Is A Cheap Chinese Mini Skid Steer Worth the Risk?

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

I have the TYPHON STOMP and just love it! Very similar to yours. I removed EVERY sticker except the STOMP on the sides and replaced TYPHON with a custom large 8" X 10" TONKA sticker I found on ebay!!!!!!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha that’s awesome. I put Tonka stickers on my mini excavators. Maybe I should add some to these machines as well. Lol.

[@urcindys]

Can't wait to see the 1000, I looked at something similar, was called an mh950, had a Perkins diesel, tri pump, hi flo + standard flow . Was $16,900. Was well built nice machine but the deal breaker for me was no float position on loader and when backing up you had to " cross steer" I probably could have gotten used to that but no float was not an option , so I found a Toro tx1000 in nice shape for around the same price. I do own a Chinese mini x by ground hog that I am very happy with. Excellent content please keep videos coming, very informative Bob

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. I just looked up the mh950 and it looks like a nice machine. I’m excited to get the v1000 and use the float function as well!

[@TimPoplin]

Thanks!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Awesome. Thanks man. I appreciate you.

[@dmiroy]

Looking forward to this comparison test! Thx for your videos.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

You're welcome. I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@meangene1219]

Shugga doing a flamingo on the Chinese Mini skid steer? How the heck did I run into this vid?!? Cheers man!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahahah What in the world? Who is calling me that?? Well dang man… haven’t seen Mr Lilly in YEARS! Hahah Yup! Stuntin my mini skid steers these days! Been practicing some moves on my mini excavators as well. lol. How did you find this video? Crazy.

[@habibhasnol]

Thank you for providing the measurements

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’m glad it’s helpful

[@HillByDesignCo]

Bro! Sean lives at the end of my road! I saw him selling all those mini skids!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

So you get to see lots of Vipers? Haha.

[@marathonjohnb]

I have the Landhero HY380 and added two 1" thick steel plates (one on each side of the operator) which gave me an extra 310 lbs., plus the weight of the operator for a total of 490 lbs. of counter-balance. Now a lot less tipping.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s awesome. Any issues when you don’t have a load?

[@marathonjohnb]

@@OurLifeInTrees No issues, but then I'm running with a 54" material bucket and 54" root grappler on the front end.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@marathonjohnbnice.

[@PatricSok]

Thanks for the video. Can you do a quick video of how you would do the maintenance on these? like greasing everything ...asking for a friend😅

[@juliandone15]

I've been looking for a mini skidsteer for a while..... to load pigshit on the farm. Anything is better than a shovel at my age! I was impressed by your Derette 450, and now Dean sends me videos almost every day. The V1000 looks like a decent piece of kit but the 450 is more my size

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I love my 450. When my v1000 comes in a few weeks, I’ll be able to do some side by side comparisons with them. Anything is better than a shovel!! lol

[@4aprpslivingwithevangelist41]

Thank you for the video! I’m in the market for a mini skid steer. I don’t have personal experience with any of them. So as long as it performs its job. I’ll be pleased!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks for the comment. I am just learning them myself. So handy to have around the property.

[@mikedesilets3324]

I have an AGD-460 (like AGT LRT23) it has the 739cc Rato Vtwin. I love it. $2500 at auction. I have videos on it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@mikedesilets3324I see all your videos. Nice. I’ll start watching some of them when I have some free time. Subscribed.

[@mikedesilets3324]

@OurLifeInTrees Thank you. I love you video presentation style, personality and information. Adding more machines makes it even better. Keep up the hard work.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

⁠​⁠@@mikedesilets3324thank you. I appreciate it. I just watched your latest video. Man, that’s a lot of work! 4’ x 55’? Wow. That’s a lot. On your channel, have you thought about making some thumbnails that would entice viewers to click more? I usually forget to take thumbnail photos and have to use a screenshot from the video. The KZbin suggested ones rarely are to my liking. Also, some of your text moves too fast and II Keep it up!

[@tvh300]

We could use a video about sourcing parts for these machines.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea. My other machine I just call Derette, this one…. Need to find parts.

