Mini Excavator Pushed Hard [we blow a gasket] | Garage Shop Project Ep2

[@domainelavaleeverte4818]

Congrats on 34 years!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - it doesn't feel that long.... or does it 🤣

[@CHINAxiaobei]

34 years~~WOW,A very loving couple. Un couple très aimant

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - merci beaucoup!!

[@superfluityme]

If you have a large amount of dirt to move for your house site, drive way or the like. Hire a larger excavator for a day or two you will be much better off than taking weeks with the mini digger. The difference you will feel with a bigger excavator compared to the mini excavator for large tasks, is the same as digging by hand or using the mini digger for small works.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am coming around to the idea that another 100 tonnes of dirt is going to be a bit of a task for the 1 tonne machine. The local rental places will not rent the big machines to individuals so have my feelers out for the driver / excavator that can come in with a 5 tonne machine and flatten that section - after that I can carry on with footings etc. you are right!!

[@stvdmc2011]

The problem is not a 1 time job, is various small job around house.

[@williamlindsay987]

Ian and Julie, CONGRATULATIONS on 34 years.💕 These days that is an accomplishment! The pipe extension on the oil drain, is a feature I have used for a long time, better than an aspirin for the headaches it will save. your methods may not be the speediest but slow and steady is better anyway. It makes any mistakes so much easier to fix. Stay safe and God bless you both. An interested subscriber in Utah, U.S.A. Bill

[@corollaae8645]

I was thinking the same thing. An extension that’s permanent.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I agree. I will extend this out as I will be changing the oil a little more regularly than the manual suggests.

[@alanlake5220]

It's amazing to look back and see how far you have come on your project, well done team Ian & Julie .

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I really need to do a timelapse of the whole project - we can't believe it ourselves 😬

[@Pinzpilot101]

From another homesteader......garages......you will never have enough......tractors, you will never have enough...implements...you will never have enough..Black and decker workmates..you will never have enough..etc etc🤣

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

haha, we are already planning a few more "field shelters" for the place and we have built the house yet. Definitely on the tractor - I need a spare.

[@yogaadisetiawan3335]

Nice vidios Mr 👍👍🙏🙏

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you Yoga 👍🏻

[@richardgreen7811]

Tight place oil changes ... Take a quart (for me) plastic milk bottle (type with the handle) and cut the bottom out of it, leaving a slight down angle towards the handle. I'm pretty sure this will fit your available area, and the angled lip you provided will give a close fit up against the engine thereby reducing spillage while giving you a purchase with the handle. Obviously you'll have to arrange an appropriately sized plastic hose to go into your ultimate drain container. It's so great to watch a man with time priorities go about his day: 5:00am = Rise, shower, and breakfast. 5"45am = Engage the "things to do" list. 12:00 am = Lunch 1:00 pm = Reengage the balance of the "things to do" list. 3:45 pm = Pressure wash and lube the work equipment 5:00 pm = Shower 5:30 pm = Vodka Martini & A. Fuente Cigar 6:00 pm To 6:03pm = Hot Sex (including foreplay) 6:04pm = Second Vodka Martini 6:10pm To 6:12pm = Hot Sex (no foreplay) Life is Good ...

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

2 minutes..... Julie is hoping 🤣

[@richardgreen7811]

@@HomesteadingUncontained I have a blast with this at the PUB. At 73, but continued good cosmetics and 25 year old attitude ... I tell the young ones "I'll give you the best 3 minutes of your life (including foreplay)". My greatest fear is that one of them will say "YES".

[@richardpiceno5719]

Awesome

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Richard 👍🏻

[@theinfernalcraftsman]

For your oil drain look into a Fumoto oil drain valve. They are a ball valve made for oil pans and have a hose nipple on them. Good quality made in Japan unit.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Looked it up - looks the business so will see about getting one and extending it out. Thanks for the comment and advice.

