Fixing the cheapest Chinese wheel loader Fland FL45

[@philipparana9225]

Im kinda impressed at how much effort was spent ro make it so cheap. Seems like more work.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea it’s quite a lot of engineering effort

[@crimsonsapphire6680]

engineering for production is an art in itself!

[@billsargent3407]

Wow, what the froggityfart that thing was poorly designed and than it was put together by knobs with no tools...

[@AbramsExcavating]

@ pretty crazy huh

[@peanutsmith1462]

Mini wheel loader from China $2000 welding over a gas can priceless. Great video dude.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks man! Glad I survived!

[@criticalevent]

For $2k, ya I'd buy that. For the $13,870 importers were trying to get for them, I'd have to huff a whole lot of those exhaust fumes first.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yes some of these guys get pretty hoggish I sold this one for $4k. I was like 2k cheaper than the cheapest one I found.

[@Imageloading...]

@@criticalevent I see them around $6k all the time near Philadelphia region

[@criticalevent]

@@Imageloading... Ya, literally nobody got what they were asking for them and now I see them dumped all over the auctions.

[@AbramsExcavating]

@@Imageloading... so I checked the market on these prior to the auction cause I hadn’t seen many of them. When I saw others asking 6k like an hour or two from me I knew I couldn’t hardly go wrong at 2k

[@AbramsExcavating]

@@criticalevent yea I literally sold mine for $4000 and mine was “fixed up”. You could actually do some work with it instead of having to immediately work on it! I wasn’t trying to make a wild profit. I just needed to cover my time which it did

[@NKLandscapingLLC]

Can't beat that thing for the price! Way better than a wheelbarrow and a shovel! First time viewer, glad to see another contractor out there with some tiltrotators!

[@AbramsExcavating]

Definitely a good price! Thanks for watching! And oh yea gotta have a tilty! Have 3 now!

[@thisisus.504]

You can imagine, back in the factory....yeah, that'll do....its on..... it'll be ok.....love the imagined thinking behind the build!!

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hahah I wonder how many of these units they build an hour!!

[@thisisus.504]

I know, the mind boggles. Best UK wishes 😊​@@AbramsExcavating

[@7eis]

Just needs to look somewhat like the picture in the AliExpress listing. If you expect them to come ready to use you'll be very disappointed. Ran a 'premium' Chinese wheel loader for a bit; the roll pin that held the quick change cylinder in place disintegrated within the first 50 hours. Rust bleeding from everywhere, Ray Charles did the welds with his hands on his feet. It would try to fold itself in half if you ever went full lock. I'll take a 30 year old quality machine that needs an overhaul over a brand new chingalingdindong if price point is the same.

[@GuppyMilk334]

Yea but you cant except much for this price to be honest. In general you should always tighten all bolts and change oils instantly on these chinese machines.

[@Myneckofthewoods7]

Man!!.. I am learning so much from all of you folks that have taken the plunch on this Chinese stuff. I mean they have potential.

[@AbramsExcavating]

They definitely have potential! But you gotta be somewhat handy to keep them going!

[@Myneckofthewoods7]

@AbramsExcavating Yes, I noticed. I do my own maintenance on my vehicles... until I have no other choice and have to hit a mechanic, so I think I can manage one of these things. especially with all of your knowledge. So yes, I understand... 😀

[@AbramsExcavating]

@ if you can fix a lawnmower you should be able to keep One of these things in operation! Also always remember it was built by people just like you an I!

[@ronkelly255]

Thank you SO much for taking the time to make and post this! I just purchased one to basically just move sand around in our plant. At less than 1/10 the price of a domestic name brand mini- loader, I was curious as to what all I would need to do to put this unit into our operation. THANX AGAIN!!

[@AbramsExcavating]

No problem! This was my goal to help people out!

[@rogarmadz]

Your fur baby wanted to play ball so bad! He/She was trying to send dog ESP. To you to pick up the ball and THROW IT!!! ENJOYED YOUR VIDEO, I ALSO SUBSCRIBED..

[@AbramsExcavating]

She loves playing ball. Almost to a fault! The ball thrower thing is the greatest invention. Once she learned how to put the ball in it she can play all by herself Thanks for watching! And the sub!

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

I love that you send a statement (whether you know it or not ) by showing your BEAUTIFUL Kubota Skid Steer in the back ground 18:49 while tinkering with a China Machine to make it somewhat work worthy. YES, Major brands are way over priced but they do the job... DID I say OVERPRICED????? How in the hell do they expect us NOT to buy Chinese products??? $5,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to other $70,000 machines.. Sure, they are a little smaller but they get the job done and are not half bad ONCE we get inside them with a wrench and tighten them up and maybe replace a few items with American made stock! I'm NOT ashamed to say I just bought a $5,000 Mini Skid Steer brand new for my single acre of land. It's just to move some dirt and help with cutting trees up. And the occasional driveway drag comes to mind..............

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hahah yea it’s pretty clear that I don’t need to use these Chinese machines for work! But I do enjoy to find their faults and fix them up!

[@cooper8318]

@@I_Am_Your_Problem You sound like a white boy for kamala LOL

[@jacobs4545]

split the difference and use american machines but 50 years old, run into more and (more expensive) problems than chinesium.

