Chinese digger recommendations

[nogaltractorguy]

nogaltractorguy - thats a nice video for the Huayee - they also are the mfg of the Terror XIX machine which is very common as Typhoon Terror dont actually make any machines they just sell various brands.

I do agree with your assessment on Huayee as a well built unit, with larger tracks, better execution and attention to detail, and a decent unit for the price. In my opinion, all these 1.8T mini's in the $10-12K range are lacking in the hydraulics with the single gear pump and single speed drives.

If you step up to a Rippa 18 around 18-19Kyou will get rotary piston pumps and much smoother operation and two speed drive's but these features come at an increased cost. Here's a link to an R18Pro on FB in NH Log into Facebook

Nice machine! $9k more than the Huayee. I've been trying to find out what hydraulics and pump the Huayee uses but I haven't found anything on it. I wonder how costly would it be to upgrade the HY.

 

[nogaltractorguy]

The Huayee looks very similar to the TT-17 with a few differences in design (like the battery access) and a smaller Kubota engine, the D722 instead of the D902 for the TT-17/18 or XX models. Be aware that a lot of these mini excavators are not honestly rated for what they weigh. Often a claim of 2-ton means you are getting a 3500lb machine. Some like the Dig Master DM 200 are less than 3000lbs while claiming a 1800Kg operating weight.

If you can afford stepping up to the 3-ton class you will gain a fair bit with operational capability

I noticed that. I don't understand why they inflate the numbers. I don't mind a 3,500lbs. machine as it would be over 1,500lbs. heavier than my previous jerk box.

 

[dfkrug]

Just looked at a walk through* of the Rippa-R18. Lot of additional features and upgrades over my TT-17.

Yeah, some nice features on the Rippa. Plus, the US importer says they will even provide parts and service. I wonder if they spec the pilot controls RV setting and where to put the gauge?

As I mentioned elsewhere, it is great to see a better-designed bucket with real teeth (not the usual backwards cast teeth), tho it is still shallow. Plus, the planetary final drives, tho it looks like they still use quarter inch hoses.

Progress!

 

[Carl_NH]

Nice machine! $9k more than the Huayee. I've been trying to find out what hydraulics and pump the Huayee uses but I haven't found anything on it. I wonder how costly would it be to upgrade the HY.

There are two pumps - one main 20 LPM and one for the pilot controls 7 LPM, which are pretty much the same as the other mini's and these pumps are 3-400 range at most. The varible flow piston pumps and are likely $1K or so, then its all the valving and controls which add more cost. Then the two speed drives, more hoses in the truntable, a beefier slew motor there too.

So it's a lot more than a pump, its a whole lot of parts and beefier construction. IMO, if you plan for personal use and not put 1000 hours a year, the Huayee 1.8T will be sufficient. If you have the resources and want a smoother, more capable machine, then go the 18Pro route, or go with a lighly used brand name machine for $25K.

 

[nogaltractorguy]

There are two pumps - one main 20 LPM and one for the pilot controls 7 LPM, which are pretty much the same as the other mini's and these pumps are 3-400 range at most. The varible flow piston pumps and are likely $1K or so, then its all the valving and controls which add more cost. Then the two speed drives, more hoses in the truntable, a beefier slew motor there too.

So it's a lot more than a pump, its a whole lot of parts and beefier construction. IMO, if you plan for personal use and not put 1000 hours a year, the Huayee 1.8T will be sufficient. If you have the resources and want a smoother, more capable machine, then go the 18Pro route, or go with a lighly used brand name machine for $25K.

You are right. I won't put that many hours on it. My tractor which I use a few days a month still has less than 300 hours. Our property sits at 7,300' in elevation and it gets very cold. Summers may reach 90. A heated/cooled cab would be nice but not necessary as we do get breaks in the weather with pleasant days to work on an open station machine. The HY18 still looks like it will be my choice. I got a killer offer from an eBay seller for a TT XVIII for around $9k delivered. I just see lots of cussing when doing maintenance as the back door is tiny. It looks like a good machine though.

 

[MattB4]

Yeah, some nice features on the Rippa. Plus, the US importer says they will even provide parts and service. I wonder if they spec the pilot controls RV setting and where to put the gauge?

As I mentioned elsewhere, it is great to see a better-designed bucket with real teeth (not the usual backwards cast teeth), tho it is still shallow. Plus, the planetary final drives, tho it looks like they still use quarter inch hoses.

Progress!

It is funny but in some case these Chinese companies do not seem to think through the entire design. They just add something if it helps sales or if a part is more available than another.

Hard to find specs for the various items since who knows what was put in this week? Your Mini Ex may have an entirely different hydraulic pump than another person same model mini ex.

 

[Carl_NH]

You are right. I won't put that many hours on it. My tractor which I use a few days a month still has less than 300 hours. Our property sits at 7,300' in elevation and it gets very cold. Summers may reach 90. A heated/cooled cab would be nice but not necessary as we do get breaks in the weather with pleasant days to work on an open station machine. The HY18 still looks like it will be my choice. I got a killer offer from an eBay seller for a TT XVIII for around $9k delivered. I just see lots of cussing when doing maintenance as the back door is tiny. It looks like a good machine though.

For the XVIII at $9K thats a great deal - and the side panels do provide access too - and the top below the seat on the TT XVIII - they made refinements since I got mine over a year ago which is good. The Huayee is a bit more refined I agree, but I dont think its worth $3K more honestly.

The Terror XIX is the same as Huayee 18 but has a 902 Diesel, and the 230MM tracks and they are on the TT web site for $14K then a 10% discount.