Chinese Mini Excavator - Why I chose this model and 1st impressions

[@dansego3789]

Best review I have seen so far ,I am retired hobby farmer,great value at a fantastic price,thank you very much,I will be getting one.

[@thePFOchannel]

I'm glad you found it helpful. I trust you'll enjoy shopping for and using your mini excavator as much as I have.

[@tube396]

I just bought the exact same excavator at Richie Bros 3 days ago on their online auction. I paid for it yesterday via a bank wire transfer and I'm picking it up from their yard next Friday. The reason I chose this model is thanks to your video and several others. As you mentioned, the great features this excavator has such as the easy access to the engine bay and having the hydraulic oil cooler won me over. Thank you for making and posting your video.

[@thePFOchannel]

Nice! I hope it serves you well. Stay safe.

[@bluegrallis]

The holes in the oil reservoir cap, is not for overflow reasons. It needs to be there, for the tank to breath, letting air in and out when the fluid is drawn out and pushed back in the tank.

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks. True, the holes and sintered brass puck are designed to vent the contents of the tank. Under normal operation and fluid levels, that will be air.

[@troyb.4101]

If one were to overfill the unit you know where it's going to go.

[@skywatcherranchswr]

That model is about $5199 + Tax at dealers where I am from. You got a good deal on it. I noticed that most of the machines our dealers have, each have at least one cosmetic dent or scrape from shipping. I'm sure the pacific isn't very gentle on shipping containers LOL. Very nice video and I hope you enjoy the machine! It is better than using a shovel!

[@thePFOchannel]

Yes, I used the dealer price plus tax to determine my max bid at the auction. I had to be patient, but after being outbid on several other units, I finally won this auction at less than my max bid. I'm quite happy with the unit so far. We'll have to see if I end up regretting buying it in a way that includes no warranty.

[@nicholasproietto2500]

Don't buy one from a dealer. They may offer some parts and or a half ass warranty, but you're gonna pay upwards of $2000 to $2500 more for a comparable machine. Not worth it.

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

I bought the exact same one at an auction. No dents in mine. The floor mat is garbage. I got a rubber mat at TSC and cut it to fit. I removed the bolts holding the thumb pins in and replaced them with quick release pins so i could remove the thumb when I wasn't using it.

[@thePFOchannel]

Those are good ideas. Thanks!

[@johnathankeller1948]

Thanks for the video. How much was it to ship? And how far? Was the shipping process fairly easy?

[@thePFOchannel]

I didn't use any shipping company with this transaction. I bought this one through an online auction. The pickup location was about 7 hours from home. I used my landscape trailer to go get it. Check out our other videos that tell the whole story.

[@DonaldRackley-s8r]

Mine was bent when they didn't undo the strap holding it for shipping

[@thePFOchannel]

The grab bar on this one looked a little bit tweaked, too. That must be the cause.

[@prowebber1]

I bought the same LH12R. Love it so far! The only problem I have is the left joystick that rotates the cab isn't calibrated correctly. Pushing the joystick slightly right quickly turns the cab right, but to turn left I have to shove the joystick as hard as I can to the left to get it to slowly rotate left. Do you know if there's a way to adjust that?

[@thePFOchannel]

I'll keep an eye out for that problem and will post here if I run across a solution. So far, I have zero experience with such adjustments.

[@SONNYREESE]

I have 2 of the L-12's and both rotate fine. maybe I just got lucky.

[@MacBailey]

Been watching vids, and this looks like a very upgraded model. have not bought one yet. A couple of other things I noticed: The blade support looks heavier supports than others. The boom pivots are pins instead of big bolts., the ROPS bars look more substantial. There is a simple screen type filter INSIDE of the hydraulic tank, but the way the cooler is plumbed it is easier to add a real hydraulic filter in line. A couple of simple mods I have seen were some heat shielding between the motor and fuel tank to keep the fuel from boiling, and adding a short pipe to the exhaust to extrude through the back cover to get the exhaust completely out of the compartment also helps cooling. Also pretty much every nut on them needs some tightening, especially the nuts that hold the motors that turn the 'house'. Some also had drive motors that would freewheel on a slope but was a different model. One question, do you tighten you tracks by turning a screw, or are they tightened by adding grease to a ram fitting? I have seen videos that had both.

[@thePFOchannel]

The track tension is adjusted by screws on the model. That's actually the subject of this week's video. Thanks for those other potential issues you've pointed out. I'll check those areas on mine to see what I can get ahead of.

