I'm 72 years old, I have a small China made excavator same size as yours, it works great for me its here any time I want to use it don't have to use the shovel much anymore I'm very happy with mine.
Does it have the ability to go through bedrock? We have hard clay for about 12-16" then bedrock. I assume going through soft dirt is pretty easy and a cheap mini excavator would suffice
@@HomesteadingUncontainedover 1 year for me 100+ hrs 0 issues besides basic small engine issues paid 2500 before tax 🎉 I’m happy I have 3 1 like yours then another 2 are 1 ton
I'm in the Operating Engineers Union and you unloaded that machine perfectly. Anyone that says you did not, does not know themself how to even start that mini-excavator
I bought a Chinese tractor and got a lot of the same types of comments you did. It’s been 10 years now and my tractor still runs fine and it’s been worked constantly and heavily. I don’t regret buying it at all.
I looked at a chinese tractor at our local farm shop - the sales guy turned his nose up and said "not to bother" and go for this other one..... I walked out. The quality looked fine for me, I am not a full time farmer so a smaller machine (and cheaper) would have worked perfectly 👍🏻
@HomesteadingUncontained This is a product to do hard work, the Chinese wouldn't be stupid to use Chinesium for its core parts and used high quality materials and anyway they make very good quality products that we all use on a daily basis, this "Made in China is Crap" trope isn't true today.
Every time I hear someone complain about Chinese products I respond the items aren't cheap they're AFFORDABLE. I think sour grapes is why they criticize.
Exactly right - it was not cheap but something I could actually afford to buy instead of double or triple for a known brand 2nd hand machine. Near enough everything is made or part made in China and they are really nice people too...maybe not the governments but I would say that about the UK too 🤣
No listen, some deals are good some aren't, the problem is without the oversight that America has it's too easy to get something that you think is Affordable but it really genuinely is cheap
I made a comment about you not being a real diy guy a while back and I regret having said that. You are in fact a very good diy guy and I have become impressed with your projects and your ability to work things out. My apologies and look forward to more of your antics. Good on you chap.
No worries, we hadn't started the build then but now we are coming to the end of the garage workshop and about to start on the house. Plenty to think about.
@@inkbold8511 Resellers will pay for parts that are within a certain spec. The parts that don't pass muster get sold under "off-brand" names, and can work significantly worse despite having come off of the same manufacturing line.
What a weird and selfish take, you are basically advocating the casual sinophobia and racism associated with the stigma and refusing the growth of the industry, for the benefit of the workers and the environment.
It’s amazing how many experts are out there in TH-cam land that have NEVER operated anything bigger than their TV remote! This thing looks like a fun little machine for around the property work!
Thank you for your honesty and summary. It's unfortunate that a lot of people forgot, or never learned, how to be civil in their comments. But that shows their true character. I tend to skip reading these comments as having little or nothing to add to the conversation at hand.
I think most people just assume these machines are for export only and they are not used in country...... I am very happy with it and would do it again anytime.
I work on the railroad in the US, I've occasionally seen them use mini diggers for laying fiber lines along the rails. They use these lines for their safety system known as PTC, Positive Train Control. It's basically a GPS computer system on the train that detects when you're speeding or not slowing down for a signal in time and automatically stops the train. Necessary with how easily you can pass out at the wheel, but that's also why we have two man crews.
I am an excavator operator, operated for 10 years give or take, I completely agree people should learn on a tiny excavator. Large excavators are very easy to operate, smaller machines are more complicated. I've had oil pipeline diggers interview for jobs, some had 20, 30, 40 years on a large excavator. Couldn't operate my cat 305 to save their life
That's so interesting. I've had a similar experience. When I learned to sail years ago I learnt on a 14' dinghy. It was HARD! At first I was doing a dozen different things and trying to keep them all straight, to keep the boat on the air side of the water and sometimes as an added bonus to actually move forward. Then one day, after much practice, out of the blue, it happened. My body just got it. It all locked into muscle memory and from that point on I was doing only one thing- sailing, instinctually and without thought, just like we walk and run. Small dinghies are delicate, fickle and very SENSITIVE! Two inches of the tiller in the WRONG direction and you're swimming- especially in high winds. I had never sailed a big boat- like 30' or larger before that but I can now step onto the deck of any big sailboat and just trim everything and sail the damn thing- with confidence. Maybe not perfectly, but 95%. I can go years as a landlubber too and then step onto the deck of any sail boat and sail it. The muscle memory is always there. But people who have learned to sail on big boats cannot sail a dinghy. They go right into the drink. Come to think of it, learning to stick weld is the same. Must be a universal principle there! Humans can be so amazing and so stupid all at the same time!!! Heh.
Althouh big machines are much more stable and don't require the blade, they're obviously much larger and require much better awareness of where you're swinging and how to use your mirrors. Most small machines don't stick out past their tracks and you can visually see around the whole machine but are more tippy and jittery
every machine is different, it doesnt matter if youre jumping between large and small or different brands. if you were used to jumping between a variety sizes models and brands of equipment you would know size doesnt matter. and ya the pipeline guys ive crossed paths with are pretty useless
I buy most of our plasma and welding supplies from China starting in 2006 they have always treated us great. Plasma torch parts (expendebles) last twice as long for 1/3 the cost. I was spending 400/mo for junk made in the USA that lasted hrs compared to days when I use parts from China. The Chinese were also very knowledgeable, and fixed my jerry rigged problems fast.
Yeah not sure why people think Chinese stuff is total crap anymore when 90% of the things people say are great still came from China. You're $2K TV and your $1K smartphone both were primarily made in China. And even many car parts and lawn mowers were made there. There is still Chinese junk, but it does seem to be less common.
Just want to thank the Chinese people involved with making the digger and it's spares. Whatever their government gets up to its the hard work of the ordinary guys and gals in China who matter most. Let's give appreciation to people who deserve it.
Totally agree, the people I have worked with on this were absolutely great. And if I can help them with sales I will (I am not affiliated to them at all).
@@MrXelaim a new Ford truck loaded is 135,000 dollars, the one I use is 24 years old, cost 19,000$ new ,screw your import taxes. Buy Chinese all day long. China rules. Biden lies all day every day.
I mean I didn't think it was gonna hold up real great either but I wasn't an ass about it 😂😂 I just waited for the 1 year review video and here we are. Thank you for buying this and putting your experience with it on TH-cam. This is the first real English in-depth review on these things and that's super valuable for everyone.
I think how this works out depends largely on who's involved. Some folks get stuff to work for them and some are just menaces. I see those menaces in the comments here. It's junk! Yeah after you're done with it I'm sure it is.
For every jerk that takes the time to comment something inappropriate in your videos, there is at least 3 or 4 people amazed of your initiative and kindness in the way you present your subject. Don't let us down, we will keep watching :)
I am amazed at the nice comments we are getting on this video, but I am now getting hate emails directly to me...... the world is messed up just a little. Thanks for you nice comment ♥️
Two hundred and eighty thousand views and eight hundred and sixty five comments, I am amazed that so many people are interested in Chinavators. Regarding the thumb, my little 1.2 ton UHI Chinavator came with a factory fitted mechanical thumb and I haven't used it much - until last weekend when I sawed a nearly two foot diameter eucalypt tree (heavy Aussie hardwood) into rounds. I used the digger with a sling to lift one end of the tree off the ground so I could saw each piece off without my bar/chain going into the dirt then I used the thumb to lift all the pieces into my trailer. That digger saved me a lot of pain and sweat and the thumb worked a treat. You may not use your new thumb often but you will be glad of the physical help the thumb gives when you find you need it. That little job I did is the sort of job that comes up and you say "crikey, I've got the excavator, I can use it to help me do that" but it's not the sort of job you'd likely go to all the trouble of renting one just to do. There's dozens of little knick-knack jobs that having your own digger will help you do and they don't always involve digging holes or grading ground. My little Chinavator has taken everything I've thrown at it and like when you thought to use your digger to pull your shed's roof truss into alignment, I find inventive new uses for mine all the time.
We don't have any trees so I thought I didn't need one. But the rocks are a pain (didn't know I had them until I started digging 🤪 ) But agree, there is a lot of interest in little excavators.
Finally a gentleman with common sense on youtube. Start from nowhere (with the excavator!) and it payed out for you. I would love to call such a excavator my own, but my property is very steep. Enjoy your super nice home!
Man Alive!! Thank you so much for Sharing !! I have been renting a mini ex for 2 months on my job site and between delivery charge pickup charge and rental fee I am already well over $6,000 and the thing is used with over 2k hours on it!! I know my operators using this machine will complain about possible jerkiness or responsiveness but the savings are Huge!!! I almost considered buying a mini ex to practice on myself and this one is an AMAZING one to use!! Thank you for sharing!!
It is great for the home use - maybe for smaller works but be careful on the everyday commercial use - maybe a slightly larger machine. I am totally happy with it for my own use.
I watched your original video. I was genuinely curious. I have run heavy equipment for 25 years and I currently have a full size excavator and full size backhoe and a couple of tractors. I personally think you have done a good job on picking a machine for your use and good to see you comfortable with it. Keep up the great work!