[@theinfernalcraftsman]

@@HomesteadingUncontained No problem. I use them on various equipment. I'm enjoying the videos. Haven't been to France since the early 90s. Was going to go back to Greece next month but just couldn't stomach buying tickets since we usually fly standby (employee travel perk). 3x the number of flights and all are full. And congrats on 34. The better 3/4 and I have been together for almost 14 years. Had to count them up...

[@markg9796]

Oil change suggestion... When I used to work in maintenance, and there was a tight spot like that, we would permanently attach a small threaded pipe or tubing to the drain hole threads down to the underside (with a threaded cap) Much easier for oil change.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, exactly what I am going to do on the next oil change. This is great advice, thank you.👍🏻

[@cosminnedelcu4608]

very nice people

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks Cosmin 👍🏻

[@richardwallinger1683]

head gaskets .. a thin WIPE of 24 hour araldite epoxy on both sides of the head gasket .blow hot air into a cardboard box over the head .Leave in the hot sun for overnight cure . no more head gasket issues . Stay active and healthy .. Jane and Richard in Portugal.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Richard - I am happy to report it wasn't the head gasket. In the end a simple copper washer on the hydraulic oil line. Good tip.

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

Ian 's got pretty good with that! almost second nature!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

hahaha, not yet. I still have those moments when it tilts and I can't remember which way to push the lever to correct myself.

[@homepro3743]

I enjoy your videos

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - more to come after we finish our work season.

[@hakes2]

Nice couple

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Merci 😀

[@georgebond6518]

Have anniversary 😍, great video Hope you're tractor can be repaired fairly easily - I would love to see the repair if you have time to show it. Fully agree with your early oil change on your mini Ex. Some day hope to get my garage looking even a little bit like your workshop.Thank you for great video

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers George - I am working on the tractor now. Hoping it is not as bad as I thought.

[@orlanduhden5842]

I admire people that take such excellent care of their things, well done. 🙂

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you for watching - much appreciated.

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

That's your pride and joy, would be mine as well lol

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It has saved me physically and also in my pocket with the work it has done - still plenty of work to do though 👍🏻

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

It's amazing how much material is removed.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is going well, but looking at the rest is daunting. I might have a plan up my sleeve so keep watching.

[@fasdude38]

Hi there from Canada. My Toro Zero Turn Lawnmower (SS4235) has the same issue for draining the oil. However, from the factory, they had the brilliant idea of putting a fitting from the drain hole to a short piece of hose with a "tap" on the end, making oil changes relatively easy. That is what I recall when my nephew did an oil change for me. (I'm in a wheelchair with a bad back, so I can't do such things myself.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank yo - I took another look today as it is in pieces at the moment - I think I will be doing the same, try and get a longer attachment with a valve.

[@sealbeater]

You guys are amazing. Good job.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you - ♥️

[@robertbrand8823]

My Zero turn mower engine has a permanent short hose extension hanging out if the bottom of the frame from the engined rain. It works great.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I started using a small oil pump to suck it out and then reverse to put the new stuff in. But a drain house would be good next time I strip it all down again 👍🏻

[@MarcelLoidolt]

You are so adorable ☺️👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Merci 😳

[@Pinzpilot101]

Once you have the body bits off.....its so easy to do a head gasket........it's more like the head gasket on a Ford Anglia or even a Landrover.....no cam belts or 'stretch bolts' to worry about.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am hoping it is not the head gasket now - I have traced the blow out to the hydraulic pump oil feed. It might just be a couple of copper washers.... fingers crossed.

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

I recently rented a little 1 ton mini excavator for several small jobs around the home. I was surprised at what it could do and how fuel efficient it was. I've run up to 15 ton excavators, and while it's true that you're not going to pull a stump, or use a mini as a crane, it will dig very well and cut thru small roots....and it will pull easily behind a minivan.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, that was our criteria - we had to be able to tow it. I already had a 1 tonne car trailer so the 1 tonne was perfect.

