Chinese Excavator Kymron ZX22 broke down!

Well it happened! We had the Kymron ZX22 go down on us and break down. Not exactly something big or mechanical but definitely put us down when we had big plans for it and needs.
We go over what happened, the feedback the machine gave, and how to diagnose it.
Let me know if you have experienced this or something similar in the comments down below.
If you find this videos interesting or helpful please don’t forget to like and subscribe for more.
Thank you!

[@jakeroininen6298]

As an owner of a Kymron I agree K&R / owner of K&R is a good pitch man. Stay away from Kymron. Buy a Kubota unless you like to work on your new excavator. Said from a graduate of Hard Knocks.

[@BeyondMachinery]

Sounds like you’ve really had to put some QC into yours. Is it working better now and any issues after going through it yourself? Any use of loctite or lock nuts? I have to look at getting a fork lift next so for now I’m hoping this machine treats me well enough to at least get to the point of paying itself and new one off. I may try and look at a kubota, yanmar, or bobcat next. Have heard pretty good things about those, but also have heard kubotas having some odd little issues come up.

[@jakeroininen6298]

@@BeyondMachinery I have a Kubota BX22 tractor with loader. Bought new in 2003. Only things that had to be done was finally replaced all the hydraulic hoses, new battery & front tires. Never had to tighten up any bolts , key switches, etc. 😂 I did put lock washers on things with the Kymron. What Ron at K&R in Muskogee Ok " the boss/ owner , y tube Star needs to realize if he doesn't start doing something about all the bolts on these units the chickens will come home to roost. There are more people other than my self that are starting to talk.

[@bhhvvbvgyvbuvv]

Everything kymron has is on ebay for thousands less with free shipping. Ali baba sellers will slap whatever sticker you ask for on it. A better hydraulic pump costs about 200 bucks. There is no real difference other than cosmetic. He acts like the hydraulic thumb is an upgrade but it comes with one on most listings

[@technicalitems731]

Buy it for the savings, use it knowing you saved and expect a comparable amount of use out of it. It's no big deal. Pull rubbing wires away. Zip tie or add a wrap. Same with hoses. Learn to jumper wire failed components. Learn to weld. Keep it greased. Know a machine shop. Find sources for common parts. Make a spread sheet of parts that will take time to get. The computer for machine and engine should be biggest concern. Ecm or pcm or whatever it's called. Know where to get that when needed. Get parts number of common components like hydraulic pumps, motors, and valves. Tracks. Rollers. Cylinder rebuilds. Then find the sources and keep it all in a book for planning potential breakdowns. And use it at 80.% of what a heavy duty name brand would be used. It'll be ok. 👌 ✅ 👍 not saying the maker of this video is inadequate, but there are many buyers of machines nowadays that expect Toyota Camry and Corolla reliability out of a dirt machine that takes abuse. Nah. Even new Cat and Komatsu fall to shreds. It's like a Boeing airliner....bugs have to get worked out.

[@BeyondMachinery]

You got the right idea! Slowly but surely that’s the plan to atleast have major components worked out with cross reference numbers and areas for replacement parts. That way if I’m case they’re readily available and accessible when needed. Thanks for the comment, was a good one!

[@terrylutke]

Chinese products that have any moving parts always need to be purchased dirt cheap, or be totally avoided. Of course buying Chinese products dirt cheap is not as easy as it was before 35% tariffs and supply chain issues. This situation is now made worse by so-called master importers and their dealers, who all need to make a buck. In spite of this Chinese producers still have to export to stay alive, so they save $$ by cutting corners in manufacturing. Remember that Chinese producers are in the business of filling 40' shipping cans, period! Now you have the double concern of Chinese producers who have never given a crap about their buyers, plus increasing exporting cost pressures.

[@BeyondMachinery]

@terrylutke I can see that, and as a business it makes sense. While I wish there was a little invested into the QC of stuff, maybe that’s asking too much. I would think with more and more things being made in china, the quality has to be a little bit better at the very least. Repetition has to have them able to produce these better than if they were one offs.

[@jakeroininen6298]

My RH14-3 now over 26 hours had developed a hydraulic leak on one of the thumb shut off valves. Found out from K&R " oh sorry that is not covered under warranty. But we will sell you one for 79.99 " have had to fix several things previous to that. Seat bolts fell out, unit was never greased from the factory, bolts on the valve linkage under the dash where loose, key switch was spinning around in the plastic dash, bolts on the canopy where never tightened, etc. No quality control at the factory much less at the dealer. " So called dealer prep"

[@BeyondMachinery]

@jakeroininen6298 Thank you for this! I’ve been wanting to have someone chime in that has had some experience with them as well and this is great to know! Granted now they have different offices/dealer locations which may make it easier or harder depending whom we deal with. However, any updates let us know for sure!

