Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[scutty]

Added a 15GPM filter, grease fitting to thumb mount and cut and re-welded thumb bracket. Really dumb design not allowing the thumb to go further back in the up open position. I was able to get about 6 more inches which helps for fully extended digging. Also added square stock between the thumb to keep it from getting mangled again hopefully. 13 hours on the new machine without issue. It does however really heat the oil up over 180F with a lot of dozing even with a cooler and fan.

 

[mike0000]

Added a 15GPM filter, grease fitting to thumb mount and cut and re-welded thumb bracket. Really dumb design not allowing the thumb to go further back in the up open position. I was able to get about 6 more inches which helps for fully extended digging. Also added square stock between the thumb to keep it from getting mangled again hopefully. 13 hours on the new machine without issue. It does however really heat the oil up over 180F with a lot of dozing even with a cooler and fan.

Mine came with a fan/oil cooler too, it wasn’t enough. I added a 7” fan, this helped, but still too much heat in my opinion in the engine compartment. I added an exhaust extension, as the muffler exhaust was just pointed to the engine cover opening. I think this helped too, but it’s not shedding heat like I’d like it to. Maybe a muffler that is outside of the engine compartment…?

 

[mike0000]

My fan setup is factory pulling then auxiliary one I added pushing out, lots of heat blowing out. Just curious if others with two fans run them as I have. I should probably get a thermometer and try some real world testing.

 

[scutty]

Mine came with a fan/oil cooler too, it wasn’t enough. I added a 7” fan, this helped, but still too much heat in my opinion in the engine compartment. I added an exhaust extension, as the muffler exhaust was just pointed to the engine cover opening. I think this helped too, but it’s not shedding heat like I’d like it to. Maybe a muffler that is outside of the engine compartment…?

I wrapped my muffler with ceramic then aluminized wrap which helped keep the heat from the exhaust down. Digging it seemed like my hydro oil was only hitting 120 when it was in the 80s out, so not bad until you work the drive motors a lot.

 

[mike0000]

I wrapped my muffler with ceramic then aluminized wrap which helped keep the heat from the exhaust down. Digging it seemed like my hydro oil was only hitting 120 when it was in the 80s out, so not bad until you work the drive motors a lot.

Mine came with an exhaust heat cover/blanket, but I really don’t understand why no exhaust extension.

 

[scutty]

Mine did come with the extension screwed into the exhaust shield. At least they are making improvements.

 

[1hp]

on the L12 where the hoses come out of the boom, really sharp edges. took die grinder & rounded them off. replaced damaged hose protector.
almost ready to start using this dang thing.

 

[1hp]

made ripper. works ok. may cut shorter & sharpen it more.

 

[D'oh]

Well I guess I did it again, Anyone know the Origins of Machpro Branded Chinese Hoes?

 

[dfkrug]

Well I guess I did it again...

Congrats. So, maybe 4 1/2 metric tons? Maybe take it by the truck scales when headed home with it.

Can't wait til you open it up to see how its made....

 

[ThePod]

Added a 15GPM filter, grease fitting to thumb mount and cut and re-welded thumb bracket. Really dumb design not allowing the thumb to go further back in the up open position. I was able to get about 6 more inches which helps for fully extended digging. Also added square stock between the thumb to keep it from getting mangled again hopefully. 13 hours on the new machine without issue. It does however really heat the oil up over 180F with a lot of dozing even with a cooler and fan.

Picked up the same model as you. So far I like it but I have the same issues with the thumb. It looks to me like they just slapped a hydraulic cylinder onto a mechanical thumb without any consideration of how far it would go back. Do you have any pictures of the mod you did to the thumb to make it retract more.

 

[D'oh]

Thanks

2.5 M Tons.

Yes, kinda looking forward to Pilot Controls, extra pump, and Swing Boom upgrades. I just wish that the Auctions Sales were closer

 

[drawthree]

Thanks

2.5 M Tons.

Yes, kinda looking forward to Pilot Controls, extra pump, and Swing Boom upgrades. I just wish that the Auctions Sales were closer

Are you close enough to pick it up yourself or do you have to have it hauled? Is that the one with the twin cylinder gas engine or is it a diesel? What is your total cost going to be for that machine?

 

[D'oh]

I can pick it up myself, 14 hours each way, so 2- 2 1/2 days.

V Twin Gas, Honda Knock Off not exactly sure the HP but I am guessing 25ish. No AC or Heat, but I imagine Heat won't be an issue. Big Hydraulic Cooler, Stacked Pumps, Ducted Air Cooling

Any Ideas on the Canister coming from the Cooler? Looks like a Pall type Filter but I have never seen one before

I am into it for under $10K CDN Tax and Fees incl, but + Freight.

 

[1hp]

installed seat belt. almost got bucked off a couple times.

 

[scutty]

mechanical thumb without any consideration of how far it would go back. Do you have any pictures of the mod you did to the thumb to make it retract more.

I can take a pic but if you can cut and weld its not hard, just a bit time consuming.

The plate that the cylinders ears are welded two between the thumb fingers was cut off and the front towards the bucket cut flush with the ears. I then welded the plate flush with the grabby side of the thumb and slide it as close to the boom as I could and still be able to rotate. It interferes much less with extended digging with how I modified it. After I straighten out the thumb I welded a bar (old pulverizer tooth) between the fingers to help it from splaying out again.

 

[dfkrug]

V Twin Gas, Honda Knock Off not exactly sure the HP but I am guessing 25ish. No AC or Heat, but I imagine Heat won't be an issue. Big Hydraulic Cooler, Stacked Pumps, Ducted Air Cooling

The air duct for the flywheel fan looks well-made. I have never seen any V-twin gasoline units in any excavator. I hope the hyd pumps are properly sized for the working RPM of the engine. These engines are are smooth, quiet, fuel-efficient, and cheap.

 

[D'oh]

The air duct for the flywheel fan looks well-made. I have never seen any V-twin gasoline units in any excavator. I hope the hyd pumps are properly sized for the working RPM of the engine. These engines are are smooth, quiet, fuel-efficient, and cheap.

I have 1 in my Stand On, with the Stacked Pump also. I don't think they need 25hp, but maybe. I can always investigate more flow to match HP. 13.5hp Briggs is better on fuel

 

[dfkrug]

I have 1 in my Stand On, with the Stacked Pump also. I don't think they need 25hp, but maybe. I can always investigate more flow to match HP. 13.5hp Briggs is better on fuel

One thing you get with a 2-cyl gas engine is decent power even at lower RPM. So, you don't have to run it at rated speed (3600).

Recently I put a new Predator 670 twin into a DitchWitch SK500 walk-behind tracked skidsteer. That's a 1-ton-ish machine, but all-hydraulic, including pilot controls. Nice engine, and only $900 new. Maybe more now. Way cheaper than the Honda GX630 it replaced.

Yeah, the 420 thumpers should use only 2/3 the fuel.

 

[D'oh]

I am not sure of the Brand of the Knock Off yet, my Stand On and Mini Wheel loader had the 739cc Rato.

I hope that 1 pump is dedicated to Travel Motors, if not that is my first task