This Thing Is Wild!

[@stephengmeiner3264]

Very cool. Looks like it could use some more rear ballast but that hinged boom is sweet.

[@tgh117]

they are great machines once your used to them. My buddy can't keep them on his lot, sells them before then can even make it to his yard. They are starting to take off here in the US. Does pretty good in general, handle to be able to use a fork or skid bucket, but still have the excavator too. And the best part is they are quick moving around the jobsite, not like a regular mini ex.

[@thesepticguy9613]

I do everything with mine. It's the best thing since slice bread!!

[@ericm8811]

Hey letsdig18! The hinge in the center of the boom/stick middle section allows you to dig a straight trench without having to straddle the trench!

[@Winterh8er]

When used as skidsteer, blade must be lifted all the way up, boom folded completely, and rollers on back of bucket rested against blade. This way mimics skidsteer design and forces on bucket are transferred to blade and frame of machine, rather than through the boom, thus causing harsh wear on boom, cylinders, and hydraulic lines. Or take the 5 minutes to read the manual and learn proper operation techniques for such a unique machine.

[@bradh74]

How are you going to dump it with the bucket touching the blade? lol

[@thewitness9305]

@@bradh74 it's for loading the bucket only dude, not for dumping it once its loaded. Of course he is referring to when the bucket is facing forward like a skid steer aka the wide bucket that faces away from the operator. Look at 7:45 the blade needs to rest on the back of the bucket to keep the majority of the force push against the blade and frame not the boom arm itself

[@cubleycat]

The problem is such an innovating machine like this with so many different functions absolutely needs an operator to take you through the optimal ways to use it. At first looks to me it is awesome and I would love to see what they can really do!

[@kdlehel]

thoose rolers in the bucket it goes into the inside of the blade after manual. has a Deutz engine. inline 4 cylinder turbo.

[@jondavid2792]

I said the same thing watching the rookie do it then chris looked like he understood it rest on blade helps support it during push and allows it to roll with it as you curl and dump to keep level

[@ryanducharme7505]

Quite impressed with the reach the boom has for such a small machine. Be a great machine for finishing in tight areas

[@Rooftopmatty]

This thing is pretty cool I didn’t expect it to be that good, it needs more weight in the ass end tho would be best for contractors building houses all the time

[@Jtwizzle]

The skid steer bucket is prolly 2-3 times the size of a normal bucket for that machine too.

[@Rooftopmatty]

joshua12345676 i can clearly see that, all I’m saying is if they want to market it to a building contractor it would be much better if there was more weight on the ass end to compete with a skid steer otherwise they won’t be getting rid of their skid steer they have now to go to something that has a hard time with a bucket full of dirt, they more then likely make bigger machines but then you are looking at buying a new trailer to move it which around here is about 20g extra or paying someone 500 bucks to move it 30-60 minutes distance

[@chazman4461]

Good for contractors who do small jobs like culvert pipes for driveways and small clearing and such also. If it was refined I think it would be a pretty good machine.

[@Jtwizzle]

When it starts tipping they generally have the load well out in front of them. Also taking huge bites with it. A big reason the skid steer does well is because of the load staying very close to the machine.

[@Rooftopmatty]

joshua12345676 oh I know that I’m just saying a bit more weight on the ass end would help out, I showed my contractor I work for this machine and he said it needs more weight on the ass end, there are plenty on things he could do with it that his skid steer can’t

[@duanecarter8043]

I remember my first time on a JCB. I couldn’t hit the ground. But I never considered myself an operator. Thanks for the videos. God bless.

[@davidpacker117]

Those pond jobs are starting to pay off. 😎

[@derekolson7409]

Don't let this video give you the wrong idea of how great of a machine the MCR is and what it can do for you! I work for an equipment dealer and sell these machines everyday. I can tell you from 3+ years experience in selling these machines that the learning curve is incredibly easy. With proper training, and a knowledgeable sales rep, a novice operator or seasoned veteran can be comfortable and making the machine dance in less than 4 hours.