Great stuff and I have the same experience with importing a Chinese Jinma tractor back in 2005. Friends and family were not impressed and especially the “where’d you think to get spare parts” questions is so recognizable. 17 years later and only minor things like some oil leaks I can say this was one of the Best Buy’s I ever did. It’s not for professional or very heavy use but it’s a brave little tractor that has done so many jobs that I can’t imagine doing without anymore.
It's all about expectation and the convenience of owning the machine - you tend to look after them more and it will do 10 times the work you can do so it has to be better. 😀
Nice comment, I have myself a kubota U10-3 that’s looks indeed more stable. I am not an expert digger either, but learned together with my son how to operate. When I feel down or sad I start to use the little machine and bring in no time a smile on my face
I imported my own mini skid loader from China to here in Australia few years ago. I used freight forwarder from here to ship and deliver to door etc. Once supplier dropped it to departure port I paid from there I think. Although the supplier was supposed to pay a export fee from China and refused so I got charged instead was about $150. All in all process went well and machine is still going strong. I saved around $10000 from buying the same machine locally.
What size machine did you buy? I am currently looking at 3.5 ton from multiple Chinese companies. One thing I found out by accident really, was that so many of those Chinese companies are actually just re-sellers. They put their decals on a machine that is made by one company for everybody.
@@t.p.9232 Mines a mini skid loader and yes multiple factories make the same or very similar product with different branding. They do vary slightly from each factory. I believe from what I've read is their government runs the factories.
Great video. I bought a 1.5T, different brand, with the Kabota engine from a importer. Ordered it late 2021 and got it mid 2022. Yes I paid extra as he needs to make money also, however there were no hidden fees. As l was unable to pick it up l paid someone to deliver to me. As glad l got it as you are. USA here.
If you rely on it for the business it is worth the extra. Cannot risk a breakdown on a job. Me, I can just wheel it into the garage and cry for a few hours.. 🤪
For the first time running a mini I thought you did just fine. No one can magically run a machine just out of the gate. I run a 3 ton Bobcat on an infrequent basis at work. Small machines have their place for projects. Good to see you think things thru before doing them.
Straight to the point without all the waffle and I like the fact that you give an honest reflection with your hindsight. Makes it much more useful for anybody considering going down this path.
People tend to be really good at telling others what they are doing wrong without being able to specifically explain why their way is actually an improvement. Glad you were able to brush most of those back-seat-drivers off. Thanks for the 1 year review--I've been pondering whether these diggers (and similar equipment) were even worth the trouble. My rule on Chinese equipment has always been to plan on doing some maintenance and repair the day it arrives (it usually needs it), and you can eventually re-make it into what you wanted to begin with.
Mine has always been to try to avoid Chinese products at all costs, as I don't like to support communism, our enemies, or companies and entire countries who could care less about trademarks, copyrights, or patents. Buy American whenever possible, get a warranty from a known company with tech support, support our own countries and workers, get the product I actually want straight out the box and not have to do repairs to make a brand new product function acceptably. To each their own though.
The trick is knowing which category a product belongs to. There is "cheap crap to sell to stupid westerners", there's "we make this for western companies, so why not run the machines overtime and slap our logo on it" (with the variants "but use cheaper materials", "let's sell the rejects" and the well-loved "but design our own variant that only pretends to work" like those neat little 100 kWh powerbanks and 10 Exobyte thumb drives), there's "this was made for the locals, want one, too?", and there's even "original product for a worldwide market". Obviously, categories 1 and 2.3 are not what you want to buy, but they also are the best-known ones. This machine clearly belongs to the third category, so it will be built to a standard and quality level that Chinese customers will accept. Those levels are lower than what we are used to, but they are there---Chinese customers wouldn't buy these machines if they weren't working at all.
Don’t listen to the jerks! I have a small loader, your right we need to know the limitations of our equipment. My small loader is so handy to have and to do my projects, knowing it’s limitation preserves the machine. Your a good guy, Thanks for your program!
Cheers Jeff. Until you have experienced these machines then they shouldn't pass judgement - they do what they were intended to and I was looking at the loaders and mini skid steers......they look pretty useful.
@@HomesteadingUncontained I have a little skidsteer and it is so handy, it’s not a giant dozer, but I don’t need a dozer! I am quite intrigued by these small escalators , I think it would compliment my little skidsteer!
You’re quite right. Hiring an excavator is expensive but they can do an incredible amount of work in an hour. I agree 100% with all your decisions. Life is all about expectations and as you said, you need to manage them. Well done Ian!
He did a job after for my son to dig out his septic tank, €200 for 30 mins.... but transporting and travel etc all adds up so we are pleased we found this guy.
Given the right job. Borrowed a 2.5t for a month. After a jerry can of diesel, i gave up... Got the bamboo out with a carjack, blocks, and a steel blade on the brushcutter. Did it again a few months later, had to repair the sump (someone ran over a stake?) so got to borrow it for a few weeks again. Got a stump grinder now. The right tool for the job!
@@smclynden Yep, moving heavy machinery is expensive. For 1 small job it may well not be feasible. In that case you may have to work out a way to aggregate several small jobs in the area. Otherwise it may get to the stage where your small machine (and a LOT of time and improvisation) might be the only choice. I once took three parts of a day to dig out a large tree with a toy blade on a very small FIAT ag dozer. The exhaust was the only thing sticking out of the hole by the time I could topple it. Filling the hole in was a piece of cake after that. With a large boulder field though it was easier just to cover them as a feature. In my younger days you would just have purchased a case of gelignite and blown the lot out in no time but those days are long gone! 😉
Thank God, in the US here, there are some importers already selling such kind of equipment for under $5000 with no shipping cost for buyers China now sells all kinds of small machines for home improvement and gardening, ranching at affordable prices. You got all sorts of toys for men. I envy you.
Yes, very jealous of your low prices on everything - our lumber is about 5 times that of yours and then the heavy equipment...aaargh. But it is well worth the investment when building on your own. 👍🏻
@@HomesteadingUncontainedI’m sorry the liberals have ruined Europe and made everything so expensive. I don’t know how middle class people can even afford to live, let alone own a home, tractor, or mini excavator.
Shame the government is also thinking of adding massive import taxes for Chinese things soon. There's already talks of a 100% mark up for Chinese EVs because they're so destructively cheaper than even US gas cars.
I love seeing you address the negative comments. It’s always funny how many armchair experts there are. They expect everyone to be a pro at everything from day one. We’ll done to you for filming your experience and giving so much info!! 10/10!!
Cheers - I have learnt a lot over the past year. Now I can just jump on it and get going but I am still hesitant on the slopes, it does not feel too stable although it probably is a lot more stable than I give it credit
Thanks for the honest feed back Yes There is a lot of haters I've been known to stir the pot a few times, I have 2 Japanese mini excavators, I didn't buy Chinese due to the high hours the machines are being used on a daily basis but can see this machine suits your purpose, Thanks again for your honest feedback
Exactly, if this was my trade then I would have invested more but for the homeowner who is the only person this will effect if it breakdown then it is perfect.
Thanks for the informative follow up... have a great life in France, be happy.... I’m in West Africa, getting loads of different Chinese made products, some good, some great... and some crap... life’s a roller coaster
Very useful account of how the machine has done. I'd say ignore what Les Dawson used to call 'the knockers', but in fact your response to some of these criticisms has been very useful. Bravo for giving it a go, you've clearly made it work.
I bought one too, not the pro model, just the e10. It works pretty good. I had to go over and check alt the bolts and put on some extra hose protection. There was also a small hydraulic leak and some scratches in the paint, all minor stuff. I've been enjoying this machine and done a lot of heavy digging with it.
I have stripped it to the chassis since having it and it went back together perfectly, so every lighted up and the construction is what I would expect to see on any machine. So I am happy with it. 👍🏻
Hi, I am interested in ordering an excavator but having difficulty finding information on costs importing to the US. Do you have any recommended links? Thanks!
This is a really informative video. You did a nice job of laying out the pros and cons of the machine which is pretty generous of you to take the time to do so. Thanks.
Thank you! My dream since a child is to have my own excavator! I knew I couldn't buy a big one, but I recently started looking for videos about excavators and found yours. Thanks for such a great video, and an honest video too!
When you look at what you've achieved so far with the building, it's amazing to think it was done by just the two of you and not a team of builders . . . . :)
Thank you for your honest appraisal. I think you and Julie are a lot more like most of us. Most of us have no need for...nor care to afford spending as much money as many branded mini-excavators would cost. That doesn't mean we wouldn't love to have one. I think you two are brilliant.
That was one of the big reasons for buying it - we could just about afford this one but a known brand was way out of our budget - exactly right. Thanks Steve.
@@HomesteadingUncontained Like you said in the video your usage is very light. Why spend mega bucks on a name brand for it to spend the majority of its life resting in the garage?
This reminded me of a neighbor who used a mini excavator to clear and level some coastal property nearby. It was only 2 small lots and it took him 3 summers to do the job. Would have taken 2 days with an appropriately sized skid steer. Glad to see that Chinese excavator is kicking butt for you on the small jobs where a 1 ton machine shines. Way cheaper.
I am searching all the time for a small Skid Steer - all the cheap ones here are SCAMs and I have started reporting them. But if I could find a real one, I would take it in a second for sure 👍🏻
I have also owned 2 Chinese mini diggers of a different brand. The first one was a lemon, second one is not the cheapest entry machine but 3 models up with a genuine kubota engine and it’s much better. I might make my own video of it haha.
