I Bought a Chinese Mini Skid Steer - 2 Month Review

19 hours and almost two months after buying this Chinese mini skid steer loader, is it any good?
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I ordered my machine from Dean Sun at Derette on Alibaba. Click here to see the machine I bought and contact Dean on Alibaba. Or you can email him below. Let him know you found him though this video.
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[@TimPoplin]

Thanks!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you very much!

[@TimPoplin]

I live in Seminole I think you live southeast Oklahoma. I ordered like the one you got and all the goodies. Thank you for your report.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

⁠@@TimPoplinoh wow that not far away. I actually live in the OKC area but have a cabin in SE Oklahoma just east of Talihina. We drive down Highway 9 through Seminole on our way out there regularly.

[@TimPoplin]

@ nice to know. I leased 2000 acres at Daisey ok for several years. Life in tress for me. Leased from pate and Reba’s family. She grew up with my wife!! Talk in couple months after delivery!🙋🏻‍♂️🙏

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@TimPoplinwow! 2000 acres I’d get lost in. lol that’s awesome. The waiting is the worst part for sure.

[@cam35mm]

Thank you for sharing and for not getting caught up in the anti-China propaganda.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh my word… the anti-china comments and hate is crazy. Some people sure seem to hate me for buying this. 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for the support.

[@whatchath385]

I'm really thinking about getting one now. IMO, it seems that the quality is greatly improving in these machines.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Don't think, just do it!!!🤑🤑🤑

[@whatchath385]

@@fullthrottle2656 I know right.🤣

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I agree. It seems to be a great machine

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@fullthrottle2656 hahaha

[@CoulterStoneMasonry]

@@OurLifeInTreesbuy one. You won’t regret it

[@omorin34]

Watched all your videos on your skid steer and I have enjoyed them. I tried to by a Chinese built one last year and did not have the same experience. I'm very mechanical and eventually bought a used full cab from of gov-surplus. My issue was the sales person, if you can call him that. He took forever to get back to me and he actually never answered a question nor would he sell me one. I had questions concerning the emissions, shipping cost, picking up from a port etc. The normal stuff. First I thought it was a communication issue but eventually felt he was purposely being deceitful. I picked one that had shipping included to the US and I clicked, buy now. Well that one was not EPA approved, and could not ship to the US. Apparently, the shipping was not "really" included either. I asked what model can I buy that was EPA approved, where can I pick it up from and how much it will cost? Eventually told him, I'm ready to buy, just send me an invoice and I'll pay you. Too much to ask for? I got a 3500 diesel and a 26' trailer I volunteered to pick it up from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sacramento whatever works for you. When he eventually replied after about a week, it was a short negative comment and he never offered an answer or solution. My thoughts are, if your busy and all you want is to buy one to use and you don't have the blessing of friends that have a warehouse near a port entry; buying Chinese equipment from the manufacture for an end user is a waste of time. That is my personal opinion based solely on my experience. Of course, I am generalizing and I know some people have good experiences. I'm just saying, Its not all good. 2 months after picking up the used one, he emailed me about buying a skid steer. I still haven't gotten back to him.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Wow, that stinks. From my understanding there are a lot of shady people and scammers out there when trying to buy from china. I did weeks and weeks of research before I pulled the trigger on this one. My salesman answered my questions within minutes and was awesome. This prince was great but I have heard many many stories of people getting burned. Would like yours worked out in the end, and maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that you didn’t get the one you originally looked at. 🤷‍♂️

[@TheHayruss]

haha I keep seeing you take out your knee everytime you walk around that bucket, Did I see some fencing wire wrapped around the brush cutter drive motor shaft? If so you may want to remove before it chews your bearings out? I am currently talking with Dean about their T800 as this is within my budget. I would love to get the 450 but alas it is not within my budget especially when you add a few attachments. After spending a month of talking with about 15 suppliers and seeing what is available, IMO the Derette machines seem to be made with higher quality components and manufactured to a higher standard. There are several suppliers that offer the same machines under their own branding all are quality machines but tend to be more expensive. There are different cheaper machines in this rated load capacity category out there from other suppliers but the component and build quality will be considerably less. Just thought I would share my experiences so far as I am about to pull the trigger on a machine and I have done considerable research.

