Mini Excv. Info ??

[John White]

I am thinking about getting a mini excv. I need some comments. I am 84 now and often still holes dug for planting and a ditch dug out sometimes and a shovel is just too hard at my age.So some of you who own a mini or looked at them. Give me your input. First of all I think I would like one with a cab. Though it would be parked inside, still would help keep it clean. Is there enough room to move around inside? How hot does it get inside? I think I would like to get the 1 1/2 ton catagory, next step up from the 1 ton, If I decide the extra expense is worth it. I had a J>D 50 at one time when I was doing small excv. business. Sold it and got a JCB 212 which I still have but keep it in a comercial property and I think it is even too big for reallly small jobs. First of all do any of you have a small excv. with the pilot controls? I think I would like that much better. The J.D. 50 I had , had regular controls and after a few hours I got tired because I am tall and had to work humped over or slide the seat so far forward that my knees hit. Any one have one with pilot controls? I also have a Bobcat tractor 420 and it has a backhoe on it but is a real pain to take off and put back on. Everytime I put the hoe on, then I need my scraper blade and have to change it, get the scraper blade on then I will need the hoe. I am thinking about selling the hoe because it takes up so much room inside my building and I think a mini would fit in the same space with room to spare even, Give me your thoughts.

 

[Sonny580]

You couldnt run fast enough to get me crammed into a mini with a cab on it!!--- no room what so ever, HOT as hell in summer too. fans and ac does NOT work in them from what I am told.
I have a couple AGT L-12's, NO cabs and they will do serious work. I just finished putting in 2,000' of field tile with them at 4' deep.
As for the controls, ---- they work fine!

 

[Carl_NH]

I got the Chinese Mini Ex Typhon 18 with the Kubota Diesel - weights in around 3500 lbs - no cab with Pilot controls. A cab is really tight on these small machines and hot in summer.

I have also switched the travel around sticks now to make more leg room (pics are before) as im 6-3 240 lbs

The other thing - these are SLOW moving so if you have a lot of area to cover it takes time

But for the $10K new (on EBay) they are decent machines but not the caliber of your JD50.

 

[D'oh]

Have a FF12, 145 hrs, NO Cab! Hotter than the Sun (imagine) It has done alot of work at the Cabin, Trenching, Casings, Stumps, but yes Slow as a Turtle moving.

Had a MP46 2.5T Big Cab. Way more power but tore up any yard I drove it over. Need a Tandem Axle trailer to move. Motor wasn't a RATO but V Twin gas, a lot smoother than the 739cc Rato V Twins.

Have a SL380 Stand On Skid to move the Dirt and debris at the Cabin, much faster than the Mini Ex. Tires so minimal ground disturbance, but can be hard to Ride On, on uneven ground. Thought I would like a Sit On machine so I tried a Mini Wheel Loader. Gearing was Way Too High, Open Axles so it didn't have much pushing power.

Now I just picked up a Tracked Stand On Skid. Haven't used it much yet to speak of, but I think I prefer the Wheeled one so far.

 

[John White]

Have a FF12, 145 hrs, NO Cab! Hotter than the Sun (imagine) It has done alot of work at the Cabin, Trenching, Casings, Stumps, but yes Slow as a Turtle moving.

Had a MP46 2.5T Big Cab. Way more power but tore up any yard I drove it over. Need a Tandem Axle trailer to move. Motor wasn't a RATO but V Twin gas, a lot smoother than the 739cc Rato V Twins.

Have a SL380 Stand On Skid to move the Dirt and debris at the Cabin, much faster than the Mini Ex. Tires so minimal ground disturbance, but can be hard to Ride On, on uneven ground. Thought I would like a Sit On machine so I tried a Mini Wheel Loader. Gearing was Way Too High, Open Axles so it didn't have much pushing power.

Now I just picked up a Tracked Stand On Skid. Haven't used it much yet to speak of, but I think I prefer the Wheeled one so far.

View attachment 2073888View attachment 2073890View attachment 2074013

So I assume the MP46 weighed around 5,000 lbs. I think it is about the size I would like if I could find a good used one. They want as much for used any thing as a new one. Will probably have to settle for one around 3000 lbs.

 

[John White]

I got the Chinese Mini Ex Typhon 18 with the Kubota Diesel - weights in around 3500 lbs - no cab with Pilot controls. A cab is really tight on these small machines and hot in summer.

I have also switched the travel around sticks now to make more leg room (pics are before) as im 6-3 240 lbs

The other thing - these are SLOW moving so if you have a lot of area to cover it takes time

But for the $10K new (on EBay) they are decent machines but not the caliber of your JD50.

Would you recomend the pilot controls over the stick controls? Did you have to do many updates, modifications? Installing cooling fan, hyddraulic filter, lights, etc? Any major problems?. Was there any warranty on it?

 

[D'oh]

So I assume the MP46 weighed around 5,000 lbs. I think it is about the size I would like if I could find a good used one. They want as much for used any thing as a new one. Will probably have to settle for one around 3000 lbs.

The MP46 came in around 3000lbs (estimate) Carried it on the pictured 3500lb Single Axle, but not far.