Don’t listen to what anyone else says it takes years to be a good machine operator keep at it every hour you will get better I don’t have a thumb on my machine and I have loads of stones I move and personally I wouldn’t have a thumb it gets in the way great video
I'm not in the market as I have a larger excavator but I wanted to thank you for taking the time to post this excellent review. It's really refreshing to see something like this that is straight forward, and factual. You and your wife are fun to watch in your other videos. Keep up the good work and have fun. Thanks again.
Thank you so much - I have had a few issues with it but all are fixable - I will have an update again soon as we start work on the house foundations - thanks for the nice comment - happy new year 🥳
Your videos are so valuable with information from an honest perspective for anyone interested in a machine like this. Appreciate that youve taken the time to detail all of these aspects from your own experiences. 😊
Interesting. I don’t generally have a lot of confidence to buy that expensive of an item from China without a local support group. Glad it worked out for you.
China is like anywhere else when it comes to international trade, there will be people who will try to scam you, especially if you have no middle man to give you some insurances.
Thanks for these videos, I've literally just placed my order with the same factory you bought from. I added the extended tracks as you mentioned (hydraulic telescope), the cooler and a hydraulic thumb as you mentioned too. I got the 1,2 instead of 1 ton
Excellent 1 year review! I did similar to you buying a Chinese towable backhoe strictly for installing utilities and excavating for a house on a level town lot. Did some mods to it greatly improving its digging capability and sold it when I finished the house, win win. Good luck to you with your projects.
I like watching DIY projects and people's first hand experience, be it success or failure. I appreciate your videos and your generosity to share it. Thank you.
nice informative video ...spent my whole working life operating 360 diggers and my advise to people was always turn the revs down a fraction on these mini diggers it doesnt need to be on full revs all the time or they become jerky and unstable 👍
I agree but so many say the opposite. I turn it down until it runs nicely then leave it there. Until I need to run the tracks and then it is full throttle........3km/hr.🐌
Why am I watching this? I have no need for heavy equipment? But knowing this info, I'm looking for uses. Lol. Fantastic review. The honestly and lack of BS are incredibly refreshing!
Thanks for your invested time to follow up the life of this machine. It is also great that you had bravery to buy something new and to go through all bureaucratic and mistrust debris! I am inspired for my next diy “revolutionary” projects (thanks that my wife do not read it).
Cheers Andy - it was a worrying time waiting for it, specially when it was delayed and the time period ran out and Alibaba released the payment. But I have bought direct from them since 👍🏻
Got a slightly larger machine a year ago. It was fun getting to Canada. Put a fair amount of hours on it. Definitely a learning curve when you get started with it. Once you're comfortable with the machine and you know its limitations there is so much you can do with it.
@@berettaboi got a little over a ton machine. Briggs and strat engine. Got the cab. Bunch of attachments. Most of the attachments haven’t used yet. Eventually I will. Got about a little over 100 hours on it. Holding up pretty good. Only issue is the one track side the tension rod is seized. Need to take it apart more to fix but haven’t taken the time to do that yet. It is what it is. It’s not a fancy 100k machine so it has its limitations. Do a lot of trenching for drainage and running underground power lines. Landed when freight prices were higher at 9k cdn approx with fees and taxes. Highly recommend spending the extra like I did and get the cab.
Ritchie Bros auctions always has a bunch of these at their consignment sales. They sell for around d $5000 CAD and then you don't have to worry about shipping and importing
@@HogBoss850 good call if there is indeed a couple there. There's always some on FB marketplace and other resale sites, but they are reselling at a higher cost than you can order it for...
So good of you Ian to share your experiences of this great bit of kit, I’m sure a lot people will find it very informative and some may be regretting their previous negative comments. Good luck to you both 👍😃
Thanks Simon - it has helped us a lot and is still doing so - I just dug another drainage ditching in 10 mins which would have taken hours with a shovel (well Julie hours with a shovel 🤣)
@@HomesteadingUncontained Yep, luckily Eastern machinery has been rising in quality as that of the average Western woman's value as a draughthorse has been declining! 😜😁
Sir, you are awesome!!! Keep doing what is right for you. I have a landscape/hardscape business and I was bombarded by "experts" on how I'm supposed to run my business and what equipment I'm supposed to have. 8 years on and I'm still using a 40 year old tractor and all those experts are now hiring me because I can do the jobs faster and cheaper. I appreciate all your advice.
Just sock away $30 per hour in a "fund" dedicated to finding and buying another tractor to be the immediately available replacement for this one in anticipation of a serious breakdown occuring. You need your tractor every day....
@@JohnSmith-yv6eq That's not a silly idea. But luckily tractors (provided they are used within their capabilities and properly serviced) are way more long-lived that the average family car. I have a toy FIAT dozer made in 1962 (and a spare in the shed for parts if ever needed) plus a couple of 50 to 60 year old Massey Ferguson tractors as well. All ready to go if their owner can crawl up on them still. 😉
Looks like it's working out well. I bought a Wacher-Neuson version of tiny excavator a few years ago and the tiny size comes in so handy - more than I thought it would. Mine is a diesel and the tracks expand out, but it's still tiny and probably functions pretty close to that one. One thing I learned is that excavators can move a lot more dirt per weight of machine than a lot of others. Even these tiny ones can do a significant amount of work. But the MAIN thing is... I'm older now so I fire this little thing up to do a ton of things that when I was younger would just do by hand. Not only is it much faster than by-hand for small jobs, but the injury savings on my back and joints is priceless.
Exactly - we would used to dig everything by hand 25 years ago...but now it would kill me. I started finishing up with a shovel and thought why, just get back on the digger and finish up....so much easier and allows for more projects that you would just dismiss if done by hand.
Great review, you showed that your mini 1-ton excavator is a compact and versatile piece of equipment that is ideal for smaller construction projects, diy and landscaping jobs. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪.
Awesome 1 year look-back mate. If this doesn't help people who are at the crossroads of deciding then nothing will. Most of us who have bought chinavators over the past few years are very happy with them but we also become aware of their downfalls and limitations and we work around them. As for the haters, they are just onlookers and it's really only the people who have owned or used these machines that can have the capacity to provide valuable input, the rest can only offer opinions based on prejudgment and thin air.
I think it's ridiculous to label people who critique Chinese excavators as haters...... also ridiculous to say unless you have owned one you have no basis to have an opinion. Following your logic no one should have an opinion about anything they are not familiar with first hand........ an armchair sports fan can often have a much deeper understanding of a sport than a professional sports man ....... I would never buy one of those Chinese mini diggers..... I've watched enough videos about them to make an informed opinion .....
@@deosiewilson732 I did not say you had no basis to have an opinion, I tried to put across the point that only those with experience may offer "valuable input" over and above what has already been said in the reviews. Of course one may have an opinion without owning one though I fail to see how watching youtube videos would give one a "deeper understanding" than those who actually use these machines in real life, I think that's a ludicrous assertion that fails on many levels but also fails to take into account the many and varied factors involved when people buy cheap machines which is the entire context in which this video exists - the opinions of the owner "1 year on" OF USE, not of watching it on a video. All that aside, I did not label all who make critiques as haters, there are those who see problems with Chinavators who do not act as haters and those who do, there is a nuanced distinction that perhaps you did not appreciate. Most of the "haters" who have spat venom and bile on this thread have not attempted to make reasoned analyses but merely make commentary based on anti China prejudice or some misguided notion that everyone can choose between buying a cheap Chinavator or an expensive name brand where, in fact, for many people it's buy a cheap Chinavator or buy no digger at all. The only real point for or against one on post-purchase-review then becomes one of does/did it do the job you purchased it to do.........
Good on ye. You all start somewhere and learn. You're doing that. Keep it up. Ignore the wowzers. Like the advice of "know the capabilities of the machine". Nice.
Well done keith - people knock stuff without knowing it. I have one for domestic use and for what they cost it's worth having it. They are basically made of steel oil and diesel and I can fix anything that breaks (nothing broken in 100 hours) I fitted a lifting hook and thumb and its very handy and easier than pulling and dragging stuff alone. I like your balanced views
Hi, I also have one and used for 250 hours, only issue I had was it sucked air around the diecel filter, otherwise it's a strong little machin. I have a suggestion for you,,,try to move the seat all the way to the front so you hav the digging handles between your legs, that way you can rest your arms on your legs and the handling/digging is more precise. Keep up the good work/fan from Sweden.
Great review. Honest, real, and not sponsored by the manufacturer. (It wasn't, was it? 😀) You point out the limitations, the strengths and weaknesses, and add that there may be a better way to obtain a machine locally. The final Yes, really says it all. Thank you.
