I Tested Chinese Mini Skid Steer Attachments - Do They Work?

[@Dean-derette]

Great job, you've done something wonderful!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you, I appreciate your feedback.

[@BrodieBr0]

You did great showing off this equipment! We all get better with practice. For the cost of the equipment, I think it did quite well. With the cost of everything skyrocketing, it's good to see there's still some cheaper alternatives for us out there.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. Yeah, I wish I could afford a new American machine, but after getting this, it’s awesome and there is no need to spend tens of thousands more so far.

[@BrodieBr0]

@@OurLifeInTrees Same here, I'd love a Bobcat, CAT, etc but then again now days even those machines are going to have parts in them from all around the world. It's a global market now. It's best to do as you said and spend much less money on a machine that can still do the job.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes sir!!!

[@rongray4118]

@@OurLifeInTrees I know we are impressed with the rock crusher we just purchased and it has led me to watching your mini-skid steer videos for loading/transporting the crushed rock!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@rongray4118ohhhh a rock crusher would be awesome!

[@ShuhDonk]

Brush cutter looks great, added one to my order.. I really want to see the trencher in action though!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I agree. I was amazed at how well the brush cutter did. I know that I was probably using it outside of its intended purpose, but it was still great. The trencher is a beast. I need to get a video of it. It’s hard to find someone that needs a trench. My buddy needs one but he isn’t ready yet and doesn’t want his horses to fall in it.

[@toolmantim613]

Dang, that's a very capable little mini skid steer. Makes me want to buy one!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. It’s awesome. I want a bigger one now that can run a mulcher! lol

[@brothertobrother8039]

I never thought of buying one of this units but the more I watch the videos the more I want one . Safety around the machine is first. Thank you for sharing your experience with the seller will really like to know the price including shipping and import taxes if you can share it Good job learning.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. I appreciate it. I paid $6300 plus $2200 DDP shipping to me in Oklahoma. $8500 all in. Now all the attachments, eight of them, cost another $6k with another $2k in shipping. All in $16.5k for everything I got. Less attachments could have fit into the crate with the machine by the way.

[@MrRippinonyou]

Derette the best a man can get , Derette ! Every time i see the name i think of the Gillette add lol

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahaha that’s funny

[@jeffb7255]

Great video. I was excited to see this one. Thank You again I can’t say this enough.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

[@chrisg6534]

Wow, that is perfect for small jobs around the property!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@OldIronAcres]

Pretty good day!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Man it was hot!!! lol It was cool learning the machine and getting to play with it. I don’t think the brush cutter is made to go up in trees, but it worked! Haha.

[@kdegraa]

You should probably wear a helmet with a face guard when using that mower, especially cutting back trees with it. Stihl sells a good helmet like this with hearing protection. They are not too expensive. If I was doing this work I’d probably use a pole saw to cut the branches down then use the mower to crush up the branches or heap the branches up and chip them.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I actually just bought a helmet with hearing protection and a mash face screen! lol. I haven’t worn it yet. I agree with the pole saw, I was just driving out there to test it out some and see what it can do. He said that I can clear whatever I want and anything helps. Heh. Thanks for your input. I appreciate ir.

[@rquintalsr]

I wish you had some info as to what it actually cost, and the process to get it through customs, etc. Other than that, great job.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I do have another video that talks about the process, not the cost. The machine cost About $6300 plus $2200 DDP shipping for a total of $8500 shipped to me in Oklahoma. The attachments were in a separate crate that cost about $8k for all of them shipped to me. I opted to do DDP shipping which means Delivered Duty Paid and the seller takes care of everything and it’s delivered to my door. No customers or anything on my end.

[@edic2619]

Lucky friend... he does not have to buy a bunch of stuff that wears out and breaks. He can just call you.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s true. As I learn to use this, I run around and do random odd jobs for friends and. Neighbors.

[@Indy209]

Hey nice video, I’d love to see how well the bucket works. Thanks

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Me too. I have some projects coming up to use all the attachments.

