Groundhog Mini-Excavator (ZH20D): Routine Maintenance

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

I wish I could clean my machine with a leaf blower! It rained the other day and I had to use my pressure washer twice. Nice video. Very informative.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Thanks! I wish it would rain here! We are dry as a bone in NE Washington state. Are your tracks adjusted like mine? Have you done that yet?

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

@@YamahaC7SRG I haven't taken the time to adjust my tracks yet. You beat me too it.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

@@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator When one of us has to replace a track, THAT will be an interesting video...

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

@@YamahaC7SRG Well I've run a track off twice now while I was trail clearing but I didn't have a camera or any tools with me. They roll back on as easy as they roll off but I know it wasn't the proper way. Running them on the loose side has it's pros and cons. If they are too tight you might damage a track when gravel passes between the sprocket and rubber.

[@12622outback]

I picked up the BH24D from Snowy. I've only got about 15 hours on it so far. Between the tractor and this they do most everything I need to do. I've been impressed with the BH as it lifts much larger logs than I expected. It doesn't strain and even more amazing is I'm able to swing to the side with the log and it's still very stable. I've got some larger logs previously stacked by the tractor and I'm curious if the BH will lift them as well. I've run a 35G in the past and although it's a bit bigger I've been very happy with what I'm able to accomplish on the BH24. It's interesting my thumb operates by opening on the left and closing on the right on the foot control. Opposite of yours. The dozer blade lifts on the right of the foot control and sets down with the left of the control.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

The BH24D looks like a great machine. I like the rear access feature on yours. It's hard to see in the engine compartment of mine. My ZH20D has been sidelined because of snow here in Spokane for the last several months. I'm eager to get it out and start working again on my property. Good luck with your mini!!

[@12622outback]

@@YamahaC7SRG Last week was very nice over here on the coast. This week is another story with all the rain moving in. That will probably sideline me due to the mud I'd be working in until it dries out. These things are a big of a mystery when you get em. I discovered the chair flips up along with the panel and you can get to the whole top of the engine by removing 1 wingnut. There is a large hatch to the front side of the motor as well. (I had to adjust the carb idle so that's how I found out.) So yes, access is very good for the engine. Not sure if the floorboard is like yours but the floor comes up so you can get to all the hydraulics. I love the maneuverability of these little guys. I was working tight area between the trees I dropped and the dump trailer I was loading. I came away impressed. Thanks for your video. When I was doing research the ZH20 was on my short list.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

@@12622outback Does yours have a 2-speed gearbox? Mine does not and that option wasn't available in it when I bought it in August, 2022. At that time, it was hard to get these (and a lot of other stuff) so I took the last one Snowy River had and felt lucky to get it. I didn't realize how slow it is to go from point A to point B. I called HE and they said the ZH20D now has that option for $975 but it can't be retrofit onto mine. I guess that's why mine has a cup holder and foot controls so I can have a drink while I'm crawling over to the other side of the property!

[@cdmajesty4803]

I would love to hear how heavy of a log you can lift over front, but especially over the side

[@12622outback]

@@cdmajesty4803 I can tell you exactly to the side. I carried a 36ft 1400lb lam beam into a house with the bucket to the side. Used a chain around the bucket and the beam. Bucket in close. It was perfectly balanced so one of my guys could put a foot on the end to teeter the beam up over the porch. That is the max as you start to tip to the inside track if you aren't paying attention. I've lifted heavier off the front with the dozer blade down but don't plan on moving anywhere as you will tip forward without the dozer blade support.

[@SleepingGaint]

What options does your machine have? 2 speed? Extended tracks? If buying it again what would you do different? Thanks

[@YamahaC7SRG]

No options that I know of. I wish it had the 2 speed but that was not available when I bought it. That is the one thing I would change. Well worth the extra $1,000!

[@normhowes2975]

Another suggestion is to remove a flat grease fitting (2 different sizes) and take to your favorate auto parts store and get REAL Zerk fittings as they are easier to clean. The tracks on my ZH20D basicly stopped needing to be adjusted around 50-60 hours and now have over 100 hours. Don't quote me but l believe about 1/2 inch from the center bottom roller to the track (the thickness of your finger) with the weight off the tracks.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Thanks! Great input!!

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

On the adjustment bolts. You might wount to keep some pb blast to help keep the threads clean when you adjust. There is no way I can clean mine mini with a leaf blower

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Good idea on the PB Blaster. How do you clean yours?

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

@@YamahaC7SRG I have to take to car wash. I get to much dirt and mud

[@kurtisloew11]

How is this machines reliability for you so far ?

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Hi, I'm up to 95 hours of pretty hard use and I've had no issues. Just did my 2nd oil change (didn't use any oil). Have no fluid leaks and all seems well. I hope this helps!

[@normhowes2975]

The bolt and lock nuts are 36 mm

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Thanks!

[@nathanbigge6594]

Hey man I was looking in to geting one of these just kinda wondering wat price for machine and delivery estimate

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Hi, At Snowy River Equipment in Cle Elum WA, my cost was $18,900 plus WA sales tax. I picked it up myself and moved it in the cargo trailer. I also ordered some attachments that were extra. With tax and attachments, it was just over $21k. I think it's cheaper if you are near the company that makes them in PA: Hackenberg Equipment Sales.

[@kurtisloew11]

Is the jerkiness corrected if you have the engine rpm’s higher?

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Hi! The jerkiness seems to happen when you don't move a control fully to its stop. It's also caused by my incompetence and lack of experience. I actually found that it was a little better with a low RPM setting. I've got more time on the machine now and have more confidence so it's much better. I don't think it's a fault of the machine but of the operator. I've wondered if the smaller hydraulic valves might be a little 'touchier' than the large ones on the big machines...

[@AirplaneDoctor_]

@@YamahaC7SRG The inherent jerkiness is the result of low quality valves, seems to be an issue with most lower end manufactured small equipment. Replacing with better quality can make a big difference but likely not worth it if you don't wish heavy investment in a cheap machine vs just getting used to the jerkiness. With decent valves you can run the machine at full throttle and not have to move your controls stop to stop to get smooth results.

[@12622outback]

There is only one control on mine that is sensitive, the others run smooth. On mine the boom up is sensitive. If I'm running curl at the same time it's fine. If it's loaded its fine. If I ease the up boom valve slow it's fine. If I try to lift with full open with an empty bucket and try to slow or stop it is jerky.

[@joejansen6465]

What type Hydraulic fluid are you using

[@YamahaC7SRG]

I haven't had to add any yet but the manual says ISO VG32 for my temperature range. Also, it says to change it at 2,000 hours so I won't be doing that for quite some time!

[@dirtpro2781]

I'm selling a new HT 10 for 9,999 in Texas.Extra 8" bucket...Hydraulic thumb..Quick connect...Hydraulic oil cooler.