Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[dfkrug]

What is thickness of the stock used?

My ripper is up on my mountainside, not near me now. The business end
is an inch or more thick.

I suggest that you buy a good commercial tooth ($10-15) for larger excavator or backhoe, then cut/weld steel shank to fit. You can use multiple layers of steel bar if you can't easily cut or weld 1-in + stock.

 

[4570Man]

What is thickness of the stock used?

My ripper for my KX040 is 1” ar400. I’d think 1/2” hard plate would be enough for a small mini.

 

[dfkrug]

Here are the two I have had. They were sold by different factories, but made exactly the same way. They were about $50-60, FOB Qingdao.

Very strongly made. Weigh only 50# or so.

Attachments

• 
  ripper_and_thumb.jpg

  598.1 KB · Views: 974

 

[Dragnet]

Anyone know where the idler wheels are greased on these smaller 1 ton machines?

 

[4570Man]

Anyone know where the idler wheels are greased on these smaller 1 ton machines?

Most machines use oil filled idlers.

 

[dfkrug]

Anyone know where the idler wheels are greased on these smaller 1 ton machines?

My XN08 uses 2 idler wheels per side. I see no zerk fittings on them. I suspect they use sealed ball-bearings; one or two of them per wheel. I have not take them out, but they look to be easily repairable using standard bearings and a press. I did not buy any spare idler wheels.

 

[Dragnet]

Do all of these imported machines have jumpy hydraulics? If not, is there a way to adjust? Mainly, when I lower the main arm for another scoop the machine bounces, which seems unusual to me. Seems like when I open that valve with the stick the valve opens completely rather than gradually. Maybe, I just need to get used to it? One guy told me all the smaller machines are this way, including the name brand machines.

 

[dfkrug]

One guy told me all the smaller machines are this way, including the name brand machines.

And I said that, too. Even the K008 and 300.9 have this "feature". There is a Utube vid that compares a Chinese 1-ton to a K008, side-by-side.

I opened up one of the stack valves that come with my mini-X, and the spools do have ramps or bevels that smooth the transition between on and off. For the second 1-ton I got, I ordered a slightly smaller hyd pump, but I have not installed it.

Practice and using 2 valves at once help to make operations smoother.

I have operated a 1-ton that had pilot controls. It was somewhat smoother, as the on-to-off transition was a bit slower, but there was still some jerkiness.

 

[Fixastuff]

I have a friend with a Komatsu pc09 and if you operate it smooth the hydraulics are smooth. So I don't buy that the all machines run like a 5k-7k chinese unit.

 

[D'oh]

Great Thread lets keep it going!

So I found a JF Industrial JF12 fairly close to my home in Ontario Canada. It was 1 of 3 that the Seller purchased at Auction, transported all 3 to his City and sold 2 of them to cover some costs.

I purchased it mainly for at my Cabin, to clean up after last years Flooding. 13hp B&S 420, no Oil Cooler but Filter.

So far I have changed the Zerks, Routed the Exhaust out of the Shield (as mentioned they get Hot), Moved the Mechanical Thumb to the top hole (it is just way to much in the way as was). Which is why I went back to Alibaba in search of a Hydraulic Cylinder and Hoses to Plumb a Hyd. version.

Last Night was quoted FOB Qingdao TE-12 with EPA Engine $3100US, Roof $80, Packaging $100, Free 400mm Bucket and Free Hyd, Rad. Hyd. Thumb $100 (as an extra) Logistics and China Port Free. So Shipping, Broker, any Tariffs and Canada Port Fee extra.

These machines are selling at auctions all over the US for $6500-$9000CDN ($4500-6500US$$) Landed and at a Auction near you.

So I am still looking for a Cylinder (closed @ 14"s) and Hoses to the Aux which I think are JIC thread. Do I need the Lock Out valve seen on some thumbs?