Chinese digger recommendations

[Carl_NH]

....and you don't need the fancy switching valve that comes on the Branded minis. Best to stay consistent with the pattern on all the machines you own.

Agreed - I loaded and moved 5 kubota bucket loads of 20-24” rocks today with the mini ex and it worked great!

Finally can use the mini to be the helper to the tlb.

 

[dfkrug]

Agreed - I loaded and moved 5 kubota bucket loads of 20-24” rocks today with the mini ex and it worked great!

Finally can use the mini to be the helper to the tlb.

I probably shoulda got the mini-X YEARS ago, and I have had it 6y. What's your excuse, Carl?

 

[Carl_NH]

Space in the barn - then the b21 does almost everything I need - the mini ex was a “want” not a need.

I almost and should have bought a 2009 cat 303.5 in December 2022 with 2500 hrs for $27k from a guy that bought it new and took care of it- I didn’t buy it as I thought it was more than I needed and regret it ever since!

So I was looking for something since then and the China mini ex market has evolved now where these small minis are very capable and for my $12k total investment with buckets and mods a good choice for me.

 

[Carl_NH]

The 180x72x41 tracks on these tend to tear up the lawn even when trying the lift and move method. Granted I am not proficient yet in driving this either, but I wanted a wider track (230 MM) and something better on the lawn.

I found these on ebay and ordered two NEW 230x72x41 Track Diamond Back Tread Fits Yanmar B158, CO6R, KH41, KH41R | eBay for $435 including shipping. They are made by Prowler Prowler Rubber Tracks for Skid Steers, Excavators, Track Loaders

Thought this might be of interest to others with the same/similar machine, They have other sizes too for sale on ebay,

 

[Carl_NH]

Got the new tracks installed - much smoother ride and doesn’t leave divots on the lawn either

That’s a friend of mine testing it out he wants one now - but a bigger one

Modified the thumb /tilt bucket aluminum foot pedal - drilled and tapped a 5/16 bolt and nut thru the swivel portion so it’s at an angle now so it’s a more natural foot and ankle movement now to close the thumb and enables more precise control

 

[Carl_NH]

One other note in the tracks - there’s a spring 3/8” thick x 2” around in the adjustment mechanism that holds the tension on the tracks - so unless you’re doing something aggressive or get rocks in the drive sprocket they won’t come off - also checked the pulleys and bearings all tight - no grease fittings on the rollers so are sealed units

 

[dfkrug]

Got the new tracks installed - much smoother ride and doesn’t leave divots on the lawn either

Looks good. I definitely need the deeper lugs with my slopes here, but I can see how yours could help your situation.

 

[Carl_NH]

Has anyone added a Tiny Tach Diesel Tiny-Tach | Design Technology, Inc., Home of Tiny-Tach to their machines?

If so do you have any report or feedback on the performance of these units?

Thanks

 

[LittleBill21]

Got the new tracks installed - much smoother ride and doesn’t leave divots on the lawn either

That’s a friend of mine testing it out he wants one now - but a bigger one

Modified the thumb /tilt bucket aluminum foot pedal - drilled and tapped a 5/16 bolt and nut thru the swivel portion so it’s at an angle now so it’s a more natural foot and ankle movement now to close the thumb and enables more precise control View attachment 879039View attachment 879035View attachment 879036View attachment 879037View attachment 879038

may have missed it, why did you change tracks? how many hours on it now?

 

[Carl_NH]

may have missed it, why did you change tracks? how many hours on it now?

See post 104 the 7” lug tracks imprint the lawn and rip it up - the diamond tracks are 9” so 30% more ground contact and are made for traversing lawns and dirt and are a smoother ride

8 hours total - just getting started using it - once mods were done

I have a backhoe on my b21 too so this is more of a specialty machine to load rocks and build walls and assist the kubota