[@markdiulio2245]

Great video getting a lot of work done

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Mark - I can't wait to get full time on it in a few weeks when our work season is over - I need to get this garage up this year.

[@jurijsbolakins8928]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Jurijs 👍🏻

[@geoffreyfox60]

Congratulations 👏👏

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you Geoffrey, thanks for watching.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Great video, love the Renault 4 on the lift.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

hahaha, yes, I really need to finish the floor on it and get it back on the road as that will be a little job site run-around 9I even bought a mini trailer for it).

[@nuoman]

👍😃👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thanks you ♥️

[@arthurmckelvey3892]

Many, many congratulations on your anniversary. Wishing you both health and happiness for many more to come. The mini digger is certainly proving its worth - that was lot of work in one day. Well done. Thanks for all your efforts in filming what you do - particularly doing an oil change. Dont think many of us would have been that patient! Have a good week and looking forward to the next one. Best wishes from Co. Antrim

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Arthur. The filming makes us think hard about each job. Stops us making too many mistakes although we will include a few in future videos. I missed out the huge oil puddle under the digger.... the stain is still there 😝

[@grahamkearnon6682]

You really need that front end loader at the site saves lots of time/effort.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

The sloping site makes me a little nervous with full loader on the Kubota. I have a levelling blade I used too but now I have a little mini dumper which is a game changer with the little mini ex.

[@homepro3743]

That's to tight on the tracks

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, looking back it was..... more experience needed but they are looser now.

[@Kamikaze3557]

New subscriber, much appreciate the service of the mini excavator, I’ll hopefully be getting one in a few months. At 65 yo, I have to stop digging by shovel due to heart failure. Enjoy your content.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Michael, yes it saves the digging. Even at my age it is killing me (I was 25 years younger when I did my last house). 🤣

[@ndudman8]

looking good, for another 34, or 68 years :) nice to see the time lapse of the digger always seems so effective then :) but the moment I pick up a shovel and pick axe to try and equal the mini digger I remember why even those small ones are so great :)

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

We are really please how the mini digger is performing - it does shake you around a little so the core gets a workout. But a you say, better than a shovel. Cheers.

[@georgeharvey3062]

On your next oil change buy a oil extension hose that fits into the drain hole. Thread it in and leave it in. On the exit side is another threaded cap. The next time you change oil the extension will already be there.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I ended up using a small oil pump - this gets it all out and then pushes the new in. Seems to work OK.

[@georgeharvey3062]

@@HomesteadingUncontained good thinking. Less messy!

[@northeastworms]

I love this mini escavator, I am in the process to order a forklift from China, finger crossed

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It should be OK - I just received a remote controlled lawn mower - so I did try it again, but this time direct with the company and not via Alibaba (VAT issues)

[@simonmiddleton4977]

Congratulations on 34 years marriage! Great progress. Must be something in the air, our Mercedes Sprinter camper came up with a engine management light as we went away this weekend 😢 Hope to see some homestead footage soon 👍😃

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am hoping it is something less than the head gasket. I have just inspected it and I might have another issue.....phew!!

[@randymiller1604]

The best way to remove the oil from the motor is to suck it out of the dipstick tube with a pump the same way you change oil in a lot of boats you can get the pump at a marine store not expensive no mess great little excavator

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I realised afterwards I do have one of those pumps as I used to own a smart car which also did not have a sump.

[@roysamuels5700]

I put extension lines on my finish mower so I did not have to remove metal guards to grease the spindles, 3 of them. I would be looking for hydraulic hose or line and replace the drain plug, extension to make it easier & faster. I did strap the 2ft flexable lines down to the deck to they say put.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I started to look at putting in longer fitments for the oil change then realised I have to fill it also so I opted for an oil pump that can suck it out and then push the new stuff back in. Good call on the grease fittings though, as I have some that are tucked away and not very easy to get to.