[@johnnydeng3488]

I heard from a friend that some of these Chinese mini skid might have track setup too tight, check and loose them a bit might help

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@MikeFestiva just did a video about the tracks being too tight on his machine.

[@johnnydeng3488]

@@OurLifeInTrees really appreciate the info

[@jimburns3985]

I have the same machine it has its limitations still works good enough to save my back ive used it to spread gravel drag trees out of the woods move firewood around done some grading torn down a steel shead it has not given me any issues yet definatly can use some counterweight but for the money not a bad machine it can be moved on a garden trailer . i changed the hydraulic oil and moter oil after 20 hours and losened the tracks a bit

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@jimburns3985 oh nice! It’s 100 times better than a shovel! I wouldn’t mind having one of these at home for sure.

[@douglasframpton7154]

I really enjoyed your jokes!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I'm glad you found my humor entertaining!

[@450rhino1]

VERY informative. I subscribed.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thank you. I appreciate the support.

[@adridenton900]

I have a eg360 mini skid as well but there are noticeable differences between the model I have versus the one you have in the video here I was woundering if you’d found a manual or sorts for it

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have not found a manual. I spent all afternoon on the machine making another video with all my attachments and I’m surprise at how well it did honestly. It’s a beast of a little machine! What are the differences between the two machines?

[@Snailmailtrucker]

*Want to add years to your engine ?* *Before you turn the key on to start the engine up... With the key off... Pull the Hand Starter Cord a few times with the Choke turned on to get oil and gas flowing throughout the engine.* *The Cold Start will be much Less Stressful to the Engine !*

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Good tip! Thank you.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@regsparkes6507 good information. Thanks. It’s nice when pros chime in.

[@christhompson200]

Loved your ciphering of the stickers!!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Haha thanks. I think I have them all figured out. lol.

[@blakeberlin5688]

if you get one with a 23hp engine it is a lot faster and smoother, also weights a lot more so it can pick up more, i have a land hero 23hp model and its been great

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I plan to start doing lots of reviews on these machines. As many as I can get my hands on. lol. I’m sure the bigger engine with morning would be awesome.

[@johndarraugh3817]

Since i haven't seen anyone else suggest it. The best way that i have found to fuel my machine (ysrt-14) is with a battery operated transfer pump from harbor freight. They are maybe, $10-$12 plus a couple d batteries. But that's the most convenient way i have found.

[@robloxplayer-bu1it]

I bought a dirt bike 5gal gas can it has a long clear flexing hose made on it does also mean for putting gas in it

[@robloxplayer-bu1it]

I purchased at royal king

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea. Thanks!

[@mikedesilets3324]

I use the same pump. Works great.

[@traceylyons5159]

Just remember children assembled it. Cool little unit. It would be great for small scale snow removal.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I don’t know who assembled this one, but I have some videos uploaded of my Derette machines being assembled and it wasn’t kids. Thanks I like them.

[@georgejoseph4164]

Looking forward to the 1000 video.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Me too!! lol

[@BrightthgirB]

@36:55 Very nice video! Im a bit confused. In one in your previous videos, you stated the green maching was 18k & in this one you're saying 8k. Could you please update on the pricing for the green machine?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. Sure. It was $6300 plus $2200 shipping to Oklahoma. Then my 8 attachments were $6k and $2k for shipping. I used credit card so Alibaba charged me a 2.9% CC fee. Basically $18k for both crates and everything I got.

[@Dean-derette]

This loader uses a pump designed for agricultural machinery, not specifically for skid-steer applications. The undercarriage with tracks is based on a mini excavator chassis, which is quite inexpensive. Typically, the ones that go to U.S. auctions are of this type.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Interesting. Sounds like they figured out a way to keep things cheap and still working for now. Nice.

[@Dean-derette]

@@OurLifeInTrees 🤣

[@JonRhea-jv8ni]

I got the eg360 mini skid with 2 pump, thinking about selling tot a getting the crt23 for the 3 pump to run the brush hog and trencher. But after your videos the derettes look pretty interesting

[@OurLifeInTrees]

3 pump is the way to go. I can’t speak on the crt23 as I’ve never used on. I can’t speak say that I love my Derette mini skid.