[@00fordxlt]

Ive scrapped more than one old tractor that wasn't worth fixing, always figured if i could grab an old tractor for scrap price if i tore into it and it wasn't worth going forward i could always bail and get my money back 😅​@jacobs4545

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

@@jacobs4545what American Machines? Even the best American machines source the majority of their components from China.Americans are actually clueless just how many of the “good” products are from the China. Not only China but often the same province and same factory as the cheap stuff.

[@alexs116]

The wood grain knob though. 😂

[@AbramsExcavating]

It’s boujee right?

[@alexs116]

I’m surprised it wasn’t loose too

[@AbramsExcavating]

@@alexs116 it was haha

[@GordFifield]

The boss bought one of these toys and the first thing I did was install two 10" fans front and rear (push, pull) due to the heat build up under the seat I liked your tips on fine tuning the clutch, throttle and brakes it is rather jerky, I cut out the front and back panels for maximum air flow.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea I could see a heat issue if you ran it hard in 80*+ weather. But the clutch and brakes needed that adjustment to be safe!

[@KISSFanDan1995]

I love how these imported machines have tail lights and directionals on them. Even though you aren’t really gonna drive these as vehicles. It must be regulatory to have them in their home markets. I’d buy one of these just for the cool factor.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I feel like it’s a cheap way to make them look more “legit” think about it. How bland would it look with no lights or switches It’s definitely got some cool factor. I was torn on selling it or keeping it just cause it’s neat. But it was eventually going to have a major failure down the road. I have plenty of machines so decided to sell it off

[@helpallofem4428]

The thing is with the machine sent direct to auctions is that the quality control is lacking which is fine if you want to save money and are willing to go over EVERYTHING on the machines. My brother buys shipping containers full of all types of machines direct from the Chinese manufacturers and they are assembled way better than the auction ones are. I have bought 3 machines from him and have had zero issues with any of them and I use them on a daily basis. Every nut and bolt is marked with a permanent marker from the factory at time of assembly and they are all TIGHT ! $2k for that machine is a great deal!

[@AbramsExcavating]

That’s interesting to know! Thanks for sharing that. I just assumed all this Chinese stuff is poorly assembled! But I agree it is a great deal!

[@nottelling6598]

From a lot of what I've seen with these very small, very cheap (although not from importers) bits of equipment, you're basically buying the equivalent of an exceedingly small and heavily used car to restore as a hobby project. It needs to have pretty much every attachment point or bracket inspected and tightened, spots of rust painted over, welds looked at concerningly then left as-is, etc. But then after all that, after investing half-again what you bought it for, you feel proud about making it work great for the use cases it's actually good at. Or somebody pushes one like they expect it to be a piece of full-sized equipment ready to work right off the lot, then get mad when it doesn't perform like something that costs ten times as much used. I'm glad you approached this like something to fix up, then managed to flip it for at least the work you put in on top of what you paid.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea I fully went into it knowing it was not going to be high quality! I enjoy tinkering with stuff and this was very enjoyable for me because I didn’t need to work with it. It was just a hobby/fun project to fix up. Even better that it made a profit! Thanks for watching!

[@eggegg6101]

I really enjoyed this video, I would definitely watch more equipment content/maintainence videos.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks for watching! I have some more Stuff I’m working on. It just takes a long time to film and edit these to get a good finished product. The worst part is I like to work. I like to get the work done and filming it for you guys slows it down a lot! I do my best though

[@BAtadCrazy]

Nice machine for the price. Lots of uses for home owners, small contractor jobs. I can see them being real popular.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Definitely a good value for light duty use!

[@larrymagill5422]

Cleaning the horses barn would be awesome

[@keithrhynes1945]

I would like to say this, first looks like you are the counter balance for the bucket, second maybe use loc tight on all the nuts and bolts. Other than that, coolest wheelbarrow to use. Learned a lot.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yes you nailed it there. It relies heavy on the operator for ballast. And lock tight is an essential!

[@billsargent3407]

When I was a kid and bought comic books at $.39, there were ads in the back for underwater fairy shrimp colonies, sneezing powder, and inevitably the DYI bulldozer... That is where this HAS to have from !! When i was 14 and had a lawn business of about 40 yards, I might have bought this...

[@AbramsExcavating]

I feel like the DIY bulldozer Would have been built a little better! But you can’t beat this thing for the price. And if you are handy it’s a great thing to tinker around with!

[@denjhill]

These things are cheap but I wouldn't enjoy owning one for the simple reason that I would be wondering what's going to break. On the other end of the spectrum is my little Kubota tractor. Beat the crap out of it and it just won't break. I love it.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Oh yea. I would have a hard time relying on this machine to get a job done. Fortunately I have a lot of other equipment!

[@deezelfairy]

Like most cheap Chinese equipment the issue isn't so much what's going to break but more am I going to be to get 'x' part when it does - and the answer is generally either 8-12 weeks or not at all.

[@00fordxlt]

​@deezelfairy you're not wrong, contemplating having parts made for my grandfather's old iseki, probably not worth messing with but I don't intend to use it anyway

[@SubculturalMoKa]

first time viewer... good stuff, nice video and loader itself wasnt half bad after the tweaks

[@SubculturalMoKa]

actually have my sub!

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks for watching! Yea it’s definitely a much better machine after the tweaks!

[@mavericktruck6648]

Grandchild "how did grandpa die?" Grandmother "drivin a china made wheel loader 17mph all the time"

[@AbramsExcavating]

That’ll do it!

