Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[Fredrik]

It is rather interesting how alike but different some of these 1-tons are. I am noticing several things as I review other peoples models vs mine. I have not found any loose bolts with the exception of a seat bolt had come free during shipping. Perhaps with more run time (only at 7.5hrs) it will become noticeable.

I have an Agrotech imported by Tiller-King. Bought at auction. Maybe mine was assembled on training day.

 

[scsever]

If anybody is shopping near SE Minnesota, or just curious what prices the mini excavators are bringing in this area, there's an auction today (9/02/2023). There's over 1k items listed, this link brings up a search for excavators. Hamilton Auction Company

 

[scsever]

Welcome to TBN, Steve

If you go back to page 160 of this long thread, I have posted my replacement wiring diagram.

I don't know what they are using for an ignition switch in your unit, but the replacements I have used in the 3 units I have rewired has the logic of a riding mower switch. You will need to figure out the logic of your switch and trace the wiring to see why the ignition seems to be grounded when you are trying to run the starter motor.

Update:
The switches I used were STENS 430-706 ($20), which is a 5-terminal riding mower ignition switch. I see the AgroTK website sells replacement switches ($45!) that are only 4-terminal units.

Just wanted to share that I got my excavator fixed. I put in the Stens 430-706 switch. I also replaced the ignition coil, however I'm skeptical of the information I found on Youtube about checking resistance of the coil. They say the resistance should be 2K-5K, my old one was 11.6K, the new one was 10.6K. That doesn't seem like enough difference to matter, and is way off from the range found online, but the new one sparks, and now it runs.

 

[MattB4]

As simple mod I wired an aluminum 1/8th (7X7) inch flat plate to the top of the muffler cage. It seems to do quite a bit for redirecting the heat away from the bottom of the operators seat. It along with a simple 80w 12vDC radiator fan bought from Amazon has made a big improvement.

 

[dfkrug]

There's over 1k items listed, this link brings up a search for excavators. Hamilton Auction Company

Wow, 14 of those 1-Ton Chinese excavators for auction at your local seller!

 

[Fredrik]

Wow, 14 of those 1-Ton Chinese excavators for auction at your local seller!

Looking at the photos tells me that these are rebadged clones; I suspect. I now know of 17 different named 1 tons that are mechanically lookalikes.I' m not sure as to why these are being dumped at auction. $4200 is half what Agrotech sells the same machine for. At this rate of dumpage I should be able to pick up a parts / spares machine for $2000- $2500 soon. Last year these auction machines were going for $8000 or more. With Chinas economy rapidly slowing , this might be a good time to have a really custom machine made for you to import. A few of the " Manufacturers" I've been in contact with about a 2.5 ton are actively racing each other to the bottom for my business. With the money I could save I could fly to China and watch them build it.

 

[Agitator]

I just ordered a 1.5ton machine from an eBay seller... and got the shipping notice that lists the weight as 2,075lbs. Given that I don't have a scale handy that reads over 3000 pounds, is there a convenient way to know that I am getting what I ordered?

 

[LouNY]

Once you get your machine and get it assembled and filled with fluids, load it on your trailer and drive to a set of certified scales and pay to have it weighed.

 

[Fixastuff]

I just ordered a 1.5ton machine from an eBay seller... and got the shipping notice that lists the weight as 2,075lbs. Given that I don't have a scale handy that reads over 3000 pounds, is there a convenient way to know that I am getting what I ordered?

Did they charge you by the pound?

 

[Agitator]

Did they charge you by the pound?

Honestly, they kind of did... the 1.5 ton units are significantly more money because they come with uprated hydraulics and the extra weight provides (or is alleged to provide) additional stability, which is kind of a thing for me because I'm going to be working a lot on sloping terrain.