Mini Excavator | 1st Dig & Grease Nipples

Check out our Mini Skid Steer - • Unboxing Nuoman Mini S...
1st Dig with our new Chinese Mini Excavator from Alibaba. I also change out the Grease Nipples to the "normal" type so I can standardise across all my machinery with one grease gun.
We did a septic tank test hole (Percolation Test) which is a bucket width and 1.4m (41/2') down. First time digging so excuse the terrible operation.
Ian & Julie are building their tiny homestead and soon to be starting the biggest project of their lives - a Passive House Container Home which will be totally off grid.
Please subscribe to follow along with our story and also drop comments below if you have any ideas, questions or advice for us. Also click on the little bell for future updates and to help us grow - kzbin.info/door/JtD...
#miniexcavator #alibaba #minidigger
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** GEAR WE USE **
NM-E10 Pro Mini Excavator - Shandong Nuoman Engineering Machinery Co.
Link to Alibaba Shop - nuomanm.en.alibaba.com/
Grease Nipples M8x1.0 AMAZON - tinyurl.com/yma8ue3e

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

If you have any questions or have any suggestions, drop a message below ……..Be sure to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! It is the best way to support our channel ❤ Thanks for watching!

[@geoff975]

Hi there, interesting machine, if possible checking what you actually paid, using the links seems to give me different results? regards

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@geoff975 the machine was €5000 including shipping. Then €1000 vat and €1000 freight forward costs and my fuel & tolls to collect it from the port. You have to contact the supplier for real cost. But this was December, just before prices shot up.

[@glbaker5595]

The only problem I saw with the mini digger is you did not let your boy play on it how dare you.

[@jaredmurray9868]

If you can in any way add weight down low. Suitcase weights work great and if you need to bolt them on for transit its possible. Also width is a big part to ease the butt pucker factor . Try putting plywood or 2x4 studs down where the excavator will primarily sit.

[@shrek37222]

grease fitting holes are generally not threaded they fitting is pressed in. The one that is missing thread probably got missed in production. Take the piece off the digger and lay it on the floor and take a sacrificial socket that fits over the nipple and give a couple good whacks with a hammer and you'll be set. good luck

[@alexxxxx12341]

Hey Ian I've been an operator for 15 years or so the main things I can say are don't get to used to using just the bucket to dig use the arm and the boom as well that's where most of your power is. Run your machine at full throttle. Always keep people out of the swing circle and never leave an attachment raised and be underneath it that is a recipe for disaster and also I noticed in another one of your videos always unload your machine from the trailer with the boom and bucket facing the way your travelling it will save you if you get into trouble. other than that its all about seat time

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Understand - I am going to practise on the build site by myself - nice and flat and lots of room

[@nikolastojnovic192]

alex, great advices. thanks

[@russpaton8877]

Operating a moni is actually harder than a full size as they are underpowered, under weight and just not as stable. Seat time will improve tour skills

[@davidrussell8795]

You might want to grind off the welds holding the tube on the hole,so you can see the hole and tap the thread..hopefully that'll work,then you can mig weld the safety tubes back on if u want them there.

[@wewsvideos6321]

Alex is 100% correct. Also after some seat time, try using the bucket and boom at the same time. It will transfer the power to both hydraulics and lessen the jerky movement. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

[@trevorhall4748]

For the grease nipple that is missing, you need a tap called a plug tap which has a flat bottom i.e no tip. You can sometimes grind of the tip from a normal tap to make a plug tap. You can buy a set of 3 taps which includes No1, No2 2 a a plug tap for the relevant thread size. Hope this helps

[@Drewdayz2419]

As a heavy equipment operator the best thing I can tell you about operating is , seat time. I always tell people practice hovering the bucket about an 1 inch off the ground and extend all the way out and pull all the way in trying to keep that bucket level with the ground, Keep practicing that over and over

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am going to the build site to practise with it - plenty of space and no one about. 😀

[@EmilCohenblackrose]

Track tension uses grease. So,, to keep your track longevity, mind the tension on the track by adding grease - Nipple is on the tensioner on each track . Also, use the stabiliser (blade) to push down on the ground (to save the "tearing" action when working .