[@neilkratzer3182]

Have to agree, one well built quality control machine there. At least the parts are worth as much as you paid for it.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hahahaa yes I figured worse case the motor and axles are worth close to what I paid!

[@chainsawsandgenerators9952]

they seem like it could be a fun project. adapting it to use the skid steer quick attachment system and more weight on the rear end you may have a real usable mini loader / offload forklift

[@AbramsExcavating]

Definitely. It has a ton of potential if you wanna invest the time and money into it!

[@ericlinder2623]

I just keep laughing at all the loose hardware. While you were working I noticed at least one loose lug nut on each wheel. Plus a bunch of other things. The thing looks like fun.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hahahah yea I’m sure I missed a lot of loose stuff on it! You guys see the stuff I don’t. Thanks for watching!

[@joshhassler]

Am looking for something around the house. To move stuff and do some dirt and stone work for driveway and a pad for pole barn. These are in my price range, along with older (90s)compact tractor with loaders. In your opinion, what would you do? I like how everything is new on these. And i can do basically anything myself. Just dont want to be replacing hoses or seals every other use eith thenolder tractors.

[@AbramsExcavating]

That’s a tough call, honestly the older compact tractors are probably a more durable option. These Chinese machines are not built very well. They will get you by for random odd jobs and such but to actually do work and dig or level I don’t think it would hold up. At least with an older compact tractor You’ll have a diesel engine and something to work with if it breaks. They were designed to be repaired. Not just pushed out the door like the Chinese stuff

[@joshhassler]

@AbramsExcavating makes sense, kinda what I am now leaning to after watching a couple videos on the loaders. Thank you!

[@AbramsExcavating]

@ no problem! Good luck with your future projects!

[@kstimberwolf1588]

Really, that thing is perfect size for around the house doimg things, it sure as hell beats a shovel!

[@AbramsExcavating]

Definitely beats a shovel and wheelbarrow!

[@gubr]

Feels like it came pre-assembled, like bicycles back in the day. Either the dealer or the buyer needs to go over each nut and bolt and linkage and adjust and tighten. The built quality itself is another matter. Of course the'd use the cheapest stuff they can get away with.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea “some reassembly required”

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

Some large importers will have the machines shipped in various states of assembly to maximize shipping volume. Pre covιd a contact cost about 10k to ship to the US and during the shit down it was as much as 30k a container. Actually one of many reasons for inflation since Americans import 90% of the stuff we own or 99% of t the r stuff we own has done fork of imported components. 3x shipping plus add tariffs at the same moment in time was disastrous. Importer often get these in different levels of assembly then half a_ś them together. No fluids is common. Many freighters have them drain the fluids, but not all. They don’t worry about the small Motors. That oil is the oil from the engine mfg. when you get a Chinese engine or generator they come with oil. Same fir the factory that built these. They have much better machines. These are built for use in China to be affordable domestically and throughout the region. People forget this machine is likely no more then $700 in China. The people in china benefit from extremely cheap and competitive prices as a result of being the new manufacturing empire.

[@simon722.]

Can you please show your entire fleet, I would be really interested to see what machines you have and which of the ones you have repaired over the years you still own I also found the new Cat caterpillar very interesting. I don't think I've seen it in one of your videos yet

[@AbramsExcavating]

I’ve been wanting to make a video of all my equipment but the hardest part is it’s rarely all together at once. I have a lot of stuff I’ve never made videos on. But I have also gotten rid of a lot of the stuff I fixed. A lot of the equipment I fix is to resell it or upgrade. By fixing broken stuff it allows me to basically upgrade to better equipment without much financial input Thanks for watching and I will work on getting a fleet video together! Which Cat are you referring to? I have a few cat machines!

[@woozleboy]

That looks like a very handy shop / yard rig to move stuff around. Add more weight to the rear. Wonder how it would do with a set of forks.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Not gonna lie I started to like the thing once I got it fixed up. I just worried that it would not hold up longevity wise. I bet a set of forks you could be moving 750 lbs around easily

[@busman46]

Great review and survey of the machine. Thanks

[@AbramsExcavating]

Of course! Thanks for watching!!

[@dodgeme1986truck]

Another trick you can do for stability is to liquid ballast the tires 23x8.50-12adds approximately 65-75lbs per tire filling just the rear tires can reduce the forward tipping drastically, also filling the steer tires adds improved bucket downpressure and because the weight is at the ground it makes the machine much more stable side to side as well.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea filled tires is definitely good for ballast. I didn’t even wanna touch these tires cause they all Held air Hahahha I was afraid they’d be going flat all the time if I messed with the

[@dodgeme1986truck]

​​@@AbramsExcavating with liquid ballast they will be less likely to loose air pressure... Those are tubeless skid steer tires if the valve stems were to fail (often have tubes in them from the factory) you can remove the tubes if equipped (although it is preferred to keep or install tubes when liquid ballasting they aren't required) and put in better quality bolt in metal valve stems. If you still want to keep the tubes you can get heavy duty tubes as well (factory tubes are pretty thin and have flimsy valve stems) although if worried about the valve stem cores you can replace just the cores and they do make a tool available for under $10 that can clean up the valve stem (kinda looks like a micro tire cross) one leg is a core tool, directly opposite is the valve stem external thread chase, then on one of the cross legs there is a straight thread chase for the valve stem internal threads for the valve core directly opposite is the core seat ream used to gently clean the core seal seat of any burs or corrosion... Tool example slime tool number 2044-A for example

[@my_channel_44]

Rotate the valves so they are up at the highest point. Remove core. Fill with antifreeze and tire Slime to the valve level. Will be about 75% of the volume of the tire. Pricey over plain water, but 100% better on tubeless than having your rims rot out when a tube on the inside leaks and you used something else like a saturated brine.