[@GlennGehrke]

Truly enjoy your videos. As for the oil drain issue, I would find a way to add a tube and a petcock with a 90 degree drop so you can simply put your catch pan under the 90 and open the petcock to drain. You could put the petcock right at the engine drain and the a vinyl tube over to where it would drop to the catch pan. Just my thoughts.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Glenn - that is my plan to get a valve away from the sump to allow easy removal. Next pic change coming up very soon. Cheers. 👍🏻

[@northjoe]

Check out “form a funnel” might help for draining it.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

oh yeah... these look great. Also for filling too. Cheers for the info 👍🏻

[@nicholasproietto2500]

Looks like a thumb is the next tool to be put on your list. Would greatly help with those large rocks.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I think you right. I didn't think I needed one but it will transform the usefulness for sure.

[@roberthale8407]

Yeah the prices for equipment are crazy. People want too much for clapped out tractors or diggers or anything. About the oil drain, that engine looks like a Yanmar clone so it #might# have oil plugs on both sides. Next oil change find a black iron or galvanized pipe, a 90 elbow, and some more pipe with a plug to get the drain closer to a lower opening to make it easier.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Good tip for the oil drain. I will do this on the next change. Thanks for commenting 👍🏻

[@dylang3998]

Despite sometimes needing to hire a pro, having your own gear and projects is a joy. I'm sure you'll get a lot of satisfaction from your work.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is great knowing I can go to the garage and fire this up to do the work. Instead of renting one and stressing out over the length of time I need to get the job done. But I did hire in a pro for some big earth moving..... the little digger had no chance (in the time frame we needed) 👍🏻

[@dinomite_diggers3453]

You still haven't done a lot of hours on that digger but each video shows improvement and that's what it's all about, practice and more practice. A shame about the Kubota because I think you have a very good combination with the digger and the tractor but part of having machinery is dealing with breakdowns. I just hope your wheel barrow driver doesn't blow a gasket. Keep up the good work but maybe you made the tracks too tight. Cheers

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

hahaha - the wheel barrow operator is very calm - I am trying to get her on the digger, then she will be a little "under pressure". Kubota will be back up and running very soon.

[@snoopy81]

Nice video, I dream to have 1 toys like this. XD

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you and it is working great.

[@spartaeus]

You'd be surprised how much more dirt you can move with an old farm tractor and a box blade. Little excavators are tippy and slow...in my experience.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I do have the blade for my kubota and it pulls a tonne of dirt. The little excavator doe snot have the front blade big enough for that type of work.

[@donzamac]

Congratulations on your anniversary.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Thank you.... Julie always forgets 🤣

[@augustinboyd9626]

A VERY HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AND MANY MORE CHAPTERS TO GO ON YOUR WEDDING DAYS AHEAD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Augustin - we will try.

[@jefflu8316]

You have to make more practices 😀

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Practising all the time - it is coming now though.

[@pompeyroad]

Run a pipe and cap from that Oil Drain out to where you can drain it easier with no mess..

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I have learnt since then - I use a small oil pump to get it out and then pump it back in. Really easy now. 👍🏻

[@agdtec]

I do not have you mini digger but I have worked on machines that have tight areas to work in. I have heated a plastic funnel to re shape it to have a flat side and glued magnets to to the funnel hold it in place. But as mentioned below extending the drain to the end of the body might be a very good fix if you can get in well enough to do the job.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am going to do something - this job was a right mess. Thanks for commenting.

[@bud1412]

Can you get a thumb added, it would really help on the large rocks. It would require a third function, but would be nice.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is on my list and after putting these big rocks about like a big game of golf I think the thumb may come in useful.

[@miky-275]

I use a pneumatic oil suction pump and suck the oil out of the dipstick or the oil fill port on the small engines

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I do have one I used to use on a Smart Car - I will give it a go.

[@ulrichporschmann8445]

Hey! One thing I noticed (after you mentioned in another video, that you had trouble since you were pushing the dirt towards the tracks), that you have the blade of the excavator to the back. If you put it to the front you can use it to push the dirt against it, and also the rocks, so it should be easier to get more into the bucket

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I did try this, but I don’t think my bucket reaches - if I had the quick release option it would have extended the reach. I am getting the hang of it now though. Thanks for commenting.