[@messenger8279]

Watching this from rural Australia. I have a small Kubota with a back hoe and front end loader. During the summer here any digging of a hole without an atom bomb to break the clay is pointless. Your little digger would barely bruise the insects that live out here. I salute your great attitude and bravery in the face of your projects with that machine. :-)

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

We are lucky on the build site - there is nearly 2 metres of top soil with zero rocks. When I dug my septic tank test hole the inspector could not believe how good the soil was. It took me a day though to dig that out by hand though.

[@messenger8279]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Your lucky as I struggle to grow regular grass. Native weeds grow everywhere !

[@Chaphillionaire]

Nice work! You may find that a tarp under your dig pile makes clean up quick and easy. An old one will do just fine.

[@AcmeAce]

Unless you are going to dig the whole yard up in a couple days but that was what i was thinking except i would go one more with a ply sheet on a tarp. Dig to china. Have fun and be safe.

[@roytoal9947]

Just a tip about parking up , especially over night etc, make sure the bucket is down as they creep down under the pressure and have seen them damage what ever you've left it above, saw a fork lift left with its forks above a scaffold over the week end and it bent all the handrail

[@petertomas3665]

There are nice lessons here on youtube on how to operate mini diggers. One tip i learned the other day from one instructor was to run the engine on lower rpm so the movement of bucket and arm to be smoother since you dont need full power without full load.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

So many conflicting comments on that - I have the time to try high and low but I know what you mean. I will give it a go. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@peewee.3138]

When you open the small access panels on either side of the tracks, you will find a grease nipple which is only for tightening the tracks. If they are loose, pump some grease into it. If you need to release the tension, you need to remove the nipple. Hope this helps.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Perfect, thanks.

[@nativeindian8672]

There should be another grease fitting for the turn table in the front r under the machine, the fittings behind the plate at the tracks is for adjusting tenchion on the tracks. As for the pin on the front bucket the two grease fittings is all that that pin needs. To operate the post digger as you are going down in the hole stop the drill and pull it out of the hole and reverse the drill to remove firt from drill hope this helps.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Grind the tip of your tap. Count how many are the starting type threads on the tap and grind the first three off. Or order a set of the size you need, make sure the set includes a plug tap. Use cutting oil. I like “tap magic” Clean all the chips out of the hole with degreaser. Thanks for sharing! Great video

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

All done as you advised - thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@alensley6647]

Grind the end of your tap flat, after you get it started. This makes a homemade bottom tap. Works every time.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I did exactly that - thanks for the comments 👍🏻

[@barney992]

the hydraulic arm at the bucket is the only pivoting part on that pin . could spray dry lube in other hole to stop moisture . grease also prevents moisture. the deeper you dig with every swipe the more the digger reacts in hard ground

[@richardforster9816]

Hi, congratulations on your mini digger. The covers abut half way along the undercarriage are for access to the grease nipple that enables you to tighten up the tracks. It also is used to slacken them off for replacement. There are several posts on how to do this. Good luck so far so good :-)))

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you for your comments - I will check the tracks tomorrow before I head out. 👍🏻

[@timcollins3484]

I am flooded with small digger videos. Nice old Renault in the background if i'm not mistaken.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

A couple - the one in the air is my wife's Renault 4L and the one on the ground is our 1955 Renault 4CV that we compete in rallies. Love these cars and built them both.

[@Jdjd12288]

It will all come together with time. Thanks for your time making this video

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching and the encouragement 👍🏻

[@jarredquinlan187]

Very cool little machine...in the US we are born with the ability to run 400+ level JD machines...cool to see societies where you must these skills later in life.

