Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[TMGT]

Wow these Chinese mini excavators seem like a lot of hassle. Doesn’t a nice used Kubota run around $10,000 in a similar size? Thank you for sharing the info with us.

10k for a excavator will pretty much get you a clapped out project around here.
Not sure about the Chinese ones, but for how much I use it, and the fact I already have some good engines, it might be worth it.

 

[TMGT]

I assume these are open center hyd. systems? How do they do with multiple functions at one time?

 

[dfkrug]

Do you have a picture of the air duct that is missing?

See Post # 47 above.

You may also want to add filtration, as I did. See above.

 

[dfkrug]

Wow these Chinese mini excavators seem like a lot of hassle. Doesn’t a nice used Kubota run around $10,000 in a similar size?

I dealt with my search for a used mini above.

Just 2 weeks ago, I did an inspection on a used IHI IS10 diesel that a local guy just bought for $9200. It is maybe 30yo and has no hour meter. It has a nice running 2-cyl Isuzu engine, but tracks are worn out, and the boom-swing cylinder cross-tube is broken. Its rod it bent, too. Can't access hyd system unless panel(s) are removed. Has not seen the business end of a grease gun in years.

 

[dfkrug]

Not sure if it was mentioned earlier in this thread, but can you buy one without the engine? I have a couple 16-34hp Kubota diesels sitting around that should work well in one of these.

That was half of the point of this thread. My first unit I bought with no engine. Currently, at least 4 companies will sell you a unit with EPA gas engine installed. Multi-cyl engines will be tight fit.

Hydraulics are like those on a tractor: single gear pump, open-center, direct-control joysticks. Feathering takes practice.

 

[TMGT]

That was half of the point of this thread. My first unit I bought with no engine. Currently, at least 4 companies will sell you a unit with EPA gas engine installed. Multi-cyl engines will be tight fit.

Hydraulics are like those on a tractor: single gear pump, open-center, direct-control joysticks. Feathering takes practice.

Shows how I shouldn't rely on my memory, I was following this thread when you first started it but lost track a while ago. For some reason I was thinking you bought it with an engine and changed it out for a different one, guess I should have refreshed my memory!

The hydraulics are a little disappointing, no better then my backhoe. Guess I could always upgrade them to multi pump, but at some point the cost savings go away.

 

[dfkrug]

The hydraulics are a little disappointing, no better then my backhoe.

True. To get piloted servo-valves and more than one pump, you have to go to the next size level up, even with Kubota, Cat, etc. Same with the Chinese machines.

To sell a much less expensive machine, these units have a cheap engine, no boom-swing, fixed track width, and direct-drive wheel motors (no planetary final drives). They DO come with an AUX valve, plumbed to the dipper, and very inexpensive replacement parts.

 

[TMGT]

I'd even be happy with multi pump and seperated valves so I could operate multifunctions without having to play the joystick juggle!

 

[KB3]

See Post # 47 above.

You may also want to add filtration, as I did. See above.

From my picture on post # 213 it looks like there may be some clearance issues for an air duct. I will get a better look in the next couple days since the machine isn't near me at the moment. I am also going to contact the manufacturer to see if they can at least tell me what size fitting I would need to adapt a cooler and filter. Or if they have something they can send me. Did you ever install an oil cooler? Or run into any issues of getting it hot?

 

[ProjectKing]

I dealt with my search for a used mini above.

Just 2 weeks ago, I did an inspection on a used IHI IS10 diesel that a local guy just bought for $9200. It is maybe 30yo and has no hour meter. It has a nice running 2-cyl Isuzu engine, but tracks are worn out, and the boom-swing cylinder cross-tube is broken. Its rod it bent, too. Can't access hyd system unless panel(s) are removed. Has not seen the business end of a grease gun in years.

I guess it depends on what part of the country you live in.