[@cutweldngrind]

I saw your unboxing video and now here on the 2nd video. I also wanted to live off grid but today is probably the best rain we gotten all year.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I am a little worried about rain recuperation. My IBC tanks in the garden have not run dry yet but if I was relying on it then I would be worried (currently my house is connected to the mains water as it is law in France, if it is available it must be used) no sewage though.

[@philippw1971]

Put in a valve and a piece of tube instead of the drain plug. So you can drain by opening the valve.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, that is my plan, get it away from the sump a little - cheers for watching.

[@campkohler9131]

If you have room to swing it, you could attach a temporary tin exhaust extension so that the gases come out six feet away from the operator's nose. String two wires from the far end to the roll bar to support it. Not being valuable, it could be left behind at the job site at the end of the work day. With regards to the drain plug, replace it with a tube having a valve on the end. The tube could then be directed to wherever would be convenient for draining. Or use a rubber hose that could be tied up in use to prevent getting tangled up with the ground or anything sticking up.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am doing something similar for the oil change system - cheers for the comments. 👍🏻

[@colinburgess7728]

as a matter of interest, compare the time and money spent on the digger with the equivalent time and money spent with a pick and shovel

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I think i would till be digging the heavy clay inch by inch until I was 60.....🤣

[@Pinzpilot101]

We have the opposite problem...no rocks, no stones....in fact they are an expensive import in these parts.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

we were worried about where to get some rocks for the water drain which we want to pave - now we have lots. 👍🏻

[@danburfot334]

Loved this video, but I reckon that may be hydraulic oil from what you describe that's leaking from the tractor. It may nit be that bad. Having owned kubota for 30 years, they dont tend to blow a head gasket! Keep us posted!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I am hoping so. On closer inspection the head gasket looks good. It is coming from a connection joint which goes off to the transmission. I need to trace it and figure out what it does.

[@lorrainedimmock4096]

Kabota and Hitachi and all the rest are now built in China, so what's all the fuss about, they also produce some of the finest models excavators in the world...lovey little machine....

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Exactly - I am really happy with it and most of the components are easily available.

[@donaldtayloe4406]

Buy a drain hose route it down and out of the way then you can just turn a valve and drain the oil

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yep, I am putting on a small valve also which will connect to the hose. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@Nitroracer2332]

P.s a gradinf bucket will speed up your digging by 10 times. It isn't rated to crack through rocks though but as long as the dirt and rocks are loose you'll be fine.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I put that on for our work on the back of the retaining wall - it made a huge difference, specially pairing it up with the mini dumper.

[@mespaul2]

Hello I enjoy your videos thank you. Ihave an idea for your oil change drama LOL replce the plug with a 3/8" or 10m what ever it is nipple and a small brass valve another short nipple then clamp a hose that will dangle down to the drain pan you seem to be a mechanical type of guy you figure out whats best beyond the valve good luck. 🤔

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That is what I am planning after all the advice - extend the drain plug out with the valve and nipple. Thank you for commenting, it is really helpful. 👍🏻

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

People need to realize that the cheaper mini excavator are less then 1/2 or more. My ht10 has only had about a 20.00 bolt and bushing I have repaired. Ht10 i have is gas briggs 14 hp. I wounder what koop engine would be like.I have put a hydraulic thum. Had a short cylinder on that I bought cheap 35.00. Replaced it with a longer cylinder was 100.00. The thum was 150.00 off of ebay. And welded it on. I bought a laser level have about 200.00 around there.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Good to know the HT is working well. I will starting looking into the thumb project as it will be very handy.

[@350vic]

You can buy a small hand suction pump that connects to the sump plug thread , permanently than changing oil is simple, just pump it out . They are common on inboard motor boats so the oil is dump Ed into the bilge

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I did have one of those for a Smart car I once had as that did not have a sump plug. I will try and fish it out from the back of the cupboard. Cheers for commenting.