[@TreeChangeFarmer]

Good job Ian. More time on the digger and you will be a pro!👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Hoping it will come with practice - cheers

[@jaxturner7288]

I like the traditional fittings and would want to change them as well but usually when they use the flatter ones it’s because they are in a location that is likely to get broken off, like in your case, the one out on the bucket will be lucky to survive a week before snapping it off. I’d suggest using the flat ones it had in areas likely to take damage. 👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I will probably change out that front one or protect it with something

[@mtking2196]

I was about to say the same but looking to see if it was already said.

[@michaelbajo9966]

Safety! When you dig a hole like that and someone is measuring the depth have them stand out of the area the boom can swing. When you have equipment using hydraulic for power run it at high revs. Start with 3/4 revs and when you're ready. Full rev is better for hydraulic pump. You'll figure out where your machine runs best. Good job and ALOHA from Hawaii!

[@Patriot-od6xk]

The little machine digs nice.

[@tomoaktree4951]

Cheers Ian & Julie, As previously mentioned, seat time is the best way to get really proficient with your machine. Each machine has their own quirks. I'm actually very impressed with the digger that you did purchase. Name brand machines are great but come with a very hefty price tag. I have run a number of large excavators and I own a 3 Ton Gehl excavator. It was made by Neuson in Austria. I also really like the single axle car trailer that you have. In the states, car hauler trailers have double axles and are much larger. I wish one like your was available here. Cheers Tom

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Tom - I have a lot more practise now and seem to be going well. The trailer is great, less weight but sometimes I do wish I had the double axle as it seems to jump over the many speed humps they are putting in around here.

[@Jase013]

I've had very limited experience with an excavator, however I was taught to dig perpendicular to the tracks and the grader blade down so you can level yourself to any surface. Feels more stable and you can use the boom to steady/save you if you get off balance. Hope that helps.

[@keetacom]

No. You want the grader blade down and that blade between you and the hole. It is your anchor to keep your machine from moving toward your hole. Digging perpendicular to the track will harm your bogie wheels and you risk pulling yourself over sideways. Having the blade behind you can help with keeping it moving as much on such a small excavator (if you are an experienced digger) , but then you leave the tracks exposed to being damaged by the bucket when you make a mistake with a bucket movement. You really would prefer a slightly bent blade to replacing your track.

[@freeradical431]

Take material off in layers, a machine that size try 2 inch layers at a time. You wont be stalling the machine out and will have much smoother operation. Always try to plan ahead, where the dirt is gonna go, where your gonna move to next, etc.

[@uk82punkz]

i got my machine last week, and will do the same with the grease fittings. i will also make a thumb for it so i can pick thinks up. i only tried it out once so far, i scratched my driveway with the bucket teeth and made it flat again with the blade yesterday. cheers from sweden.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I did want the thumb but it was pricey for a mechanical option - I was hoping the arm would have the lug already fitted but I will have to weld that on. I have found a great thumb from Deleks that will fit and it reasonably cheap too.- but yes it would have been a good option to have.

[@robb1165]

@@HomesteadingUncontained On small diggers the thumb can get in the way when digging so needs to be fit well to the machine. Another more expensive option is a grapple bucket like from CMP attachments.

[@1965ace]

I bought a John Deere 300B before I even had a need for it. Since then I bought 20 acres next to a national monument and built my 2nd home. I spent many hours on it and couldn't have built my rural home without it. It's so cool to have machinery to make your life easier.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That is the only reason i am considering building my new home - it was 20 years ago I did my first and I have a lot more knowledgable but a lot less nimble 🤣

[@brianwalker1386]

Try digging with the blade in the back of the machine and that'll put it down and that'll stabilize it when you push down pressure on the boom it raises the blade off the ground when it's in the back it'll stop the machine from raising up

[@NacMacFeegle2]

Nonsense you dig with blade at front its a stabiliser, it stop you being pulled over and into the dig. also i protects your trackmotors

[@Palo-jm7xc]

@@NacMacFeegle2 Agreed. Protecting your track motors is probably the biggest reason to dig over the blade. Putting the blade down reduces the leverage the dipper arm has over the digger but increases the pulling/breakout force of the bucket, in other words it makes you much more stable and allows you to lift more without tipping.