[@LB75Player]

I’m really intrigued by these machines, checked the link you provided to the seller but $4,000 shipping cost for a $5,700 machine really takes the shine off of it for me.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s all guesstimating. Contact them and see what shipping to you is. It was $2200 to ship it to me in Oklahoma, not $4k

[@MrCheaterpipe]

Auction my friend I'm sure you can find an auction house close by that sells these machines they are being imported by these auction houses and are being sold for very reasonable prices since the market is being flooded with them

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@MrCheaterpipe the catch is that not all machines are created equal. Many people have had issues with the auction units. Some good, some bad.

[@MrCheaterpipe]

@OurLifeInTrees they all come out of the same factory idk how they aren't equal only downside I see from auction machines is there is no warranty which I'm fairly certain isn't a huge deal if you do your homework and inspect the equipment before buying I bought my excavator from China at auction sight unseen and it's been a terrific machine don't be scared of auctions just make sure when you get the machine that you change the fluids and go over it and make sure everything's is tight and there are no leaks

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@MrCheaterpipeI have heard that for quite a few people. I have also heard the horror stories, but you are correct, do your homework and change the fluids.

[@yuglesstube]

This is cool.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@brianpino7274]

Damn nice work.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you.

[@KUBBI7488]

i was afraid one of the sticks gonna hit me in the face ! LOL

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Me too. lol. I just got a helmet with a face shield actually. Don’t want to lose an eye for face. Heh

[@baldo727]

Thanks for the videos really want to pull the trigger on one of these. Quality and your buying experience is really making me consider this. Excited to see the auger in action, I live in the Texas hill country and am curious if the downward force of the auger is enough to dig post holes through Limestone.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I appreciate it. I don’t have any limestone to test it out with here. We do have sandstone in some areas, but I have no need to mess with it or dull the tip on it either. I need to find some projects to do with the auger. I may try it in the woods soon.

[@LifelFinanceRealEstate]

Just recently purchased and imported a Chinese mini excavator. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Looking at now a mini skid steer. So many type and brand to choose from. Thanks for sharing, this content helps me narrow my decision.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have a little one ton mini excavator as well. This minimalist beats it by leaps and bounds in terms of what it can do and quality. I still really like them both. Thanks for watching, I appreciate the feedback.

[@KUBBI7488]

Great video Bro!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you sir.

[@brianjennings1975]

Nice! I wonder how the Derette v1000 diesel skid would do.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I bet it would do better. Another 1000lbs, and more power among other things.

[@LostandFoundFarms33952]

Great video, do you know if they will take standard implements, or do you have to buy from them?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I don’t know the answer to that. I think that the toro dingo is the same, but I have not confirmed that.

[@deannelson9301]

That brush cutter seems a little heavy for that machine, although I'm sure they said it was rated for it. It was constantly raising the rear of the tracts.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That may be true, but it works great.

[@justme6275]

fun toy 🥰

[@OurLifeInTrees]

For sure. It’s a fun little toy to play with around the yard! Also makes me popular amongst my friends, because they all want me to come “test” it at their places. Hahahah

[@classiccafe1]

Informative video, business in a box. Cant wait to see the trencher and post hole digger in action, also a larger diameter stump grind, did you say $8000 for shipping?! Wtf thats steep, whats the weight on it? Keep the videos coming, subscribed

[@classiccafe1]

Oh and the max pallet weight you can lift thx

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback. I plan to get more videos if the attachments as I go. I said $8k for all attachments shipped and $8.5k for the machine shipped. The machine is about 2500lbs. The two crates were 3100lbs and 1800lbs for attachments. They were in separate crates because I bought so many. lol.

[@mrMacGoover]

Looks like you could use more rear counter weights with that heavier brush mower attachment.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I don’t disagree. I’m glad I have have some. The brush cutter is heavy.

[@henrikleong1234]

First thing first Wear protection gears for your face Should start high to down Otherwise the branches will poke your eyes out. 😂😂😂😂

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha that’s possible. I actually just purchased and received my new helmet with hearing protection and face shield from Amazon. I was wearing my OSHA approved safety glasses.

[@JohnBraman413]

for the brush mower, can you get the replacement teeth for it?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes. I was sent a set with the brush cutter.

