Chinese 1.8 Ton Mini-Excavator - Part 2 - Inspection and First Impressions

[@Dr.Reason]

I have watched a LOT of reviews, looking the machine I want to buy. This review was far and above better than any other. Well done. Very informative. Looks like I’m going with this one!

[@howardkettner]

Glad it was helpful! And, huge thanks for tuning in and being part of the conversation.

[@martinsaunders2942]

Much enjoyed…many thanks! Two things…1. Usually the excavators of about 2tons and up can be ordered with two speed crawler gear to make moving about quicker…I would certainly always want that option myself. 2. Many excavators are fitted with Zirc grease fittings ..particularly on the boom fittings..as they are much less susceptible to getting snapped off or broken during const work of lifting larger items. ( As an aside I had a chuckle..I watched another video on this subject, where the guy was unboxing his Chinese excavator. First he pulls out the tool box and included grease gun and the operators manual…then throws the manual across his workshop…as he knows all about these things….Then goes on a rant that..’It hasn’t even got grease fitting, usual poor Chinese standards etc, etc’….. The excavator did have grease fittings, that were clearly visible..but they were the Zirc type…he clearly didn’t know what they were!!…. Sometimes, bothering to read the manual can be quite useful!!👍)

[@howardkettner]

I just LOVE your entire comment. Still laughing about the story of the guy throwing the manual across the shop. Such a 'guy thing'. hahaha Could not get the two speed crawler gear on this one. Really miss it as my prior vintage Cat mini-ex had it. It's actually the feature I miss the most as I navigate around our little 20-acre plot. And - yes - I hear you on the Zirc fittings. Mine came with them and I think I still have them in a box here. Thought I was being soooooo clever in swapping them out for the usual non-flush fittings - and guess what. Within weeks I broke the one of the bottom of the boom. Huge thanks for tuning in . . .

[@MrChickendeluxe]

You are so funny, I absolutely love the way you positively talking about these little issues. My wife was asking me why I was laughing during work... she did not know that I watched your video :-)

[@howardkettner]

Huge thanks for tuning in and being part of my journey.

[@dinomite_diggers3453]

Thanks Howard. I totally agree with your list of pros, obviously price being number one. Where else could someone like me buy a virtually brand new machine just to work on my own property. I originally got a 1.2 T machine and on my very rocky ground I did stress about how vulnerable the track motors looked, luckily that's not an issue with the 2 T digger I now have. Speed was also a bit painful on the smaller machine but like you say, it's not a problem to throw it on the trailer. Quite likely you are underestimating how much use you will get out of this machine. Once you have a digger in the shed it's amazing what jobs you think up for it to do. Keep up the good videos, just be careful that you don't start looking old and decrepit climbing out of the cab. Cheers.

[@howardkettner]

Huge thanks again for tuning in and being part of the conversation. You've definitely got me thinking about a slightly larger machine.

[@DiggerDaveSea]

I have a HighTop HT10BZ on a ship right now. Thanks for the video. I had a similar expectation adjustment before deciding to buy. One I would add is the need to check all bolts and hoses for tightness before first use.

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in and commenting. Great point on the bolts and hoses. Thank you. Will do. I think that the best reason to have a KZbin channel is that I am the beneficiary of the wisdom of the community. It's conversations like this one that make my journey easier and more fulfilling. Again, thank you.

[@PedroKV]

Hi, may I ask who did you buy it from? If directly from HighTop, or some reseller? I am thinking about HT18.

[@russell154]

Thank you so much for this I’m considering one of these and as you might guess I’m deep in the weeds researching my options. That said I really appreciate the no nonsense way you laid out the pros and cons and with a great attitude. Thanks again.

[@howardkettner]

Great value for the dollars spent and now several months later I’d still say that I’d buy it all over again.