[@kennymysak2079]

I could see where it would come in real handy on some the jobs you guys do. Keep up the great videos

[@alabama7636]

I see some comments about this machine doing a lot of jobs but none of them well, that is the same thing I heard about a mini skid steer when they first came out.

[@floflo8018]

just don't expect it to replace a loader

[@AztecWarrior69_69]

@@floflo8018 why not? Didn't you just read the comment you are responding to.? LOL. This thing, in time, could very well replace a loader. When skid steers first came out they were nice but had many draw backs. Also had very little attachments. Now they have all the bells and whistles.

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

@@AztecWarrior69_69 because a loader is for bigger loads?

[@mattmc121]

It's what they've always said about a loader/backhoe. It is true, but I had nothing but a loader/backhoe for many years and it sure was a lot better than nothing when I could never have afforded two machines.

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

@@mattmc121 backhoe loaders are made cheap. Coming from a mechanic who has work on em a bit. Companies like CAT make their own parts, however the backhoes are a mess of different parts from different companies

[@BPMoments]

Put the blade all the way up when in skid steer mode. Also suck the main boom in tight to the machine to bring the centre of gravity back.

[@RockCreekEnterprisesNM]

I've never run one, but I think when used as a skid steer the blade should be all the way up and the support/wheels at the rear of the bucket should be against the face of the blade which would allow the bucket to curl up and down to adjust grade just as you would with a skid steer.

[@kevinbays3408]

I was looking at this and thinking exactly the same!

[@jenky1044]

Yes, I think he's in skid steer mode with the button but still using it like it's in excavator mode. (I thought the boom was supposed to act like a skid steer when in that mode).? EDIT: You could get by maybe for a very small job. But, I would rather have the excavator and a separate skid steer machine. That machine can barely pick up that skid steer bucket full of dirt without tipping over. No Thanks.

[@pastorkeri]

@@jenky1044 he not using it right

[@josiahcampbell4802]

That is the proper way to do it. Per Mecalac.

[@FS6811]

I could drive that thing all day. Looks like fun.

[@saschajansen8690]

The drivers in this video fail to adjust the machine properly in skid-steer mode. This goes on the stability which is also good to see in the video.

[@ohhpaul7364]

Seems like it would have some trouble loading a truck with the big bucket on it. Also looks like a good tool for working in tight quarters or right up against buildings. I bet a few contractors who do basement waterproofing or pipe work on old houses and buildings would love it.

[@adamrichardson6918]

agree....although I wouldn't put an employee in it next to a foundation/house for a good long while.....I bet new operators would be better than seasoned as muscle memory can really bite you on some of this new equipment.

[@mndew620]

Not bad, appears to need a touch more weight in the rear when running the skid steer bucket

[@thereasonableamericans411]

Correct, I think if they had a quick attach system for an extra weight in the rear that'd be the ticket.

[@larryhearell9580]

I'd call it a shovel front been a option on cranes for years ideal for for short radius loading of trucks.

[@blake99ish]

letsdig18, thanks for all the vids, was looking at one of these and seeing you guys run them I bought an 8 MCR and love it thanks for helping me get off the fence good health and good help to you and yours!!

[@philbohrman3918]

I enjoyed watching you work with the two machines.

[@rem45acp]

I could have fun with that. But would prefer a CAT 385C for my weekend digging in the back yard xD

[@Susbedstains8732]

Love the idea of what the manufacturer is doing. Would take a lot of time to get used to it . Very nifty when you do get the hang of it. 2 for 1 type of deal

[@ToTheTopCrane]

That thing seems to have quite the learning curve!

[@lobutcha1]

The Koehring Skooper is considered the first heavy-duty hydraulic front shovel machine in the American market, but where did the idea come from? May 21, 2015 Thomas Berry A Koehring 205 Skooper used cables for hoisting and hydraulics for bucket reach, breakout and dump. A Koehring 205 Skooper used cables for hoisting and hydraulics for bucket reach, breakout and dump. The Skooper line originated in 1957 with the model 205. Rated at two yards capacity, it was substantially larger than other such machines of the time, and its 1957 introduction made it the first American-made hydraulic shovel.