[@toddwynn1968]

I would spin around on the trailer and off load forwards just a thought

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not a bad idea

[@jeepv8pwr1]

Do these machines run standard hyd couplers? Can American made implements hook up? Does machine come with a bucket or are every attachment separately priced?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

They look like standard but I haven’t personally tired to swap them yet. I was told the Toro Dingo and Bobcat attachments are the same. The machine comes with a buck which I haven’t even attached to it yet. lol. All other attachments are extra.

[@joedoakes8307]

IT should be obvious to you , that , the diameter of some of those limbs are entirely TOO LARGE for that brush cutter to deal width ! That brush whacker will work fine with weeds and grass , but not much else !

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That is true. Fun to test it out and see what it can do. Not what it should do. lol

[@joelingerfelt-ut8zx]

Have you tried this on more grade? Curious how it handles. Neat little machine

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have and so far so good. Feels a lot better than my mini excavator on a hill.

[@GAMERBROTHER98]

Hey brother can I ring a brush cutter or mulcher with a 2 stage pump? All I have for hookups is the 3 fittings on the left arm

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have three on the left as well. Is yours a two pump unit? Both attachments need the third pump. One for each track and one for the attachment.

[@GAMERBROTHER98]

Thanks for the quick response. I believe. I have two stage pump.

[@GAMERBROTHER98]

I had the impression that two stage pump machines Only had the three hook up connections on the left arm, And that the three pump machine had two additional hook ups on the right .

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@GAMERBROTHER98 That’s not correct. The pumps coming off the front of the engine, are there 2 or three hoses coming out of the pumps?

[@GAMERBROTHER98]

@@OurLifeInTrees I'm going to verify tomorrow morning.You make me curious. 🤝

[@MykeMyke-fv2io]

Nice vid🔥🔥👍

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@VetvsWorld]

Damn, was going to do something constructive. Then this came up on my feed. 🤣 Does its operation/ease of use feel different with the heavier attachments?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahaha. Yes, you can tell when the stump grinder or brush cutter is on the front compared to a smaller attachment like the pallet forks.

[@Rustyrider-og4pf]

How much for that package? Plus did your order direct?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It was about $8500 shipped to Oklahoma from China and another $8k or so for the attachments. Yes, I ordered from the manufacturer. I uploaded a couple videos of the process.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Can you take a close up of the cutting head wheel/teeth on the stump grinder?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I will when I do a stump grinder video. I was just sent some new carbide teeth for it that I plan to use and test out.

[@riotgear6891]

How uncomfortable does that get after a couple of hours?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Amazingly, it was fine. I was worried about that as well. I walk and stand a lot at work though, so maybe easier for me than some others.

[@thepolicyguy]

Scared me not using a face shield with the stump grinder bro.. Be safe out there.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I bought a helmet with a face shield now. Good call.

[@lelandeggleston1041]

Where did you get the brush cutter from and what kind is it please?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I bought it from Derette when I purchased the machine. I wanted to see what the brush cutter could do, and I am impressed. You can click the link in the description to the machine and message the salesmen ,if you are interested in knowing more.

[@gckshea]

Does Derette or another aftermarketer make rear weight sets for the mini skid?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes. I have a set of rear counterweights on my machine. Notice the black “fins” on the lower rear.

[@Cbow406]

I cant find any dealer in my local area that sells these, and i dont want to order one from china lol. What did you pay and where did you buy it?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I know exactly what you mean. I should import some of these, check them, and sell some. Would be easier if they were already here. lol I paid about $8500 shipped to me in Oklahoma and another $8k for all the attachments shipped. I bought straight from Derette in Shandong China.

[@hansblomqvist1575]

Jag tycker faktiskt att det tar lång tid,

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Might be true

[@pedrocaballero1497]

What was the total cost of this machine including all the attachments and shipping charges?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Just under $17k

[@pedrocaballero1497]

@@OurLifeInTrees - Thank you very much for your reply. I look forward to your future posts on your equipment.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Awesome. I have some cool ideas for new videos on the machine and attachments.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Did you have to pay sales tax on top of the quote they give you?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes. The tax in the DDP shipping as well as a little bit on Alibaba. It was like $500

[@fullthrottle2656]

Thanks for the fast response.👍

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

Any idea what the hydraulic pressure and flow are?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

The hydraulic pressure is somewhere between 14&20 and the flow rate is 11.9 gpm

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

@@OurLifeInTrees 14&20, what units? I prefer PSI. I sent them a request for pricing on the 450 and accessories and adding weights & B&S engine but haven't received a response. What's the best way to contact him for pricing?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@robertbloomquistsr6351it’s measured in Megapascals (MPa). I contacted him through Alibaba, I have a link to one of his listings in my video description. I also can give you his email or what’s app number.