[@JonRhea-jv8ni]

@ after some research and finding the crt23 doesn’t have enough flow to run attachments at full potential. So been looking into the 450 derette after watching few of your vids seems to work pretty well

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@JonRhea-jv8ni Oh that stinks. I like the 450 a lot. It’s awesome. I can’t wait to get my new V1000 and see how it does. It should be the ultimate beast for those needy attachments.

[@dankelsey4004]

I'm guessing that lever under the choke is a fuel shut off.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yup. Looks like that’s it. Thanks.

[@Army_Of_Juan]

Well I need to watch the updates cuz im looking into this or the HarborFreight towable backhoe

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have seen videos of the harbor freight backhoe. Looks kinda neat. I love my little mini skid steers the mini excavators are awesome as well.

[@mikedesilets3324]

I've got over 30 hours on my $2500 auction mini skid. I've done some mods. I love it. AGD-460

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@mikedesilets3324that’s awesome. Nice!

[@kennyplay5982]

Where can you get the attachments??

[@OurLifeInTrees]

All my attachments can’t from Derette in China. The attachment plate is a Toro Dingo style which is on many machines.

[@jcadult101]

Nice review. Somewhere I saw someone mention those flip--up platforms risk folding up and taking off some toes if you're not careful.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, when you go down a ramp or drop off something it can flip up and hit your toes. I did that when I first bought my green Derette machine.

[@billgriffith8894]

Nice review. It will be interesting to see the comparisons when you have the V1000. Will your existing attachments fit both of your Derette machines?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. Yes. All the attachments are interchangeable. I’ll have 14 attachments to play with soon. lol

[@bretthays2674]

I'm really eager for you to get your V1000 and compare it to the 450. I am definitely buying one from Dean this spring and I'm really torn as to which one I should get. What made you decide on the 450 to begin with?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It’s smaller and weighs less. Good for a homeowner and a 1/2 ton truck. Plus it was cheaper and my only excuse to buy it was for KZbin purposes. lol.

[@joshkuper6817]

I bought the same one but a 380, not the 360 but it looks the same EXACT. I changed out the oil but I can’t see a hydraulic fluid nut/bolt/nipple to drain out the old Chinese hydraulic fluid, is scifining out the hydraulic fluid the only option on this model?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Nice. Is the 380 a better machine than the 360? bought a transfer pump and used that on one of my other machines. That should work fine on this as well. Slow and time consuming, but it would work.

[@lwwarren]

It tips because YOU are the counter weight! I've added two 45lb weights on each side of mine to add up to another 180lbs of counter weight. Made moving my 10k lb trailer much safer and easier!

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a great idea. What did you use to make them? Steel plates?

[@chaekang7917]

snowblower attachment?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I’d love to have one.

[@briansmith2849]

For correct labels and durability and some customer service just go to your local dealer.And pay 10x more.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahaha. Yup! You are very correct!

[@harryfatcat]

I'm no geometry wiz but I wonder if counterweight is 1 for 1 in this case or does it multiply somehow based on where the weight is?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I have been wondering the same thing 200lbs on the back makes for an additional 200lbs of lift in the front? I’m. It sure.

[@NXN66]

I am a little surprised that the operator platform is not rigged as a dead man switch and also their is no method of adding counter weight to the back side which would solve the issue altogether.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

When you hands come off the controls the machine stops. Kinda like a dead man switch. I have seen some guys add counterweights to side sides on the rear

[@AlexanderTheGreat-q8p]

It only has 2 pumps and the motor is trash. Spend the extra $1,000 for the Honda motor and 3 pump system and it's great.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I love my Honda motor 3 pump machine. It’s awesome. Never used a Rato 2 pump until now.

[@bobearl7859]

You don't even need that key to get in there to your radiator just take the four top screw bolts out and you can take the hinges off

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It’s so fancy and cool. Kidding. It’s unlocked now.

[@matdooley]

Good on you . hope its lucky for ya .

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks!