[@shelbyzipfel5748]

Need a bottom tap

[@toddmccowen8206]

wrong .

[@brianwalker1386]

@@toddmccowen8206 if you're dumb enough to hook the track motors with the bucket you have no business on the machine

[@carllallemand5774]

Nice job.

[@firu864]

God bless you for this valuable info

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

No problem and thank you 👍🏻

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

On the Grease fitting, check the other one to see if the through hole is small or the same size as the fitting you put in. If the through hole of the left one is larger then drill out the right one and run your tap in. If the left has a small hole then get you what's called a bottom tap that will cut threads to where the small hole starts. The tap you were using is a through tap, designed to start easy and tap all the way through your work .

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I ground off an old tap and used that - it seemed to do the trick.

[@EOTG_AK]

@@HomesteadingUncontained Sounds like you figured out a solution but the proper tool for a blind hole would be a bottoming tap.

[@ismailmadil]

Isn't the hole without thread on it is supposed to be for the overflow of the grease you pump in through the other greasing nipple? Just curious.

[@aday1637]

Solution to missing fitting is simple. Drill out all the way through with slightly smaller drill bit then tap away. This will allow ample grease to be injected into that particular fitting at a rate greater than the rest, most likely, so just beware when pumping away with the grease.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I went to give it. go and found the hole is bigger, so will buy a M10 grease nipple tomorrow and go bigger. Thanks for the comments.

[@willwill2548]

What a lovely machine, Sir!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Will. It will do the job.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Love the Renault 4 We had one in the late 60s, they will go any-ware

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That is Julie's car - she is just waiting for me to weld in the new floor...... She loves it.

[@spencerwilson9104]

Make sure your blade is down and in front of you when digging to stabilise the digger they can go over so easy # happy digging#

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

will do - I have a trench to do tomorrow so will try it out.

[@miky-275]

When digging you want the blade behind you as it moved the pivot point further back. You would have the blade in front for lifting.

[@ericcampbell285]

The length of your boom isn't necessarily for digging farther from the machine. But for depth. You can move a lot closer to the hole. Which i noticed you did later in the video but you could have gone another 18 to 24 inches closer easy

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I thought that after watching back, I was too far away. Thanks for the comments. 👍🏻

[@surgicalshooter911]

Tip: I try not to place my backfill medium no further than I have to from where I’m digging, makes finishing up quicker and cleaner. Great job, love your videos. 🇺🇸😉👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers - yes I am figuring this out. Although, now I have started on my build I need to throw the dirt as far away as I can 😆

[@jayeff3196]

Hi...look forward to see how you get on with the micro excavator....I have a 20 year old IHI which I have had for a year....I Love It....wish I had got into this years ago.....enjoy....🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It took me ages to go for it - I prefer doing the work myself so it should be good fun in learning new skills.

[@jayeff3196]

I'm subscribed.....🙂...look forward to new videos....🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AGRIMOVIEemi]

Great job 👏 👏 👏

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

thank you for watching and your encouragement - cheers 👍🏻

[@stevezurek7281]

Drill the blind hole out or use a mid and a bottoming tap .That’s how we do it in Australia 🇦🇺👍👍👍👍 good luck mate

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yep, will do, thanks for the tip. I will drill out as I only have standard taps in the workshop 👍🏻

[@FritzPinguin]

I love your Renault 4CV in the back of your garage. My aunt was driving on in the 60ies and later I saw a lot of them as taxi in Saigon in the 70ies. Yours looks marvelous!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - love that little car. I built it from a shell and it is now my little rally car. Check it out here - kzbin.info

[@FritzPinguin]

@@HomesteadingUncontained May this masterpiece "Live long and prosper"!😀

[@inglbrute]

With practice you'lll learn how to use it like an appendage and get a feel for the best movements and leverages for getting a good scoop. Practice digging level by dragging your bucket back about an inch or 2 off the ground. One thing I'll recommend is, never go under a suspended boom. A hose failure will drop it like a rock. And always look before you swing or back up. Looks like a really fun machine.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

great advice and encouragement - thank you 👍🏻

[@markushaas9733]