I sold that one for $17,000 CDN (maybe $12,000 US) with 5 hours of "Testing Time"

 

[Carl_NH]

Would you recomend the pilot controls over the stick controls? Did you have to do many updates, modifications? Installing cooling fan, hyddraulic filter, lights, etc? Any major problems?. Was there any warranty on it?

Yes, definitely get Pilot controls (thats all these 1.8T diesels have anyway). On my updates - spent about $600 total.
- Added a Tiny Tach - as I like knowing the RPM $100
- Reinforced the thumb - welded 2 - 3" wide gussets inside the thumb
- Added a rear hitch plate and motor protector $150
- Modified the thumb pedal so it worked better for me
- Reversed the travel levers for more knee and leg room
- Added a mount for the tool box behind the seat for the tools and fittings
- Changed out the 180MM (7") tracks to a 230MM (9") turf track - rides much smoother now and doesn't rip up turf $300
- Switched the boom and stick hyd lines so it now has backhoe controls like my Kubota TLB
- These small diesels have a Hyd Cooler, and also an 80 micron filter in the tank
- Change out the Hyd oil with AW 46 Fluid from TSC $50

These units have a 1 Year Warranty from Typhon in CA and they have a similar unit Typhon XIX which is made by Vote also a $10K machine. Mine is a HighTop made machine.

 

[m7040]

I am thinking about getting a mini excv. I need some comments. I am 84 now and often still holes dug for planting and a ditch dug out sometimes and a shovel is just too hard at my age.So some of you who own a mini or looked at them. Give me your input. First of all I think I would like one with a cab. Though it would be parked inside, still would help keep it clean. Is there enough room to move around inside? How hot does it get inside? I think I would like to get the 1 1/2 ton catagory, next step up from the 1 ton, If I decide the extra expense is worth it. I had a J>D 50 at one time when I was doing small excv. business. Sold it and got a JCB 212 which I still have but keep it in a comercial property and I think it is even too big for reallly small jobs. First of all do any of you have a small excv. with the pilot controls? I think I would like that much better. The J.D. 50 I had , had regular controls and after a few hours I got tired because I am tall and had to work humped over or slide the seat so far forward that my knees hit. Any one have one with pilot controls? I also have a Bobcat tractor 420 and it has a backhoe on it but is a real pain to take off and put back on. Everytime I put the hoe on, then I need my scraper blade and have to change it, get the scraper blade on then I will need the hoe. I am thinking about selling the hoe because it takes up so much room inside my building and I think a mini would fit in the same space with room to spare even, Give me your thoughts.

I am in the eighties as well and love my cabbed KX33. Hot weather is an opportunity to go use it and stay cold. AC works great
Use it for lifting digging scraping and many other things. Got rid of the backhoe. Property looks a lot better after cleaning up many areas. The ability to push over trees and lift logs is great asset. be sure to get the bucket and tools that will work best for you. Use the 36 inch smooth bucket all the time. The blade is used all the time as well

 

[nforktractor]

Go for it. Similar situation, I'm 68 had a JD 4410 35hp, with backhoe, not fun taking off and back-on. Sold that and purchased this Kubota KX018-4, half the size of a JD50, but as big as I could afford! Have done a bunch of work cleaning out driveway ditch, dug up bunch of invasive Russian Olives, dug up a few smaller stumps, being tracked, each to reposition. Get the thumb. Probably at least one size up if getting a cab.

 

[Carl_NH]

In my opinion this 6K machine is one of the best for the money at $22K 2.8 Ton, Mini Excavator w/ Diesel Engine | CFG-STE35SR

It's built by Shantui who makes this machine for Kobelco also, and Shantui make many other bigger machines - excavators and dozers.

If has a Yanmar engine and two speed enclosed drives, a cab etc, and for $22K for a new machine is a good value.

 

[Carl_NH]

The unit mentioned above CFG STE 35 SR has a hydraulic flow of 87 LPM or 23 GPM and a digging force of 24KN or 5400Lbs. My Kubota B21 has a digging force of around 3200 lbs or 14 KN so this machine was the better step up - But I don't need it - I "wanted it" and it didn't fit in my barn (too tall).

I needed something to load/move rocks and granite into the bucket and be the "third hand" with the tractor, and the smaller Chinese diesel Mini 1.8T fits the bill for me.

 

[John White]

Is there any paterculiar make I should avoid? Some say sty the gas engine because cheaper to replace, others say diesel, because you wont have to replace it if taken care of and higher resale value.

 

[Carl_NH]

When it comes to name brands of Chinese-made machines, only a few actually "make" them—the rest are assembled from purchased parts. Companies like Hightop, Vote, Shantui etc. make them, and then resellers put their labels on them.

The gas engine machines without pilot controls are warm and loud and aren't as refined as the diesel machines. I would think the price of a Kubota vs. a Rato or B&S gas engine is at least $2K.

Resale value of any of these little chinese excavators is marginal - plan on 50% at least in the first year. If you're buying for eventual resale, get a decent used Kubota, JD, Bobcat, Yanmar etc.