[@sisutrucks]

the wheeled ones are nifty as heck. pull a trailer with all the attachments you need for the job. and of have oil quick or something like that you dont need to get out of the cab when changing them. rototilt also of course you have on them.

[@winstonviceroy6125]

Nice machine. Seems it would be great for using in tight spot backyards for septic, pool, utility line, and landscaping jobs.

[@MikeyDunn]

Probably gonna be great for landscape gardeners.

[@aussiefarquit125]

Ok so to use it in Skidsteer mode you wan the blade up those tags on the back of the bucket push against the blade. Hope this helps

[@titanthebulldog9130]

Hey, im 16 Years old and im working in a company that wotks together with Mecalac so we sell them too. I know everything of all Machines and love that you tried them. I think its the 8 mcr you are in right? My personnaly favorite is the new 9 MWR you need to try it when you have the chance! They are not to complicated if you worked a bit with them, they are really flexible and compact but strong i just love it that you tried them

[@codybrown3946]

I run a John deer 35 and a John deer 323 skid steer no way would I trade both of them for this. Thanks for the video Chris!

[@ramosel]

tried one on a site a few months back... they move fast like a skid steer too! Get used to them and they could be a very productive tool

[@joelnickerson6739]

Now they look like a blast to operate. I'd have a ball with one of those.

[@Imageloading...]

That extra piece in the boom that allows boom to turn left/right looks like it will help digging a trench straight from alongside

[@normfergus8472]

Practice practice practice and I am sure it will be a useful addition

[@jGoodloejr]

Looks like two guys across the table in a coffeehouse smiling at each other and being entertaining! Lol

[@Blazer02LS]

Looks like most of the other "all purpose" machines. Does multiple things but none of them as good as a dedicated rig.

[@TheOtherBill]

I was thinking the same thing but the utility of it could make it worthwhile. Take it to a job as an excavator but now you have a skidsteer to cleanup when you're done. "It's not the best, but it's HERE".

[@davidnull5590]

I think this machine is for the jobs where you have to squeeze between houses to dig in a back yard, small jobs where the hassle is getting any machine to where the digging is needed. There's a lot of work for narrow machines, especially if they're around 60 inches wide.

[@JeffStewart78..]

Would be good for a rental yard for us weekend warriors.

[@michaelovitch]

It's french,for France ,or countries where similar construction methods and areas exist. We have a way of building things in a specific way and scale here. Size and versatility and important on a jobsite where you can't use several machines at the same time by lack of room. Moreover mecalac is specialized in small to medium size machines,wich are used most of the time for several applications,regarding their sizes.

[@TheGrolschman]

In the netherlands we use it with a graderblade with lazer and a larger Bucket to prepare the ground to use the grader blade and much more but not really as a skidsteer sometimes we put a tiltrotator on it to make it more usefull

[@alphonsotate2982]

It can dig deeper than regular machines tha size great idea.

[@infoanorexic]

definitely a "carry load low" machine. looks like you could get in trouble with it really quick.

[@titusax]

Fun toys, it seems to barely be heavy enough in the rear to lift a full bucket with the skid steer attachment

[@JC-ck4wk]

So it can dig a ditch, grade with the blade, load a truck, and get around fast... seems pretty cool and useful might not be better than an actually skid steer or mini but this has hella potential

[@JC-ck4wk]

Tsunauticus III oh did not know that... that’s sweet hopefully we start seeing more machines like this over here in the US

[@chrisdyson1566]

Yes its better than a 299d2 as a skidsteer. I've used both, the 299 extensively, and once familiar with a mecalacs mode of operation it is hugely productive.

[@anthonythorp7291]

One machine instead of two.