[@bolerfett]

Hey Howard, I've been watching your channel for a bit, love all the projects. I just got my little Vote 1.8t and its open station. I'm getting used to it, so far I like it, my travel seems to slow down if I move the boom or swing the house, does yours? One of you videos you mentioned about tracking fuel level and I was preparing to do the same but I got a sight gage on mine, your cab might be hiding your sight gage. Cheers I look forward to more adventures at 82 maple

[@howardkettner]

Huge thanks for tuning in and providing the added info. I love my little Vote 1.8 but truly regret my decision to get it with the cab. It's just too claustrophobic and offers very little additional utility. I'll look for that sight guage. I'll bet with you that it is obscured by the cab. All the very best!

[@nepands]

Hey mate. Thanks for you video, looks like i have the same machine it works well! My brand is SDJK whats yours, did you get a owners manual, also i see you have quick connect hose fittings for your attachments mine has fittings that leak oil alot when swaping over! Look forward to hearing from you 👍

[@howardkettner]

My brand is Bully Dog out of Vancouver, BC, Canada. The manufacturer is Vote Machinery. Haha - no owner's manual provided. Mine came with the NPT hydraulic flat face fittings. I was not always a fan, but I've become more so since using these. They are very resistant to collecting dirt where there should not be dirt, and seldom lose a drop of oil while changing attachments. Hope this helps.

[@rickcuerrier8986]

Hi Howard thanks so much, I am of similiar age and size, buying on line scares the crap out of me. I have just agreed to purchase the same sized machine from BDE and thus far Tucker V. has been up front and made the deal set up safe for both parties, buyer and seller. I am paying a little more however that is I live in the rockies eastern slopes of AB so the shipping. Not sleeping well last night I watched your videos and subscribed. I will be sleeping better tonight. My machine is being built next week and is to be on my place by the end of February or early march. Iam curious to see how you like your attachment.

[@howardkettner]

Tucker and BDE are first class all the way. And I'm putting more hours on the machine than I anticipated - and it's tough and it's reliable. I think with that size of machine one needs to be a little creative when it comes to doing all the work that I expect, and that is what dictated the range of attachments I got - from the thumb to the single digging tooth. Those attachments really magnify the scope of what the machine might otherwise be able to do. And the attachments are very robust and again cost less than I would have expected. The attachment that really pleasantly surprised me is the post hole auger. I'd previous had a three point hitch unit for my tractor, and I've got some major fence repairs and rebuilding staring me in the face this coming summer, and I love how it performs on the mini-ex. All the very best. I'm sure you won't regret your decision. Again BDE and Tucker are top notch.

[@steverowland1898]

The new fittings you installed are called zerk fittings, named after their inventor. I don't know what the original fittings are called.

[@howardkettner]

Huge thanks for the clarification and correction. Much appreciated. As always thanks for tuning in . . .

[@wajasi076]

Hi…just wondering did you look at the UHI UME units at all?? And if so what’s your opinion on them? Thanks

[@howardkettner]

I have not looked at those units. While my selection was in part based on the machine, the determining factor for me was finding a relatively local dealer, and that dealer's reputation. A quick check of Google reviews was critical to steering me to a dealer with a solid reputation. Thanks for tuning in. Sorry I could not be more helpful.

[@wajasi076]

Thanks for your review and response.

[@thomaslindsey7685]

Great video. Would i be able to purchase the same item as you did? Thank you.

[@howardkettner]

Yes, absolutely. Bully Dog Equipment (Vancouver, BC, Canada) if you're in Canada. If elsewhere - check out Vote Equipment (China) to browse their entire lineup.

[@petersipp5247]

I appreciate you using feet when you spoke of driving to your neighbors place to do a small projey in your vid. Overall encouraging review of the machine. Thanks, Pete

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in . . . More episodes to come on this little machine. Every time I use it I'm pleasantly surprised by it's capability.