Great video Ian. You were the reason I bought mine of course. 20 hours in I had to have the exhaust out and rewelded, seems an engine mount broke and the stress was too much for the rather brittle exhaust metal. She's a bit harder to start these days and I suspect the metal filings are indicative of a starter motor trying to eat itself. However, I couldn't have done the work at home without it. Yeah, it was worth it. Thank you and Julie 👍
Hi Ian and Julie, I want to counter at least one negative comment by saying I loved the series and you two seem like lovely people, I hope everything is and continues to go well for you both in the future, Love from Canada
Julie & Ian, it is utterly inspiring watching your adventures in France. I’m an Englishman in Australia doing my own self build and it is such a pleasure watching your adventures. You are doing a Sterling job and the videos are great and put a big smile on my face while learning from your generous sharing. Keep up the great work. I’m about to purchase a mini excavator with a lot more confidence thanks to your educational efforts. All the very best to you both on your journey. 🙏👍🏻🏆
@@HomesteadingUncontained Yep, a lot importers as you rightly point out, but sadly they charge the Earth, hence your great idea of importing from the OEM. 🙂👍🏻
The machine is probably good value for the scope of work it's being used for. Originally, I purchased an ex Japanese 3 ton Mitsubishi, which was 32 years old, in Thailand. After adding 1000 hours to its original 2500, I sold it for what it cost in the first place and bought a new Kubota 3 ton with a cab and air conditioning, as It's no fun in the sun at 44°C. The new Kubota was expensive at $ 50 000 US for non-commercial use, but when I finally complete my farm improvement projects, I'll probably sell, equipment hold their value if not abuused, unlike other vehicles. With that single cylinder air-cooled diesel, be sure to clean the injector nozzle with a brass brush every 100 hours or so to remove carbon buildup to keep it running smoothly, my generator uses the same engine and it helps dramatically.
a tiny hho cell would keep the combustion chamber squeeky clean and give a little more running time per tank, ive pulled down old engines that had a hho cell on them, it amazes me how clean the piston, head and valves are youd swear the engine had never been used.
@@ctrlaltdebug well weve used hho since 1978 wouldnt still be using it if we didnt get better fuel economy, ive always got atleast 20% better economy currently i get 30% in a 4 litre bf ute , as you know hho is a powder keg its "nothing" like the burn of "pure" hydrogen, it takes stuff all of that gas to facilititate a more complete burn of fuel and air before the exhaust valve opens, as you know alot of unburnt fuel leaves the combustion chamber , with a Decent hho cell you definitely get more power and economy, i laugh everytime someone rattles on about the law of thermodynamics yet completely ignoring the fact much of the exhaust leaving the combustion chamber has significant unburnt fuel i dont care what anyone says i know it works, my cells typically produce 2 litres per minute yeh theres aditional load on the engine via the alternator however the 4 stroke engine owing to its design has poor effeciency the small amount of hho per combustion really helps, and not all cells are the same, carbon cells, stainless plate cells in a magnetic field etc go nuts making gas , cells with no neutral plates go nuts making gas, you need a heat exchanger or heat sink to keep it cool though, however believe what you want, i wouldnt waste my time building cells and giving them to family members if they didnt work, however sometimes you need a device to trick the computer from pouring more fuel into the engine due to the O2 sensors reaction to burnt hho. in my ute i went from 11.5 litres for 100kms to 8.3 litres to 100km heavily laten with endless mechsnical tools. check out gavin knox hho his cells make real gas check his credentials what his qualifications are , a guy like that is not into scamming people his cells are helping people, expensive though theyre patented. people these days all they do is find fault and never get to see how good some things can be "IF" done properly. there are too many scam artists out there with pathetic hho cells and very poorly installed . i dont sell my cells theyre gifts , as my brother has learnt his 80 series now gets 25% better economy , has better power towing and going up hills at first you think its all bs until you drive for a long while you realise your getting more kms to the tank . you can build your own , using stainless sheet metal, cut into squares , having a positve and negative plate either side of 4 or 5 neutral plates all with a 2mm space between , you can do that a few times in a row kinda like a lead acid battery divided into 6 segments, stainless threaded rod, epdm rubber sheet,etc its very easy but damned hard to drill LOL. it does work , believe it or not it doesnt change the fact they can work done right. gavin knoxx cells give you 40% better economy on cars but his cells make huge gas for the watts he stumbled upon a very good design, a very efficient design, primemovers 25% by memory. if you check some parts of the world hho cells are mandatory on heavy agricultural machinery, why would they do that if it doesnt work. even seen stanley meyer or the documentary gashole. they buried alot of good tech and buried people.
better add one thing if you ever do play around witth hho use EXTREME caution its seriously explosive and burns faster than anything, you need bubblers and genuine tested and proven hho flashback arrestors such as the hho gas technology flash back arrestors, actaleyene arrestors DO NOT work.
Ian, you and Julie do it all right! Don't let this backseat driver and worryguts unsettle you. I love your channel and I can hardly wait until a new video comes. And I have learned every time something, even from your failures 😁
People are jealous of you because you're successful
Not that successful but I know what you mean 👍
@@HomesteadingUncontained We all are learning so much from you. Thank you
really surprised you didnt get downvoted off peoples egos hating china.... good video. zero bias honest review.
I think there are more normal people than the bad these days, just much quieter.... 🤣
I'm 72 years old, I have a small China made excavator same size as yours, it works great for me its here any time I want to use it don't have to use the shovel much anymore I'm very happy with mine.
Exactly Ken, the convenience of having it on hand is the key.
Mike Festiva bought one of these. He say "Cheaper than hernia surgery".
Does it have the ability to go through bedrock? We have hard clay for about 12-16" then bedrock. I assume going through soft dirt is pretty easy and a cheap mini excavator would suffice
Don’t let the haters get to you! You are living your best life and you get to play with a mini excavator whenever you want!
Cheers Mike, much appreciated
I have had a Chinese excavator for 6 years works beautifully.
Mine is still going great and has already paid for itself. Cheers for watching 👍
@@HomesteadingUncontainedover 1 year for me 100+ hrs 0 issues besides basic small engine issues paid 2500 before tax 🎉 I’m happy
I have 3 1 like yours then another 2 are 1 ton
Haters will be haters. I hate trolls. Good on you for giving it a good go! Thanks for the entertaining review!
You made me smile.
Haters will be haters.
I am one too :)))
Says the Chicom troll
I'm in the Operating Engineers Union and you unloaded that machine perfectly. Anyone that says you did not, does not know themself how to even start that mini-excavator
Thank you so much, I am tentative but prefer that than tipping over 😀
I bought a Chinese tractor and got a lot of the same types of comments you did. It’s been 10 years now and my tractor still runs fine and it’s been worked constantly and heavily. I don’t regret buying it at all.
I looked at a chinese tractor at our local farm shop - the sales guy turned his nose up and said "not to bother" and go for this other one..... I walked out. The quality looked fine for me, I am not a full time farmer so a smaller machine (and cheaper) would have worked perfectly 👍🏻
Yes I know they change the name brand like every other day but what brand is it please?
@@JohnSmith-tz4on it was a Luzhong 304. 4x4 for the conditions here
@@d1v1s1onby0 thanks!
@HomesteadingUncontained This is a product to do hard work, the Chinese wouldn't be stupid to use Chinesium for its core parts and used high quality materials and anyway they make very good quality products that we all use on a daily basis, this "Made in China is Crap" trope isn't true today.
Every time I hear someone complain about Chinese products I respond the items aren't cheap they're AFFORDABLE. I think sour grapes is why they criticize.
Exactly right - it was not cheap but something I could actually afford to buy instead of double or triple for a known brand 2nd hand machine. Near enough everything is made or part made in China and they are really nice people too...maybe not the governments but I would say that about the UK too 🤣
No listen, some deals are good some aren't, the problem is without the oversight that America has it's too easy to get something that you think is Affordable but it really genuinely is cheap
It is not just sour grape. It is their frustration about themselves for being such a loser and incompetent.
I have a 2007 Chinese excavator, and I used it as a powerful and wonderful excavator, frankly
I am really pleased with it.
I made a comment about you not being a real diy guy a while back and I regret having said that. You are in fact a very good diy guy and I have become impressed with your projects and your ability to work things out. My apologies and look forward to more of your antics. Good on you chap.
No worries, we hadn't started the build then but now we are coming to the end of the garage workshop and about to start on the house. Plenty to think about.
You are a good man.
You are a good person, don't let the jerks get you down. You and Julie work well together and I'm glad I found your channel.
Thank you so much Richard, really appreciate the support. ♥️
that mini ex is identicle kubota
Okay "richard", aka Ian's mom...
@@michaelmactavish4445 Kubota is very good. Chinese is not good. It sucks.
@@leojunior7589 some there stuff is good
I personally like the stigma surrounding chinese manufacturing. Its really the only thing keeping the prices down!
If they stuck a badge on it, no one would know the difference as most of the parts are built there anyway 🤣
That’s the thing, you are paying extra for branding vs generic machine without brand.
@@inkbold8511 Well said. That's the price for vanity.
@@inkbold8511 Resellers will pay for parts that are within a certain spec. The parts that don't pass muster get sold under "off-brand" names, and can work significantly worse despite having come off of the same manufacturing line.
What a weird and selfish take, you are basically advocating the casual sinophobia and racism associated with the stigma and refusing the growth of the industry, for the benefit of the workers and the environment.
It’s amazing how many experts are out there in TH-cam land that have NEVER operated anything bigger than their TV remote! This thing looks like a fun little machine for around the property work!
Cheers Joe, it is working great for me 👍🏻
Describes me perfectly! Where’s my remote?
This is BY FAR the most honest product review I’ve seen on TH-cam!
Cheers John 👍🏻
Thank you for your honesty and summary. It's unfortunate that a lot of people forgot, or never learned, how to be civil in their comments. But that shows their true character. I tend to skip reading these comments as having little or nothing to add to the conversation at hand.