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

Yep and sit on the seat with the bucket full since it’s designed to use him as the ballast.

[@dodgeme1986truck]

@@my_channel_44 I use washer fluid for ballasting and have had to dismount the tires afterwards due to getting a log across the valvestems ripping the rubber base off rims were still shiny inside 4yrs later refilled and still running use the blue washer fluid...

[@onlythetruthfull]

The throttle cable is still pulling at an angle. The whole machine wants to be taken apart and greased as they assemble most of them dry. Also locknuts or locking fluid on bolts. The panels such as steps can be removed and welded along the joints to strengthen them. Most of the panels can be strengthened. The machine will be a lot better, quieter and last a lot longer. Finally, paint and a counterweight.

[@AbramsExcavating]

It needs some assistance to be fair. But has good bones

[@jeepanimal2943]

I, myself would have made a lightbar for behind the seat. Using the canopy mount as a guide, and so that the canopy could be bolted back to it, solely for some form of layover protection. Not rollover, there's not enough meat on that machine to support it. But, something to stop it from going completely over, wheels up. Other than that, it looks like a decent weekender machine.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I guess it would work for layover but the whole “hood” is very thin steel.

[@incubatork]

Good idea filling the bumper, If you left the machine running while filling the concrete in the bumper it would auto vibrate and fill nicely. Did you check the front steering articulation joint for a nipple and grease? they are quick wear points on that type of articulation, especially if it has no grease.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I had thought about keeping it running but the back bumper wasn’t really liquid tight. It was dripping as I filled it already! Unfortunately none of the steering pivot points were grease able. I know that’s a major wear point on articulated machines cause there’s a lot of weight on them plus they are constantly moving!

[@incubatork]

@@AbramsExcavating 👍

[@emmetmyers]

Thank you for making this video I enjoyed it have you considered feeling that rear bumper with concrete. Probably improve its balance and give it a lower center of gravity along with adding to lifting capacity😊

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yup it’s in the video! I filled the back with concrete for ballast Thanks for watching!

[@Max_Marz]

man even the no-spill I ran over with my school bus doesn't leak like that, your o ring must be in a knot. I love that little thing tho, one with a fork attachment would be sooo sick, maybe some needle valves on those controls lol.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea the o ring was twisted hahah but it also doesn’t help that the can has a crack from uv damage. It’s a pretty neat unit. I think with some refining it could be a really productive machine. But it would require some redesigning and engineering to be 100% good to go

[@charleswelch249]

For the price. You got a great deal. After seeing everything loose and maladgusted. You should probably check the U bolts. They didn't look evenly tightened, and they were not looking that tight. But getting everything greased and lubrication will make it better for the next guy.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea definitely a good buy. The u bolts were welded to the axle. I was kinda afraid to even mess with them but they definitely were not tightened evenly. All the stuff I did definitely made It better for the next guy and that was my goal!

[@charleswelch249]

@AbramsExcavating thank you for checking. Put rubber T1 tires with fluid and a makeshift parking break, and it's an all-around useful machine for the money.

[@johnwaugh8633]

A hitch would have been great to add on to the bumper when you were doing the concrete. That thing would probably be great to move trailers around with. Also wish these had the same attachment system as a skid steer so you could use different buckets. I've wondered if these could be sort of modified to be a decent brush mower if it had aux hydraulics.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I thought about a hitch, but since I was reselling it I didn’t want to make it unsafe incase this cheap steel were to tear or something from welding a hitch on. I’m Sure with the right amount of time you could make it right though

[@johnwaugh8633]

@@AbramsExcavating With reselling it that makes total sense. If I were doing it and keeping one of these, I'd probably weld up a beefier bumper when doing the hitch.

[@johnwaugh8633]

​@@AbramsExcavating This guy did some cool modifications to the same loader. Changing the gear ratio probably made it way better to maneuver kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZPWoGZtj7ersNUsi=ZKZPV5EYmNh7gRwW

[@sk1996-tt3bm]

for more ballast put water in the rear tires. you will get another 50lbs of ballast id say (we do this with all kabota tractors with front loaders)

[@AbramsExcavating]

That wouldn’t be a bad idea, probably have to use beet juice or something that has a lower freeze point for up Here though!

[@calebdean2440]

The muffler also needs some kind of a support. Mine broke off after a couple hours of use. Thats when I discovered they used thin wall square tubing with 45 degree cuts welded together for the exhaust pipe

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yes their exhaust system is “custom” Mine seemed pretty solid. Maybe the welds were even worse on yours

[@JeffreySiler]

Use it show us how it works please awesome job buddy thanks for the opportunity to share this with you today ❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks for watching! I already sold the machine but I tried to use it as much as I could! I have a lot of machines so it’s hard to find use for such a little loader

[@ronaldstrayer580]

With your no spill gas can, check to make sure the o ring is in the lid and if it is make sure it is seated right. I had that same problem with one of my no spills years ago and that was the problem, the o ring wasn't seated right.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yup my o ring had a twist in it! Thanks for the tip!