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

Howard..... I'm really looking forward to watching you put this machine in to use. Your review of it has been stellar. As another commenter stated, I am 6 feet 2 and almost 200 pounds, so I think it might be a little crampy for me. This is an outstanding series you are doing!🙌

[@howardkettner]

Ahhhh - thank you John. I was actually thinking about you when I went to enter and exit. My suggestion would be to go ROPS canopy only. I'm already trying to figure out how to remove the door. It's frankly a pain to open and close as often as I'm on and off the machine. The footwell area is also made for feet that are smaller than my size 10. Not sure what size your boots are but I can tell you that at size 12, it would be super awkward. My son with size 12 boots will be doing some work with it and I'll let you know how it goes. As always - I appreciate you tuning in and commenting. More to come.

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

@@howardkettner Oh boy!!! My "boats" are sz 13!

[@wademizelle3433]

Where do we find the name of your importer? Thanks, great video. Please show us how much it will pickup thanks

[@howardkettner]

Great questions. Thanks for tuning in . . . Name of the company is same as on the stick - Bully Dog. bullydogequipment.com/ I have not yet taken the time to check the weight, but the hydraulics etc seem strong. As close as I can tell, it is a 1.8 (metric?) tonne machine. It weighs in at just over 2,000 pounds and with blade down I was excavating 5' of depth (about it's maximum dig depth) last week and the hydraulics were more than capable of lifting the rear of the machine off the ground. Meaning, the hydraulics are not the weak link. It would lift more if it had a bigger counter weight. Hope this helps.

[@timfolgers2759]

⁠​⁠@@howardkettnerhi Howard, not sure if you’ve found this out yet but 1.8 metric tones should have your machine just shy of 4000lbs not 2000lbs (maybe more than 4000lbs with the cab on this model)

[@howardkettner]

@@timfolgers2759 Really good point. At the time I placed the order, I said to the distributor "why are you pricing a 1.8 ton machine when I specifically stated I want to 2-ton machine. We then had a quick discussion about how 1.8 tonnes is 2.0 ton, more or less. haha

[@TheOldManAndTheSaw]

Informative video Howard. Did I see a loose piece of window rubber hanging down in one scene?

[@howardkettner]

Hey - you don't miss a thing. Yeah - for sure - I've since pushed it back up into it's rail. I'd opened the side slide window and it came out. Seems solid enough now. Generally decent overall workmanship as close as I can tell. As always - thanks for tuning in . . .

[@eugeneoconnor260]

How long can you operate the unit on a gallon of diesel?

[@howardkettner]

Great question. And clearly a topic for a new video. What I can say anecdotally is that it is very frugal on fuel. I refuel it about every 6 hours, and by my best estimate it takes about 8 litres at that point. Huge thanks for tuning in and being part of my adventure/journey.

[@JamesMcnichol-ss2oc]

What make of excavator is it I may have missed it in the video

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in! At the time I did the video all I knew was the name of the importer. Another viewer has since figured out that it is made by Vote Machinery. www.votemachinery.com/

[@a.j.8926]

we are looking at a different brand, but the same idea. Kabota engine in a knockoff body. I am interested to see how this shakes out. looking forward to part 3

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in and being part of the conversation. The more I use it, the more I feel I made the right decision in buying this. Great value. But one needs to take care and read Google reviews and check with other owners. I came very close to buying an inferior machine . . ., from a dealer with a poor reputation.

[@Mattys556]

Hey, great video. I never heard the price with attachments, etc... Maybe I missed it. ?

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in! $25k Canadian, all attachments, taxes, delivery, etc. included. I'm very impressed with the value for dollar spent.

[@Mattys556]

@@howardkettner what dealer did you go with again?

[@howardkettner]

@@Mattys556 Buuly Dog in Vancouver

[@Mattys556]

@@howardkettner ahh, any issue shipping to the US?

[@charlesperry1051]

Is the cab heated and air conditioned? You may have said and I may have missed that. Looks like a nice machine and as much as I would ever need on my 5 acres. I have had my subcompact tractor for a year now and have only put 27 hours on it. I bet if I had that mini-excavator it would be similar, 20 to 40 hours a year.