Nice 😊Dackel

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

👍🏻

[@joelnickerson6739]

Good idea changing out all those grease fittings. Grease is cheaper than replacing parts.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I really need a powered grease gun.... squeezing that gun is more tiring than shovelling 🤣

[@user-xr5fm7tu4z]

视频很棒哦，微挖更换黄油嘴，添加润滑脂进行日常维护。

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching

[@Kt-ro2fm]

Regards the 2 grease nipples on the bucket linkage with the steel tubing over them if you fill the tubes with grease when you're finished greasing them you'll be very surprised how much dirt it will keep out

[@victormartin8847]

As you get used to the controls, you’ll find it digs much better with a coordinated approach where you’re changing the angle of the bucket along with moving the boom so that it’s a smooth operation.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I am trying to figure that out. Then I get a brain fart and can't even remember which lever does what - I sit there frozen trying to work it out 🤣 It will come for sure.

[@johnnyadams1755]

Believe it or not one day you will be sitting in the seat and the bucket and boom will seem to move on their own as you wish them to, and you will be shocked that you didn't even have to think about it.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@johnnyadams1755 I hope so... its funny, when I stop thinking about it, it works great. Then I think, which way and it all goes to cr^p 🤣

[@joebrown9621]

Nice little unit u got there.. Run it at full RPM.. it possibly has a pressure compensated pump and running at higher RPM will alleviate some of the jerkiness of the controls as the pump cycles in and out.. try using more force on the stick and less boom down for break out.. if it tough drigging using the stick to boom at a right angle gives u the highest breakout force.. good luck happy digging

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you for your comments - I will be out this weekend practicing for the big septic tank dig at my son's place.

[@grahamdeere9475]

Just a tip on a micro mini excavator like this one, putting the dozer blade behind you will give you more breakout force when you're digging. It seems counterintuitve, but on such a small machine it's recommended. If you drill more fence post holes in the future, it will really help to stabilize the machine and give you more downforce to drill easier.

[@MrThebigredone]

Bad advice, always have it to the front, it provides stability and also gives some protection to the tracks

[@grahamdeere9475]

@@MrThebigredone Caterpillar actually recommends this, just fyi. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYO9k4KDpMqHrpo

[@MrJure998]

@@MrThebigredone Graham has right.

[@canadianobserver5552]

Depends on circumstances and experience.. fluid motion of the controls digs easier as well...taking advantage of the physics behind the shape of the bucket and the leverage of the boom, it can dig pretty good, only limitations are load capacity...it's a small machine meant for tight places and intricate jobs...✌🏻🥂

[@Gageleavitt25]

Do keep the blade behind you when your digging because then it won’t pivot over it, you also are then able to dig closer to the machine.

[@Wally-ou8co]

was hoping someone would mention this.

[@damien.c381]

Also in the Pyrenees, I run a stable near Tarbes nice to see this kind of project around here

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Neighbours - we have an old pony at our place. Old Tyson, been with us for 25 years but is around 32 now. Hence the field shelter, stable and everything else to make his life comfortable...... If your in the area......😀

[@alansummerscales3376]

You did well The advice I was given Think with the bucket! Ie the bucket does the work so focus on what it is doings

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

great advice and will put everything into practise when the rain stops....can't get it muddy 🤣

[@qiansun5271]

Good job

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you and thanks for watching.😀

[@capefear3297]

A fellow homesteader, by the way. Subscribed, and regards.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers , thank you so much for watching and following.

[@ils360]

Don't forget to do the first couple of oil changes early on that engine while it breaks in we'll make it last many more years

[@ngavigan]

I note your comment on having the blade to the front when digging, actually it works far better having it to the rear, and having it on the ground. When you need to push the bucket into the ground you can have the weight of the entire machine balanced on the blade and bucket - much greater digging force!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I have worked it now - I do swap it around dependant on terrain but totally agree with you. Thanks for watching.

