Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[dfkrug]

Hard to see the D722 engine in the engine compartment. This is the same motor used in the Kubota K008 mini, and is rated 10-20hp, depending on RPM. Screaming at 3600RPM, you can get 20hp, but at 2000 or so, 10hp is what you get. More than adequate for most tasks.

But it is smooth and quiet. Plus, the torque characteristics make it a more pleasant power plant than the 420cc gas engine I use. The gas engine (rated about 15-16hp at 3600RPM) requires you run at least 3000RPM to be useful.

I love that diesel, but you can expect to pay at least $5000 for a new one here in the US. That is more than the whole basic excavator, sans engine.

 

[dfkrug]

One of the coolest things about these ultra small minis is your ability to transport them in a 3/4-ton or larger pickup. You do need to remove the tailgate and get a decent set of ramps.

Jason had these aluminum ramps made to his specs, and they are rated at 2000# each.

The truck in the photo is a 1-ton PU, which handled this load with ease.

 

[dfkrug]

...a couple of action shots, using the thump lifting logs

 

[Chrisall]

A local contractor, Jason, just imported 3 of the latest 1-ton minis from Xiniu, aka Shandong Landworld. They seem to want to use the name Rhinoceros, which is the English translation of the Mandarin word Xiniu. They will still put any name on them that you request.

Been looking at importing one of these to Australia for quite a while now. Difficult to narrow it down between Longsheen, Landworld, Infront, Hightop. Any experience of the pros-cons of them?

What exact model Landworld is that in the pics? I can't see an identical one on the Shandong Landworld Alibaba page.

Cheers,
Chrisall

 

[dfkrug]

Just got a chance to see and try out the latest batch of Chinese minis here in the San Jose area. Jason (in the above photos) has specced and received new units with lots of improvements.

The mini-X in the above photos is made by sdhechuang (sdhechuang.cn), which is the former factory for Hightop. SDH does not have their own sales operation and has been very willing to improve their machines to Jason's specs.

I will post some more pix shortly. I have seen the latest unit from Xiniu (Rhino), as well as the smallest Sany, which Jason bought new a few years ago from a dealer in LA.

 

[dfkrug]

Here is my favorite improvement, found on both the gas and diesel SDH 1-ton units: a wheel brake valve on both wheel motors. I looked into retrofitting these valves into the wheel motors on my 3yo XN08, but it looks like the valves are integrated into slightly different wheel motors.

I guess my XN08 will continue to be kinda hard to control when driving down hills.

 

[dfkrug]

Xiniu (Rhino) has implemented many improvements on their 1-ton minis, including the wheel braking valves above (SDH).

This is the company that made my XN08, which is now more than 3y old and still going strong. Quality of construction from this company looks very good; they may be the biggest of these factories in Shandong. Here are some of their improvements:

The boom now has swing function. This improvement, and others have bumped up the weight a bit, so the new name is XN12. The frame, body, boom, and dipper seem to be the same as my XN08.

The swing frame seems to be partially of cast steel, rather than all fabricated like the one from SDH above.

 

[dfkrug]

The ROPS is more substantial, with four posts, and much stronger braces.

 

[dfkrug]

I really like the new valve housing, made of formed plastic, with an access hatch in the front. The former steel enclosure was a bear to remove, which was necessary to change hoses.

Also, there is now a well-designed gauge cluster (hours, temp, voltage) in easy view for the operator.

The engine is an EPA-approved 3-cylinder Yanmar. No EPA-approved gasoline engine is available.

 

[dfkrug]

You can also see the foot pedals now available to operate the direct-acting spool valves for AUX and boom-swing. Servo controls are not available on this model.