GARDNER'S GROUNDHOG Mini Excavator Puts BXPANDED RIPPER to the Test.

In this video you will see my GroundHog KH14G 1 ton mini excavator tackle it's biggest stump yet. In the process the Bxpanded Ripper was heavily damaged from the curl of the ripper under the weight of the stump. It happened so quick that I didn't even realize it was bent until I saw it. I would still recommend the Bxpanded Ripper because it does work as advertised by cutting through roots but I wouldn't use it to leverage against heavy loads. Enjoy the video and please like and subscribe.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Nice! I didn't expect the ripper to bend like that. Bummer. I had a similar-sized stump that I got out with my Groundhog. Once it was out, I hosed it down to remove dirt and rocks and let it dry for several days. Then, I cut it into quarters with my chain saw and picked up each piece with the GH and put them all in my truck to take to the dump. The GH would have moved the whole stump into the truck bed but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to unload it once I got it to the dump. Thanks for posting!

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

Ya I didn't expect that ripper to bend like that and that easy. Oh well

[@urcindys]

Tory
I miss my bobcat 322, & I have owned other's bigger & smaller, but you're right on point! For what they cost, ya can't beat them. I am very satisfied with my bh14g for my property & enjoy using it! Sure beats the old pine handled backhoe for sure.
Awesome videos, thanks for posting them.
Bob

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

Thanks Bob. I've probably been a little harder than most on my little GroundHog but I've been nocking out jobs left and right around my property that I've put off for years due to my back. The GroundHog definitely turns work into play. I've never owned a bobcat and I've always wondered how they compare. I've definitely found a new hobby when it comes to excavators regardless of brand.

[@stevemuller82muller65]

Groundhog getting it done again!🤯🥳

[@PWL1371]

Always enjoy watching the videos you post. Strange to see a ripper bend that way. Wonder if the steel wasn't up to par? I'd reach out to BXPANDED and show them the tool and see if they would send a new one. If not, I would straighten the blade and then do a spark test on it to determine how much carbon was in it. Maybe add gussets and heat treat it to harden it some. Best of luck

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

Well I thought about reaching out to Bxpanded but I did have to modify the pin holes on the ripper to fit my GroundHog. It was designed for a Kubota bx23 tractor so that being said I didn't bother. I was hoping that a ripper designed for a 23hp tractor would have survived on a 14hp excavator but I was wrong and I'll admit it. The ripper did work pretty good up till that point though.

[@normhowes2975]

I was wondering about the BXpanded ripper as it looks like it would do a better job at cutting roots than the unit I got with my ZH20D. Have you reinforced yours yet? I'm thinking a 3/8 bar stock welded to each side might do the trick. For me the hardest part is drilling out to a 1" hole. I really enjoy my Groundhog.

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

It definitely helps cut through roots but it needs to be reinforced. I haven't modified mine yet.

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

My h10 1 ton is like your. In my thinking groundhog are a step or 2 better. They both do the job. And better then paying 20,000 to 25,000.
On the bent ripper tooth. Straighten it back and add some 1/4 inch angel on both side. If you can weld.

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

I was thinking the same thing about the ripper. Hopefully our 50 ton press can straighten it some.

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

GroundHog Equipment does have their machines upgraded to their specifications before they will brand them Groundhog's. The next shipment of KH14G excavators will have a whole list of updates over the model I bought. They should be in this week or next.

[@YamahaC7SRG]

Hi, I have the ZH20D (20 HP Kubota diesel) which I bought on the west coast for $19k. If I lived close to the GroundHog factory, I think it would have been cheaper. I guess the extra $2k is basically for shipping. Even at that, I see it as a bargain compared to my options. I'm very impressed with my machine so far (knock on wood!)

[@Miniscapes515]

I dont see groundhog listed on Bxpanded website. What make and maodel did you have to cross reference?

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

I used one manufacturer for a Kubota bx23s. I used a 1 inch drill to clearance the pin holes to adapt it to a GroundHog. I have managed to bend the BXPANDED ripper a few times now from exerting a side load on it when traversing left or right with the boom. The BXPANDED ripper is not built heavy enough for a mini excavator. They need more reinforcement. They do work well for cutting through roots though. I believe I will weld on some reinforcement plates down both sides of the ripper to stiffen it up in the future. Thanks for watching.

[@jparker9320]

Where are you located and how far is groundhog away from you? Did you pick up?

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

I'm about an hour from GroundHog Equipment in Middleburg Pennsylvania. Why do you ask?

[@jparker9320]

@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator I was curious about how far you had to drive to pick up. I have been looking at that company on TH-cam also

[@gardnersgroundhogminiexcavator]

@@jparker9320 GroundHog Equipment has I believe 23 dealers and counting. You'll have to call GroundHog Equipment in Middleburg PA at 570-765-9338 to find one nearest you. They also have shipping available.