[@ronaldstrayer580]

@@AbramsExcavating Your welcome. Enjoyed the video.

[@tn65s]

It would be very easy to make a quick change bucket and forks and you get the idea.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea would not be hard to make it accept dingo or Kubota scl attachments! But I have a machine for that already !

[@tractorboy31]

Love your no spill gas😅

[@AbramsExcavating]

Such a pain. Fortunately it was just a twisted o ring!

[@darploin5071]

I think your cheap Chinese payloader has more in common with a go kart than a large Caterpillar payloadeven though there are similar features like hydraulic rams and stuff your engine is basically a glorified go cart engine but that's just as well cause you know what if the engine ever blows up it's cheap to replace it. If I were you I would hold onto it it would be fun just to experiment and see what you could do with it do little modifications maybe even switch it out with a yammar diesel of somewhere displacement. Will you have an excellent Sunday

[@AbramsExcavating]

Oh yea it’s definitely more of a 4x4 go cart than a cat 980! I really wish I could just run it til it broke but financially I had to break even and sell it. Thanks for watching!

[@LightningFabrication]

It's sad that our country is being flooded with cheap Chinese products, especially this cheap mini equipment. I saw a lot more loose fasteners, ie the shift cable adjustment nuts and the U-bolt nuts on the axles. The old saying of "Some Assembly Required" needs to be changed to "Some Reassembly Mandatory". What were the set of keys hanging out of the dash used for, it also looked like there was a choke knob next to the keys and did I see turn signals? Anyways thanks for the review.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea it’s poorly made, that’s part of the reason I made the video. Not to support the equipment but to help people see how poor it is. And also how to make is useful Thanks for watching!

[@BAlbert-s3q]

You can add a parking brake easily with linkage to the mechanical brakes bar.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yes I thought of something like that. Or a cable style parking brake handle

[@matthewwennerholm5856]

Great video. While filling the bumper with concrete, seems like it would have helped the concrete settle if the engine was running while filling. Vibrations.....

[@AbramsExcavating]

I thought about this, but the problem was the box on the back was not liquid tight! Was making a mess just me beating on the weight box with my fist

[@newandoldtech5634]

It would be handy with a roll cage. At lest you can have a roof, work a bit even if it is raining. And to go really overborad, attach a plexi sheet as front window to keep some rain an d wind off.

[@AbramsExcavating]

A good roll cage would be a nice addition. Closing in the cab would be great for snow removal work!

[@DFaulkner0]

I hope you greased it, if they forgot to tighten bolts how many things did they forget to grease?

[@AbramsExcavating]

I greased everything that could be greased. You’d see that if ya watched the video!

[@col.johnson9938]

And change all the fluids, I imagine they used the cheapest lubricants possible

[@eddiebowens1919]

That looks like something I would do when you were welding over a gas can lol

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hey everyone makes mistakes haha. Fortunately this one was caught before exploding!

[@jwg9338]

There's one of these for sale in my province. Trying to decide if getting it shipped is worth it.

[@AbramsExcavating]

If you can get it super cheap I’d say go for it. They aren’t bad machines. But not the greatest either. I think my video shows some of the bad stuff about them. Best of luck!

[@ineedfriends6764]

theres one being bidded off right now in minnesota for 200 bucks also if i were to buy one i would definetly weld up a kind of pallet fork and use it for smaller logs or even if i needed to move something like actual pallets also airing down the tires so they have some give to them

[@AbramsExcavating]

That’s a steal if it goes even for 1000

[@ineedfriends6764]

@AbramsExcavating yea I think so too. Too bad I am too young to drive by less than a year and my family doesn't want another "piece of junk" around

[@someonelse5847]

for the 2k price, I would buy one to replace my chinese snowblower, and yeah, it also came partially assembled, I mean everything was there, barely fastened, so I repaced a lot of nuts with nylock's, and some bolts I locktited. Doesn't matter, it broke, and now everything is rusted solid, they don't use grease when mounting stuff that is supposed to come off either.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Oh for sure!! Definitely a great deal!

[@hansjansen7047]

That short drive shaft between the axles is indexed wrong. You'll get vibration unless the yokes on either end are aligned. Compare it with one on your pickup

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yes there’s a whole lot more to worry about than a poorly indexed yoke! But thanks for pointing that out i definitely overlooked it.

[@Craneman4100w]

You've won my heart, subscribed.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Haha thanks for the sub hope you enjoy the content!

[@jeffforre5475]

I would ditch the clutch set up and drive the transmission with a hydraulic motor, rig a self centring foot control valve for forward and reverse, upgrade the pump or add another hydraulic pump and reservoir.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea converted to a hydro drive would be pretty slick. Honestly though if the clutch doesn’t explode and wears nicely it’s not bad being a manual transmission.

[@rossaryrose9337]

It has Briggs & Stratton , so most important part is good, everything else are some pipes , metal.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yep the motor is solid so the rest is repairable!

[@Ecmike85]

Great video!

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@raysanders6744]

Make sure to add grease Zerks to the arm pins, mine didn’t have any. A little grease goes a long way.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I thought about it. But there was not really any good spots to drill and tap a fitting. And honestly by the time the boom wears out the machine is probably gonna be broken beyond repair

[@raysanders6744]

@@AbramsExcavating they should be threaded already, metric

[@The_Home_Pros]

Great video!! This should get a lot of views and subs!

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks! This one was fun to make for sure!