[@weeweed86]

Would this fit sideways in a shipping container....? Better question may be what it the minimum storage length...?

[@thePFOchannel]

With the boom up, stick in, and bucket curled, I was able to get it tucked to 93 inches. That dimension includes the little cross bar between the canopy supports since that is the rearmost point.

[@weeweed86]

@@thePFOchannel Thank you for taking the measurements.My container is 92" wide. I'd have to rearrange some stuff to make it fit long ways.

[@stevellb5403]

I added a couple extensions to the travel levers and let me tell you with the extra 4 inches made the travel a lot smoother. Even ordered a couple excavator travel lever handles look good and makes it a lot smoother to travel.

[@thePFOchannel]

I will definitely look into that. Thanks!

[@tomd864]

You got a very good deal IMO. It has a lot of features my H12 doesn't as you saw at the auction site. I was taking a break and letting mine cool as I type this. Hope you get many years of good service from it. I like the color as well.

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks for the comments. Fortunately, most of these beneficial features can be added to an H12, and possibly other models, with a reasonable amount of effort and expense. Thanks for watching. Stay safe!

[@lwwarren]

You should be able to find an angled fuel filler adapter you can attach to the top of that tank to clear the hood and give you an easier fill.

[@thePFOchannel]

I'm definitely shopping for something like that. For now, I am filling a 1.5 gallon red plastic can from my larger can. That is small enough to then reach in and pour without spilling it. Pretty awkward.

[@denslod2930]

Doesn’t the seat flip forward. One or two wing nuts in the back?

[@SONNYREESE]

@@thePFOchannel I use a 2.5 gallon can to fill mine. may not be the best but its all I have for now. The portable tank with pump would be good but not out on the jobsites that I work on, so can gets the job!

[@thePFOchannel]

@denslod2930 There is no access hole under the seat on this model. The whole hood (to which the seat is connected) flips up, but the fuel fill cap is deep under the hood and hard to reach.

[@Kamikaze3557]

On my second mini excavator (1.5 ton, not exactly 1.5 ton tho) I had to get one with pilot controls, my 1 ton kills my back ,it also has the boom swing ,but seldom use it. also modded foot controls for blade and hydraulic thumb (hydraulic thumb is a must have). I like your engine access . I’ve had no troubles with hydraulic temps with NO, radiator, I live in Arkansas, I’ve used it and the 1 ton in 100 deg temps and 90+ % humidity, I usually run 2 to 3 hrs max each usage. I installed a temp gauge.

[@thePFOchannel]

The hydraulic thumb sounds like a good upgrade. It would be nice to be able to run it back out of the way when I'm just digging. This manual thumb gets in the way.

[@rickburkhalter5448]

Thanks for the video. I look forward to more. Is the AGT H12R the same as the LH12R?

[@thePFOchannel]

They are not the same. The first time I ever saw an LH12R, it was parked next to an H12R at an auction yard. Most of the features I show in this video as the reasons I chose this model are things that were not present on that H12R. I don't know what other differences there may be that I didn't notice that day.

[@vincentdicarlo7608]

@@thePFOchannel I have the H12R and I have everything you have on your machine mine is a 2024 if that matters

[@thePFOchannel]

I haven't seen the 2024 models. Have fun and stay safe on it.​@@vincentdicarlo7608

[@TommyGoins-r9h]

​@@vincentdicarlo7608yours has the hydraulic cooler with fan also?

[@SCDeerAddict]

​@TommyGoins-r9h no he doesn't

[@firstname6208]

Anyone purchasing a tool from china take note. They use very very low grade oil in shipping these machines. It has to do with volatility that sensors may pick up on the ship. For that reason you are encouraged to change oil and filter BEFORE you dig the first scoop of dirt. Change the oil and filter again BEFORE the 10 hour mark. Many engines have been wiped out for not following these recommendations. Rato engines are sold thru harbor freight. You can get air filters from them, free shipping. Get several oil and Air filters if you have a rato (briggs clone) engine.

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks for the info!

[@anthonywhite6484]

What hydraulic thumbs fit the lh12r?

[@thePFOchannel]

That's a good question. I have not made any real effort to find one yet. The hydraulic thumbs that they sell on the AGT website always say they fit everything except the L12 type, but they never offer one that does fit it. I've seen people selling the L shaped brackets on Facebook marketplace to fit the L12, which they've made on a plasma cutter, but I don't know which particular thumb and cylinder they would best pair up with to work on the L12 types. If I ever get a clearer line of sight on one, I'll post a video about it. Thanks for the question, and thanks for watching.

