I Bought the CHEAPEST Mini Skid Steer on Earth
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
- Here's a link to the mini-skid loader: www.alibaba.com/product-detai...
A full account of my buying process is in this video: • Importing Equipment fr...
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#miniskid #miniskidsteer #standonskidsteer - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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This has to be the best unboxing video on the internet. Even AvE's mini chainsaw to the box doesn't beat the "it rained on it for 3 days". This is awesome!
hahaha ... I still like those AvE mini chainsaw moments :)
@@dynoranch1205 At the port I had to pay the shipper about $800 and a agent another $900 ... everyone gets some money in a deal like that
So am I reading you got this thing delivered for under 5k? With attachments?
Closer to $15k in the end. Machine is $9k
I'm in love, at 6'4 and 280 I have a soft spot for anything small or mini, especially equipment. I'm in the middle of starting a forestry product business, I've ordered a mill and a splitter, got a used truck and I'm looking for a small tractor now, this caught my eye and I'll definitely be watching the follow up videos, even this wee thing is out of my budget right now but hopefully now forever. Thank you for the video
Thanks for checking it out man. That business of yours sounds interesting and exciting. I get a lot of good logs so have plans (dreams?) of getting a saw mill together. Still don't have the time for it but it's a hope.
Get something bigger. You'll need the strength
Hey Spencer, thanks for your quick answer and for the info on the pricing! I truly appreciate it! you make it easier for me to make some decisions! Have a blessed day my friend!
Whats the price for this thing?
What a Great video and review, as always Spencer, thoroughness is definitely a talent you possess, Thank you for sharing and I am excited to see the little yellow beast fair you well for many years and in your videos to come.
Thanks for that! Yeah it's been a fun and interesting tool so far ... we'll see how it endures over time
@@metaspencer Welcome fellow Tree life member
very informative, I remember watching your post on the big cheap blue chainsaw. I like how you do your homework and stay up on maintaining your equipment. keep posting
Cool to hear that you remember that chainsaw! Yeah it's an odd marketplace these days with so many cheapo/knock-off products ... Thanks man
I've been waiting for a solid review of one of these things for YEARS! Thank you sir
Cool to hear! Yeah, it's been an interesting piece of daily-use equipment so far.
I've been looking at old mini utility tractors with loader buckets on them Just for messing around the yard. Now you've got me hooked on one of these! I work for a municipality with every machine you can think of. Sucks when you come home and do everything by hand. I need some sort of gizmo, this might just be it, excellent video.
Yeah it’s a machine I use daily… can’t beat the ease of use
@@sherman207 We use every single thing we have, plus local government pays a fraction of the price as your average joe. State bid pricing.
@@sherman207 Teamsters baby 🥳 #Union4life.
Very cool little machine. I was looking into mini skid steers a few months ago, but like you said they’re many many moneys. I’ve invested in other stuff this season, so the mini skid isn’t essential.
Having said that, it’s cool you have the grapple anyway, even if it’s heavy. You can at least drag brush with it. And as long as the bucket picks up logs (is stronger than you) then you’re golden.
Congratulations on the new purchase. You will make money with it. My work truck is 50 years old and I’ve made my money back over and over again since I’ve bought and modded it. Same with my wood chipper. It’s old, small, and it still cost a lot, but it has made me many many moneys, and has helped us be more efficient.
One day I’ll get bigger stuff…when I need it. I buy heavy equipment used for now, because that’s what my budget is. It’s still expensive, as you know. I also pay cash for everything; lots of guys buy new stuff but it’s either financed or on credit. I’m not into that. I only buy what I can afford, and then work my way up. That strategy hasn’t failed me yet.
Congrats again on the newest member of your ground crew. Have a good weekend 👍
My same strategy
I like that strategy man! Some guys are all about going into debt on fancy equipment and new stuff ... I got my work truck for 3k (it had been wrecked and wouldn't run) but some wrenching and TLC and it's been great. So keep those bills down and the money coming in! haha ... good stuff man
I literally just bought my first saw, hoping over this winter to get some climbing gear an ropes an in the spring hopefully get a easy job or two an get that hands on experience. Iam 40yrs old an been a janitor since i was 18, my resume is basically blank so applying for jobs kinda sucks so hopefully come spring I'll make my own "destiny" lol
@@wolverinebear5357 You can do it man! Take things slow and get a feel for it. I always advise A LOT of practice climbing without a saw before cutting
@@wolverinebear5357 Go for it. You'll find so much fulfillment working for yourself, even if it is more work.
The thing I've been thinking just about any of these ride on skid steers need is a counterweight like you've mentioned. I've been thinking the most modular way of doing so is buying your standard weight lifting plates with mounts, and then bolting/welding mounts to the back/sides of the machine and then you can add/remove weight as necessary.
It sure would be nice to be able to take them on-and-off like that. Someone else recommended a thick piece of plate back there that could come on-and-off. Either way it's MUCH NEEDED unless I can manage to gain 100lbs real quick :)
@metaspencer not going to lie man I was dying laughing at your description on the price of comparable skids. "Many many monies" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 so true
Just replace the stand with a heavier plate of metal
Maybe figuring out how to add a 20 gallon or so water tank made of thick plastic, should give you about 160 pounds and not be too hard to fill/drain as needed.