[@450rhino1]

Pretty good for the first time digging. Excellent description in the video on how the machine works. SUBSCRIBED, in NOVA SCOTIA CANADA. :)

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching and subscribing - I am getting better (I think) - lots of practice coming up with my groundworks for the garage / shop.

[@patrickstarnes2355]

Looks like a lot of fun 😂 I would pay £20 for half an hour on that.

[@jacklaroche5121]

Get what is called a “bottoming” tap. Usually taps will come in three styles 1) tapered tap. First seven threads are tapered. 2) plug tap. First three threads are tapered. 3) bottoming tap. First thread is tapered. Depends on how deep your blind hole is but you should start with the taper tap follow with the plug tap and finish with the bottoming tap. If it is a shallow hole you can just use the plug tap to start the thread and then follow up and finish with the bottoming tap.

[@graemescebuphilippines363]

Hi When with small digger I would take small depth cuts at a time with the bucket fairly flat so it's a scoping action. Working bucket tilt and arm bring the bucket to you. I guess practice is what's needed. Mind you it's easy for me 30yrs with various diggers. Now I'm retired I have a 1.8 ton Sunward excavator for projects around the home in New Zealand. With the grease nipple I should think you could drill the through to the pin space.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It will take a lot of practise - I watch the pro guys operating the machines and think that is easy.... then I try 😂 Thanks 👍🏻

[@nicholasproietto2500]

For your fitting without the threads, drill completely through to open the hole full length, then tap it. Or, use a flat bottom tap to get deeper into the existing hole. You mentioned the hole having a small pin hole opening on the inside. I don't know why that is so. For most Zerk fittings. You just drill one sized hole, then tap tand insert the fitting. But, the Chinese do things differently I guess.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, thanks - that it now my plan. Plus I will try and cap those two access points as they did get clogged up with mud.

[@pauld3123]

when your digging it helps to approach your work with the blade on the machine and use it like an outrigger arm....it will be much more stable

[@rhetts5202]

Actually when you are digging if you have the blade down in the back it gives you more digging force then if its in the front you would want the blade in the front if you were digging stumps and pulling up more. Running an excavator is all about leverage. I would know i run 3 different size excavators ranging from 4t, 10.5t and a 15t

[@douglasthompson2740]

Put down a couple layers of cheap old tarps then put your spoils on the tarp. When you shovel it back the last little bit can be gathered by the tarp so voila clean grass. Same thing for using your blade to stabilize without tearing up the grass just carry a plank and use it under the blade to spread the load and not damage the lawn.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I even took the packing case the digger came in to protect the garden. Then totally forgot to use it 🤣 When I go back to start on his septic we will do as you said. Cheers, Ian.

[@chrislyon2420]

I’d rest the bucket, auger or whatever on the ground when not in use even on your trailer, this will take the pressure off the hydraulic system.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

yes, I now realise. Thanks for commenting, much appreciated

[@AcmeAce]

You can dig a deep hole with a ramp like loading on the trailer but dont forget the fan to keep fresh air in the hole for the machine and you to breath.

[@andyprior6089]

you have the blade in the right position for digging 👍Well done.

[@hamop3]

Thanks for the video. As far as the tearing of the grass. That is going to happen. I have a 5 ton excavator and it does that well. I let them know first off, it is not kind to grass. Though they still want the job done. Though I have bought a 1.5t excavator and waiting for it to arrive. For smaller jobs.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, you are right. I just felt bad as I had already ripped it up with my tractor earlier this year going another job. When I go back for his septic tank it will not be an issue 😀

[@user-pq1js1bz6h]

Nice video,they sell Bang in grease fittingThat are tapered

[@jongood3003]

fun tip when you're digging a hole get a cheap blue tarp and stake the four corners down and then pile the dirt in the middle of it and makes refilling the hole and clean up a breeze

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, will do, specifically for my son’s septic tank project 👍

