Chinese digger recommendations

[Carl_NH]

Yes that Lenz would work - you want 10 or 15 GPM flow rate at least, and the filter should go in the return line to the tank - most of these minis have a hyd cooler as part of, or possibly separate from the radiator. Most take the line going into the radiator and move to the filter inlet, then the outlet goes into the radiator.

Suggest you contact Kymron on this too and on the pilot filter as they may already have this set up or can point you in the correct direction.

 

[ConawayFarms]

I’ve been in the same boat, trying to find a mini ex for some property work. I looked into Typhon too, especially that Kubota D722 model, and it seems like a decent deal on paper, but I’m always cautious about buying something sight unseen. I’ve heard mixed reviews—some say they work well, but others have mentioned concerns about longevity. If you're looking for something with a bit more reliability, it might be worth considering a used Kubota or Yanmar, though you might need to stretch the budget a bit. Honestly, I’d recommend checking out local dealers or auction sites like IronPlanet where you can at least get more of a feel for the machine's condition before committing.

 

[Jrasband]

Yes that Lenz would work - you want 10 or 15 GPM flow rate at least, and the filter should go in the return line to the tank - most of these minis have a hyd cooler as part of, or possibly separate from the radiator. Most take the line going into the radiator and move to the filter inlet, then the outlet goes into the radiator.

Suggest you contact Kymron on this too and on the pilot filter as they may already have this set up or can point you in the correct direction.

The hydraulic cooler is mounted on the back of the radiator. The hydraulic return line comes out of the top left corner of the cooler - it goes though a 3/4" rubber line with hose clamps on either end - it dumps into the top of the hydraulic tank and the fluid goes though the drop in filter underneath the plate on top of the hydraulic tank. You can see it in the first photo where it runs along the back and turns by the positive post and does to the top of the tank - Also in the second photo top left

The other line I believe supply line is mounted on the bottom of the cooler and starts as a rubber line - transitions to a metal line and runs to the different motors. I did not get picture of cooler side but the other side where it is a hard line is in middle of last photo.

 

[Carl_NH]

Trying to follow you but you are going backwards in the flow! The pipe in picture 2 above is the top radiator is the return to the oil tank "after cooling".

This line (or preferably the input line to the "cooler" is where you want to install the 10U filter.

The Hyd oil input line to the cooler will be at the bottom of the cooler -so if there is more space, install it there.

 

[Jrasband]

Trying to follow you but you are going backwards in the flow! The pipe in picture 2 above is the top radiator is the return to the oil tank "after cooling".

This line (or preferably the input line to the "cooler" is where you want to install the 10U filter.

The Hyd oil input line to the cooler will be at the bottom of the cooler -so if there is more space, install it there.

Ok thanks for helping me understand. What is the advantage of the filter being after the cooler?

Here is a picture of the Kymron filter which goes in the top of the tank -oil is forced through it to go back in the tank. The filter is screwed on and has a gasket to seal. I am coming on 50 hours and about to change it as recommended in manual.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Ok thanks for helping me understand. What is the advantage of the filter being after the cooler?

Correct me if I'm wrong but to my understanding installation of the filter before the cooler is preferred. Number 1 you don't get debris stuck in the coolers intricate passages and 2. The cooler dumps into the reservoir and it's not designed to handle higher hydraulic pressures. If the filter is after the cooler and gets plugged the cooler sees higher pressures. Just my thoughts.

 

[Carl_NH]

Ok thanks for helping me understand. What is the advantage of the filter being after the cooler?

Here is a picture of the Kymron filter which goes in the top of the tank -oil is forced through it to go back in the tank. The filter is screwed on and has a gasket to seal. I am coming on 50 hours and about to change it as recommended in manual.

That appears to be 12" tall by 6" around and if its in the return line as you stated, there is no need for another filter in the return line. Does the filter have a P/N or indication of the specs micron rating etc?

You must be getting some cold weather work time to put 50 hours on in a few weeks!

 

[Jrasband]

I am almost at 40 hours now! Yeah it's not to hard to work in cold weather as this machine keeps me somewhat warm sitting on top of the engine! My land is a south facing slope with few trees which also helps keep me productive.

The filter is only 2 1/4" by 4 3/4". It is heavy for its size and looks well made. There are no specs on it. I could ask Kymron if they have any specs on it but I am not hopeful on that. I wonder if this is generic filter I could find online somewhere to get specs?

The filter is in the return line - though after the cooler not before.

 

[dfkrug]

The filter is only 2 1/4" by 4 3/4". It is heavy for its size and looks well made. There are no specs on it. I could ask Kymron if they have any specs on it but I am not hopeful on that. I wonder if this is generic filter I could find online somewhere to get specs?

The filter is in the return line - though after the cooler not before.

Well, there is your answer.

I can see the paper element thru the holes in the outer casing. That is a fine filter, not a simple steel 100u mesh filter that is usually on the pump intake part of the reservoir. Maybe even 10-microns. But where do you get replacements? KYMRON had better have answers.
The common steel external spin-on cartridge filters will usually have a pressure bypass in case they get clogged, so I do not see a problem with installation before or after the cooler. Your in-tank filter may or may not have such a relief valve. If a 10u return filter gets clogged, then you have a huge problem.