[@tomd864]

I'm gonna assume you've never shut the fuel off on your small mini excavator lol. That was the fuel shut off. ETA: I like it, would be handy to have around for a small property owner. Also that was the operating weight not machine weight.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Hahaha that makes sense. Yes I have shut off the fuel. I can’t see the fuel shut off. Ok my 1 ton, I have to reach my hand down and blindly feel for a switch to turn it off. So that’s what it looks like!! Haha

[@lukek6492]

Great.. a mini skidsteer with a snowblower engine.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh I thought it was a lawnmower engine. Haha

[@ryanhansen8312]

I own this same machine. I hate it... Controls are jerky as F. I rent toro dingos when I work for other people on big job, this thing is only good for minimal stuff. If you are used to standard controls of bobcat, toro or kubota etc, you will hate re learning similar looking setup, yet completely different functions, especially if you have long term muscle memory.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I keep doing the wrong control because it opposite my Derette mini skid. It’s tippy, obnoxiously loud, uncomfortable, and slower than a snail. BUT! If you don’t have one, and don’t want to buy a tractor, this is a great homeowners tool. I’d rather have it than nothing. But will never choose to use this when I have my other machines.

[@rexqualls4976]

I’m not far from you in NE Ok. Would love to check out your Derette.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@rexqualls4976where are you located?

[@nathanhabbyshaw964]

You should buy a cfg industrial krw232 skid steer would love to see the review

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Just did a quick search and can’t find any for sale. Hmmmmm

[@nathanhabbyshaw964]

@ I found a couple on marketplace but I might be too fat to fit into one the price is around 7000 you can do better at auction

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@nathanhabbyshaw964It’s a marketplace thing for me. I work 7am to 6pm mon through fri. Too busy to make it to auctions or even go pick the machines up. I need to go in the evenings. The red mini skid I just bought I picked up at like 8pm on my birthday. lol.

[@jwg9338]

The tipsiness is inherit to all mini skids, until you get in the very large (think mid-size sit-in class) stand-on skid steers from domestic manufacturers.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s true. Yet my DRT450 is much less tippy than this one and the V1000 I can coming soon is even heavier and less tippy again. But all of them are much more tippy than a big ole skid for sure.

[@Loan--Wolf]

bottom lever was a fuel shut off

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yeah, I figured it out. Yet I should have known. lol. Thanks for commenting.

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

Dude, How the heck can you keep buying all of this equipment bro?? wtf do you do for a living? lol. I can't even afford Just ONE right now. hahaha. Jesus. You must be doing something right.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Credit union, then credit card, now KZbin money I have been saving. This cheap one is my first paid in full machine. lol It’s funny, I drive cash cars and live fairly frugal, but am in debt on these machines. The machines make KZbin dollars doing reviews and it keeps going up the more videos and machines i review!

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

@OurLifeInTrees well keep it up. I see improvements every video.

[@thegarbagegladiators4735]

@OurLifeInTrees well keep it up. I see improvements every video.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@thegarbagegladiators4735thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

[@snowgorilla9789]

I see bolt on or weld on counter weights making it way safer and usefull. At that price you can imagine jobs for it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Oh yeah for sure. For that price, why wouldn’t everyone have one?

[@Steven7216-u9y]

La première chose que je ferais avec un truc pareil c'est de percer les axes et mettre des graisseurs là où il n'y en a pas car ça peut vite se dégrader.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That’s a good idea.

[@getfixd2498]

Fuel shutoff on the carb.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Thanks. That makes sense. I should have known that. lol

[@Original_SJB]

Can you do a video on removing a tree, root, and all with your mini stuff.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I plan to do that. I have one dead tree and plan to use a chainsaw, grapple, stump grinder, and bucket. I have been waiting for my new v1000 mini skid to come in.

[@HillByDesignCo]

You going to sell this EG360?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Yes. Probably in a few weeks when I make a few more videos.

[@HillByDesignCo]

@@OurLifeInTreescool! Let me know. I might be interested.

[@fullthrottle2656]

Still want to see if the attachments fit on a Toro Dingo??? Do a Video with your attachments hooking up on one so we can actually see they do.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I plan to. I just need time. The dingo is an hour away from me and I haven’t had a free weekend in weeks and weeks. I should have a free day on the weekend to go at the end of January or in February. Adulting is NOT always fun…. Sigh…

[@fullthrottle2656]

​@@OurLifeInTrees sounds good, thanks.👍

[@Antiphon43]

@@fullthrottle2656 I second that question! I really want to get a stump bucket for mine, and Derrette didn’t offer one. I’m thinking I’ll have mine with next 10 days!!