[@bakeredwards]

Not sure if you found them but mine has two grease points to the right side of the boom on the main body for the slew bearing. A plug tap is for blind holes or just drill it through I'm sure it won't miss that surface area. Nice videos, thanks

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

yes, hidden behind the front plate. But I didn't know what they were for - thanks.👍🏻

[@frackcha]

Spiral screw thread taps work great with these types of holes as they have more chance of pulling the swarf up and out of the hole as you cut down into the material. Cool channel! Just found you.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching - I managed to tap it out after grinding a standard tap flat. But had to increase the thread diameter. 👍🏻

[@n9wdq]

I’m also impressed with what appears to be an original VW “bug” in good shape

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Noooo, it is a Renault 4CV from 1955. Does look like a bug from behind but not the front - rear engine (but water cooled). Its our little rally car.... (full roll cage and rally prepared)

[@n9wdq]

@@HomesteadingUncontained still a nice vehicle. Enjoying and learning from your videos

[@lindabenbow8492]

Love the digger but tell us more about that sweet little Renault 4cv in the back ground!!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

haha, well spotted - love this little car. We have had it a long time now and we actually use it for Rallies. I have some videos of it on another channel - kzbin.info. Julies car is the little Renault 4L sitting on top of the lift awaiting its new floor to be welded.

[@kirkbowman7452]

Hi I’m no expert but you can use your bucket and boom to lift/tilt you front end for blade clearance. You’ve probably got it figured out though. For transit maybe lower your boom to the trailer deck for lower centre of gravity and another anchor point with the added bonus of being easier on the booms hydraulics - no bouncing. In regard to the nipple could you not drill it right through the tap ?

[@RetirementFund750]

You should get some pvc end caps and cover those 2 grease fittings on the bucket that way they don’t fill with dirt. If they don’t fit tight just wrap some electrical tape around it until the end cap fits good.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes will do, they clog up straight away when digging. Thanks for commenting and watching, much appreciated.

[@grahamtravis]

@@HomesteadingUncontained You are in France; use wine corks to plug the ends, and slice them off level so that they don't get knocked out. To remove them for greasing - corkscrew. :-)

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

@@grahamtravis excellent idea.....going to try that. 👍🏻

[@BigInjun05]

Going to buy this for my 8 year old nephew

[@Ful-OGold]

You can get bottoming taps that will cut threads to a bottomed out hole like that.

[@briansweeney2291]

Put the blade at the front Ian gives you more stability I've used mini digger in the past at found puting the tracks and the blade at angle helps it from tipping trying these different ways you be a master on the mini digger 👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you i am getting a little better. Lots more practice to come as i start on the groundworks for my workshop

[@rolf9280]

“Bottoming tap”. Should do! Good luck!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Rolf, all done like you say.

[@deplorablesrus8457]

Good job mate. Hello from the U.S.

[@DocKingliveshere]

On a small dig like that (which you did very well) you can dump your dirt on a tarp to protect the grass.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I will do - we have to go in and dig the real hole for his septic tank very soon.

[@mpiinternational.modernpeo8622]

Great video mate . Ive not brought my lil digger yet so no advice but theres no other way to get a feel for it than getting a feel for it ha ha ha good on ya from down under ...Cheers

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks - I bet you can't wait until it arrives - I now have to wait until my planning application comes through before eI can start work - hence practicing in my son's garden 🤣

[@fredfiftyfour2183]

At 7:00, M8 X 1.0 is an old German DIN standard pitch. The Chinese use 1.0 for M6 and M8 fine. Here in the US the same problem 1.25 is the standard for fine. I get mine from suppliers in Canada. One of many surprises with Chinese equipment.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That explains it.... it is a pain but Amazon seems to be the go to for strange sizes. Thanks for watching.

[@harleyb.birdwhisperer]

The single grease fitting on that shaft is probably adequate for lube. Installing the second one demonstrated your tool handling ability.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

👍

[@adachao5055]

ideal rural life

[@jimmysquires5093]

You could use a bottom tap. if you can find one, grined off the taber tap. I would also try to find a cover or plug to keep those two covered.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I just ground a M10 tap down, tapped it out only to find I had picked up an M10 x1.0 grease nipple.... not my day.