Thanks Doug, I do try to ignore them but it can be difficult
I am in China, we often use such a small excavator to dig kilometers of pits for fiber optics at work, using an excavator is a healing process
I think most people just assume these machines are for export only and they are not used in country...... I am very happy with it and would do it again anytime.
@@HomesteadingUncontained China can be GOOD.
Right on dude!! Cheers from Northern Arizona here... I want one!!!
I work on the railroad in the US, I've occasionally seen them use mini diggers for laying fiber lines along the rails. They use these lines for their safety system known as PTC, Positive Train Control. It's basically a GPS computer system on the train that detects when you're speeding or not slowing down for a signal in time and automatically stops the train.
Necessary with how easily you can pass out at the wheel, but that's also why we have two man crews.
I am an excavator operator, operated for 10 years give or take, I completely agree people should learn on a tiny excavator. Large excavators are very easy to operate, smaller machines are more complicated. I've had oil pipeline diggers interview for jobs, some had 20, 30, 40 years on a large excavator. Couldn't operate my cat 305 to save their life
That's so interesting. I've had a similar experience. When I learned to sail years ago I learnt on a 14' dinghy. It was HARD! At first I was doing a dozen different things and trying to keep them all straight, to keep the boat on the air side of the water and sometimes as an added bonus to actually move forward. Then one day, after much practice, out of the blue, it happened. My body just got it. It all locked into muscle memory and from that point on I was doing only one thing- sailing, instinctually and without thought, just like we walk and run.
Small dinghies are delicate, fickle and very SENSITIVE! Two inches of the tiller in the WRONG direction and you're swimming- especially in high winds. I had never sailed a big boat- like 30' or larger before that but I can now step onto the deck of any big sailboat and just trim everything and sail the damn thing- with confidence. Maybe not perfectly, but 95%. I can go years as a landlubber too and then step onto the deck of any sail boat and sail it. The muscle memory is always there. But people who have learned to sail on big boats cannot sail a dinghy. They go right into the drink. Come to think of it, learning to stick weld is the same. Must be a universal principle there! Humans can be so amazing and so stupid all at the same time!!! Heh.
Dead right Awesome Games, the truth at last.
I am going to have to try to rent a big machine just to see the difference. 😀
Althouh big machines are much more stable and don't require the blade, they're obviously much larger and require much better awareness of where you're swinging and how to use your mirrors. Most small machines don't stick out past their tracks and you can visually see around the whole machine but are more tippy and jittery
every machine is different, it doesnt matter if youre jumping between large and small or different brands. if you were used to jumping between a variety sizes models and brands of equipment you would know size doesnt matter.
and ya the pipeline guys ive crossed paths with are pretty useless
I buy most of our plasma and welding supplies from China starting in 2006 they have always treated us great. Plasma torch parts (expendebles) last twice as long for 1/3 the cost. I was spending 400/mo for junk made in the USA that lasted hrs compared to days when I use parts from China. The Chinese were also very knowledgeable, and fixed my jerry rigged problems fast.
Haha, love your comment.... cheers Mark 👍🏻
the "made in usa" is made in china too...
Do you have steady suppliers you've had good experiences with? Or are you using an Alibaba type site?
Yeah not sure why people think Chinese stuff is total crap anymore when 90% of the things people say are great still came from China. You're $2K TV and your $1K smartphone both were primarily made in China. And even many car parts and lawn mowers were made there. There is still Chinese junk, but it does seem to be less common.
The best welders are Lincoln and Miller. Made in the USA
Just want to thank the Chinese people involved with making the digger and it's spares. Whatever their government gets up to its the hard work of the ordinary guys and gals in China who matter most.
Let's give appreciation to people who deserve it.
Totally agree, the people I have worked with on this were absolutely great. And if I can help them with sales I will (I am not affiliated to them at all).
Bought 2 and THERE IS NO REGRET! Great machine for the farm
Great news - they are very useful for sure.
Nothing wrong with Chinese equipment, great stuff. Save money
Exactly my thoughts, cheers 👍
We really need higher import taxes on them.
@@MrXelaim a new Ford truck loaded is 135,000 dollars, the one I use is 24 years old, cost 19,000$ new ,screw your import taxes. Buy Chinese all day long. China rules. Biden lies all day every day.
Buy them used in Canada save the 25--% tariff
@@MrXelaim u know the customer is paying the tax instead of Chinese manufacturer right?
If thing goes well, I plan to meet with Mr Frank at his Shangdong office year end to get know further about mini excavator.
Would be interested in hearing your experience 👍
@@HomesteadingUncontained shandong bun is very famous.
@@georgeton4991 welcome to Shandong
I mean I didn't think it was gonna hold up real great either but I wasn't an ass about it 😂😂 I just waited for the 1 year review video and here we are. Thank you for buying this and putting your experience with it on TH-cam. This is the first real English in-depth review on these things and that's super valuable for everyone.
I think how this works out depends largely on who's involved. Some folks get stuff to work for them and some are just menaces. I see those menaces in the comments here. It's junk! Yeah after you're done with it I'm sure it is.
No worries Alec, it is proving better than expected for sure.
For every jerk that takes the time to comment something inappropriate in your videos, there is at least 3 or 4 people amazed of your initiative and kindness in the way you present your subject. Don't let us down, we will keep watching :)
I am amazed at the nice comments we are getting on this video, but I am now getting hate emails directly to me...... the world is messed up just a little. Thanks for you nice comment ♥️
Two hundred and eighty thousand views and eight hundred and sixty five comments, I am amazed that so many people are interested in Chinavators.
Regarding the thumb, my little 1.2 ton UHI Chinavator came with a factory fitted mechanical thumb and I haven't used it much - until last weekend when I sawed a nearly two foot diameter eucalypt tree (heavy Aussie hardwood) into rounds. I used the digger with a sling to lift one end of the tree off the ground so I could saw each piece off without my bar/chain going into the dirt then I used the thumb to lift all the pieces into my trailer. That digger saved me a lot of pain and sweat and the thumb worked a treat. You may not use your new thumb often but you will be glad of the physical help the thumb gives when you find you need it. That little job I did is the sort of job that comes up and you say "crikey, I've got the excavator, I can use it to help me do that" but it's not the sort of job you'd likely go to all the trouble of renting one just to do.
There's dozens of little knick-knack jobs that having your own digger will help you do and they don't always involve digging holes or grading ground. My little Chinavator has taken everything I've thrown at it and like when you thought to use your digger to pull your shed's roof truss into alignment, I find inventive new uses for mine all the time.
We don't have any trees so I thought I didn't need one. But the rocks are a pain (didn't know I had them until I started digging 🤪 ) But agree, there is a lot of interest in little excavators.
Finally a gentleman with common sense on youtube. Start from nowhere (with the excavator!) and it payed out for you. I would love to call such a excavator my own, but my property is very steep. Enjoy your super nice home!
Thanks for the kind words 🙏
Man Alive!! Thank you so much for Sharing !! I have been renting a mini ex for 2 months on my job site and between delivery charge pickup charge and rental fee I am already well over $6,000 and the thing is used with over 2k hours on it!! I know my operators using this machine will complain about possible jerkiness or responsiveness but the savings are Huge!!! I almost considered buying a mini ex to practice on myself and this one is an AMAZING one to use!! Thank you for sharing!!
It is great for the home use - maybe for smaller works but be careful on the everyday commercial use - maybe a slightly larger machine. I am totally happy with it for my own use.
I watched your original video. I was genuinely curious. I have run heavy equipment for 25 years and I currently have a full size excavator and full size backhoe and a couple of tractors. I personally think you have done a good job on picking a machine for your use and good to see you comfortable with it. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much, much appreciated 💙
Beautiful comment!
Do you run a recycling center?
Great stuff and I have the same experience with importing a Chinese Jinma tractor back in 2005. Friends and family were not impressed and especially the “where’d you think to get spare parts” questions is so recognizable. 17 years later and only minor things like some oil leaks I can say this was one of the Best Buy’s I ever did. It’s not for professional or very heavy use but it’s a brave little tractor that has done so many jobs that I can’t imagine doing without anymore.
It's all about expectation and the convenience of owning the machine - you tend to look after them more and it will do 10 times the work you can do so it has to be better. 😀
Nice comment, I have myself a kubota U10-3 that’s looks indeed more stable. I am not an expert digger either, but learned together with my son how to operate. When I feel down or sad I start to use the little machine and bring in no time a smile on my face
Yes, it does that, stick some headphones on and enjoy the day 😀
I just hope that people listen closely to you and learn.
There's a lot of good advice in this video!!!
Thank you so much Frederick.
I imported my own mini skid loader from China to here in Australia few years ago. I used freight forwarder from here to ship and deliver to door etc. Once supplier dropped it to departure port I paid from there I think. Although the supplier was supposed to pay a export fee from China and refused so I got charged instead was about $150. All in all process went well and machine is still going strong. I saved around $10000 from buying the same machine locally.
That is the way to go - organise your own shipping. I know for next time for sure.
What size machine did you buy? I am currently looking at 3.5 ton from multiple Chinese companies. One thing I found out by accident really, was that so many of those Chinese companies are actually just re-sellers. They put their decals on a machine that is made by one company for everybody.