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

@@OurLifeInTrees please give me his email address so I can get pricing, delivery and accessories pricing. What did your shipping cost also costs to enter USA,

[@robertbloomquistsr6351]

14 -20 Mpascals is 2000 to 2900 psi! Wow!

[@jeffreylacroix1243]

You are using the wrong tool. You're using a Brush Cutter, you need a Forestry Mulcher for anything over 2 1/2 to 3 inches thick.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Agreed. I don’t have a forestry mulcher and need a little bigger machine to run one. I plan to add one to the stable if all goes well.

[@JamesScott-w8r]

I would love to have you to lift weights with,

[@OurLifeInTrees]

👍

[@lovablepersona5000]

Bludgeoning those trees like that is not a great idea.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I don’t disagree, but kinda fun and makes for an entertaining video. lol

[@StarknightMT_official]

Hello, Are you interested in testing our products? We would like to invite you to test the Seat Risers for your Pro XP

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I would be interested but sold my Pro XP and now have a new General XP 4.

[@StarknightMT_official]

@@OurLifeInTrees Ok, thanks for letting me know. We will keep your info and contact you in the future

[@tonydiesel3444]

Traveling speed?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It’s about 3mph.

[@tonydiesel3444]

@@OurLifeInTrees real mini skid steers have variable displacement tandem pumps

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Chinese skid steers, like this one that cost $8,500 shipped, can go 3mph and don’t have all the same features that a $40,000 “real” one comes with. This one is also very simple and the average guy, like myself, can easily work on it.

[@tonydiesel3444]

@@OurLifeInTrees I agree DIY would be good for a guy like that put on a big tree job you need something that can make it happen meaning quick there might be hundreds of bites grapple bites that need to be removed from the backyard to make money you need speed power and durability

[@tonydiesel3444]

@@OurLifeInTrees for that kind of price range if the machine is built heavy enough with nice Kubota diesel play heavy duty enough built track system an and loader arm it would be nice to install a cable operated tandem variable flow hydraulic pump with PTO pump on the front and have the cables to the joysticks on the control panel then it would operate like a 60 50,000 unit

[@hammertime7834]

james freeman youtube channel

[@OurLifeInTrees]

What about it? Police videos?

[@jonhaynes33]

Bro you’ve got to wear a white long sleeve shirt made for fishing with a hood, and soak yourself off in the water hose a little, you’re welcome. You’re now in the ac. Wearing black. Don’t do it next time

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea. I’ll try it. I see the landscaping guys wearing clothes like that.

[@seanshaffer2271]

If you change those teeth out to GreenTeeth for the stump grinder I think you will be happier with it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have new carbide teeth here now and plan to install them today. I wanted to make a comparison video so I had to use it the way it sits now. Dean from Derette will start shipping new ones with the new teeth so he sent me a set to update my machine!

[@Dean-derette]

@@OurLifeInTrees I've already sent you the same as the green teeth. Give them a try, they'll work great.

[@jimharvard]