[@bhhvvbvgyvbuvv]

​@@BeyondMachinery the briggs version is easy to work on. You can get the exact same thing kymron offers for thousands less on e bay with free shipping . There's a 2 ton with retractable tracks , hydraulic thumb, and ac cab for about 12k . Kymron wants 20k for same thing. There is no difference other than cosmetic and a 200 dollar pump swap.

[@bhhvvbvgyvbuvv]

​​@@BeyondMachinery it is essentially powered by a log splitter. If you've ever worked on a go kart 4 stroke you'll be fine. They aren't the best but they are great machines for the cost.

[@jcmccervantes7440]

I agree with Jake 6298, I have the same model. Loose seats key switch. Now my tracks that are suppose to go in and out stopped working. My machine only has about 20hrs. Called up Ron from Kymron and tells to make sure I have machine off the ground. Obviously anyone buying a machine like this knows how to operate it. Then I called back and he text saying he couldn't talk that he was sick. I called a week later no response, but he put out a new video. I should of just spent the extra and bought a name brand.

[@johncoleman1935]

Thanks for the video. Not going to bash Chinese equipment, time will tell. Seems Kymron has the right idea about parts and serviceability. Getting to know a machine & PM goes a long way to longevity. I do my own work (repairs, maint) and if there's someone to call to ask questions that seems to care that works for me. I like my used Kubota tractor but not impressed with the dealer and avoid. If Kymron has dealer support (phone,) and parts sounds pretty good.

[@BeyondMachinery]

You know, since it’s a smaller dealer I do have their phone numbers and have been in contact with them very easily. I could see what you’re saying on dealer support for kubota, and that can be frustrating for sure! Best service I had was from Bobcat but because I have a small local dealer here close by. Let’s see what time has to say about these and hope they last quite a while.

[@redman4449]

Thanks for the video. Did your handbook have an electrical schematic?

[@fishindood]

It did slightly, but not far in detail as we would think. In the video you can see the little close up shots. However, I will add how nice it is that it is colored and labeled on the diagram very well! Kudos to Kymron for that! You’re very welcome for the video and thank you very much for the view and support!

[@neilkoster4823]

Thanks for the info and I won't have my ZX22 until July and also, I have seen they are out of attachments, would like to know your attachments that are coming and also would like to see your first oil change for the warranty. I am interested in the tilting grading buckets for sure.

[@03treefitty]

My xh20d comes may/june im guessing june. You heard attachments are out of stock? From where? Im going to nut and bolt and go through everything before i use it. Change all zerks to normal as well.

[@fishindood]

@@03treefitty I highly recommend that for sure, and the fittings would be very helpful. I do believe there’s a handful like 14-16 if I remember seeing them correctly in the manual.

[@fishindood]

@neilkoster4823 You’re very welcome and thank you if anything for all the support and likes! So the tilt bucket has been out of stock, I do believe there’s a few non-tilting material buckets and that’s what I am trying to get now as I wait for the tilting one. I will be uploading that as soon as I get a chance, it has been super tough with all the work, bids, and family stuff going on. However, can’t thank you all enough for the patience and support!

[@pueowright7467]

I don’t buy equipment from over the pond but I have had a brand new John Deere with a bad computer that they would not cover under warranty so everything can have manufacturing flaws

[@BeyondMachinery]

Did they warranty it or did you have to pay out of pocket to fix? You’re very right, everything whether made here or anywhere else can have flaws. I appreciate your comment and input!

[@Miniscapes515]

I have a kubota b2601. It had a blown fues once before also. Guess the fues did its job and blew to protect the circuit.

[@BeyondMachinery]

True, looking at it that way it is a good thing. At the time it’s never fun to have the machine be down, but luckily it was something minor and easy.

[@technicalitems731]

By the way...many Chinese machine purposely share bucket pin and width dimensions with a brand like yanmar etc... what does kymron share buckets with? Post the answer here if you find out please. Thanks

[@BeyondMachinery]

You said it very well! As of right now that’s what I am trying to figure out. So far have not and most buckets seem to be proprietary to their own machine. For instance kubota, Deere, cat, and bobcat apparently have different buckets. Next goal is to measure all hinge specs and compare to see which comes closest. Currently trying to cross reference filters needed for the machine. Thankfully the motor is a yanmar motor which should be easier to get than if it were something strictly Chinese.