[@denslod2930]

Thumbs have the L bracket, that’s for the 3 hole mount, 25mm holes. Check the measurements at the other end.

[@denslod2930]

The 3 hole may not be universal as I thought.

[@SCDeerAddict]

None. All have to be modified.

[@davewhite8189]

You and I bought the same unit, even the color, also at auction, and paid the exact same amount! I came out at $4,980 including fees and taxes. The auction house is 4 miles from my place, though. Caution: I bought a hydraulic thumb, but it does not fit. That 3 hole mount on the boom is different than all the other models, 50mm hole spacing vs 70mm. I will get a bracket made, should work ok. I am asking a favor: Mine was delivered with the track tensioner locking nuts missing and the tracks keep getting loose and coming off. Would you take one off and tell me size and thread type? I have done about 25 actual work hours over the weekends and it is pretty amazing. Changed oil and hydraulic oil and so far it has been a breeze. Good luck with yours.

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks for that warning about the hydraulic thumb. That'll save me some grief. I'll try to figure out what the thread size is for those track tensioners.

[@thePFOchannel]

I took the side cover off my tracks and it seems mine is also lacking a lock nut on the track tensioners.

[@davewhite8189]

@@thePFOchannel Thanks! Maybe a pattern? There is another video channel about the L12, we should ask him as well. I guess I can measure the thread diameter, but the pitch on that rod look different than normal, but I don't know much about bolts.

[@thePFOchannel]

I got a caliper in there enough to get a rough measurement. It looks like the closest thing is an M24x2.0 mm thread. I ordered a pack of those from Amazon, so I'll let you know if they fit.

[@davewhite8189]

@@thePFOchannel Did the lock nut fit, I just threw a track again, looking to pick up these if they worked.

[@roberto3330]

I have the LS15R, is very similar to yours! Looks like yours is missing the tail pipe 🤔

[@thePFOchannel]

I've never seen that model before, but it looks like it would have some nice features. What functions do the foot pedals actuate on yours? I thought it was odd that there wasn't a tailpipe on mine. I'll have to look into adding one.

[@roberto3330]

Right pedal is for the blade and left pedal is for the auxiliary controls. Were you able to safe your owners manual? I only have the one for the engine, I was wondering if there any good info the manual for the rest of the machine! A problem I have with mine is play on the swing/ swivel gear, good luck with the tail pipe, It does help in part with the heat in engine area

[@houcemammar5766]

Can you upgrade to hydraulic thumb ?

[@thePFOchannel]

I think I could, but it would take some fabrication work. The plumbing and auxiliary controls are all in place, but to my knowledge, there is no complete hydraulic thumb kit that is a direct bolt-on solution for this model. The three holes on the boom are spaced differently from other mini excavators. I have seen people on FB Marketplace, occasionally, that offer the L bracket that attaches to those three holes on this specific model. I think they're making them with a CNC plasma cutter. I don't know specifically which hyd. thumb assembly would pair up with such a custom bracket to achieve a good fit on this model.

[@SCDeerAddict]

There is no hydraulic thumb that fits this model without modification

[@thePFOchannel]

@SCDeerAddict Right. Such modifications are on my to-do list.

[@diyschoolofhardknocks2943]

I have the exact one and i love mine

[@thePFOchannel]

I'm glad to hear that! Me, too!

[@jameseaston2028]

Ritchies is buying them wholesale and selling them all over north America along with tons of other stuff.

[@thePFOchannel]

Whatever is going on, I'm OK with it.

[@charlescurrin-kw8ww]

Got one just like yours.Make sure you change the oil. They ship with vegetable oil which is like water. I went with name brand 10w30 full synthetic oil which doesn't break down to heat like regular oil

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks for the tip!

[@SCDeerAddict]

I agree change the oil immediately but use a good Dino oil for a bit to seat the rings good, then switch to synthetic

[@MysticSpank]

that is good you put a value of time to rent VS cost to buy. I think you are steep on the hours for your return. 24hr rental at 400$ is not going to be used that full 24hrs. 10 or less, so 40$ an hour of use. 5K machine, 125hrs of use and you are even. Convivence of having in there also has value with no added travel costs, scheduling and "have to get this all done NOW!" because it has to be returned to the rental place. Even if you do not agree with my math, use it anyway if your significant other questions the cost.