here's what i see in this video. 1. there is a reason why Vemeer, Ditch Witch, Kubota, Toro, Bob Cat and other "American" mini skid companies designed their machines they way they do. the Chinese mini skid you purchased has too short of a track base to safely handle the brush cutter you have WTIHOUT having additional rear counter-weights. your machine is "bucking" around acting like the brush cutter is too heavy for the machine. 2. you should read or watch some safety information about using brush cutters. all such material says that you should NOT use the brush cutter in high vertical positions as you did. cutting branches off a tree is what chainsaws and other kinds of cutters are for. your brush cutter is designed to used ON THE GROUND. 3. you might also learn more about keeping implements as close to the ground as possible in transit and especially when loading on a trailer. you should have lowered the brush cutter going up onto the trailer. 4. MOST IMPORTANT - you NEVER go around and "look at" a running brush cutter!! that was the most unsafe thing i saw. if you want to "inspect" a brush cutter, you turn IT off and the MACHINE OFF FIRST! finally, from the brief look at your machine and the attachments running, i'll bet that these things are not going to last long without breaking. naturally, i could be wrong. these Chinese machines "might" last without breaking. maybe because they are so cheap, you can just run them till they do break and then worry about fixing them at that point. i know a lot of guys are buying these cheap pieces of equipment because "better made" and "American" machines have gotten so expensive. landscapers and contractors might be able to get enough paid jobs out of these things before they break to pay for them and even make money before they do break. i know "normal" equipment is expensive. but you "get what you pay for." one thing about "American" equipment, you can get a fair price out of these machines as used if you want to sell them. if you pay $5000 for a Chinese mini-skid, use it and beat it up for a year, then try to sell it, what's it going to be worth?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I appreciate your input. Some great points you have on safety. Yeah it’s really short and small. The brush cutter is huge on it but works great. I only had the front up to clear the stump grinder which was in the way, I should have gives the brush cutter as later that day when I was unloading, I did have the cutter lower and it hit the top of the grinder and I severed the wires. Sigh. By the way, I did have the blade off when I checked the front. I could buy 5 of these for the price of a “cheap” American machine, unfortunately I can’t afford an American machine no matter how I swing it. Sigh….

[@SkeebSkoob-f6j]

Well, the guy is obviously an amateur walking around an operating brush cutter and not having any face head body protection BUT he’s proving some things. 1. The Chinese are emulating the same way other manufacturers are building equipment like that using off the shelf components and incorporating them into their products. He has other content showing this stuff is being built using Kubota, Honda and other quality parts. 2. The Chinese can build to ISO standard (that computer, tablet or phone you used to create your post is prof of that). We don’t know for sure exactly what type of steel is being used for the machine he’s running but it could easily be the same stuff. 3. The other manufacturers better watch out. It’s not difficult to reverse manufacturer equipment like this and make improvements 4. For what he’s going looks like that mini is doing just fine for light duty “ProSumer” work he’s doing it’s just fine. I’d buy one and we have been Kubota operators for years. 5. He could take a few operator safety classes.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@SkeebSkoob-f6jAgreed. I’m brand new to these. As I said a couple videos ago when I receive it, I have never even seen one up close when I ordered it. I’m learning through trial and error and helpful comments from people who are more knowledgeable than I am. I am really impressed with the quality. I do like my mini excavator, but it certainly isn’t the same quality as this skid steer. I didn’t know what to expect when I ordered it. Thanks again for your input.

[@awall8725]

FWIW. Most if not all machines are built overseas. Name one of the companies mentioned that actually builds the machines and attachments in the U.S.?

[@SamBellantoni]

I totally disagree with you dude

[@tuusharptuloose7275]

thats hella too slow, Maybe use a chainsaw first

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Sure is. I agree. And a pole saw. Yet I was just playing with the brush cutter to see what it would do.

[@Dronemasterkid]

Junk machines

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not sure where you come from, but in my yard, I have to tell you, it’s soooo much better than a shovel!!!!

[@InHellBaby1]

Junk

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I really like it. Thanks for your opinion.

[@SkeebSkoob-f6j]

Junk? Looks like the mini just did exactly what he wanted to do. It will be interesting to see how it ages out but for what I saw looks like it’s about as good as other equipment. I worked for IBM back in the 1980’s just as Personal Computers were taking off. IBM sold great PC’s BUT they were way overpriced! Compaq came out, built a much better computer for less money. People have to realize price has never dictated quality. And before anyone goes to child labor abuses, we have children picking our fruits, vegetables and making stuff right here in the United States. Keep right on with your content dude, quite interesting. Just take some safety training. Equipment like that is extremely dangerous

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Agreed, need to do some safety training for sure.

[@GAMERBROTHER98]

Hey brother can I ring a brush cutter or mulcher with a 2 stage pump? All I have for hookups is the 3 fittings on the left arm

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I don’t think you can. Verify if yours is two or three under the hood with how many hoses come out of the pump.

[@JamesScott-w8r]

I would love to have you to lift weights with,

[@OurLifeInTrees]

👍