[@Big_John_C]

Most importantly it fits into small areas, being able to work in a residential area with less manual labor means more profit for the contractor.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

That swivel boom could reach around back side of trees or a trench against a foundation , etc. I need a mini-ex with a dozer on both ends. Better on steep roads.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

That is a crazy little machine! I like the skid steer drive idea but not sure I could handle the rest. Would take some getting use too. Thanks for sharing

[@bondhuis]

My 4yo: "That thing can do push ups!"

[@steveholton4130]

Chris, because I have Rocks between my ears, I would have HAD TO try picking that big stone up in the Skid Steer bucket and running over into the nearest woods edge to get in out of sight. Being a life long New Englander, I Hate Rocks but I love New Toys. sdh in CT

[@InTheFleshInc]

That thing is nifty like a fifty, doesn't seem complicated at all, would jump in and be at home.

[@joelmason6818]

The loader conversion has some nice features, but simply isn't a skid steer replacement.

[@bradvaughan4524]

It’s definitely a quick little piece of equipment but that extra pivot point would take some getting used to.

[@Highstranger951]

It’s about time someone put the pivot out there where you can effectively trench along side of an obstacle. This machine would be great for a small landscaping company, especially in tight areas

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

Highstranger951 Cat has had them for awhile

[@Highstranger951]

MrJasonfromcanada didn’t know that, I guess it hasn’t caught on around here.

[@dwaynE2099]

Look at Takeuchi FR models... the boom swing is pretty nifty on those! Moves the base of the boom left and right. Not like a slide set up on a back hoe loader though

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

Highstranger951 Yeah I don’t think they’re very common as I’ve on seen one about 2 years ago. I had a chance to operate it for a couple hours. It definitely was pretty handy, I had to excavate a shallow trench up against a wall

[@joedemers5480]

Looks like it would be very useful for replacing septic systems. You could show up to a job with just that machine and do the whole job.

[@daddio7249]

I did that 40 years ago with a John Deere 310 backhoe. Dumping rock into the drain field runs was difficult in small yards. I had to dig up some orange trees once to finish a job. the land owner was not happy. This machine would make it a breeze. The advantage over a mini excavator is it travels fast.

[@donbraden8533]

Looks to be as little light in the back I think a skid steer would be quicker though

[@simonioppolo6665]

They are an awesome machine I brought one a few months ago. more of a tool carriers machine. If you do a lot of different work it's perfect

[@jeffmayeux1692]

Hey Simon, this question is 3 years after your comment; any problems with the machine, and would you recommend it? Thank you in advance.

[@lesflynn4455]

Wow. The left/right pivot on the boom. Not seen these in Australia yet, and it's March 2021. If it's good quality, I hope it does well. It looks to be a really versatile machine. Initially I thought the skid steer bucket wasn't all that useful. I've changed my mind. This machine could be really useful.

[@imchris5000]

it has a lot of potential for working small jobs in small spaces. I could see being able to tuck the boom in while digging being something very useful

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

I think you need to keep the dozer blade up when you use the bucket

[@Big_John_C]

Our 14 year old daughter operates ours like an old pro, figured it out in just 4 hours of "training" in our pit. We have 2 and they are great for working in residential areas where our full size excavators cannot operate.

[@daddysteel3514]

I’ve seen videos of this machine in action on KZbin and when have guy knows how to use it this thing is incredible

[@KarasCyborg]

I think the Diverto and the Menzi Muck are two cool machines. I like the extra reach for the bucket and tilt /swing ability. Might be good for a mower to get under trees, running an auger, trencher. Would be nice to have a standard set of attachments. Side entrance and visibility is nice. What's the max lift height, is it at least 10' for loading trucks? How deep of a hole can you dig? What's the break out force?

[@benbarrett6163]

I am a dealer for them in Georgia. Glad to see you using one!

[@dztrbdgod]

How much do they cost?