[@josh8518]

you can get attachments on auction for a better price as long as it has 25mm pins 3.5in pin to pin spacing. i have a groundhog that is about the same size kind of starting hate it lots of problems. good luck

[@BeyondMachinery]

Really? What kind of problems are you having?

[@johncoleman4060]

Curious about problems with the groundhog also; it was on the list to check out; they have a pretty good sales pitch too. More research but the more KZbin videos I watch there seems to be a "gotcha" with these cheaper machines. I really can't justify the cost of one of the "big boys" even though I could afford it (not sure the wife would agree 😁). I have a sub-frame backhoe on the 42 HP Kobota tractor that I can take on and off but it's hard to impossible to get into some of the places I want to work. If I knew the company actually stood behind the machine with parts I could live with that (within reason) and do the work.

[@dogduz]

You really need someone on hand to "look after your machines."

[@BeyondMachinery]

Kymron has people that do look them over and assemble them which is why this was the route I went. Granted it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hand look it over by ourselves as well. I do agree though, it is something to go over and hand look it piece by piece even if it’s a little bit at a time.

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

I tell everyone. If you are buying cheaper Chinese machine. You need to be able to work on the machines. The kubota 008 cast around 26,000. On kemron this machine is about 20,000 to 25,000. So this person bout this machines it 1/2 the price of a name brand. If you need to stop some headache buy resetable fuses. And need to trace the wire out to see where it goes. Either you are having a wire that is starting to rub. Or you have a part going bad. So trace the wire and see. I use to work on trucks and had to trace down shorts

[@BeyondMachinery]

You are very right, a lot has to be self worked and self taught on these machines since service is so limited on these. I was considering doing that with the fuses so the next time something like that happens I can easily see if it’s a fuse. I appreciate your info. Thanks for checking in!

[@hoffpauirconcrete.semperfidCC]

Moral of the story buy a used name brand instead of a new china

[@neilkoster4823]

Please don't take a Dump on Kymron. Think about how much China product You and Your Family own and use on a daily basis?

[@hoffpauirconcrete.semperfidCC]

@@neilkoster4823 as little as possible

[@BeyondMachinery]

I think time will tell reliability/longevity and as far as power it really doesn’t hold back. The thing goes toe to toe with many other brand name machines. Could I ask what you machines you run? What do you mainly use them for, concrete?

[@hoffpauirconcrete.semperfidCC]

@@BeyondMachinery cat ...bobcat ...yanmar ...case ...link belt ....Kubota ...kamatsu...ihi/kato and John deere ....and yes we use them for demolition and grading mostly

[@Miniscapes515]

Dude probably wrote this comment on a Chinese made phone.

[@Scott-cu8nf]

I have had a Kubota BX23 since 2004, and I will not purchase another Kubota. Neither am I going to purchase some knock-off that doesn't have a proven track record of reliability and honoring warranty issues. Have purchased 2 other tractors that are another major brand name with no issues. But I have not made it to😅 the 10 year mark yet, so I can not compare yet.

[@BeyondMachinery]

No issues yet is good though! What made you steer away from kubota if you don’t mind my asking?

[@Scott-cu8nf]

@BeyondMachinery I mainly did not think the value for the performance I needed was there. Not to mislead anyone into thinking it was just the price, it was requiring moving up a size or two to get the performance of other brands, then the physical size of the larger tractor limits the maneuverability in tight spots or requires purchasing a larger trailer or bigger truck. But there was also the cost of adding features that come standard on other brands. So, it was not just one thing in my situation. I still have my BX23 and it is small enough to get most anywhere I need. Just has its shortfalls in what it can do. Hope that helps.

[@NCmtnDweller]

Thier is a A!! for every machine I have a new Chinese small hoe and knew going into said purchase what to expect and I take good care of mine because it is CHINESE made !!!

[@BeyondMachinery]

@NCmtndweller you got a good point!

[@daveanderson843]

So why would you buy this machine over an actual name brand built for contracting like Shantui, xcmg, or Sany as their pricing is similar to this rebrand. Btw, that machine purchased from China is only $11k plus import shipping of about $3k. Surprised to see guys buying these heavily marked up rebrands

[@BeyondMachinery]

Here’s why I bought this specific one, there’s some dealer support. I have adequate reach and attachment availability. Besides the machine, it has upgraded drive motors and better pilot controls. It has a hydraulic thumb and it’s brought to your house ready to go. Fraction of the price of a brand name and well known machine. If it works, I saved money, and was well worth it. Time will tell, so we will see. Others may have different reasoning so maybe others want to chime in?