[@utubota5522]

Your improvements were great. I hope before you take many chances with the machine that you upgrade the roll cage. That thing looked a little unstable.

[@AbramsExcavating]

It was surprising pretty grounded once you are sitting on the seat. I feel like if you are just shifting material around with the bucket on fairly flat land you’d be fine! Thanks for watching!

[@carlclouseriii8519]

It's not just Chinese machine you have to check everything. Korean and Indian both need a PDI or pre delivery inspection

[@f.hababorbitz]

I just purchased one at online auction Wed, $2400 but with fees and tax $2808 (there were 3 at this auction, the one I originally picked went for $3400). It needs a roll bar mod, to make a structure for the operator seat, that has hinged doors. The engine is rated 25-27HP, but clearly there's some import EPA regulations for engines over 13HP. Simple fix, just put a plate that say's 13HP. So try to change the filter. Hidden on the top of the engine, and you can't remove the plastic top filter screw (large 3"), if you did get that loose, you can't lift the filter cover off. I removed the engine switch and oil level box from the side of the engine, and seems a new seat support this could be mounted up where it's usable. I think this machine was an engineering project to design using CAD, and some list of available parts. I was surprised to see a real transmission vs the normal hydraulic everything of the mini excavator, track loader, which all seem to be log splitter projects to teach students CAD skills. I think if you drive the bucket into something that pushes it hard sideways, all that front loader arm steel will bend. It needs to have more iron welded on.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea it’s definitely not a well designed machine. There are more flaws in it than I even showed. It is decent for the money once you fix some things. But you can’t expect much for a few thousand bucks!

[@f.hababorbitz]

@@AbramsExcavating This is a true pre-assembled kit that required engineering test to find all the weak links. I think they scaled down a huge 5 yard payloader of just this kind with the articulating steering joint. Seeing you drive at high speeds into the pile and fill the .45cubic meter bucket. It might survive a bit, but I would not let anyone use mine, as slight abuse will result in major repair effort. The transmission seems tough enough, don't know about the clutch for long term use. I wonder what the intent of that 3rd pulley V groove off the driven transmission input was intended for. The axles, I wonder what they are really rated at, seems these could be used in a 1/2 ton truck. Really depends on the that shaft diameter and ball bearings behind the hubs. I'll have to try to pull the rear apart to see the quality of the brake cam mechanism, as the clutch cam mechanism is probably the same principle mechanical implementation. They put in a jack screw for the hydro pump (tracing the output goes direct to the steering valve, and the dump of that feeds the main hydro bucket pressure input. I wonder how they filled the steering internal cylinders and the hose so there's no big bubbles left (another thing to fix). I was expecting to see an engine jack screw for the belt tension. It is darn tight from the factory. So far I've been finding all the bolts tightened with overtorque set power tools, some have thread distortion damage. Your machine is exactly the same as mine except the rear flashing turn lights. And same with the crazy useless dash key and ammeter. I bet the ammeter was never the intent, but the cheapest thing to put there as a decoy to any buyers that think gauge is quality (it normally is :D). I'm just a homeowner so this machine was bought for snow removal, and very light crushed limestone driveway work. My wife say's I need to get rid of the 1972 Hydromac 8a (Gehl 2500) skid loader I rebuilt 35 years ago. We shall see this winter if this is more maneuverable. I was thinking a better place for added weight is to have a tire shop that does big tractor tires on bucket excavators, fill them with beet juice (water with sugar to prevent freezing, vs salt that when it leaks, you MUST fix it). That puts the weight on the tread of the tires, and should give good traction. It would be nice if all the gearing was shifted down by 2:1 or maybe 3:1 of engine to current transmission input. Lastly, when the clutch pedal is fully up, shouldn't the throw out ball bearing race that contacts the 3 rocker dogs, have just maybe a thousands of clearance so there's no loading of the bearing and the clutch spring is fully pushing the clutch closed? You appear to have it adjusted, was that part of the technique when you adjusted the 3 rocker adjusters? I see you have killer big machines all around your property, this had to be purchased purely for the fun of it. So was mine. I like fixing broken stuff, it's been my hobby for over 60 years. And I know when to scrap junk, not there yet. I did download a manual for the engine. Rato R740 and full maintenance manual in English. 51 pages.

[@AbramsExcavating]

@ yea this machine has a lot of room for improvement. The basics are there but it’s just very poorly engineered and put together. I did just buy this machine purely for fun. I enjoy tinkering with stuff and these Chinese machines generally bring a good amount of attention on KZbin. I have a full scale excavation business so I’ve got plenty of “real” toys. For the clutch, you are Correct. However this was so poorly engineered that the linkage didn’t actually allow me to get the couple thousands free play between the T/O bearing and the fingers. I got it to where it grabs good and releases fully. Figure it would last for a good while if you don’t abuse it. I would never buy this machine to make money. But if I wanted to tinker on the property or move snow in my driveway it would be perfect! Thanks for watching and sorry if I missed a few of your questions!