 

[Jrasband]

Well, there is your answer.

I can see the paper element thru the holes in the outer casing. That is a fine filter, not a simple steel 100u mesh filter that is usually on the pump intake part of the reservoir. Maybe even 10-microns. But where do you get replacements? KYMRON had better have answers.
The common steel external spin-on cartridge filters will usually have a pressure bypass in case they get clogged, so I do not see a problem with installation before or after the cooler. Your in-tank filter may or may not have such a relief valve. If a 10u return filter gets clogged, then you have a huge problem.

I just ordered another hydraulic filter from Kymron, and it came with one replacement for the 50hr service.

 

[dfkrug]

I just ordered another hydraulic filter from Kymron, and it came with one replacement for the 50hr service.

Yeah, replace that fluid and filter ASAP.

Did they have any specs on that filter? Did you look for another source that will be around for a while? How much are the filters, and does it make sense to get a lifetime supply? On tractors, the replacement interval after the first one is usually about 400h.

If you take apart the old filter, check to see if it has a RV in it. And to see what it picked up.

 

[Jrasband]

Yeah, replace that fluid and filter ASAP.

Did they have any specs on that filter? Did you look for another source that will be around for a while? How much are the filters, and does it make sense to get a lifetime supply? On tractors, the replacement interval after the first one is usually about 400h.

If you take apart the old filter, check to see if it has a RV in it. And to see what it picked up.

The manual says to replace the filter at 50 hours(I am at 37 now), and every 500 hours after that. It says the fluid is not due to be changed until 1,000 hours.
You think I should go ahead and change the fluid?

I asked for them to send me a link for the hydraulic filter - they said they do not know where I can get them other than from Kymron. I have searched a little bit online and have not found anything close. I started to buy one today but than thought to get one more - maybe I should get a lifetime supply....What if Kymron disappears!? Kymron charges $40/filter plus shipping.

I will ask for specs on the filter.

I will take the old filter apart - what is RV?

Is there anything to be mindful of when changing the fluid, will I have to bleed the system or have problems getting fluid back in the system?

 

[2manyrocks]

Based on prior post, I think RV means a relief valve built into the filter.

Some recommend changing the hydraulic fluid and engine oil immediately if you don't know whether the dealer already did that.

 

[Carl_NH]

Just buy three or four filters from Kymron see if they offer discount on 4 but $40 is not too bad for a hyd filter - then Tractor Supply AW46 Hyd oil is $50 for 5 Gal. which is a decent oil.

 

[dfkrug]

Just buy three or four filters from Kymron see if they offer discount on 4 but $40 is not too bad for a hyd filter - then Tractor Supply AW46 Hyd oil is $50 for 5 Gal. which is a decent oil.

Low pressure return filters should be $10-ish for a cartridge-style 10u unit, e.g. the Zinga filters from SurplusCenter. An HST filter for your tractor from the maker could certainly run $40 or more. Kymron charging $40 is outrageous, and who knows how long this importer will still be around. Someone should track down the factory in China.

I have no issues with using any new decent hyd fluid, but the original fluid in a new machine should be changed within the first 10h, IMO. This removes a lot of the manufacturing swarf, plus upgrades to a known decent oil. The original fluid is unknown, plus I am sure they used the cheapest possible bulk fluid in China.

 

[Jrasband]

Low pressure return filters should be $10-ish for a cartridge-style 10u unit, e.g. the Zinga filters from SurplusCenter. An HST filter for your tractor from the maker could certainly run $40 or more. Kymron charging $40 is outrageous, and who knows how long this importer will still be around. Someone should track down the factory in China.

I have no issues with using any new decent hyd fluid, but the original fluid in a new machine should be changed within the first 10h, IMO. This removes a lot of the manufacturing swarf, plus upgrades to a known decent oil. The original fluid is unknown, plus I am sure they used the cheapest possible bulk fluid in China.

Kymron says they change the fluid in all machines.

 

[Jrasband]

If I couldn't get the filters from Kymron anymore and can't find them anywhere else - Couldn't I just install a spin on type right in the line just before the existing filter? This is the easiest place to install one it seems. I would leave the old filter out if it does not have a RV.

 

[dfkrug]

If I couldn't get the filters from Kymron anymore and can't find them anywhere else - Couldn't I just install a spin on type right in the line just before the existing filter? This is the easiest place to install one it seems. I would leave the old filter out if it does not have a RV.

Sure, you could do that. I probably would.

Looking at your last photo, the 2 controller boxes seem to be for the diesel engine's intake heater or glow plugs (QHS controller), and possibly the fuel solenoid. An electrical schematic sure would be nice.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

It seems like the original wave of chinese mini ex's are starting to come down in price a bit. I am seeing them on Marketplace for $4700-as low as $4200 for LOW hour/"new" machines. Seems like the market is getting saturated a bit. That is a good thing for those of us who are cheap and looking for one of these machines.

 

[2manyrocks]

The guys on FB seem to be buying them at auction and then marking them up to resell.