Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[dfkrug]

So on my HT10 I have noticed that the idler assembly squeaks (I think its the Idler assembly) yours do that? Is there anything I can do to quiet that down, Its not real loud or anything just kinda annoying.

I do not know what the idler you refer to is. Please post any photos, esp of inside the house.

I have no cupholder on my XN08, but wish I did. That is on the Oking unit, added by the factory. A very nice touch.

Also, you mentioned an oil pressure gauge. You mean oil temp?

 

[dfkrug]

Well, I was hoping to post some pix of one or 2 of the HighTop 1-ton minis by now, but the importer I was trying to meet up with has failed to follow thru.

Instead, I will show how I do a field oil change on my XN08. It was at about 90h when I did this, which is about 25h since the last change. These Chonda thumpers have no oil filtration so it's best to change often.

I wish it was easier. I love the remote oil change tubes on some small power equipment. There was no easy way to install such on this machine, tho I really wanted to.

So, what I do is put the machine on a slope, tip it up far enough so no oil will come out of the drain hole. Then I turn off the engine, remove the plug, and push in a temporary rubber hose. Then I start the engine, and tip it up the other way. With the engine off again, I put the hose into a collection bottle, and let it drain. These motors take only a bit over a quart.

In one photo, I show how steep this slope is with a level (at level) on the tracks.

At 25h, the oil is still pretty clean, but I try not to get it too hot.

 

[dfkrug]

So, I got the last of the 6 black Oking minis in the shop, to be improved before being sold. It has never been used, and I think the electrical system is plain unacceptable as-shipped. I will upgrade it as I did on the one above.

So, I updated my electrical schematic, showing an actual ignition switch you can buy with the right logic. A Stens aftermarket unit intended for lawn tractors. The terminals are marked in red, and also on the back of the switch, which is about $12.

 

[Clworth22]

Dfkrug,
Did you have any issues with your mini excavators meeting any sort of required safety standards? I’ve collected some quotes from a handful of manufactures on Alibaba. Most quotes are pretty close to each other price wise. All of them state their engines are EPA certified. I still need to find a customs broker/freight shipper before I commit to this purchase. Do you have any advice or Suggestions to give me more confidence on pulling the trigger on importing a cheap mini Ex?
Heck of a first post. Thanks, Clworth22

 

[dfkrug]

Dfkrug,
Did you have any issues with your mini excavators meeting any sort of required safety standards?

No issues here, but I am not using my mini in a commercial or industrial setting. I don't even know what the safety requirements ARE here. OSHA prob requires a ROPS/FOPS which comes with my units, but there is no certification stamp on it. Don't know if that is required and how it gets enforced.

Some safety devices are required of the makers, without an enforcement mechanism in the field.

Different states or countries will have different safety standards and enforcement schemes.

My state (California) requires lots of things perhaps not seen in many other places. e.g. makers are required to put Prop 65 warnings on nearly everything, which only tells the user that something might cause cancer. It does not say what might cause cancer, so is worse than useless, IMO.

I noted a number of ways to do diligence when considering one of these units made in China. Do as much research as you can, and use a third party like Alibaba to help with details and protection. Take note of makers that have provided units that have some good reviews by domestic users.

 

[3Ts]

Dfkrug,
Did you have any issues with your mini excavators meeting any sort of required safety standards? I致e collected some quotes from a handful of manufactures on Alibaba. Most quotes are pretty close to each other price wise. All of them state their engines are EPA certified. I still need to find a customs broker/freight shipper before I commit to this purchase. Do you have any advice or Suggestions to give me more confidence on pulling the trigger on importing a cheap mini Ex?
Heck of a first post. Thanks, Clworth22

I've not brought equipment in such as you're planning. But I've used "Well Worldwide Energy Logistics, Inc." as my broker. I've used them to import stuff from New Zealand, Thailand, and Spain and they seem to have different departments for a particular kind of product so they can keep up on the latest rules and regulations. I've never had any problems with them and they are cheaper than other brokers I've used. I don't know where you are located so Wells may not be the one to use, all my stuff comes into Houston International Airport.

 

[KB3]

Not sure if this thread is still being followed, but just in case it is. I purchased a Loongsheen 1ton excavator and should be picking it up in the next couple days. Is there anything I should be looking for or planning on changing when I get it other than fluids?

 

[MossRoad]

Not sure if this thread is still being followed, but just in case it is. I purchased a Loongsheen 1ton excavator and should be picking it up in the next couple days. Is there anything I should be looking for or planning on changing when I get it other than fluids?

Yes, you should plan on posting a bunch of pictures and process of purchase, etc...

Welcome to TBN! :thumbsup:

 

[KB3]

As for the process it was very easy. The sellers freight forwarder handled the shipping to Pittsburgh, my customs agent handled all the paperwork, and I'm stuck trying to be as patient as possible to pick it up.

 

[dfkrug]

I purchased a Loongsheen 1ton excavator and should be picking it up in the next couple days. Is there anything I should be looking for or planning on changing when I get it other than fluids?

Congratulations. Did you go thru Alibaba? Get the EPA gasoline engine?

Since you seem to be getting one unit, you will have to put the ROPS on, and check the hydraulic pressure. I dumped the original hydraulic fluid after just a few hours of use since I wanted to clear out manufacturing debris, and use a good quality fluid. Same with engine oil. Nice if your unit has hydraulic filtration and a cooler.

I just sold my second 1-ton mini that I got from Oking. My original XN08 is still working well.