[@thePFOchannel]

You are certainly correct about the convenience of having it always at hand. I've used it for a lot of things already that I would have never considered a big enough reason to rent one. As for the 24-hour rental, I do prefer your math, but the few times I did rent a backhoe (never actually rented an excavator), I had the work all planned out and work lights all set up and I did, in fact, run that bugger for a straight 21.5 hours. The one hour drive each way and 30 minutes to pressure wash it and load it back on the trailer rounded out the 24-hour rental. I could not survive that pace very often. Fortunately, now I don't have to.

[@davewhite8189]

Also, I already bought a hydraulic oil filter to add to the unit, but during the hydraulic oil change I opened up the oil tank, and there is already a filter in there. Just FYI.

[@thePFOchannel]

Cool! I suspected there might be, but I'm glad to hear you confirm it. I haven't dug in there yet.

[@gibwest4968]

Harbor Freight has a $12.99 pump to move gas from your five gallon container to fuel tank!. I use it to fuel my my side by side

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks. I might have to give that one a try to see if the hose is long enough.

[@batescountry]

Have you tried adding a Hydraulic filter ?

[@thePFOchannel]

Not yet. When I get ready to change the hydraulic fluid, I'll take care of that, too. Some of these L12 and LH12 models allegedly have a filter on the return line inside the tank. I don't know if this unit is so equipped and, if so, if it is an effective filter.

[@batescountry]

@@thePFOchannel I was thinking of adding one myself, haven’t done the leg work to see what it would take

[@SONNYREESE]

@@batescountry too much of a hassel trying to mate metric crap to asae threads!

[@SCDeerAddict]

​@@SONNYREESEnot really, practically all of these minis use Light DIN fittings, L08, L12, L15, some have L18

[@nicholasproietto2500]

I like your unit, especially the ease of access to the engine. However, I'm not sure I like the hydraulic lines hidden inside the boom. If ypu ever need to replace a line, it's going to be a chore to accomplish. I've actually had my eyes on the H12 that you looked at. It's got a counter weight which many of these small excavators do not, plus I like the easy access to the hydraulic lines for maintenance. Yet, I don't like the fact that to work on the motor, or even to change oil, I'd have to remove panels. I guess it's a coin toss. I'm only 25 miles from the North East Md Richie brothers site, and they've got a big auction coming up in August. I'm going to try for one, assuming I don't find one someplace else first.

[@thePFOchannel]

Yes, they each have a few pros and cons, but none that I've seen yet that seem insurmountable. Good luck getting one at the August auction. That's cool that you're so close. We just did a 10 hour (each way) run down to the Nashville/Lebanon, TN Ritchie Bros yard to pick up a tilt bucket.

[@SONNYREESE]

Dont like lines in them either but chimnas better ideas I guess!

[@mavericktruck6648]

Lines running inside channels can wear and blow holes if not done right... While running outside its far more obvious.

[@thePFOchannel]

Yep, no doubt. That's probably why they also have the shielding.

[@denslod2930]

The container rash is normal, they put them in 5 double door containers then sell the containers and mini’s. I’ve watch at least 200 sold at local auctions. Another 40 or so coming up this week. They bring about $2750 to $4200. The high end has cab with A/C. Your not in a good area, near a port.

[@thePFOchannel]

Yeah, I figured they must really pack them in tight.

[@SONNYREESE]

$2,750 each for mine plus buyers fee.

[@thePFOchannel]

@@SONNYREESE That's a good price.

[@djmckay8345]

I just bought one from Richie bros . Just got delivered today. Same one exactly I paid $2557 an shipping 400. $2957 total.. 20.5 hrs .it came from Denver Richie Bros I just greased it all up an ready to play.

[@thePFOchannel]

Wow! You got it for a great price! Enjoy it and stay safe.

[@SCDeerAddict]

​@@thePFOchanneljust watched 3 go for 2700 or less at auction this past Saturday, I almost picked one up but decided not to in favor of the Miva VA15P

[@thePFOchannel]

@SCDeerAddict I've been watching for some Miva models to show up in a resonably nearby auction. I'd love to take a closer look at those.

[@KUBBI7488]

I have looks identical but made by different manufacturer! Very basic bit solid machine!

[@thePFOchannel]

That's interesting. I've suspected that the wide array of brand names we see are produced by a relatively small group of manufacturers. What brand is yours labelled as, if you don't mind me asking?