[@adamjerger2026]

Evacuation/Vacuum tool

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

erm, not sure what you mean. 😀

[@hkhuhn1]

Seems like an hour job for a tracked skid to grade... rocks and all.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

hahaha - it actually tool the guy I hired about 40 mins with his 15 tonne excavator. I do know my limits now. 🤣

[@thefirewooddoctor]

No rocks in my firewood yard but have stumps that are in the way. About as big as your mini digger byt half the weight. A 3 ton machine can barely move them, wish the rental shop had a bigger 6 or 7 ton Kubota. Am looking at getting a 1.7-ton size mini digger for another side business and to aid in making firewood easier. Where I live in the USA is deep sand. Almost no rocks here, just sad as deep as you can dig and then some. Very good for drainsge. Have a biblical ran for 40 days and night, and by noon on the 41st day no puddles.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

The lower part of the land has no rocks so I am thinking this is all backfill when they created the rock retaining wall. That is what I am hoping anyway, as I have the house foundations and septic tank to dig out after this..... 😀

[@jwca35]

Add pipe fittings and route drain to a easier place and you want need funnel And make sure you strap any fittings over 3 inchs so they dont vibrate and crack.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers for that - I am planning to do something like this on the next service.

[@dougdearinger5837]

I would add a length of pipe to the drain port and cap it

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I have started using a small pump, it seems to work well out and then back in.

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Congratulations on the anniversary......I have been watching your channel a little while....I am interested in a Mini Excavator after watching your channel I can't decide if I want gas or diesel. When I seen the title, I thought you blew the head gasket on the mini. Sorry about your Kubota. New Subscriber

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Doyle - yeah! it was a teaser title as so many people hope this little digger blows up in my face. But in fact it is going great - just fixed a small hydraulic issue but that will be dealt with in a one off video going through the fix. My machine is diesel and it starts on the button with now issues at all (a little jumpy) and if you can afford it, go for the 3 cylinder Diesel Kubota engine - but it does double the price. Can also retro fit one later (always looking for a 2nd hand motor). Cheers for the sub 👍🏻

[@necro_nemesis]

Maybe use an oil suction gun/pump through the filler hole to get the majority of the oil out first. Then you may only need a small tin pan to collect whatever remains and comes out the drain hole.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

👍

[@incubatork]

Don't tighten the tracks too much or you will destroy the all the idler bearings. The oil drain plug should have a magnet on it to catch all the filings, if not Araldite a button magnet on the drain plug.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I have released the pressure a little - and have a magnet ready for the oil.

[@michaeldonovan6076]

I would bore out a hole in lower compartment may be 30mm so when the excavator is raised its simply drained to a bucket hope this helps.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Another good option - I am about to do another oil change so will figure it out. Cheers for watching. 👍🏻

[@genesisbatam]

Oil Drain more easily? Yes just bring the drainplug to the hydraulic hose supplier and make a 750 mm long hose that is just plugged on the other side,

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Good idea - at the moment I am using a small oil pump to empty and then refill - it was cheaper than new hydraulic pipe (expensive where we are) 👍🏻

[@russellclement2058]

Have you checked out Andrew Camarata's container house / castle

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I aw that on the Tiny House channel - a little too complicated for me.

[@Nitroracer2332]

Hi both. Great machine! I've got one, albeit a different name - rhinocerous xn12. Its virtually the same bar one or two points. I'm at 40 hrs and haven't serviced yet. I went to do it at 30 hrs and realised it was a monumental ballache to do...I'm going to use a large transmission fluid syringe to suck the old oil out. I'll just drain as much as I can. But yes they're superb machines I paid 7.2k for mine delivered from a UK dealer in Jan 23. Oh while I remeber my main book ram was leaking very very slightly and my dealer sent me out a brand new ram foc within 3 days. We mainly use the log grab to lift very heavy tree trunks at 2.5metres long as we process firewood mainly.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I use a small pump on the oil now for emptying and refilling. It is still a pain though. We are putting the mini excavator through its biggest test this week.