[@bkyardmechanic5010]

Something is causing it to blow. Unless it's a Chinese cheap fuse .lol

[@BeyondMachinery]

I agree, the only time it did doit was when the idle was all the way down and I tried to move it.

[@scottfoster2487]

Can not dis the machine,things happen. Fuses fail,just part of the world making stuff cheaper.

[@BeyondMachinery]

Very well said! Thank you for this!

[@tylerjohnson843]

Use a wire locator to trace the wire yourself and label them.

[@BeyondMachinery]

That’s a good idea!

[@jimharvard]

Kymron is marketing their machinery as being "better" and "tougher" and "better built" that the "other" Chinese junk. LOL! that marketing campaign is pretty funny. EVERYTHING out of China is JUNK!! while you can buy all sorts of Chinese equipment MUCH cheaper than their American counterparts, buying a used NORMAL American piece of equipment will always be better in the long run. why? 1. all the Chinese equipment will not hold their value and will be worth very little in the "used equipment" market. no one is going to pay for a "used" Kymron when the new ones are also cheap. 2. dealer network and support. GOOD LUCK trying to find a person to talk to from a Chinese manufacturer of the imported equipment. all major American equipment brands have HUNDREDS of dealers all over the U.S. that can be contacted for parts and/or service or even just to ask questions. 3. very doubtful long-term operation. you can find American brand-name equipment dating back 10, 20, 30 YEARS that contractors are STILL USING! while very new equipment have a lot of improvements, the "old" machines still work just fine even if they might feel "primitive." I WOULD NEVER buy Chinese equipment no matter how much money i could save on the initial purchase.

[@BeyondMachinery]

@Jimharvard it’ll be interesting what the resale values do for sure. Have to remember the motor is Either Kubota or Yanmar. Less of electrical stuff is in them so quite a good outlook. Relatively for the savings, I think it’s a good gamble especially since I know the care and use it’ll get, used I have no clue what the previous care and more importantly maintenance was like. You do have a solid point on value and resale though. I’m curious too. However, they can’t keep these machines in stock which does say something.

[@jimharvard]

@@BeyondMachinery i think the rise in the Chinese equipment sales is the current bad economy. if you are a struggling contractor, you might be tempted to buy a cheap Chinese piece of equipment to be able to do jobs to stay in business. and you might be able to pay for one of these items with the profit on one job and then use it till it breaks down. personally, i just don't like the CHINESE COMMUNISTS as i was in the Marines for 23 years and trained to go to war with them.

[@jacklabloom635]

Do you really believe American made machines don’t have problems. There are a lot of Chinese machines out there that work great.

[@jimharvard]

@@jacklabloom635 American machines do have problems even CAT. however, EVERY major American piece of construction equipment has hundreds of dealers who all have great parts supplies. AND - American equipment has THOUSANDS of mechanics that know how to work on the machines and are familiar with "common" problems. go to a Vermeer or Toro or Bobcat or Ditchwich or CAT dealer and ask them if you can "drop off your Kymron" for repair and watch them go into a "deer in the headlights" stare and then start laughing hysterically. the initial price of a machine IS NOT really the main point of consideration. THE MOST IMPORTANT consideration in buying a construction machine is whether there is a dealer close, what are the parts availability, and how many mechanics are around that can work on the machine. most dealers and most mechanics won't work on "Chinese" machines.

[@johncoleman1935]

Thanks for the video. Not going to bash Chinese equipment, time will tell. Seems Kymron has the right idea about parts and serviceability. Getting to know a machine & PM goes a long way to longevity. I do my own work (repairs, maint) and if there's someone to call to ask questions that seems to care that works for me. I like my used Kubota tractor but not impressed with the dealer and avoid. If Kymron has dealer support (phone,) and parts sounds pretty good.

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

Just to let you know. Kymron started from groundhog equipment. Kymron was a dealer that was in Oklahoma and then started his oun

[@BeyondMachinery]

Johncoleman1935 You said it very well and agreed. Time will tell it all. I’m sure there’s good parts and some that well won’t be so good. However, I have been able to get through to someone Everytime I call and have had my questions answered.

[@stanley8574]

I got an agrtk one myself. It was cheap but I knew going in what I was getting. Not much electronics on it . I don't think it has a fuse box just inline fuses for the few things. Its a simple machine. I knew going in that I was going to changed things and figured that into the cost.

[@bkyardmechanic5010]

Go up to wall and bk scrape. Put bucket in dump position and lower to ground and go in reverse. It will pull that stuff out