[@Dean-derette]

Thank you very much for your evaluation of me and Derette.

[@TheHayruss]

@@Dean-derette You are welcome Dean, I will contact you shortly to discuss the T800 again.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Just curious what was the T800 price? Just want to compare it to the 450 I bought! Thanks.

[@TheHayruss]

@@fullthrottle2656 Hi Say approx $1300 difference between the 2 models. Best to chat with Dean about pricing as everyones requirements are different which impacts price. Both models are quite different from each other one is a bigger and heavier machine with a greater rated load capacity. If my budget could stretch that far I would buy a 450 in a heart beat. With the T800 pricing it allows me to purchase some attachments and be within my budget. Horses for courses I will be using my machine on my 5 acre property maybe every 2nd or 3rd weekend for generally light work. Your needs might be different and if I needed a machine that was getting worked more often and for longer periods I would go with the 450. In the same token the V1000 would be way overkill for my requirements (nice to have).

[@fullthrottle2656]

​@TheHayruss I agree. Mines just going to be used for mostly tree work at my cabin. Cutting up trees, firewood, stump grinding, wood splitting, and brush clearing. Those are going to be my main uses. Plus I figured I can work on it myself if something needs work vs the V1000 with the diesel.

[@seanlcs]

Like the way you talked to the deers...haha

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha. They are my little friends. Lol

[@davebrown3212]

What was the total cost with all the attachments, shipping etc.. and was it delivered to your property or did you have to go to a US shipping port and pick it up?

[@fullthrottle2656]

I have $16K invested in mine with 8 attachments. I believe he had $17K into his. They will ship it right to you but you are responsible for offloading the crates.

[@Antiphon43]

When they do the shipping they’ll tell you “shipped to your door”. I wouldn’t advise this unless you own a big forklift! I had mine shipped to a friend’s business with a forklift. Otherwise I could have picked it up at the freight carrier’s transfer station about 70 miles away in Chicago. My order was just under $11,000 with this exact loader, brush cutter, forks, and grapple. This includes like $3700 for shipping.

[@davebrown3212]

Thank you both, reasonable price with all the accessories.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I did mine in two transactions. One wasn’t machine for $8.5k shipped and the other was all the attachments for $8k shipped.

[@TimPoplin]

I got a 450 and 10 attachment for less than 20k. With shipping!! 🎉❤

[@jerrygibs8120]

Thank you for the review. Great update for anyone that needs an extra strong helper. Stay safe, healthy, strong, discerning and successful in Jesus's Name. Blessings and prayers to you and family. Looking forward to your next expedition. ☝🙏🙌💪😊

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words and the feedback. Same to you.

[@benjamindees]

I just want to know if it can lift a 300 kilo pallet and put it straight onto a flatbed.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a great question that I don’t have the answer to. I need to do a how much can it lift video.

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

Shouldn't be a problem, 300 kilos is 660 lbs. and it will lift 990 lbs. It lifts plenty high for a flatbed.

[@jzimme003]

are you having trouble with the bearings in the idler wheels?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

No. Seem just fine. I hear a lot of the auction units have issues with them.

[@Rich-l8c]

If you had to do it all over again would you get the same model?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes. This thing is awesome! I want the v1000, but it cost a lot more and I bought the most I could justify at the time.

[@tdtk1998]

how much is the stump grinder attachment cost?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I think it’s around $1500 for the one I got that moves right and left.

[@HectorFlores-cq3bl]

Whats the lift height and capacity with forks...?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It lifts 6ft and can lift almost 1,000lbs the literature says.

[@rapache1]

Thanks for the update

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s for the support!

[@gwydionrusso3206]

I really wish America/allied country could make these kinds of machines at a reasonable price that regular people can buy. Buying from a Chinese manufacturer irks me a bit, if the word “xinjiang” has any meeting to you, you understand why.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I agree

[@kylequinn1963]

I appreciate updates but I always find it funny, 19 hours in two months 😂 I put 16 on in two days, hoping my little Chinese machine survives.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s true. I work a lot during the week, we have two properties 3.5 hours apart we deal with on the weekends, which is the time to play with toys. Recently in Oklahoma it has been HOT on the weekends. Don’t want to play in 100 degree heat often either. lol. Weekends also are for my kids. Yeah, not much free time to play with my machine. Sigh…

[@xXSiamangXx]

Mini skid steer vs mini excavator. Which one are you taking?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Funny, I plan to film a comparison this weekend on that exact topic. lol

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

Great video! Good stuff! Mine hasn't shipped yet. So far 3 weeks building it and accessories. I hope that shipping doesn't drag out any..😁

[@fullthrottle2656]

Mines been 3 weeks also. He said Mines done, they are test running and were just finishing a couple attachments. He said they are super busy and early this week they had a couple days off for a traditional holiday.