[@jvmalta081]

I have an 8000sq mtr land in sicily and i use a similar machine but a size or 2 bigger , has a yanmar 3 cylinder engine 1700kg , its a must have on a property

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It would have been nice to go for the 3 cylinder but it doubled the price of the machine for this 1 tonne unit. The slightly larger version would be very useful, but at the moment I have to transport it to site each time I go. Thank you for watching and commenting. 👍🏻

[@hokmed4787]

For your oil drain try and see if pipe will tread in drain whole

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, that is my plan, to put in a permanent fixture to make it easier in the future.

[@karnesmotorsports]

Happy anniversary! You’re getting pretty handy on that mini digger. You’ll be a pro by the time you’re done!

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers I think I am doing well and then I hit a rock and crap myself 😂

[@tomoaktree4951]

Congratulations on your anniversary! It it's available it might be worth considering a single tooth frost ripper. What you're trying to dig seems pretty hard, and the ripper would loosen it up prior to moving it.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I do have a 20cm bucket but have not used that yet - see an upcoming video where I do solve this big earth moving part of the project 😉

[@chick930]

can you make a tube with the thread the same as the oil plug , you can catch the small amount of leak on a rag then

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I will thread a tube or small valve and extend out the next time I chat the oil out, which will be pretty soon.

[@inseiin]

Btw dude....nice work but if you are digging the blade should be in front of you...that is the actual purpose....so the digger wont jump soo much and wont tilt.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I swap it around dependant on the terrain. If digging up hill I will have it at the back but all the other times, it is on the front (this was a while ago )

[@adammurray741]

change the oil every 75hours in these hydarulic oil every 500 must be done for the seals sake..drive side of track motor oil really needs doing once a year but this is a full days work unfortunately you will do it once and never want to again. but the oil gets very bad in the track motors. stick to this and you should have minimum probs. the engine oil wvery 75hrs is not a big ask and only takes 20minutes in total when you get used to it.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Cheers Adam - I did the first engine change at 10 hours, then again at 40 hours. I have done the hydraulic oil change when I split a hose so around 40 hours. I bought a pump to take out and put back the oil so it is quite easy to do now. Hydraulic is also easy. I will change the filters at around 75 hours like you suggest. 👍🏻

[@Taroodin]

With the base of the stone wall gone will it be stable enough when the ground gets very saturated after a heavy rainstorm?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It will be OK for now - we do plan to to put in a retaining wall and french drain as soon as we have dug out the soil.

[@juniorfuller6829]

Was considering getting one but how stable are they cause all my jobs are on hills

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

We are working on a slope - you just need to position it either with the blade to the front or the rear depending on how steep the slope is. The bigger the machine the more stable but I am getting used to this little beast now.

[@juniorfuller6829]

@@HomesteadingUncontained ok thank you I will probably look at getting one on the near future

[@JDinUSA]

Hello Ian and Julie from the US. Thanks for all of the videos. Great stuff. Ian, I have used for almost 20 years a manual fluid extractor pump. It came with different tube attachments of various sizes. I use these to go down through the dip stick tube of my vehicles and vacuum out the oil while warm. I use it for all of my small equipment also. I always had the issues you are have with draining oil, especially with my lawn mowers and generator. Here in my community, I simply go to the local parts store, when the container gets full, and they allow me to dump the old oil in a tank. I never crawl under my vehicles except to change some of the filters. Hope that helps you or other viewers. You guys take care.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I finally got around to getting the extraction pump and this was how I did my last oil change. Not sure why I didn't think of it before as I had a Smart car once and I had to use a similar pump for changing the oil on that. Much better idea. Thanks for the advice and watching 👍🏻

[@2000UlmModernes]

Hi, si tu devais acheter une mini pelle maintenant que tu connais celle que tu as achetée et que tu nous présentes régulièrement dans tes vidéos, est-ce que tu rachèterais la même ? Ou bien acheterais-tu une mini pelle plus lourde et plus puissante ? Quel modèle achèterais-tu ?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Oui, une mini pelle plus grande serait mieux mais je dois la transporter sur le site de construction avec ma remorque d'une tonne donc je n'avais pas d'autre choix que d'acheter la petite machine. Je suis satisfait du fabricant, mais si j'avais pu me payer un Kubota ou un JCB, j'aurais acheté localement.