Kubota and bobcats mini skid steers the weights go in the track area towards the rear. one of them has an alternate mounting location but haven't seen it used .
One thing that has me hesitant about pushing for counter weights for our Kubota is these little things throw you around quite a bit. You can hit a good bump and lose a large rock out of the bucket and the machine will react in a way you probably won't expect other than part of the reaction is the machine going backwards almost teetering. It is so much worse when traveling backwards. The common reaction is to step off which is a hard reaction to not have but if you do you'll be hurting if you don'tb catch yourself quick enough. More counterweight just makes me think the reaction will happen that much quicker and more violent. And if you do find yourself between the machine and the ground that's even more weight pinning you in place. I think that's why Kubota and bobcat opt for the weight within the tracks, in order to make it more predictable and limit it's want to roll backwards.
Both the Kubota and bobcat (with the taller tracks in the rear) aren't any better with the platform bottoming out. Only difference really is the way it drives the tracks. Only occasionally does the sensor read that you are no longer on it, then you just need to override it to get going again.
your comments about the thought process of paying more for the "best" tools is right on.
Nowadays, mainly the only tools where I would want to buy the more expensive (vs. Harbor Freight) is where it is some kind of precision instrument or something that relies on it's being perfectly "true" such as a level, a square, etc.
Yeah in this case the "best" mini-skid can run over $60k ... which is the price of about 5 of these yellow devils. I like a tool that lasts a lifetime, as a general rule, but that simply doesn't always work out. Good hearing from ya man
speaking of harbor freight, maybe they should get in on selling these things.
These days,too much is made in China used to be made in japan( which i hear is a better product!),so if you beleive in paying more for ,or to get a better product,forget that idea,I have a Dewalt skill saw,cost me 175$ Canadian,and the blade doesn't follow a straight line,everything made today is either way overpriced junk,or just low quality, use it a few times and fill up the land fill.
For example, Sany sells excavators from China,for around 5 grand ,but won't sell to just one person,but to American brokers,who tack on 45000$ to a cheap Chinese machine .8 or 1 ton minidigger, maybe the higher end stuff is better?
So,that 5000$ machine is being sold over here for 50,000$ for a small minidigger!
Add taxes,shipping,freight and freight forwarders,and then how much is it?
When I grew up,RCA record players and tvs had a reputation for quality, but the sold to Toshiba.So did a lot of product,but not now ,make it,bake it,and toss it out the door!
That hammer you buy at home depot costs less to make in China,then your cup of coffee at your local restaurant! Yet you'll pay 12$ or more for it,so because we're basically getting crappy stuff these days,if you think paying 100$ for a hammer that costs .01 cents worth of scrap,is a quality product,your highly mistaken!
Not to mention,your jobs are going to China,but as the bible says," In last days the dragon shall rise!"
China's symbol is the dragon,and we're feeding it money for junky products.
My neighbour has a small john deer tractor,he says it costs him 28000$ but the engine is made,guess where,China!
I will say they are good machinists,but your low budget equipement definitely has its drawbacks,poor quality fit and finish.
I just saw a youtube about a tractor convention,the sales guy ,says big name brand excavator companies are shipping there parts to China for assembly, but I bet you'll still pay big bux for that machine over here!
If you check the price of there wages,it about .14 cents to the US dollar, I personally think China is screwing us,and think we're stupid to pat there prices for there min diggers,a min excavator going to Africa costs less according ti one Chinese broker because it doesn't need an Epa engine,but I think he was lying..maybe!
And why do we need an epa lawn mower engine, with supposedly a catalytic converter?
@@davidrussell8795 very interesting... so basically what I'm hearing you say is that for most/many things/tools, etc. the difference that the harbor freight chinese stuff and the brand name chinese stuff is (almost) exactly the same quality and that the higher price of the brand name stuff is WAY out of line with the small difference (if any) of quality.
@@davidrussell8795 That entire JD is made in Asia as is every other brand of sub compact tractor. Not just the engine. Only the larger machines have enough margin to be made in the US. However I would rather support India and So. Korea vs China. If China doesn't have a civil war/revolution soon we are going to end up at war with them.
When I was in the military as an vehicle equipment mechanic we had these ride-behinds , walk-behinds , and remote controlled ones and when we were ordered to service them , we took servicing them as an insult or punishment . Only decades later when I had to do a little earth moving did I think of these and started respecting them and wanting one . Still using the D1 dozer but hopefully in the future I'll own one .
that D1 is a beast! I didn't know the military used ride-behind equipment: thanks for the info. It's cool that you got that mechanical experience
@@metaspencer Looks like the one in this video is a ride-behind .
It can be a torture test to work on the small machines!
Not bad for 13 k but the tipping weight is a bit low, glad it’s getting the job done!