[@Dean-derette]

The orders are being processed on a tight schedule. To produce high-quality products for everyone, I believe that waiting a few more days is worth it.thank you

[@fullthrottle2656]

​@@Dean-derette I agree! I appreciate the attention to detail!!! 😁👍

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. Hopefully you receive it soon! Mine took about 2 months all in, but I think that this is ordering season now. Everyone wants it for fall and winter projects.

[@Lusekanundd]

How much did it cost?

[@dakotasweeney1019]

Roughly how much do you got into everything with mini skid and all the attachments shown, been looking to buy one, and did you buy it over seas, if so how was the customs process.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The crate with the machine was about $8500 shipped to me in Oklahoma. All the attachments were about $8k shipped to me as well. I did DDP freight so there was nothing to do with customs on my end. That was all handled by the shipper.

[@ryanhansen8312]

Great little video! Thanks for the update

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate your feedback

[@billydvajitsu6165]

What was the import duty ? and how ?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I used the DDP shipping option and didn’t have to worry about paying any of those fees. DDP means the seller handles it all.

[@Chesney46]

I’ve been trying to pick one up at auction hopefully I can get one for a good price everybody is buying them to resell

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, the mini skids are out there. Some auction units turn out to be nice. I have never heard of a DRT450 being sold at auction. Would be nice. Derette doesn’t sell to auction companies.

[@michaelorr430]

could you show the grease points?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I am starting a maintenance series and will show all the grease points.

[@clevelandmatheson983]

What is the availability of replacement parts? I’m guessing sooner or later you’ll need to replace the tracks and maybe even the drive sprockets.

[@starvingsquirrel]

Tracks should be universal. As for parts, according to a Derette sales rep I follow, they can ups air ship you any parts in 3 to 7 days.

[@Antiphon43]

Groundhog America and Kymron both sell this exact loader in the states. They both stock parts… It’s rebranded obviously, but you can tell for sure.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The tracks are universal, the motors are easily available in the States, the pumps are Parker, the engine is Honda, etc. the sprockets… no idea. I did order a part and it took about a week from china. I was impressed.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes. Exactly.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@antiphon43 yes. Kymron states they won’t sell to anyone who doesn’t buy from them. I don’t think they stock minimalist parts. I could be wrong.

[@Eddie-f6t]

Thanks for sharing

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate the support

[@ourbeeshoneycom]

Did i miss on the unboxing or first use video about cost of machine and atacments. Does look like a beter built machine then some.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I do have an unboxing video. Not a cost breakdown video yet. I keep forgetting to do that, it’s so much more fun to play with it. lol

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

Hello, my tube friend. Thanks for all the videos. The reason I went with Derrett is because of your videos. I just ordered a Derrett DRT 450 with the counterweights and 4 different attachments from Dean. I do have a question or two. How long did you run the engine after receiving it before you changed the oil and hydraulic fluid? How hard is it to change the oil? Was the gas ok to run the engine after transporting across the Pacific Ocean? Also is there an on off valve from the fuel tank to the engine? Can you tell me the ground pressure of the tracks? Just curious. Nowhere could I find that info. PS keep up the awesome videos.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Awesome! I think you’ll love it. I know I love mine. The engine oil should be changed after 10 hours. I have not yet. I am about to change it and show a video how to. The hydraulic fluid should be changed after 50 hours. I haven’t done that either. Yes the gas was fine. I don’t know about an on off valve. I would assume you would have to unbolt the cover if there is one. No idea about ground pressure. Try asking Dean. Thank you for the compliments. I appreciate it.

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

@@OurLifeInTrees Thanks for the reply.

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

@@OurLifeInTrees Hey , I forgot to ask if the machine has an on/off valve gas valve?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@TimothyJung-q1nit does not. My mini excavator does, but not this mini skid.