@James cardy
@@t.p.9232 Mines a mini skid loader and yes multiple factories make the same or very similar product with different branding. They do vary slightly from each factory. I believe from what I've read is their government runs the factories.
nah, there is no such thing thing as export fees, only import fees.
Great video. I bought a 1.5T, different brand, with the Kabota engine from a importer. Ordered it late 2021 and got it mid 2022. Yes I paid extra as he needs to make money also, however there were no hidden fees. As l was unable to pick it up l paid someone to deliver to me. As glad l got it as you are. USA here.
If you rely on it for the business it is worth the extra. Cannot risk a breakdown on a job. Me, I can just wheel it into the garage and cry for a few hours.. 🤪
@@HomesteadingUncontained Mine is used only around my property so when it breaks down I will also be crying LOL
For the first time running a mini I thought you did just fine. No one can magically run a machine just out of the gate. I run a 3 ton Bobcat on an infrequent basis at work. Small machines have their place for projects. Good to see you think things thru before doing them.
Cheers Will 👍🏻
Straight to the point without all the waffle and I like the fact that you give an honest reflection with your hindsight. Makes it much more useful for anybody considering going down this path.
Thank you for making videos and very good info. You helped thousands of other people, even a year later.
Thank you so much Frank 👍🏻
People tend to be really good at telling others what they are doing wrong without being able to specifically explain why their way is actually an improvement. Glad you were able to brush most of those back-seat-drivers off. Thanks for the 1 year review--I've been pondering whether these diggers (and similar equipment) were even worth the trouble. My rule on Chinese equipment has always been to plan on doing some maintenance and repair the day it arrives (it usually needs it), and you can eventually re-make it into what you wanted to begin with.
sort of like buying from harbor freight
Yes, we have checked and double checks along the way. It is mine so you have to look after it.
Mine has always been to try to avoid Chinese products at all costs, as I don't like to support communism, our enemies, or companies and entire countries who could care less about trademarks, copyrights, or patents. Buy American whenever possible, get a warranty from a known company with tech support, support our own countries and workers, get the product I actually want straight out the box and not have to do repairs to make a brand new product function acceptably. To each their own though.
that mini ex has kubota diesel
The trick is knowing which category a product belongs to. There is "cheap crap to sell to stupid westerners", there's "we make this for western companies, so why not run the machines overtime and slap our logo on it" (with the variants "but use cheaper materials", "let's sell the rejects" and the well-loved "but design our own variant that only pretends to work" like those neat little 100 kWh powerbanks and 10 Exobyte thumb drives), there's "this was made for the locals, want one, too?", and there's even "original product for a worldwide market".
Obviously, categories 1 and 2.3 are not what you want to buy, but they also are the best-known ones. This machine clearly belongs to the third category, so it will be built to a standard and quality level that Chinese customers will accept. Those levels are lower than what we are used to, but they are there---Chinese customers wouldn't buy these machines if they weren't working at all.
Don’t listen to the jerks! I have a small loader, your right we need to know the limitations of our equipment. My small loader is so handy to have and to do my projects, knowing it’s limitation preserves the machine. Your a good guy, Thanks for your program!
Cheers Jeff. Until you have experienced these machines then they shouldn't pass judgement - they do what they were intended to and I was looking at the loaders and mini skid steers......they look pretty useful.
@@HomesteadingUncontained I have a little skidsteer and it is so handy, it’s not a giant dozer, but I don’t need a dozer! I am quite intrigued by these small escalators , I think it would compliment my little skidsteer!
You’re quite right. Hiring an excavator is expensive but they can do an incredible amount of work in an hour. I agree 100% with all your decisions. Life is all about expectations and as you said, you need to manage them. Well done Ian!
500 for an hour to do what he did was actually really cheap. A lot of people or business' would charge upwards of a thousand for just that small job.
He did a job after for my son to dig out his septic tank, €200 for 30 mins.... but transporting and travel etc all adds up so we are pleased we found this guy.
Given the right job. Borrowed a 2.5t for a month.
After a jerry can of diesel, i gave up...
Got the bamboo out with a carjack, blocks, and a steel blade on the brushcutter.
Did it again a few months later, had to repair the sump (someone ran over a stake?) so got to borrow it for a few weeks again.
Got a stump grinder now.
The right tool for the job!
Yeah, $500 is a steal, I won't move my machines for less than $1000...
@@smclynden Yep, moving heavy machinery is expensive. For 1 small job it may well not be feasible. In that case you may have to work out a way to aggregate several small jobs in the area. Otherwise it may get to the stage where your small machine (and a LOT of time and improvisation) might be the only choice. I once took three parts of a day to dig out a large tree with a toy blade on a very small FIAT ag dozer. The exhaust was the only thing sticking out of the hole by the time I could topple it. Filling the hole in was a piece of cake after that. With a large boulder field though it was easier just to cover them as a feature. In my younger days you would just have purchased a case of gelignite and blown the lot out in no time but those days are long gone! 😉
Thank God, in the US here, there are some importers already selling such kind of equipment for under $5000 with no shipping cost for buyers
China now sells all kinds of small machines for home improvement and gardening, ranching at affordable prices.
You got all sorts of toys for men. I envy you.
Yes, very jealous of your low prices on everything - our lumber is about 5 times that of yours and then the heavy equipment...aaargh. But it is well worth the investment when building on your own. 👍🏻
@@HomesteadingUncontainedI’m sorry the liberals have ruined Europe and made everything so expensive. I don’t know how middle class people can even afford to live, let alone own a home, tractor, or mini excavator.
Shame the government is also thinking of adding massive import taxes for Chinese things soon. There's already talks of a 100% mark up for Chinese EVs because they're so destructively cheaper than even US gas cars.
@@Skylancer727 US government - the EU already have varying import duties. I wonder if they include tesla in that 😂
@@HomesteadingUncontained I mean we already have import duties, over 20%, but they are planning to raise them across the board.
I love seeing you address the negative comments. It’s always funny how many armchair experts there are.
They expect everyone to be a pro at everything from day one.
We’ll done to you for filming your experience and giving so much info!! 10/10!!
Cheers - I have learnt a lot over the past year. Now I can just jump on it and get going but I am still hesitant on the slopes, it does not feel too stable although it probably is a lot more stable than I give it credit
Brilliant presentation - can imagine how much back saving work your little machine has done.👍
It was well worth the investment for sure
Thanks for the honest feed back Yes There is a lot of haters I've been known to stir the pot a few times, I have 2 Japanese mini excavators, I didn't buy Chinese due to the high hours the machines are being used on a daily basis but can see this machine suits your purpose, Thanks again for your honest feedback
Exactly, if this was my trade then I would have invested more but for the homeowner who is the only person this will effect if it breakdown then it is perfect.
Thank you for this. I am about to buy my own Chinese excavator & this was great advice 👍👏😊
It is still running great this little machine. 👍🏻
Hello Perter，Have got a mini excavator?
Thanks for the informative follow up... have a great life in France, be happy.... I’m in West Africa, getting loads of different Chinese made products, some good, some great... and some crap... life’s a roller coaster
Exactly, if you never try you never know - I am pretty happy with it.
Very useful account of how the machine has done. I'd say ignore what Les Dawson used to call 'the knockers', but in fact your response to some of these criticisms has been very useful. Bravo for giving it a go, you've clearly made it work.
We try, thanks for your positive comment 👍
I liked your thorough demonstration video, even though I won't ever be buying one. The idea of having one is good.
Cheers 👍
I bought one too, not the pro model, just the e10. It works pretty good. I had to go over and check alt the bolts and put on some extra hose protection. There was also a small hydraulic leak and some scratches in the paint, all minor stuff. I've been enjoying this machine and done a lot of heavy digging with it.
I have stripped it to the chassis since having it and it went back together perfectly, so every lighted up and the construction is what I would expect to see on any machine. So I am happy with it. 👍🏻
Hi, I am interested in ordering an excavator but having difficulty finding information on costs importing to the US. Do you have any recommended links? Thanks!
@@DavidJackson-hc3biI don't know if there are high tariffs in the United States.
I have over 100 hours on my chinese mini excavator: No problems.
This is a really informative video. You did a nice job of laying out the pros and cons of the machine which is pretty generous of you to take the time to do so. Thanks.
No problem, enjoy doing it 👍🏻
I may never buy such a machine but, being interested in engineering, enjoyed your vid very much.
Thank you! My dream since a child is to have my own excavator! I knew I couldn't buy a big one, but I recently started looking for videos about excavators and found yours.
Thanks for such a great video, and an honest video too!
No problem - I am still very happy with the machine and the company I bought it from.
中国制造🎉
When you look at what you've achieved so far with the building, it's amazing to think it was done by just the two of you and not a team of builders . . . . :)
Hi Mike, we keep stopping and thinking the same....we do love it though 👍🏻
You eat an elephant one bite at a time. You stick with it and you can do anything. It just may take a while.
Thank you for your honest appraisal. I think you and Julie are a lot more like most of us. Most of us have no need for...nor care to afford spending as much money as many branded mini-excavators would cost. That doesn't mean we wouldn't love to have one. I think you two are brilliant.
That was one of the big reasons for buying it - we could just about afford this one but a known brand was way out of our budget - exactly right. Thanks Steve.