[@f.hababorbitz]

@@AbramsExcavating I'm looking for ways to fix the maintainability problems, and maybe get a safety rollbar out of it. I did buy a cheap mini-excavator L12, so I think it's the 900kg model, it is a log splitter copy of the Kubota smaller equipment, but for the money they did good. I got mine last fall after the EPA killed all the diesel imported units, so mine is gasoline. Also got a mini dumper, I have a 300 ft driveway to make to the rear of the property, and there's no access to anything larger then a 3/4 ton pickup with a 5yard dump trailer to get crushed rock down. Here in Iowa, it's all limestone just below the clay and sand surface earth. I have multiple repair projects on the house foundation and a 277 ft trench for electric power to dig. I was going to do it a few months ago, but drought hit, and the ground is rock hard for my excavator to break it, and all I would do is damage it. I paid 2x for it vs auction buying, eBay seller $6200. But now I know. But I probably have enough equipment for the rest of my life.............Thanks for the video. It was helpful on the clutch. Think a simple riser under the main seat to frame mount, is what I'm thinking. 3-4 inches should not make the operator center of gravity to much more tipsy sideways.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Sounds like you’ve got Quite the project coming up! Hopefully it all goes well. Thanks for watching! And enjoy your equipment!

[@manitobaman5588]

That might be just vegetable oil in the engine for shipping and not operation.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I’d guess the hydraulic oil may be vegetable oil but the engine oil was definitely made from decayed dinosaurs

[@robertduncan2742]

Theres alot one can do to reinforce areas to counter weights in areas. The rearends are most likely from cars and trikes they use.

[@AbramsExcavating]

It was definitely cheaply made! Yea I’m sure you could reinforce it in many ways. I had thought about making it accept tractor weights but figured I shouldn’t hang too much weight on it it might break in two!

[@jacobrobinson175]

I don't know if it came with one but I definitely think it needs a hoop bar or a roll bar

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea a good rops bar would be nice. It just came with that sun shade

[@dirk4926]

I can't believe how fast it is. I'd love to have one just to move snow

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea it’s a rocket! Would be a good snow machine with a little plow or pusher box

[@markchatman9583]

I’m guessing about an hours worth of maintenance per hour of actual use type of a machine.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Seems like that was the case while I owned it. It might be a little better now that some stuff has been addressed

[@dannie1035]

This video is the best!! We have 4 of the mini excavators from china from acution and i had all the same issues everything was loose throttle and choke needed adjusted the seats all was loose but other then that the price was great

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks for the kind words! Yea these machines need some help but once you work some Bugs out of them they can be pretty useful! Thanks for watching!

[@wayne-oo]

The vibration from the ship it came over on likely loosened all the fasteners !

[@AbramsExcavating]

Was a rough ride I guess!

[@wayne-oo]

@@AbramsExcavating The company I formerly worked at imports 10 containers of these inexpensive units and they ether come ready to go or like yours, I guess it depends on the position on the boat they get ! But one thing for sure , no two are the same !!

[@AbramsExcavating]

@@wayne-oo truly hit an miss I guess!

[@georgeallenjr9394]

That looks more like a Cheech and Chong than a Briggs & Stratton.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea Ching Chang powered Briggs clone

[@emmetmyers]

I would have relocated that manual throttle somewhere near the dash. Maybe the key as well

[@AbramsExcavating]

The manual throttle isn’t use for much other than cold starting the engine

[@Hyratel]

damn, that flipped fast. I would have recomended to get some stickers printed for the load limit and a list of the grease points, a list of top speeds, and labels for Gas and Hyd Oil. WLL 400Lb + 0.5x Driver Weight

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea didn’t take much! Some warning labels would be nice!

[@williamadams8]

Forgive me if this was answered in the video but what's the max lift/dump height? I'm looking at one of these machines to strictly keep in the yard to load salt/sand into our pickup truck spreaders through the winter. Anyone have any knowledge if it will lift high enough?

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hey no problem! So it will lift about 6.5ft. But that’s hinge height. When you dump the bucket it drops so if your spreaders have a grate on them that could be problematic

[@Ian-iu2tl]

Hahaha...if it gets you through a major project, then the bucket of bolts has paid for itself. I think that heap needs a coomplete stem to stern inspection and everything tightened, Loctite and lube everywhere, but good luck getting parts.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Yea that’s true. I think you’d have to fab your own parts if something failed. But for sure. Fully bucket to bumper inspection and torqueing is required!

[@sandy1653]

On the one hand I've seen better work from the contestants on Junkyard Wars. On the other hand, the price was about right and it sure beats doing it by hand.

[@AbramsExcavating]

Absolutely beats by hand!

[@MattMorris481]

Yeah I heard that ball thrower before and didn’t know what the hell it was, geez they’ve got everything for dogs now.😂

[@AbramsExcavating]

Marley drives me nuts even with the ball thrower! But it definitely keeps her occupied while I’m trying to work!

[@anthonyc6571]

Are you going to always put some weights on that rear bumper looks pretty beefy for Chinese

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thought about adding a weight bar to stack suitcase weights on it

[@ManMountainMetals]

The possibilities are endless 🤩

[@AbramsExcavating]

Something like that! I was really impressed I never bent the bucket….

[@ManMountainMetals]

@AbramsExcavating it seems to be mostly hand tightened, might carry a little tool kit, and a bottle of loctite on the machine somewhere 🤔 in case you get away from the house with it and something important comes loose. Still 2k. Helluva deal.

[@AbramsExcavating]

@ yea I’m Not sure how their manufacturing process works. But I’d say hand tight or just barely snugged. Oh yea for 2k it was a steal. I knew it would be kinda poor quality like all the Chinese machines are. But it was fun fixing it up and playing around with it. I don’t know what the new owner is going to do with it. He didn’t speak very good English so we didn’t talk Much about it

[@robertduncan2742]

Where did you locate this, adding rear weight is a must but looks interesting

[@AbramsExcavating]

I bought it at auction. They aren’t super common yet. There’s been some I have seen on marketplace but they are a lot more (5-7000) The rear weight was a major improvement.