[@ryanbenoit722]

I would be curious to see how it does with snow removal

[@j.c187]

I ran one a little bigger doing some road work. I loved it after I got use to it

[@GarnetCarmichael]

Looks like a 35d on steroids. Fast track obviously and looks like it could use some more counter weight. Hard one to wrap my head around but once mastered, has a ton of potential. Thanks for the video Chris.

[@markalton4610]

The JD stuff is so gutless anymore!! This thing has me salivating for just the power in the tracks

[@incubatork]

The changeover controls at the flick of a switch should be on all machines so you can flick between cat and deere mapping depending on what the operator is used to.I reckon they will tip with the grading bucket tryung to fill a truck, nice idea though.

[@brentbaron2795]

Professional operators are proficient in cat controls it’s the farm hands and loggers who have problems

[@joewieneke4590]

The dealer should have went over the machine with you. When using in loader mode the rear arm needs to be all the way back. It is your counter weight. When used properly this machine is awesome. It does take a little time to operate correctly.

[@AztecWarrior69_69]

Seems to me that those rollers on the back side of the wide bucket are supposed to go on the inside of the blade when pushing. It also seems like it can't handle much weight. When you had the bucket full it kept tipping forward. All in all I still like it. Thanx for the video.

[@megape95]

Remember that this is about a 6 ton machine. I think it is is pretty impressive.

[@AztecWarrior69_69]

@@megape95 for a 6 ton machine that keeps tipping with only a small amount of dirt, I would say that's opposite of impressive.

[@matthewwarfield4302]

Definitely needs more lead in it's ass.

[@dozer1642]

Aztec Warrior it didn’t tip. It performed quite nicely. If you find a mini excavator that doesn’t ‘tip’ you haven’t found a mini excavator.

[@jaxturner7288]

brummert w compared to what? Your 500 pound mower?

[@markdibiasio8101]

We own 7 of them at my company from a 6 to a 15 and they are very versatile once you get use to them well worth the investment

[@markdibiasio8101]

We actually even have a 10 set up with a mulching head and it’s unstoppable great versatility with this machine I would suggest to anyone

[@markdibiasio8101]

Also there is an adapter pate so it can take skid steer attachments

[@chrisdyson1566]

@@markdibiasio8101 yes. In australia at least. Can't speak for you guys.

[@chrisdyson1566]

Mark Dibiasio can you tell us what mulching head you're using because i have contemplated the same thing but have no notion at this stage which would be the best choice.

[@jimharris472]

@@chrisdyson1566 see they just put a little FAE head with knives on one recently

[@andreasp750]

In Sweden we have rotortilt, welcome to the future..

[@LifeOnHoth]

Dug around my old house some years ago to install new drain pipes. I'm sure it would get done without a rotortilt on the machine hehe, but man, so much faster, easier and cleaner.

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

This would be a good plumbing company set up for emergency school's and temporary buildings because of the ability to do multiple things when you're working around several other contractors

[@coreywright6774]

01 70

[@watchthe1369]

The Bucket/ Blade interface when in skid steer mode is going to have to be rethunk. To much RTFB or 'defective' machines getting returned....

[@NewDeereMan]

Chris, you seemed to kept looking for the switch for the 4-1 bucket part😂. You picked up pretty quick on the reverse dump. Hard to break that notion of curl in is filling the bucket, not dumping. For everyone saying it needs more counterweight, I'd say they designed it that way on purpose. Main reason is being in skid steer mode it will wiz around on that smaller front idler easier then one of equal size. Also the size of the rear sprocket vs the front has a correlation with speed and strength. For what it's worth I don't think these things have any other place besides in the city or small township if they could even afford it if price really is what was mentioned below.

[@gregbickal5151]

An adapter to make your bucket rotate on regular mini, looks like it would do everything this machine does. In order to do what a skid loader could do, I would expect it to have a standard bucket connector, a faster travel speed

[@pjs5191]

I couldn’t imagine that thing having much break out force using a skid steer bucket to dig. I’d be interesting to see somebody who’s schooled on one and really adept run it though.