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

They say to never dig with the track drive motors near the bucket. Blade should be closest the bucket when digging.

[@tedthoman6580]

More useful down pressure w/ blade down behind you

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

@@tedthoman6580 Yeah that is true but it still causes more wear on the track drives.

[@beeleywood7796]

Put the ply wood from the packing case down on the grass and the turn the digger so that the tracks are side onto the dig. Little and often when scooping until you get the hang of it and then away you go.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for the encouragement. I actually took the ply with me but forgot to use it. Next time.

[@frankcrawford416]

That's a fine looking machine. I think you said it was refurbished. I think that was a good idea to get one refurbished because it is not only broken in but a quality control inspector made sure it was running properly. That kind of detail checking of a broke in machine should catch any flaws in manufacturing or weak points that show up later. All except the one grease nipple hole that was unthreaded which is almost nothing.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It was new - I didn't want to start refurbishing an old 2nd hand unit this time - I like doing it but I needed to get to work straight away. Thanks for watching

[@OlesMusic]

May I suggest a follow-up video on how to service it? Maybe a monthly or weekly greasing routine and the first filter change at 50 hours or something like that:)

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I did do the oil change video. But next week I am putting out a video on a whole strip down and replacement of some of the parts..... all is good but I did break something.

[@patrickwong2823]

Hi Ian. Nice video. My mini-ex from Alibaba came with standard type grease nipples (most call them Zerk fittings here in the USA) in 2 different sizes 6x1mm and 8x1mm. I just did my first greasing job on it this weekend at 15 hours. Like you, I had an issue too. Mine was a missing nipple but thankfully, the hole was threaded so I just had to install one. At first, I thought I could not reach the two underneath with either a manual gun or my Dewalt battery operated one (highly recommend you get one). So I ordered a right-angle tip... but then I discovered that if I used the blade to lift up the cab, I could reach them. Oh, well. Keep the videos coming!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Chees Patrick, I will lift up the cab and get to the one - it was a little hard

[@h8GW]

Use a jack stand or other solid prop if you're getting under something that's just being held up by hydraulics, since otherwise you're depending on none of the o-rings to fail.

[@michielderuyter6011]

0:07 look at the dog behind the tree! 😂

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

nice...☹️

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

You'll get there, I say well done for first time digging! what a great little machine. That's about the size of my Kubota K008-3. Its really a great size.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

A little more bucking bronco than the Kubota I am sure - but yes, perfect for what I need, plus I need to transport it to the build site, so I can't go too big.

[@CALISKANHAFRIYAT.]

Good

[@matteodesimio5117]

Dear Ian, very good job as a first hand digger, maybe you are little beach perfectionist. Yours explanations comes with little details which I fell very ease to understand. Your domineer over the machine is getting very much better. Over all you are good. (Brazil)

[@AlphaOmegaProject2015]

Use a tarp to drop your dirt on or offload in trailer. Save time. Nice machine

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you and yes we will do this next time.

[@frederickshipp8013]

When I did my perc test I used my auger to drill about four holes spaced so many feet apart. My results were fine, fortunately.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

haha yes, my son's holes were more like drilling a well, only a few feet down 🤣

[@weekendhomeprojects]

Nice

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks for watching.

[@TheWuerstchenwasser]

Its always a good idea to keep that blade rotated to the rear so the excavator has a harder time pushing itself off the ground but please make sure you dont ever under any circumstance hit your final drive motors with the bucket because these are the most expensive and vulnerable parts of your lower frame. Just saying because I´ve seen people do that and it tends to get messy real quick.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - I am a bit more experienced now with it and as you say put the blade behind when digging on the flat. But it also depends on the terrain as you can see in our other videos where eI am digging out the footings for our garage. Thanks for commenting. 👍🏻