[@kevinstone3454]

I would like to take the engine transmission and axles and build a mini jeep would have to make the front axle steerable and get some lockers for the diffs or weld them it could be a fun project.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I was thinking you could make a pretty neat go kart out of it!

[@robertduncan2742]

Add hooks to the concrete to add extra weight later. What site did you buy it

[@Shadetreehack57]

if you dont mind me asking. How much did you sell it for? i always see these on auction, around me sell for around 1,500 up to 4,000 for some. never see them on marketplace though, just wondering about the market on there.

[@AbramsExcavating]

So I sold it for $4350. I paid with tax and auction fees $2100. This was the cheapest one on marketplace here. Every other one they are trying to get 4500-6500 for them which is far too much

[@Shadetreehack57]

@AbramsExcavating dang. I could not imagine paying 6500 for one. I still don't even know how they make profit from the factory. You start breaking down the price for parts on them, and it adds up real quick. Even with their shotty work, it don't make sense.

[@AbramsExcavating]

That’s what I can’t figure out either. 2 years ago when I first got the Chinese excavator a few companies approached to to sell them. They were offering them to me for like $2800 each back then. I didn’t want to be linked to Chinese equipment cause I do buy and sell a lot Of name brand stuff so I declined. But it just makes you scratch your head how they even make a profit. I’m pretty sure whoever consigned this mini wheel loader in the auction lost money on the deal. There’s no way they are cheaper than 2,000 direct from overseas.

[@toddgeiger9417]

Thanks for the video. Bucket could use a cutting edge, couldn't it?

[@AbramsExcavating]

Thanks for watching! Yea it definitely could Use one. However I don’t think the machine will last long enough to wear out the bucket!

[@PaulReiche-v5o]

What a machine.

[@AbramsExcavating]

It’s a unit for sure!

[@theforeman1097]

Might make a useful machine with a snowblower attachment on the front?

[@AbramsExcavating]

I thought about putting a snow plow on it. I don’t know if it would run a snow blower well cause it’s not geared low enough

[@thepubliceye]

Stuff like that is not assembled when shipped, someone in the receiving county assembled that machine, probably just enough to get it to the auction

[@AbramsExcavating]

They are shipped pretty much as You see it. They are assembled and come In a steel crate.

[@robertduncan2742]

It seems there fast produced for less cost to finish once received either way thats fine

[@ronkelly255]

You noticed that things seemed wet when you checked the tranny fluid. When I checked mine, things seemed damp but was wondering if the gears may need to be covered? And if so, what would you recommend that I add a tranny fluid or a gear oil, or hydraulic fluid?

[@AbramsExcavating]

I saw the gears and stuff were wet. I’m assuming this is a “slinger lube” type gear box like most are. For peace of Mind you aren’t gonna hurt It to add some gear oil to it. I think I was using 50 wt gear oil for like an eaton fuller trans out of a truck.

[@ronkelly255]

@AbramsExcavating Thanx SO much . . . so basically the same one would put in the axles.

[@dominicvelazquez7998]

Any real way to reduce the speed and raising torque like switching out pullies?

[@AbramsExcavating]

There might be a way. It would definitely be beneficial cause that thing flies haha

[@scubageorge1]

how long will it take to move a pile of rocks ?

[@AbramsExcavating]

Depends how big the pile is

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Asking a lot out of that little engine i wonder how long it lasts clearly being pushed beyond its comfort zone trying to run an altenator and all the hydraulics

[@AbramsExcavating]

I think the engine would last longer than the machine. It’s really only running a small hydro pump and a clutch to the transmission. Most lawn tractors Are under a similar load while mowing if not more load.

[@justindailey4265]

I think I seen u at the wolgemuth in Leola pa. Is that where u got it?

[@AbramsExcavating]

Nah I bought my Chinese excavator out there a few years ago. This one came from Marshall’s auction in honesdale

[@paulcabral650]

Did you notice if there was room for a trailer hitch?

[@AbramsExcavating]

I’m sure one could be added. There’s alot of space under the back

[@paulcabral650]

@AbramsExcavating thank you

[@Imageloading...]

So its like Farmertec or Holzforma.... worth the extra effort for huge savings

[@AbramsExcavating]

For sure!

[@GargamelAzrael]

Whats the key on dash for? Is there a purpose, tightens the u-bolts on front and rear axles

[@AbramsExcavating]

That key is for the lights, horn and turn signals only.

[@GargamelAzrael]

@AbramsExcavating that kinda sucks I make it start and power them from that key rather then reaching down under to start it

[@christastic100]

Put a lever to lock the break pedal down?

[@AbramsExcavating]

Would be the best bet for a parking brake. I thought about a cable operated brake

[@TheJunkFarm]

‘I’m not even sure it’s safe” Lol I am. I am definitely sure it is NOT ‘safe’ hehehe

[@AbramsExcavating]

Hahahahah exactly! Still fun though!

[@RICHARD_WASD]

Bunch of these listed in my local farm auction for ~$1500 or less right now.

[@AbramsExcavating]

I’d scoop one up and resell it if ya can. I sold mine for $4000 after I tinkered with it!