[@KUBBI7488]

@@thePFOchannel I have ordered from Shandong in China !

[@thePFOchannel]

I'd love it if you would provide a link to their website. It might be useful for future reference. I've never been able to find a direct source for this identical unit.

[@Outdoorsy368]

What is the make and model of that unit? Looks pretty good, love that access to the engine

[@thePFOchannel]

It is an AGT LH12R. I suppose I should have mentioned that somewhere 😅

[@Outdoorsy368]

@@thePFOchannel thanks much

[@13bravoredleg18]

The premiums and taxes jump the price way up at auctions!

[@thePFOchannel]

Right, but even with those fees, I got out the door at under $4,900.

[@SCDeerAddict]

20% usually, 3 of these L12Rs sold for 2700 this past weekend at local auction, with fees otd was about $3500

[@batescountry]

My machine was scratched in the exact same place

[@thePFOchannel]

They must pack the shipping containers so tight they rub on each other.

[@batescountry]

@@thePFOchannel probably so, I subscribed to your channel look forward to seeing more videos , I did a wall around video on my channel describing the modifications I plan to make if your interested in watching.

[@thePFOchannel]

That's a good video. I definitely subbed your channel. Not just to keep up on the mods you make to your excavator, but I actually spent many, many hours digging old farmstead and small town dump sites back about 40 years ago. Your videos bring back a lot of memories!

[@batescountry]

@@thePFOchannel thanks !! I’m glad you enjoyed them 😃

[@scottfoster2487]

Here is why these are on the auction yard,they bring in cheap attachments and excavators for fluff to get more people to buy over priced clapped out iron.

[@thePFOchannel]

That is one theory. Thanks for watching!

[@nicholasproietto2500]

The auction houses know they can sell these things, which of course brings more people, who may wind up bidding on a Chinese excavator plus something else. A year or two ago, the auctions I frequent had hardly any of these machines on their lots, now, they all sell them. One good thing is, it's bringing the price down on them. Last year they were selling for close to 6k at one auction I go to. Now, they're selling for less than $4k for some units.

[@sigma9102]

The biggest problem with these machines is that they are being advertised as having a Briggs & Stratton engine, when infact the engine is a B&S chinese fake (knockoff). They are flat out lying to everyone.

[@thePFOchannel]

The one I ended up purchasing clearly has a B&S knockoff, and I knew that before bidding. It was easy to see in the auction listing photos. The companies making these, at least AGT, apparently offer them both ways. I have personally inspected several units during pre-auction inspection periods. All but two of them had a genuine B&S engine. In each case where it had a B&S engine, it had the B&S logo somewhere on the outside of the excavator body in addition to the markings on the engine itself. In every instance where it had a knockoff briggs style engine, there were no B&S logos anywhere. Not on the engine and not on the outside of the excavator. So, based on my limited observations, I can not say they are misrepresenting anything. But, I can say that if you see one unit of a particular brand outfitted with a B&S engine, don't assume the next one will also have it.

[@sigma9102]

@@thePFOchannel Mine came with a supposedly "Briggs&Stratton" yet the serial numbers do not match anything in B&S's database. Logos and stickers mean nothing. Even the carburetor markings aren't as clear as a genuine B&S, it's clearly a knockoff but was sold as genuine. That's fraud in my books.

[@thePFOchannel]

I'm sorry to hear that. That set of facts sure sounds like a problem.

[@DrDjones]

The ones ending in R have the Rato engine

[@SONNYREESE]

@@thePFOchannel my first one says B&S on the motor and the second one,-- a L-12R has the RATO motor in it and I hate to say it but it has more power than the B&S does,--governor works WAY better too!

[@SamBellantoni]

Good for you dude I only buy Chinese 😅

[@thePFOchannel]

Thanks, but I didn't buy it because it was Chinese. I chose it because it was at a price point and quality level that matched my use case. If I was looking to earn a living with it, I may have gone in a different direction. Even then, though, the old stereotype of low quality Chinese products is pretty near obsolete. Before I retired, I traveled all over the world visiting manufacturing facilities. I first visited China professionally, over 20 years ago. Since then, I've visited dozens of Chinese factories and have witnessed them make a huge transition in quality very similar to the transition that Japanese industry achieved in the 60s and 70s.

[@SCDeerAddict]

These machines use off the shelf parts and fittings, surplus center has gear pumps, harbor freight predator 420cc will drop in, hosed can be had at any hydraulic shop, nothing on most of these is proprietary to China