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in to this episode - and noticing. No - I completely missed that part. No heater. No air conditioner. But I'm all good with that. I came from a ROPS only canopy on my last excavator, so by comparison this is luxury - and there is a fan wired and mounted just behind my right shoulder and the front window opens completely (slides down). I hear you - on 5 acres it would be tougher to justify. When I bought my first 5 acre plot a little more than a decade ago, I got a 25hp tractor with a rear mount removeable backhoe and it was super valuable. In addition to trenching, it was also a godsend for some of the marshy areas that I needed to drain and excavate. Impossible to get the tractor stuck - just use the hoe to pickup the back end and swivel it out of the ruts and onto firmer ground. haha

[@davidharris3823]

Great video, helps me a lot. About the motor, the gas versions are a lot less complicated, much easier to replace if needed and much lower in costs and have enough power to get the job done AS I UNDERSTAND IT .

[@howardkettner]

Great point! Thanks for tuning in and being part of the conversation!

[@GordonDoucette-v1z]

have you got the name and number of who you bought this from thanks

[@howardkettner]

For sure. Text me at 6042308051

[@h.i.m.dishonmaurice2599]

Thank you very much Howard.

[@howardkettner]

You are very welcome. Thanks for tuning in and being part of my journey!

[@mattpurvis]

what factory in china was it? great to see it in action!

[@howardkettner]

Oh man - thanks for the question! I should have put that in the comments section - and have done so now thanks to your question. Vote Machinery: www.china-vote.com/list-miniexcavator.html

[@louismorris7953]

Howard please forgive me. I recall you saying for your mini and six attachments was less than $25K. 1. Did you ever give a total price amount? 2. What Chinese company did you purchase from? 3. What is the model # of your mini? Thank you for your time.

[@howardkettner]

No worries - your recall is correct; the amount was just over CAD 25,000, with all attachments, taxes, and shipping included. I got the unit through Bully Dog - Vancouver, BC. The manufacturer is VOTE www.china-vote.com/show-162.html The model is the 1.8 Tonne unit with cab . .. . Hope this helps. Here's wishing you all the very best. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions.

[@louismorris7953]

Will do!! Thank you from Desdemona, Texas, USA

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Howard!!😀😀 Pretty cool little excavator. I'm 6' 2" tall so I probably wouldn't be able to sit in it for any length of time. As long as you remember all the little things when you are operating it. You will probably get along well with it. Good to see you my friend!! TTYL!! Logger Al

[@howardkettner]

Wow! Al - so great to hear from you. Was missing hanging out with you here. Did some trenching last night and will be back on it this morning and just loving it. It's got a surprising amount of power and breakout ability - even though the top 4--5 inches of the ground is frozen after a week of sub-freezing temperature, day and night.

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

I'm over 6 feet and around 300 pounds. I have a 1ton ht10b mini excavator and set ok with it. Go set on one to see how it fits you.

[@howardkettner]

@@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666 Thanks for the perspective. The issue perhaps unique to the Bully Dog (manufactured by Vote Machinery - China). There is another episode in the works detailing the cab constraints - including a very small footbox area that just barely accommodate my size 10 boots, on my machine.

[@mschinadollar]

Where can I purchase one?

[@howardkettner]

If you're in Canada, Bully Dog Equipment in Vancouver. But there are a number of other distributors throughout Canada and the US. The only thing I'd advise is that you check out their Google reviews and ask for other buyer references. Bully Dog offered to let me to even go and see one of their machines in action with one of their clients. As with anything there are good actors and bad actors. I very narrowly avoided buying a machine of a dealer with a bad reputation. Bully Dog on the other hand has and excellent reputation - returning calls promptly and going above and beyond in terms of service and support.

[@steverowland1898]

The original fittings are called button head.

[@howardkettner]

Again - thanks. I was so confused. Of four mechanics mechanics I've talked to over the past couple of years, two referenced the button head fittings as 'zerks'.

[@bigtimeLL]

How much was the machine and how much was the freight and other fees?

