere dealership was convinced it had a cracked head and told the owners that it would be $30-40k to fix it, so far there are no signs of a cracked head or overheating

[@alanragsdale9220]

You might have hydraulic bypass issues when hot. Check with Hydraulic specialist. Not John Deere Dealership!!!

[@TheHomePros6221]

How in the hell would they sell that so cheap!! I’d go nuts to find one for that price

[@nathanchurchill]

Proof that deals are out there! Thanks for watching

[@befree322]

What size machine is it

[@nathanchurchill]

Advertised as a 12 ton machine

[@sabbie7]

$3500?! Holy cow that’s cheap and it runs!

[@nathanchurchill]

Now at 40 hours of run time and all I’ve done is change fluids

[@sabbie7]

@@nathanchurchill amazing!

[@8978Marty]

Looks like you got a good deal

[@nathanchurchill]

Definitely!

[@markescartin1915]

Sounds like runs good! Flip it or keep it?

[@nathanchurchill]

Definitely keeping it! It’s irreplaceable for the price!

[@markescartin1915]

@@nathanchurchill Just a thought You could purchase a "ripper" AND tear the hell out of stumps?

[@nathanchurchill]

We have been using it for grading and are currently demoing a swim club with it. We demo homes and some fuels mitigation, I have a dozer ripper laying around that would be cool to weld on to a coupler for this machine

[@73DiamondReo]

Thats insane for 3500! if it had been set on fire it would still bring more than that

[@nathanchurchill]

It’s definitely insured for quite a bit more!

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

Blow out radiator with air then wash out. For 3500.can do a lot repair. You have to remember a business be better to buy a new machine and take tax right off rather then tieing up several thousand in this machine. There's the old term. One man trash is another man's treasure.

[@rustrtal]

Still running good for you?

[@nathanchurchill]

Yes it’s running well and have almost 40 hours of run time on it so far, have flushed every fluid as well and that helped the hydraulics with being sluggish

[@robertlishman3741]

You didn't buy it ,you stole it,it was a bargain.

[@nathanchurchill]

Thanks! And thanks for watching

[@yota87truck]

$3,500 sound like a SCORE!

[@davidgillett5889]

I would get it serviced engine oil and diesel filters air filters don’t wait for something to go wrong any plant and machinery I buy that’s what I do before we use it service service every time good luck

[@nathanchurchill]

I’ve changed every filter on the entire machine as well as every fluid including a hydraulic fluid flush, I posted a video about it on my channel and it made the machine much more responsive when warmed up

[@neelsswierstra4603]

You bought a real good machine at a bargain

[@nathanchurchill]

Agreed! Thanks for watching! Hopefully it keeps running strong

[@Mad.Man.Marine]

3500!!! 😮. That is more then sort of a steal. That’s a ridiculous deal man!!! We’ll done for being smart enough to buy it. The parts alone on it are worth five times that

[@nathanchurchill]

I don’t think I would call myself smart, just that I’m not dumb enough to say no to that

[@deep6483]

I operated a 30 tone Hitachi super it had a lot of hours and the radiator got shanked by reo bar due to a missing belly plate,it ran great but began to over heat now and again Wich blew the head gasket,WHY? Some wanker put the fan on backwards

[@alphonsotate2982]

R😍😍😍😍😍eal nice

[@bionict-rex4326]

It’s a grey market machine, which is why it’s all in Japanese.

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

$3500??!!! Wow!! It’s gotta be worth more than that in scrap. Geesh.

[@nathanchurchill]

I paid 13 cents/lb and scrap is 10 cents/lb so not far off 😂

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

@@nathanchurchill OMG you win!! Plus the YT content could even pay for it!! 🥇🏆

[@HarrisPropertyMaintenance]

I’m not sure how you managed to get that for that price but you flipping stole that

[@AquaSourceLLC]

Switch probably was for the pin grabber at one point

[@nathanchurchill]

Definitely a possibility, seems like a good quality toggle which makes me think it’s older

[@johndorazio3759]

What a deal you can put a brand new motor in that thing it wouldn't be anything at all

[@Olympic99]

you paid price of bucket for whole excavator !