[@shanemiller285]

Man this is the best I think iv had mine for 3 years now think love it

[@bsmcdonald70]

If you operated with the blade in the rear would it act as a counterweight when scooping eliminating the nose heaviness? Nose heaviness seemed to be an aggravation.

[@Nudnik1]

good idea. put a 4n 1 clam bucket on front loader. And forks.

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thanks Chris interesting Mecalacs dual-purpose vehicle stay safe Covid-19 from the UK

[@natehb]

Also keep a eye out for the boogie man. He might get ya

[@williamsantiago1104]

The two wheels on the skid bucket are to be placed against the blade, not on top of it. Yes you have to operate the skid loader with the blade raised.

[@jakemeredith7253]

I have one of those at work its nice

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

The offset arm is a nice touch. But it's the povot in the arm for me. Don't need to be parked next to a wall to dig against

[@allanmoulton3745]

Can you operate in skid steer mode with the push blade in the back as a bit if a counter weight?

[@viklund2725]

Hi, always cool, see your work & your machines :) Something I noticed is that when the camera saves movies to memory, you get a delay / slow motion for a few seconds! It's probably because your memory you save is too slow. Otherwise, everything is so good and enjoyable to follow! Hade!

[@99tombstone]

I have seen the one you was trying out being used before , but the other i have not seen that congregation at all that is the 1st time i have seen anything like that

[@bengerman9648]

Seems like it needs more weight in the ass end when used as a skid steer. Seems to work fine as an excavator.

[@bb21again.67]

Great idea, but should be easier to transition between modes, locking the blade up out of the way for starters.Strange other manufacturers haven't latched on to the versatility this machine offers.

[@bobvincent4841]

Fast and powerful looking tracks when you were turning as you were pushing dirt.

[@seananderson7794]

They are fun till you're stuck in it all day! Big iron!!!

[@bobbaer869]

Hi Chris that was a pretty cool little machine

[@donaldraver]

If they made this in a 3.5 ton machine it would out sell anything since the 3 ton mini ex is the most popular model sold. I got to run its Italian cousin the Gallmac 110 wheeled for water main replacement 14 years ago once i understood the machine i would want anything else

[@jonwall4994]

I bet it's incredible after you learn it. And fast travel speed

[@1stFlyingeagle]

Looks like there miss the turning knuckle. Would sure make it more useful. So that way you could flip the bucket and fill and level by pulling towards the machine.

[@AmericanaWoods]

Great concept but I can’t imagine the joints lasting very long when using it as a skid. Seems like a lot of impact for the boom.

[@drivingmylifeaway7149]

No different than digging and thing or running the jack hanmer

[@sendupplus]

Top machine I think the first bloke was onto something keeping the grader blade down

[@kevinsrides2916]

Looks like they need more counter weight to use as a skid steer.

[@alphonsotate2982]

You brake out with the bucket curl not the boom lift AND THE BLADE STAY UP WHEN PUSHING SO THE ROLLERS ARE IN THE BLADE.

[@richardgooding498]

I think it's needing more counter weights so to keep the ass end on the ground better. It can't even lift a full bucket of dirt without tilting badly

[@barryhansen6854]

This would be a nifty machine for Elite Earthworks I reckon all in one machine.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

barry hansen it would eliminate the two trips I make now to get both machines on a job! lol

[@barryhansen6854]

Plus you would only own one machine halfing your costs.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

barry hansen that true savings all around!

[@doogiehowser78]

that would be awesome once you get the hang of it , a skid steer and digger with extra reach all in one

[@digger321b]

You got to have the blade up of the skid steer bucket. So your not putting the stress through the rams

[@chrisdyson1566]

Yes. The pointy bit sticking out the back of the bucket should rest against the face of the blade not above it. To do that you lift the blade

[@darinkurtz1024]

How about using to load a truck doesn't look like it has enough counterweight for that but seems to have enough track drive power

[@johnsonexcavatingandlandcl3473]

Today I thought of this on a job, I loved the sight advantage of being on the excavator but wanted it to be a skid steer at the same time