Agrotk excavators: Does anyone have one? Opinions/comments/critiques?

[dfkrug]

I'm planning on an oil cooler, and the filter. What is the current opinion on cooling the B&S with a forced air system? "Gets mighty hot in thar".

Look at how I cooled my gas engine on the XN08 thread. Gotta get the exhaust heat outa there, plus duct the flywheel fan. The Briggs has plenty of alternator current to run a good electric fan on the opposite side to the flywheel.

 

[Fredrik]

Sorry I missed this . Excellent idea. Similar to what i was thinking but Better. I suppose an auto fan from Ebay or Amazon would work. Probably nothing over 5 or 6 amps?

 

[Fredrik]

I'm switching my posts to the importing and modifying thread. Looks like i'll be doing a lot of modifying on my Agrotk Kat12.first impression is not to bad seeing as it cost so little. Seriously needs mods to be durable. Some things look like class project level.
With some thought and upgrades it should work better and longer than intended.

 

[Fredrik]

My Agrotk is now finished. Oil filter, oil cooler, forced air to cool the dog house, hose swap to backhoe controls, hose wrap and ,last thing was enlarge track adjustment access.

Impression after all the cutting, drilling , making grates, etc.

If it had cost between $750 to $1000 dollars more I would pass. Too many little things to take care of before use not to mention fit and finish leaves something to be desired.

Happy I have it but buyer beware, you will need to put some sweat into it.

 

[dfkrug]

I do not know which factory makes the AgroTK minis, but there is a large range of quality and features with the Chinese 1-ton minis.

I have not seen any AgroTKs personally, so your pix are the first I have seen inside. Not the best of the choices out there. Thx for posting.

 

[seb52]

hi looking for a mini excavator for simple tasks like lifting logs and brush clearing? The 2023 Agrotk H12 seems suitable, with a power thumb for easier log handling. While it's gas-powered, diesel engines are often preferred for heavy equipment due to efficiency and durability. The 12,000 lbs lifting capacity is decent. Consider comparing prices with similar models coz there are way better excavators available in the market or you may consider for a rental

 

[dfkrug]

I do a lot of log stacking with my Rhino 1T. The lifting capacity is enormous, considering the light overall weight. They use an under-boom cylinder, which trades off digging depth for lifting capacity.

By the way, I tried the mechanical log grapple attachment, which is lousy. I use an hydraulic thumb. Sure would be nice to have a swiveling grapple...

 

[pineislandnapa]

I have 3 Agrotk H-12 excavators with the Briggs and Stratton Engine. They are a great little machine where I live in Florida. Plenty of power for Florida soils and very fast machines. I had to swap a couple hoses to change the control pattern to my preference which took 20 minutes. I also cut out the existing engine cooling vents for much better cooling and super easy access to the engine. Although assembled in China, the machine incorporates name brand components that are extremely durable and easy to obtain if ever needed. I have only ONE single complaint with these machines and that is that they are "jerky". I have many thousands of hours operating equipment, especially excavators of all sizes. I can just barely operate these things without getting totally beat up. It's like jumping on a mechanical bull at high speed.
Now, I know that somebody out there probably knows an easy cure for this and I would dearly love to hear it !!!

 

[dfkrug]

I have only ONE single complaint with these machines and that is that they are "jerky".

Modern servo-controlled excavator controls are worlds apart from these single-pump direct-acting systems.

The only good solution for jerky is a smaller pump, more shock-relief valves, and practice feathering 2 valves at once. I have a smaller volume pump, but have not tried it out yet. My pump-to-engine coupler is custom-made, splined. The newer units seem to be using Lovejoy-type couplers, which I suggested 5y ago. That would make swapping pumps easier.

 

[dfkrug]

Well, AgroTK now has their QH12 1-ton mini-X on sale for $6199 + tax, including US shipping. Shipped from Chicago.

That is an amazing price, but does not include many attachments or spares. Those willing to brave a direct import can score attachments and spares for much much less. With all costs in mind, you will probably not do much better than $6200 per unit, however.

The AgroTK website has a minimal parts diagram, and there still seems to be no hyd oil filter or cooler, and no wheel brakes.

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