[@williamreese2477]

All the john derre machines are made by Hitachi. U got a deal.

[@rc8rsracer1]

3500 I'd buy it now and I have no need haha

[@nathanchurchill]

I didn’t think I had a need either, and yet here I am

[@nooraldeen6259]

I got a Hitachi zx 200 in really good shape for 14k$ and it work perfectly but iam sell it because there is not much work because it big for so many jobs

[@nathanchurchill]

How much are you selling it for?

[@nooraldeen6259]

@@nathanchurchill for 15k not the best deal but that looks fine to me

[@nathanchurchill]

@@nooraldeen6259 are you close to ca?

[@johndeere4927]

so cheap .. in England the quick hitch and bucket /grab is worth the money alone

[@nathanchurchill]

Even here it’s like that! California emissions make them worth slightly less but not by much

[@alanragsdale9220]

The John Deere Dealership from what You are saying isn't honest with customers. Bad 😞

[@nathanchurchill]

To their defense, all dealerships have to play the safe side and if the engine truly was overheating with no external cause, that would lead to a concern for them. For all I know it might have a cracked head and it’s a ticking time bomb but I sure hope not 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Press1for]

That head could be repaired, no need for a new head. Find a good machine shop that does "one offs" and prototyping. I'm sure you can resource and find a machinist/mechanic to weld repair and re-machine the head. Get the intake and exhaust ports ground out for better flow, there is other tweaks you can do to keep your operation temps down while at full duty cycle. Great deal on the machine......

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Damn u got a deal for $3500

[@nathanchurchill]

I know it’s pretty nuts, don’t find deals like that every day

[@BlakeMerckleTrucking]

If u get tired of it I'll give you ur money back for it 🤣

[@nathanchurchill]

That’d be a good deal for one of us!

[@TheSynthnut]

Bargain, even if it needs a bit of fettling.

[@nathanchurchill]

Especially since repairs can sometimes be interesting

[@DixieNormous1]

Smoking deal is today's market ‼️

[@nathanchurchill]

Agreed, really no way to lose at that price

[@DixieNormous1]

@@nathanchurchill $7500 would've been about right 😀 Bargain there ❗

[@lotsofthc]

weighs roughly 26,000 lbs

[@nathanchurchill]

Without the thumb, quick coupler, glass guards, and rubber pads, you’d be right

[@lotsofthc]

@@nathanchurchill oh that would add, ever gonna remove the rubber pads?

[@nathanchurchill]

We have been doing a lot of dirt work with it and on steep terrain I’m going to take off every other pad

[@royhindmarsh4087]

buy new water pump

[@perttikauppinen2353]

forced to comment as a European. I have driven many makes and models of excavators. ex and zx series Hitachi are the best. hydraulically, a 2001 model year machine is much more comfortable and more accurate than, for example, a 2017 model 317 CAT

[@ds6843]

So you made a video to gloat about your 3500 purchase to make us all jealous... Haha

[@nathanchurchill]

Thanks for watching!

[@givemeabreak7273]

you got it for nothing well done

[@nathanchurchill]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@scottfoster2487]

You stole it at the price. That thumb was exstended by the looks of it. New thermosta and make sure radiator is clean and the fan is working. I think it s going to make lots of money for you.

[@nathanchurchill]

Already has easily turned a profit, it’s been working almost every day since picking it up, kind of crazy to think anyone would sell it for that

[@scottfoster2487]

@@nathanchurchill Lucky Link Bely Komatsu and otherr use this same basic Japan built machine so parts can be eaily had. I ran a 1989 Lc2800II and blew hoses and a locla atou parts store made them . Love those Izuzu power plants since they are so wodely use parts and nothing compared to rebadged JD parts.

[@nathanchurchill]

@@scottfoster2487 you make a great point I’ve been easily able to source parts that are common to break and have been able to find engine related parts at auto stores

[@Duck_31]

24min of just talking, damn that was boring

[@nathanchurchill]

Thanks for the view

[@scubasteve2132]

wtf how?