[@fullthrottle2656]

I was just watching your other videos for the thousandth time. Mine is just getting done being built. Once it leaves China how long did it take for you to get it in your possession? 🤑👍 Suggestion for ya. Like when you adjust your adjustment bolts such as your trencher, i recommend neverseizing the bolts. When you say it wouldnt lift that stump, do you mean it wouldnt lift it or the back end lifted up in the air like its too light? Should get that brush off your brush cutter. It will just hold moisture and probably more apt to rust there.

[@Antiphon43]

I’m definitely wondering this as well, supposedly mine’s pretty much built, just waiting on the attachments.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It took about two months all in. About 30-40 days to cross the ocean. Good call on never seize. The machine wasn’t heavy enough and wanted to tip me over. lol. Good call on the brush.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank for the support by the way!!!

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

Hello again. Can you show a video on how to jump start the machine?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes, I plan to include that in a maintenance video. If you open the rear cover, you can put the positive jumper cable to the starter and the negative to an engine mount bolt.

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

@@OurLifeInTrees Thanks for the reply.

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

@@OurLifeInTrees Sorry for the late response. Thats a smart idea. Thanks.

[@nathanielmcclanahan981]

I'd definitely buy it if you could run the bucket and boom on one stick and the tracks on the other like a bigger skid loader idk if you could make that happen or not

[@Antiphon43]

Honestly that’s the only thing about my purchase I don’t like. I assume I’ll get used to this set-up after running it a few hours.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I didn’t know that was a thing. Joys of never having used one before. lol. The V1000 comes with pilot controls. B

[@starvingsquirrel]

​@OurLifeInTrees Now you need to get a V1000. The interwebs are sorely lacking on V1000 content. Time to take one for the team 😅

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@starvingsquirrelfunny you say that. I’m working on getting one shipped now. I want to compare them. lol

[@starvingsquirrel]

@@OurLifeInTrees Ooooo I can't wait!

[@TimothyJung-q1n]

Hey Greg. I like the videos.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback

[@ethicaloutlaw8300]

Thanks for the vids!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I appreciate your support!!

[@kirbyholton1082]

How is it on rough terrain?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It does ok. But it’s kinda rough.

[@hammertime7834]

cool

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks

[@shariquekhan8544]

1 like for bucky 😀😀😀

[@OurLifeInTrees]

lol

[@hansblomqvist1575]

You are a god man

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not sure about that. But than you. Haha

[@garym1288]

They need to figure out a better track system. The tracks pop off on mine a lot.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Make sure you keep your tracks tensioned properly. Put a jam nut on there so the adjuster bolt can't back off.

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

@@fullthrottle2656 If you figure out what size and thread that nut us, let us know so I'll have it before mine gets here! Imight juat ask them to put one on there before shipping mine! What color is yours?

[@fullthrottle2656]

​@robertbloomquistsr6351 about 4 weeks ago when his track fell off for the first time he needed a 32mm offset wrench. That's all I know about it. Cool thing is. I believe Dean from Derette commented on that video when we brought the Jam nut up saying he'll take the advice so ours may come with one already.👍 I was debating the green or red. Ultimately went with the green. I ordered the 4in1 bucket, grapple, Auger with 3 bits, brush cutter, forks, stump grinder, ball hitch, and the Horizontal log splitter. Can't wait till it's here!!!

[@heminole4life849]

What is everyone’s cost on these?

[@fullthrottle2656]

​@heminole4life849 I have $16,000USD invested shipped right to me with all the attachments I listed above!!! ⬆️

[@tomd864]

More out takes LOL!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh my word…. I just couldn’t get it right. Sigh…. Haha

[@What_was_wrong_w_jst_our_names]

Anybody in New England wanna split a shipping container and order a one?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not a bad plan! Try in the Facebook group.

[@StarknightMT_official]

Hello, Are you interested in testing our products? We would like to invite you to test the Rear Windshield for your General xp 4 1000(if your car year is 2020-2024

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Send me an email at [e-mail]

[@HAHAWTFOMG]

Im the same way... except I don't hunt deer. I keep em as pets. 🙆🦌

[@OurLifeInTrees]

We feed them daily and have been able to get within 10-20 feet of them.