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

Where are you located in Oklahoma

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Not far from you. I’m near thunderbird.

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

@@OurLifeInTrees i would like to compare the bigger mini excavator to this agt see what big difference. I live in seminole myself

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666My mini excavators are in SE Oklahoma right now. Near Talahina. I’ll be bringing them home in a few weeks though.

[@exportedafrican]

I had a dingo and my dad was thrown off it when he hit a rut. Ultimately it caused a serious back injury. I wouldn’t own the machine you show here. The design is off and doesnt place enough weight where it is needed to safely operate in the Terran that type of machine needs to operate. It needs longer tracks and more counter weight behind the rear sprocket.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Dang! Sorry to hear that. I agree. It’s kinda sketchy

[@APlusBrandon]

When does your v-1000 come?

[@OurLifeInTrees]

It arrives in LA on January 8th. So maybe January late or February.

[@APlusBrandon]

@ awesome. Mine finally just shipped coming to Canada. I’m guessing late Feb I’ll get it.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@APlusBrandonthat’s awesome!

[@kennethrobinson1672]

I got one Agt 23 industrial, i think my carb is stopped up ,it run 10min and just cut off

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Aww that stinks. At least the carbs are easy to work on.

[@TKommandant]

Thats cheap.The cheapest here near me would be 6k.And you can't really find them used, at least where I live.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

$6k still isn’t bad for a mini skid.

[@TKommandant]

@OurLifeInTrees it can lift 880lbs without a person and 1102 with a person.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

@@TKommandantthat’s amazing! Better than mine.

[@KUBBI7488]

sorry to say that but its wasting of money to buy one of those ! Derette is a WINNER !

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I get so many comments about people who say they bought a $3k-&4k machine and I paid too much. Now I’ll have a comparison video of the cheapy, a 460 and a v1000. Muhahaha. No. They are NOT the same. lol

[@SCDeerAddict]

So your con is stickers? Lol cmon man, I am not sure what people expect from a sub 4k machine, these are literally an engine, hydraulic pump and hoses, off the shelf parts, you can build these out any way you really want from shelf items in the states, I plan to buy a few that don't run and do a custom build

[@OurLifeInTrees]

That would be cool to build your own. I like that idea! Yeah the stickers I found really funny. Figured I would add some humor to the video. I don’t really care about the stickers, but do enjoy some silly humor. lol.

[@bobearl7859]

I can tell you that's not a 5-gallon fuel tank

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Looks like a gallon or two to me, but hey! I can’t even get to the dang tank, so what do I know? Haha

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

There are some decent looking electric articulating wheel loaders to had from China, hard to determine what the overall cost is from China with shipping and duties though.Theres a guy who does Ebike videos who seem to be flipping Chinese loaders for 100% profit markup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX2ygpt7otKMrZo

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I saw that video. Looks pretty cool honestly. Handy tools to have around.

[@philliparnold3]

We need to see the v1000

[@OurLifeInTrees]

Me too!!! It’s supposed to arrive at the port in Los Angeles January 8th. Not sure how long it will take the truck to come to OKC, but I’m super impatient!! lol.

[@philliparnold3]

@@OurLifeInTrees . I have been emailing Dean and waiting to see an honest review and not just some video with factory workers demo-ing on site before I buy. Can't wait to see your reaction and how it works for you.

[@LarryFarmhouse]

Everything knows everything that comes from China is like TEMO. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@OurLifeInTrees]

lol

[@timsigmond8984]

Hard to believe its that cheap.

[@OurLifeInTrees]

I know right? It’s crazy.

[@Chesney46]

If you are just going to use these machines around your property that’s all you need no need to pay more

[@OurLifeInTrees]

For most people, I agree. The three pump unit lets me run a brush cutter, stump grinder, trencher, mulcher, tiller, etc and that’s awesome too.