Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

Dunacn · May 31, 2023

D'oh said:
^^^ Less chance of breakage/damage when digging max depth

Yes, definitely seems safer from damage. I’m wondering how it may change the leverage of the machine. I have seen this set up on a small Kubota, but not many others.

Fixastuff · May 31, 2023

Dunacn said:
Yes, definitely seems safer from damage. I’m wondering how it may change the leverage of the machine. I have seen this set up on a small Kubota, but not many others.

More down force and less lift force than an under boom cylinder of the same size.

dfkrug · May 31, 2023

Dunacn said:
Can anyone speak to the advantages/disadvantages of the boom cylinder placed behind the boom?

As mentioned, you get more lifting force with cyl under boom, but it really limits your digging depth. With most of the 1-ton minis, which have under-boom cyls, the lifting force is enormous, but in many cases, unusable. The machine is so light, it just tips. Digging depth is only about 5.5'.

Protecting under-boom cylinder hoses/pipes is super important, and most of the Chinese units do not provide any protection here. Just flipping the cyl around so the hoses are between cyl and boom is what I do, and there is no downside. I do not know why they are shipped the way they are.

Dunacn · Jun 1, 2023

This might be a dumb question…..but, if there is a hydraulic oil cooler, will the mini also require a cooling fan?

dfkrug · Jun 1, 2023

Dunacn said:
...if there is a hydraulic oil cooler, will the mini also require a cooling fan?

Require?

A good idea, yes. Some of the units like mine (4yo XN08) had hyd oil coolers mounted outside the house behind the driver's seat. I am sure it helped a lot, but no fan.

Others I have seen use a fan inside the house. The Kubota 3-cyl diesel-powered mini-X I referred to a few months ago had an oil cooler integrated into a water radiator, which utilized the engine's mechanical fan.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

Hey Folks , got some pics for you.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

Made it back without incident. 5 1/2 hours each way. My assessment of AGT Industrial/ Agrotk is not a bad machine for the price of a zero turn mower. I'm sending pics that I hope will help others.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

Here is how I switched from Excavator to Backhoe controls

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

I wondered why the trailer floor was covered in oil. I removed the cover plate/floor of the machine and found this.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

Didn't take long to figure this one out. Oh! Thats where that goes.Of course , easier to fill the hydraulic tanks on multiple machines by zipping off the tops.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

Found the engine house latch sans nuts. This thing just sat there for G** only knows how many thousands of miles . I went over every nut , bolt , and Hydraulic fitting on the machine before even starting it again.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

TimberFarm said:
Yes, definitely seems safer from damage. I’m wondering how it may change the leverage of the machine. I have seen this set up on a small Kubota, but not many others.

I noticed that all the hoses are in the arms, wish all minis had this feature.

Fredrik · Jun 2, 2023

Disappointed in you guy's , nobody is razzing me for having a mini that is 1950's " Toaster Blue ".

TimberFarm · Jun 2, 2023

Fredrik said:
Found the engine house latch sans nuts. This thing just sat there for G** only knows how many thousands of miles . I went over every nut , bolt , and Hydraulic fitting on the machine before even starting it again.View attachment 803669

Reminds me when I got my Jinma tractor. I still have parts that I found and stashed away and never found out what they were for since 2007.
I think they had shop clean up day when they packed my tractor up and threw all the leftover stuff in my crate.

dfkrug · Jun 2, 2023

Congrats, FREDRIK.

Now you can find out if you have hyd oil filtration and/or cooling. Not to mention if your RV setting is too low (most are).

D'oh · Jun 3, 2023

Fredrik said:
Hey Folks , got some pics for you.View attachment 803641

Nice machine, I like the engine cover access better on that style than standin on my head to check the oil on my style (toaster green also).

I have only seen pictures of that style, but didn't see a filter in the pictures, but I might have seen a Cooler, is there either?

D'oh · Jun 3, 2023

Speaking of Coolers. I think I need to install one, oil is already getting brown with 20 hours.

Found a Sale on 13gpm, but 3/4 NPT, my Filter is (something 19-21mm thread)

https://www.princessauto.com/en/12v-dc-air-cooled-hydraulic-oil-coolers/product/PA1000000760?skuId=8519712

3.4A draw.

Before or after the Filter?

dfkrug · Jun 3, 2023

D'oh said:
Speaking of Coolers. I think I need to install one, oil is already getting brown with 20 hours.

D'oh said:
Before or after the Filter?

The hyd oil is getting brown? That should never happen. One of the first things I did (see above) is get rid of OEM fluid. You don't know what they used, it flushes out manufacturing dirt, and it is likely the cheapest stuff they could get.

Next is install a temp gauge. I use a passive capillary style, and try not to exceed 50C. The hyd motors for the tracks heat the oil fastest.

Finally, any cooler will help, but choose wisely for where you can install it and the current it draws is less than the capacity of your alternator.

If your hyd filter is properly installed, it is on the return path to the tank, which is low, but positive pressure. The inlet side of the pump can be subject to slight negative pressure, so sturdy hoses must be used. This location or either side of the filter will work if installed properly.

Fredrik · Jun 3, 2023

No filter - No cooler , nada. Already have the parts ordered. The House is packed so tight gonna be cutting lots of holes .
It gets blazing hot inside even after 5 minutes. Found a 10" fan that puts out 1750 cfm. I can't put anything on the return line, not enough room. Everything will be attached to suction line. Funny thing about this is the hose is a SAE 100R2AT 5/8".
SAE 100R2AT has a burst point something near 1700psi. It's a booger to cut because it's configured as hose, braided wire , hose, braided wire , and then polyester reinforced outer hose. You could pull 80 bar suction and it wouldn't collapse. I guess it's what they had on hand.
D'oh that is a really good deal. I would have to mount outside in the breeze. Might buy one in case what I'm cobbling together fails.
My wife said to paint flames on the sides to make it look more manly. I told her if i cant get the heat out of the house those flames would real.