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in and being part of the conversation. The entire scope, context and price - all in (CDN$) is shared in the first 5 minutes of Part 1 of this series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4vIqKKtbbCsopI Again, thanks for visiting! Let me know what you think about the overall value proposition of this machine based on my description.

[@DirectDriveMiniMachines]

What is it's self weight

[@howardkettner]

Operating weight is 1,800 kg. Thanks for tuning in.

[@cah_sawmill]

Good afternoon Howard.. have a nice day bro

[@howardkettner]

Hey! You too man! Again - love what you're doing. The sawmill reminds me a lot of the first sawmill my dad worked in. When I was 5-8 years old, I'd go there every Sunday with him. He was in charge of a small repair crew, and I would wash parts, get water and slug it around in small buckets throwing it on sawdust near where any welding or cutting was going on. Just 'make work' projects to be sure - but it made me feel important, and the smell of sawdust remains the best smell in the world to me.

[@ThomasHaxley]

I'm 6'4", maybe give this one a miss 😂

[@howardkettner]

Ahhhh - that sounds like a wise decision! Thanks for tuning in.

[@michaelradomski3386]

How much u paid for this unit

[@howardkettner]

See comments below. $25k CDN. All taxes, shipping etc. Thanks for tuning in.

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

Why did you sell the Caterpillar?

[@howardkettner]

It was a solid little unit with great basic functionality, a regular bucket and a landscape bucket - but two things: #1 - believe it or not, it is bigger than I need for some of the work we're doing going forward, and #2 with the used market being strong, for the same price as I got for the 22 year-old Cat 302.5 (which definitely needed new tracks) I got a new unit with an auger (which will be used extensively this year), three buckets (including a tilt on the landscape bucket) and a new machine - meaning no more wiring harness issues - - - and should give me 20 or so more years without major issues cropping up. Mainly, strong market for used equipment created a 'trade-up' opportunity.

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

@@howardkettner Thank you. I was looking at some of them at auction sites. Looks like some of them never saw much grease.

[@howardkettner]

@@jamesb.armstrong5433 That is the truth. I was very serious about a 10-year-old mini-excavator about 4 hours from where I live. Low hours. Good price point. All went well until I had a mechanic friend check it out. Figured that. - like you say, it seldom saw a grease gun. Apparently there are a number of importers bringing in used, low hours (apparently) big name equipment from overseas, with dubious if any regular maintenance, and then they try and flog them to North American buyers that may not have the skills to do a mechanical evaluation before buying. Shameful

[@user-rn6yc1vh4q]

did i miss the price

[@howardkettner]

$24k Canadian, including all implements, delivery and taxes. Thanks for tuning in and being part of my journey.

[@gorantomic8475]

Name excavator?

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in. It's manufactured by Vote Machinery www.china-vote.com/list-miniexcavator.html

[@ericjohnson9080]

Looks good. What do you call this? Name? Model #? Or whatever?

[@howardkettner]

Thanks for tuning in. A viewer of this channel identified the manufacturer as Vote Machinery. Here's a link to the 1.8 Ton unit that I purchased. www.votemachinery.com/htm/vtw-18s(cab)_mini_excavator.html Let me know if any additional questions.

[@ricardsegorbe640]

E comprado está máquina podría hacer un vídeo trabajando con ella

[@howardkettner]

Exactly! That is all part of the fun!

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

Lol dont look at my videos. Im 6feet and 300 pound and my mini 1 ton excavator is smaller then yours

[@howardkettner]

Love what you're doing on your channel

[@derekthorne5053]

I’m right there with you, brother. 6’1” and 300 pounds. I look like a grizzly bear on a tricycle when I’m on the 1 ton mini ex.

[@tektkite7255]

this most likely a fake kubota engine

[@howardkettner]

Apparently not. A Kubota tech has seen it. It's the real deal . . . The hour meter has just turned over 70 hours. For sure it's early going, but no regrets at this point.

[@kennethfisher3079]

How much did you pay ?

[@howardkettner]

$25k Canadian all in including transport, taxes and all implements.