@@HomesteadingUncontained Like you said in the video your usage is very light. Why spend mega bucks on a name brand for it to spend the majority of its life resting in the garage?
Yeah jcb micro .8 ton, 15-20k my chinavator (08) 5k
I really appreciate this video. I have worked in construction for 30 years, now I am the big boss. You did great!
Cheers Simon, really appreciate it. 👍🏻
This reminded me of a neighbor who used a mini excavator to clear and level some coastal property nearby. It was only 2 small lots and it took him 3 summers to do the job. Would have taken 2 days with an appropriately sized skid steer.
Glad to see that Chinese excavator is kicking butt for you on the small jobs where a 1 ton machine shines. Way cheaper.
I am searching all the time for a small Skid Steer - all the cheap ones here are SCAMs and I have started reporting them. But if I could find a real one, I would take it in a second for sure 👍🏻
Well done. Right size for the jobs. When job overwhelmed, checked your ego and hire out, saving tons of time and money.
Cheers, yes, I now know when to call someone in.
Love this follow up. Seeing your confidence and skill level grow on that machine in each video has been great.
Thanks Harry, means a lot 👍🏻
I have also owned 2 Chinese mini diggers of a different brand. The first one was a lemon, second one is not the cheapest entry machine but 3 models up with a genuine kubota engine and it’s much better. I might make my own video of it haha.
I am quite into watching excavators now - did a lot of research before I even went down this path….👍
Don’t listen to what anyone else says it takes years to be a good machine operator keep at it every hour you will get better I don’t have a thumb on my machine and I have loads of stones I move and personally I wouldn’t have a thumb it gets in the way great video
Cheers James, I was worried about it getting in the way, but it will be removable (they are very light on this machine). 👍🏻
I'm not in the market as I have a larger excavator but I wanted to thank you for taking the time to post this excellent review. It's really refreshing to see something like this that is straight forward, and factual. You and your wife are fun to watch in your other videos. Keep up the good work and have fun.
Thanks again.
Thank you so much - I have had a few issues with it but all are fixable - I will have an update again soon as we start work on the house foundations - thanks for the nice comment - happy new year 🥳
Thanks!
Thank you so much Mike....♥️
Your videos are so valuable with information from an honest perspective for anyone interested in a machine like this. Appreciate that youve taken the time to detail all of these aspects from your own experiences. 😊
Thank you so much - I really like the machine as it was a risk buying it but either way I will say if there is anything wrong...😀
Interesting. I don’t generally have a lot of confidence to buy that expensive of an item from China without a local support group. Glad it worked out for you.
I was the same, I chatted to quite a few people who had already done it - plus researched the Alibaba payment system which was secure and reliable....
I've seen a LOT of hit and miss on these video's. Definitely a do your homework moment.
China is like anywhere else when it comes to international trade, there will be people who will try to scam you, especially if you have no middle man to give you some insurances.
在中国这样的机器很多，800~20000人民币之间。
@@观山海-j6b Exactly, they are not just made for export. 👍🏻
Thanks for the good & honest review of a machine that's designed & priced for small diy work.
Cheers. 👍
Ha people can be rude on the internet when they don't have to look someone in the eye. I found this very informative thank you
Thanks, much appreciated.👍🏻
Thanks for these videos, I've literally just placed my order with the same factory you bought from.
I added the extended tracks as you mentioned (hydraulic telescope), the cooler and a hydraulic thumb as you mentioned too.
I got the 1,2 instead of 1 ton
That is great, I hope it all works out. Who did you deal with from the supplier.
Every machine has their limits. Seat time is what improves your speed and accuracy.
Go to a dealer and sit in the seat first.
It is coming, 1st time this week I felt comfortable and smooth. So it is coming.
Excellent 1 year review! I did similar to you buying a Chinese towable backhoe strictly for installing utilities and excavating for a house on a level town lot. Did some mods to it greatly improving its digging capability and sold it when I finished the house, win win. Good luck to you with your projects.
Cheers - if you know what you need it for then it works perfectly - we now know what we can and cannot do and are really happy with it 👍🏻
I appreciate your video, Im an amateur operator and I find it very useful.
Cheers, the more people share their experience the more confident you become. 👍
I like watching DIY projects and people's first hand experience, be it success or failure. I appreciate your videos and your generosity to share it. Thank you.
Cheers for that 👍🏻
Thanks for the update on your journey with that machine. You made it so real and with no sugar coating. All the best with your new projects.
Cheers Gene, much appreciated 👍🏻
Excellent video thanks for sharing
Cheers, no problem 👍🏻
nice informative video ...spent my whole working life operating 360 diggers and my advise to people was always turn the revs down a fraction on these mini diggers it doesnt need to be on full revs all the time or they become jerky and unstable 👍
I agree but so many say the opposite. I turn it down until it runs nicely then leave it there. Until I need to run the tracks and then it is full throttle........3km/hr.🐌
Why am I watching this? I have no need for heavy equipment? But knowing this info, I'm looking for uses. Lol. Fantastic review. The honestly and lack of BS are incredibly refreshing!
Cheers - everyone needs a mini excavator 😀
Thanks for your invested time to follow up the life of this machine. It is also great that you had bravery to buy something new and to go through all bureaucratic and mistrust debris! I am inspired for my next diy “revolutionary” projects (thanks that my wife do not read it).
Cheers Andy - it was a worrying time waiting for it, specially when it was delayed and the time period ran out and Alibaba released the payment. But I have bought direct from them since 👍🏻
Got a slightly larger machine a year ago. It was fun getting to Canada. Put a fair amount of hours on it. Definitely a learning curve when you get started with it. Once you're comfortable with the machine and you know its limitations there is so much you can do with it.
It is all about getting used to it - I am 80% there now I think...... but then I have a gap in using it and have to to learn again 🤪
Curious what you bought, and how much you paid "landed" here to Canada. Also if it's doing well and holding up.
@@berettaboi got a little over a ton machine. Briggs and strat engine. Got the cab. Bunch of attachments. Most of the attachments haven’t used yet. Eventually I will. Got about a little over 100 hours on it. Holding up pretty good. Only issue is the one track side the tension rod is seized. Need to take it apart more to fix but haven’t taken the time to do that yet. It is what it is. It’s not a fancy 100k machine so it has its limitations. Do a lot of trenching for drainage and running underground power lines. Landed when freight prices were higher at 9k cdn approx with fees and taxes. Highly recommend spending the extra like I did and get the cab.
Ritchie Bros auctions always has a bunch of these at their consignment sales. They sell for around d $5000 CAD and then you don't have to worry about shipping and importing
@@HogBoss850 good call if there is indeed a couple there. There's always some on FB marketplace and other resale sites, but they are reselling at a higher cost than you can order it for...
So good of you Ian to share your experiences of this great bit of kit, I’m sure a lot people will find it very informative and some may be regretting their previous negative comments. Good luck to you both 👍😃
Thanks Simon - it has helped us a lot and is still doing so - I just dug another drainage ditching in 10 mins which would have taken hours with a shovel (well Julie hours with a shovel 🤣)
@@HomesteadingUncontained Yep, luckily Eastern machinery has been rising in quality as that of the average Western woman's value as a draughthorse has been declining! 😜😁
Sir, you are awesome!!! Keep doing what is right for you. I have a landscape/hardscape business and I was bombarded by "experts" on how I'm supposed to run my business and what equipment I'm supposed to have. 8 years on and I'm still using a 40 year old tractor and all those experts are now hiring me because I can do the jobs faster and cheaper. I appreciate all your advice.
Just sock away $30 per hour in a "fund" dedicated to finding and buying another tractor to be the immediately available replacement for this one in anticipation of a serious breakdown occuring.
You need your tractor every day....
@@JohnSmith-yv6eq That's not a silly idea. But luckily tractors (provided they are used within their capabilities and properly serviced) are way more long-lived that the average family car. I have a toy FIAT dozer made in 1962 (and a spare in the shed for parts if ever needed) plus a couple of 50 to 60 year old Massey Ferguson tractors as well. All ready to go if their owner can crawl up on them still. 😉
Cheers Royce, really appreciate it. Only listen to your self and it will work (hopefully)
I'm glad to see a person enjoying his experience, thank you
👍🏻
love to see the "get it done yourself" attitude:)
Thank you
Looks like it's working out well. I bought a Wacher-Neuson version of tiny excavator a few years ago and the tiny size comes in so handy - more than I thought it would. Mine is a diesel and the tracks expand out, but it's still tiny and probably functions pretty close to that one. One thing I learned is that excavators can move a lot more dirt per weight of machine than a lot of others. Even these tiny ones can do a significant amount of work. But the MAIN thing is... I'm older now so I fire this little thing up to do a ton of things that when I was younger would just do by hand. Not only is it much faster than by-hand for small jobs, but the injury savings on my back and joints is priceless.
Exactly - we would used to dig everything by hand 25 years ago...but now it would kill me. I started finishing up with a shovel and thought why, just get back on the digger and finish up....so much easier and allows for more projects that you would just dismiss if done by hand.
Great review, you showed that your mini 1-ton excavator is a compact and versatile piece of equipment that is ideal for smaller construction projects, diy and landscaping jobs. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪.