 

[check 6]

I am 82 and like you shoveling is not part of my job title any more I have a kubota 008 mini excavator which weighs 2400 lbs and does very thing I need no cab, biggest thing to remember is its limitations. I took a tree stump out this past summer just too a little longer but much easier then shoveling and swinging an ax and it nettles away in my shed when not in use

 

[John White]

Is there any brand I should stay away from? So far I have narrowed it down to one called a Dig Master DM 200 With a Kubota engine, weight is listed at 3968 lbs $7400 and one called InFront YFE18 3527 lbs at $7875. Its hard to find out who makes them. The tag on the Digmaster says "Shandong Machinery". And both of them have a small sticker or them that say "CM". I see that on dilfferent brands. I see it on Kamron excv. I don't know if the same factory makes them or not. I think alot of co. just slap their own stiker on them when they hit the USA. One that I am looking at has a Briggs engine and the other a Kubota 2 cyl. Which engine would be the best?

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi John,

Just looking at the Digmaster web site - they are a small group and "relabel" them - I would stay away. On the other hand, Infront is a larger group and does most of the assembly and I like the design better too. I also have heard others that have this brand and they make a good machine - Its a Diesel by the specs on their web site - YFE18 Crawler Mini Excavator - China YFE18 Crawler Mini Excavator Manufacturers Factory

Don't get a gas - get a diesel specify the Kubota D902 a 16HP 3 Cylinder Diesel - less noise, less heat, more power.

Also it sounds like you are dealing directly with Infront? Make sure the prices include or are quoted as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

 

[mollywheel]

I am thinking about getting a mini excv. I need some comments. I am 84 now and often still holes dug for planting and a ditch dug out sometimes and a shovel is just too hard at my age.So some of you who own a mini or looked at them. Give me your input. First of all I think I would like one with a cab. Though it would be parked inside, still would help keep it clean. Is there enough room to move around inside? How hot does it get inside? I think I would like to get the 1 1/2 ton catagory, next step up from the 1 ton, If I decide the extra expense is worth it. I had a J>D 50 at one time when I was doing small excv. business. Sold it and got a JCB 212 which I still have but keep it in a comercial property and I think it is even too big for reallly small jobs. First of all do any of you have a small excv. with the pilot controls? I think I would like that much better. The J.D. 50 I had , had regular controls and after a few hours I got tired because I am tall and had to work humped over or slide the seat so far forward that my knees hit. Any one have one with pilot controls? I also have a Bobcat tractor 420 and it has a backhoe on it but is a real pain to take off and put back on. Everytime I put the hoe on, then I need my scraper blade and have to change it, get the scraper blade on then I will need the hoe. I am thinking about selling the hoe because it takes up so much room inside my building and I think a mini would fit in the same space with room to spare even, Give me your thoughts.

You mentioned wanting pilot controls and a cab. I'd suggest looking into electric mini excavators. They offer:

• Easy Controls: Smooth, low-effort pilot controls, perfect for less strain.
• Clean Operation: No fumes or mess, great for indoor storage and use.
• Compact Size: Fits easily in storage spaces.

Check out this electric model: My Forklift Electric Mini Excavator. It might be exactly what you're looking for.

Selling your Bobcat backhoe and getting a dedicated mini-excavator will likely save you space and be much more convenient.

Hope this helps!

 

[MattB4]

I got the Chinese Mini Ex Typhon 18 with the Kubota Diesel - weights in around 3500 lbs - no cab with Pilot controls. A cab is really tight on these small machines and hot in summer.

I have also switched the travel around sticks now to make more leg room (pics are before) as im 6-3 240 lbs

The other thing - these are SLOW moving so if you have a lot of area to cover it takes time

But for the $10K new (on EBay) they are decent machines but not the caliber of your JD50.

I have on order a Terror XVII (17 cab model but has air condition so heat should be less a factor) that is replacing my Terror X. It was sold last week for about half of what I paid for it 2 years ago when bought. 38h run time.

Since you have had your 18 for a while, and it is just about identical to the 17, I am curious how yours has been working out and if there is any things you learned. I appreciate any tips or tricks you may share.

 

[Carl_NH]

MattB4 - see post # 8 on the first page of this thread - that sums up the mods I have done to it.

I did add a return Hyd filter on the right side under the existing radiator and oil cooler.

I would say the things really necessary are beefing up the thumb, and changing the Hyd fluids and adding a return line filter.

Findings: the standard bucket 17" is too big for rough ground and rocks, a 12" would be perfect on this machine, I have the 8" digging bucket, 32" tilt / grading bucket, and a 24" rock/dirt sifting bucket.

Also the auger is good OK, but in rough ground it doesn't have the pressure to dislodge rocks and just stops. These are 6-8" rocks all together with other rocks and I only have the 8" auger not the 12". If you have average dirt and occasional rocks it will likely do OK, but don't expect a skid steer performance.

All in all good machine for $11 K in my case, plus 2K in auger, buckets and mods.

My Kubota is the go to for BH work - planting, digging and moving rocks so I don't put much time on the mini - takes too long to get there and no loader etc.