Chinese digger recommendations

[Carl_NH]

The Tyrant 17 looks very close to the Huayee the 18B gets very good ratings too and you can get them from CA or NJ warehouse, or on ebay too. The Tyrant has all the attachments which is about $2K at list but Typhoon will negotiate a deal for these (around $200 each for the buckets and $400 for the auger)

The other machine you should take a look at is the Typhon XIX Storm - has bigger pump, enclosed drive motors with separate rotary pump, expanding tracks, cushion valves on swing/slew motor. So a lot of nice "additions" over the other machines. TYPHON TERROR XIX Mini Excavator 4000lbs Kubota D902 EPA Superior Hydraulics New | eBay

I would say the XIX Storm is closer to the Huayee Pro series SHY20, but not quite, as the SHY20 has the full piston pump and valving with variable flow control (smoother Operation vs Gear pumps)

If you have the $ and want the better machine go with the Huayee SHY20 $19K or the 27 around $24K I think - yes they are nearly 2x the cost of the Typhoon XIX Storm or the Tyrant 17

 

[Jrasband]

How many acres are you working with? How many projects do you have in mind?

I would consider jumping up to the Huayee 20, you won't regret it for a more capable, refined, commercial machine. Less chance of anything braking, meaning it will save you money in the long run. I do not regret spending extra money on the ZX22 one bit it is a very impressive machine.

I imagine that 18 doesn't have 2 speed and that alone is worth the extra money for the Huayee 20.

 

[Carl_NH]

How many acres are you working with? How many projects do you have in mind?

I would consider jumping up to the Huayee 20, you won't regret it for a more capable, refined, commercial machine. Less chance of anything braking, meaning it will save you money in the long run. I do not regret spending extra money on the ZX22 one bit it is a very impressive machine.

I imagine that 18 doesn't have 2 speed and that alone is worth the extra money for the Huayee 20.

Jrs- agree I spent $13k overall 11$k for my terror xviii then add ons buckets augers etc- if the shy20 was around then would have been my choice too - 6$k is soon forgotten once you’re running a more commercial machine with proper variable piston pumps etc

 

[nogaltractorguy]

How many acres are you working with? How many projects do you have in mind?

I would consider jumping up to the Huayee 20, you won't regret it for a more capable, refined, commercial machine. Less chance of anything braking, meaning it will save you money in the long run. I do not regret spending extra money on the ZX22 one bit it is a very impressive machine.

I imagine that 18 doesn't have 2 speed and that alone is worth the extra money for the Huayee 20.

The Tyrant 17 looks very close to the Huayee the 18B gets very good ratings too and you can get them from CA or NJ warehouse, or on ebay too. The Tyrant has all the attachments which is about $2K at list but Typhoon will negotiate a deal for these (around $200 each for the buckets and $400 for the auger)

The other machine you should take a look at is the Typhon XIX Storm - has bigger pump, enclosed drive motors with separate rotary pump, expanding tracks, cushion valves on swing/slew motor. So a lot of nice "additions" over the other machines. TYPHON TERROR XIX Mini Excavator 4000lbs Kubota D902 EPA Superior Hydraulics New | eBay

I would say the XIX Storm is closer to the Huayee Pro series SHY20, but not quite, as the SHY20 has the full piston pump and valving with variable flow control (smoother Operation vs Gear pumps)

If you have the $ and want the better machine go with the Huayee SHY20 $19K or the 27 around $24K I think - yes they are nearly 2x the cost of the Typhoon XIX Storm or the Tyrant 17

The XIX looks good too. I would prefer to have a bigger machine but we just bought a bigger camper and need a big carport. The idea is to build a big carport with a garage on the side and an additional lean to for the flat bed trailer. Not sure I can swing a bigger machine. We own 18 acres.

 

[SiteEngineer]

That's smart to wait for the new tax year. Buying a new mini excavator is a big move and the Typhon Tyrant 17 looks like a very good option right now.

You are correct that the Tyrant 17 has a stronger engine than the Huayee 18b models often carry. But the Huayee is a good budget machine, but the Tyrant 17 seems to be designed to compete with the bigger brands by including the better Kubota engine and superior hydraulic controls. If you’re looking for a workhorse that comes with a full attachment package, the Tyrant 17 is a solid choice.

You should definitely check out the different Digging Buckets available on the Rhinoceros Diggers to make sure you have the right tooth patterns and sizes for the kind of dirt and rock you'll be moving.

This video shows the new Typhon Tyrant 17 in action, which is helpful when comparing it to other models like the Huayee: Watch the TYPHON TYRANT 17 in Action.

 

[Carl_NH]

I understand jumping to $20K from $12 for the Tyrant 17 is a big one, but the Tyrant to the XIX is less than $2K with a lot more features you can't add to a machine - 2 speed drives, enclosed drive motors, much better hydraulics, which are things I wish I had now.

Especially moving to the work area on 18 ac - yes you can trailer it, but load/unload is time too, then the better hydraulics make for smoother operation.

 

[dfkrug]

...the XIX is less than $2K with a lot more features you can't add to a machine - 2 speed drives, enclosed drive motors, much better hydraulics, which are things I wish I had now.

Yes, I see the newest iteration of the XIX (late 2025) has proper final drives and the maker says they have cushion valves for all the hydraulic motors. And you can get this unit for not much over $10K in the US. Nice.

 

[nogaltractorguy]

I understand jumping to $20K from $12 for the Tyrant 17 is a big one, but the Tyrant to the XIX is less than $2K with a lot more features you can't add to a machine - 2 speed drives, enclosed drive motors, much better hydraulics, which are things I wish I had now.

Especially moving to the work area on 18 ac - yes you can trailer it, but load/unload is time too, then the better hydraulics make for smoother operation.

Great points. Going to take a better look at the XIX. A slow machine would take a very long time to get from one point to another in my property.

 

[Carl_NH]

Buy once, cry once, and many other sayings like this say get what you want the first time and enjoy it. I bought the Ferris zero turn 15 years ago, yes it was $$ but its still running great and I still enjoy cutting the grass every year.

The mini for me was a want more than a need, as I have a BH now, but it's a great helper to the BH and FEL, and in early 2024 was a good machine, but as the market matures, the machines get better too.