Cheers Aidan, much appreciated 👍🏻
Awesome 1 year look-back mate. If this doesn't help people who are at the crossroads of deciding then nothing will. Most of us who have bought chinavators over the past few years are very happy with them but we also become aware of their downfalls and limitations and we work around them. As for the haters, they are just onlookers and it's really only the people who have owned or used these machines that can have the capacity to provide valuable input, the rest can only offer opinions based on prejudgment and thin air.
Exactly right Dave 👍🏻
I think it's ridiculous to label people who critique Chinese excavators as haters...... also ridiculous to say unless you have owned one you have no basis to have an opinion.
Following your logic no one should have an opinion about anything they are not familiar with first hand........ an armchair sports fan can often have a much deeper understanding of a sport than a professional sports man .......
I would never buy one of those Chinese mini diggers..... I've watched enough videos about them to make an informed opinion .....
@@deosiewilson732 I did not say you had no basis to have an opinion, I tried to put across the point that only those with experience may offer "valuable input" over and above what has already been said in the reviews. Of course one may have an opinion without owning one though I fail to see how watching youtube videos would give one a "deeper understanding" than those who actually use these machines in real life, I think that's a ludicrous assertion that fails on many levels but also fails to take into account the many and varied factors involved when people buy cheap machines which is the entire context in which this video exists - the opinions of the owner "1 year on" OF USE, not of watching it on a video. All that aside, I did not label all who make critiques as haters, there are those who see problems with Chinavators who do not act as haters and those who do, there is a nuanced distinction that perhaps you did not appreciate. Most of the "haters" who have spat venom and bile on this thread have not attempted to make reasoned analyses but merely make commentary based on anti China prejudice or some misguided notion that everyone can choose between buying a cheap Chinavator or an expensive name brand where, in fact, for many people it's buy a cheap Chinavator or buy no digger at all. The only real point for or against one on post-purchase-review then becomes one of does/did it do the job you purchased it to do.........
Very nice video . Thanks for the clarity in buying , shipping and receiving this machine . Like you said , most everything comes from China anyway .
Cheers Dale 👍🏻
Good on ye. You all start somewhere and learn. You're doing that. Keep it up. Ignore the wowzers. Like the advice of "know the capabilities of the machine". Nice.
Thank you. It is working great for me.
Well done keith - people knock stuff without knowing it. I have one for domestic use and for what they cost it's worth having it. They are basically made of steel oil and diesel and I can fix anything that breaks (nothing broken in 100 hours) I fitted a lifting hook and thumb and its very handy and easier than pulling and dragging stuff alone. I like your balanced views
Thanks, much appreciated. Hope to get up to above 100 hours by the time I start on the house.
Hi, I also have one and used for 250 hours, only issue I had was it sucked air around the diecel filter, otherwise it's a strong little machin.
I have a suggestion for you,,,try to move the seat all the way to the front so you hav the digging handles between your legs, that way you can rest your arms on your legs and the handling/digging is more precise.
Keep up the good work/fan from Sweden.
I am going to check out the seat, I am not sure I have much adjustment, maybe drill out and reposition.
Great review. Honest, real, and not sponsored by the manufacturer. (It wasn't, was it? 😀) You point out the limitations, the strengths and weaknesses, and add that there may be a better way to obtain a machine locally. The final Yes, really says it all. Thank you.
No sponsor although in hindsight.....damn 🤪
Thanks for your time and energy. Very helpful information.
No problem - thaks for your support 👍🏻
Nice vid, I like the way you’re just giving an honest report without the blokes ego - and yes the thumb is a brilliant tool
Cheers Stu, can't wait to get the Thumb...it is on the high seas as I type.
Great video Ian. You were the reason I bought mine of course. 20 hours in I had to have the exhaust out and rewelded, seems an engine mount broke and the stress was too much for the rather brittle exhaust metal. She's a bit harder to start these days and I suspect the metal filings are indicative of a starter motor trying to eat itself. However, I couldn't have done the work at home without it. Yeah, it was worth it. Thank you and Julie 👍
That is a pain but if you can keep up the repairs it is always in the shed for the next dig...😉
we should all thank them for making affordable phones , IT equipment , pc , shoes , now EV and the list goes on ...
Hi Ian and Julie, I want to counter at least one negative comment by saying I loved the series and you two seem like lovely people, I hope everything is and continues to go well for you both in the future, Love from Canada
Thank you so much, means a lot 💙
Thanks for sharing your experience. Especially the shipping information. Cheers!
No problem, cheers 👍🏻
Nice video, cute machine!!
Thank you 👍🏻
Julie & Ian, it is utterly inspiring watching your adventures in France. I’m an Englishman in Australia doing my own self build and it is such a pleasure watching your adventures. You are doing a Sterling job and the videos are great and put a big smile on my face while learning from your generous sharing. Keep up the great work. I’m about to purchase a mini excavator with a lot more confidence thanks to your educational efforts. All the very best to you both on your journey. 🙏👍🏻🏆
Thank you so much Antony - I hope it goes OK for the mini excavator. There seems to be a lot of importers in Australia so you may get one locally.
@@HomesteadingUncontained Yep, a lot importers as you rightly point out, but sadly they charge the Earth, hence your great idea of importing from the OEM. 🙂👍🏻
Hi Antony
@@RobertGaia01 ???
@@antonyharris6904 No offense, just wondering if you have purchased a mini excavator
The machine is probably good value for the scope of work it's being used for. Originally, I purchased an ex Japanese 3 ton Mitsubishi, which was 32 years old, in Thailand. After adding 1000 hours to its original 2500, I sold it for what it cost in the first place and bought a new Kubota 3 ton with a cab and air conditioning, as It's no fun in the sun at 44°C. The new Kubota was expensive at $ 50 000 US for non-commercial use, but when I finally complete my farm improvement projects, I'll probably sell, equipment hold their value if not abuused, unlike other vehicles.
With that single cylinder air-cooled diesel, be sure to clean the injector nozzle with a brass brush every 100 hours or so to remove carbon buildup to keep it running smoothly, my generator uses the same engine and it helps dramatically.
Thanks for the advice, I will do that at the end of the season. Thanks
a tiny hho cell would keep the combustion chamber squeeky clean and give a little more running time per tank, ive pulled down old engines that had a hho cell on them, it amazes me how clean the piston, head and valves are youd swear the engine had never been used.
@@closertothetruth9209 lol, no free lunch. You'd get less energy per tank.
@@ctrlaltdebug well weve used hho since 1978 wouldnt still be using it if we didnt get better fuel economy, ive always got atleast 20% better economy currently i get 30% in a 4 litre bf ute , as you know hho is a powder keg its "nothing" like the burn of "pure" hydrogen, it takes stuff all of that gas to facilititate a more complete burn of fuel and air before the exhaust valve opens, as you know alot of unburnt fuel leaves the combustion chamber , with a Decent hho cell you definitely get more power and economy, i laugh everytime someone rattles on about the law of thermodynamics yet completely ignoring the fact much of the exhaust leaving the combustion chamber has significant unburnt fuel i dont care what anyone says i know it works, my cells typically produce 2 litres per minute yeh theres aditional load on the engine via the alternator however the 4 stroke engine owing to its design has poor effeciency the small amount of hho per combustion really helps, and not all cells are the same, carbon cells, stainless plate cells in a magnetic field etc go nuts making gas , cells with no neutral plates go nuts making gas, you need a heat exchanger or heat sink to keep it cool though, however believe what you want, i wouldnt waste my time building cells and giving them to family members if they didnt work, however sometimes you need a device to trick the computer from pouring more fuel into the engine due to the O2 sensors reaction to burnt hho.
in my ute i went from 11.5 litres for 100kms to 8.3 litres to 100km heavily laten with endless mechsnical tools. check out gavin knox hho his cells make real gas check his credentials what his qualifications are , a guy like that is not into scamming people his cells are helping people, expensive though theyre patented. people these days all they do is find fault and never get to see how good some things can be "IF" done properly. there are too many scam artists out there with pathetic hho cells and very poorly installed . i dont sell my cells theyre gifts , as my brother has learnt his 80 series now gets 25% better economy , has better power towing and going up hills at first you think its all bs until you drive for a long while you realise your getting more kms to the tank . you can build your own , using stainless sheet metal, cut into squares , having a positve and negative plate either side of 4 or 5 neutral plates all with a 2mm space between , you can do that a few times in a row kinda like a lead acid battery divided into 6 segments, stainless threaded rod, epdm rubber sheet,etc its very easy but damned hard to drill LOL. it does work , believe it or not it doesnt change the fact they can work done right. gavin knoxx cells give you 40% better economy on cars but his cells make huge gas for the watts he stumbled upon a very good design, a very efficient design, primemovers 25% by memory. if you check some parts of the world hho cells are mandatory on heavy agricultural machinery, why would they do that if it doesnt work.
even seen stanley meyer or the documentary gashole. they buried alot of good tech and buried people.
better add one thing if you ever do play around witth hho use EXTREME caution its seriously explosive and burns faster than anything, you need bubblers and genuine tested and proven hho flashback arrestors such as the hho gas technology flash back arrestors, actaleyene arrestors DO NOT work.
Ian, you and Julie do it all right! Don't let this backseat driver and worryguts unsettle you.
I love your channel and I can hardly wait until a new video comes. And I have learned every time something, even from your failures 😁
Thank you Lutz, some comments you cannot believe and reply want to reply but it is just not worth it....👍🏻