[@solarfunction1847]

If you make a DIY oil drain hose most likely either a male or female BSP fitting with a hose tail barb end that has a length of PVC tube that you can replace the drain cap with when you want to change the oil then all you would have to do is tilt the back of the machine up so that the original oil drain cap is higher than the oil inside so that you can take off the oil drain cap without any oil going everywhere & replace it with your DIY oil drain hose, once you have the end of the DIY oil drain hose sitting inside your oil collection bucket you can lower the machine down so that the oil runs out into your bucket. You can fill the oil using the same process with your funnel & hose when you put the recommended amount of oil back in. If you want the best from your machine, then try to use a 15w40 mineral oil as all mineral oils are better for your engines.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

That would work - I will be doing something for this job the next time I do the change. It was a big mess for sure - thank you for commenting

[@mainlinedrains2702]

Would you guys recommend this machine ?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I would always look out for a decent 2nd hand known brand first if they are available locally but for us there were none at all. So for the price this is perfect for us. It is brand new, parts are available when required and it is very functional. So if there is no alternative this is a great option.

[@RyanSmith-kb2ch]

I guess you haven't noticed that the teeth on the bucket are mounted wrong, They should be flipped. Write now there under the bucket, They should be inside the bucket. Keep up the good video's. "U.S.A"

[@Stefan-wd9uv]

I noticed that about the bucket teeth aswell after watching another channel That bought a imported digger

[@jeroen1836]

That’s what I also noticed 👍

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It is funny - after the Digger Starnes video, everyone is noticing the teeth. Weird that the chinese seem to put them this way. I would have never known. Cheers for commenting.

[@Stefan-wd9uv]

@@HomesteadingUncontained :) looking forward to a video comparing both positions from your point of view

[@1212ImAnubis]

No, it's already in right position because it's protect the bucket it self. U know, the thickness of the steel plate in this bucket is only 4.5mm and this bucket has no armor on the outside. So the position of the nail / bucket teeth is right in that position.

[@georgeharvey3062]

I have heard on the small air cooled diesel motors you need to adjust the valves every 50 hours or so. Have you had that experience?

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

I have not heard this - I will check the koop manual but yours may have a different motor.

[@georgeharvey3062]

@@HomesteadingUncontained the diesel motor was on a generator I had. Not sure the brand name but it was Chinese.

[@pompeyroad]

I wonder if the Briggs & Stratton is a better motor, Cast Iron Piston Sleeve and Forged Crank??? Love your video's

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

It could be an upgrade when the koop dies but until then I will keep my ear defenders on to the sound of the chug.

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

You're over-greasing the bushings - stop when you see grease coming out. Extra grease is not good as it traps grit and will cause premature wear. Usually 2-3 strokes per fitting is all that's needed. Also, don't over-tighten the tracks - should be a bit of sag to reduce strain/wear on the undercarriage.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Will do - I am getting more used to it now.

[@rabbit1k973]

Next time cut a plastic bottle and heat bend it to shape as a funnel.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Good tip, thanks.

[@ИльнарСалахов-ц2ж]

Здравствуйте, вы слишком перетягиваете гусеницу. Гусеница должна чуточку подвисать, в противном случае расстянете гусеницу. При таком уходе мойке, чистке и смазке думаю этот миниэксковатор прослужит вам очень долго.

[@HomesteadingUncontained]

Yes, I did loosen it a little when I got it back to site. Thanks for the tip 👍