Any idea what they were called in case they're in a surplus sale
Drill some holes in the side panels and cantalever a bracket behind the platform to hold tractor weights. Different weights for different tools and loads. That should roughly double the capacity. The machine has such a small footprint that tipping is a real concern, so don't over do it. The machine looks like it has the hydraulics and mechanics of a commercial zero turn mower. That may dictate the size which also means a slight upsize would probably double the cost.
I was out hauling logs with it today and could have used those weights you describe -- great idea. Thanks man
Can't believe you didn't throw a blue tarp over the top when you got it home or better still before you left the dock! Looking forward to seeing how it works out.
Yup you said it! All it needed was a tarp but I guess I got busy with too many things. Oh well, it survived :) Thanks for checking it out man
Blue tarps don't work you need red ones 😜
Why blue?
Prolly because they're pretty common at H Freight.@@danielmelcher5310
@@danielmelcher5310 There's kind of a color code, followed by most (but not all) manufacturers; the color suggests the thickness. Blue's thinnest, then yellow or orange, then green, then silver, and brown is thickest.
Obviously, it will be a huge help to you and to get the job done without wearing yourself out, that's what really matters. It will be interesting to see how it stands the test of time though and are parts available for it in North America. I was wondering if you were going to pick up a round from that Ash tree! Definitely can't fault you for trying. Looking forward to seeing you use it in the future.
My thoughts exactly on the repairs: some aspects of the machine are common around here, and others not so much. So repairs and maintenance may be the biggest challenge
@@metaspencer Like you said, sometimes you have to take a chance and hope you get lucky. Whatever the future brings, I'm here for the ride! Have a great weekend.
From what I've seen, parts for these Chinese pieces of equipment shouldn't be hard to find and tractor supply or northern tool. I bet 98% of it is off the shelf parts
@@Will-tm5bj So far it looks that way with most of what's available in NA made in China.
It was so satisfying to hear the crunching noise of the sticks when you grappled them. I always have brush around, too many trees.
That crunnnnnnching sound. Yeah, it's a pretty good masher
My Buddy and I run a small firewood business, and I'll be dipped, this thing would be amazing for our application! Just invested a BUNCH of monies into a Powersplit double station machine.... When it is working, it is a mind blower- that being said, when it doesn't, it's a big blue turd. This little skiddy would be a game changer, since the worst part about using the new rig is getting the rounds to the "lifts". Thanks for the great video... no candy-coating, just an honest review. Be safe, and take care!
That Powersplit sounds awesome. I use a traditional hydraulic splitter for our firewood and it tips over to do big rounds vertically. You definitely need a system for those big ones. Maybe a conveyor belt or chain hoist? Good hearing from ya!
I won't lie. As cool as this mini skedsteer is, I really like my Kubota l2501 compact tractor. Not that much heavier. Still pretty lawn friendly. Not that much more money. Way more versatile, except for tight areas, and way more lifting capacity/reach. But, can't load both it and debris in the dump trailer, which means an extra trip.
I like my larger Ford tractors too ... tractors are just SOO versatile, can lift more, etc. So I see whatcha mean. This is a pretty small little loader compared to a tractor ... looks like a new Kubota l2501 these days can get up around $20k, so more monies but you get what you pay for. Those are great machines.
So many things could have gone wrong with that unloading :-) Glad it all went well though Spence.
Hope the machine lasts for a good long time.
My old man cheaped out on a mini excavator from China and we have serious regrets.
At least yours came with a Briggs and Stratton engine, we had to replace the diesel engine ours came with :-(
Bummer to hear about that story -- but I'm not surprised. All equipment fails at some time, some sooner than others. Time will tell with this one
@@metaspencer do you buy it directly form that website in your link
@@jackson6.083 Yep, that link takes you to the sales guy I worked with. Just gotta pay through Alibaba then pay another $3k or so for customs and importing stuff
Great video thatnk for showing us that thing. The grapple you got is a manure grapple made for cleaning out stalls and barns. A brush grapple isn't as sharp.
I've heard a few other guys call it a manure grapple. That's kind of funny but it works okay. I've still gotta mod that thing to make it better :)
How COOL Spencer that will be very handy!
Thanks Loren!
Wonder if you could get a smaller Toro grapple and put it on the tiny skid steer?
Your content never ceases to amaze! It's scary and hilarious at the same time! Glad you got this new ground crew helper, will save your - er, the ground crew's - arms and back for sure! Thanks for another great video!
Ooooo, I like that idea of creating a Franken-skid-steer by adding a Toro grapple. I think there's a way to make it work ... just gotta find one on the tree-guy black market. thanks for that idea! :)
You should be able to since it same mounting system but honestly I spend the money on a branch manger grapple and forks
And oh branch manger make a 38 hp stump grinder that hooks up to your machine and uses the low flow hydraulic system to swing for roughly 6k
@@kennethvanduzer5828 Those branch managers look pretty cool
@@metaspencer got one with power rotate makes life so much easier
Bigger is not always better. It's the same as "the more it costs, you get a better product". Everything has its pros and cons, as well as their intended uses.
I can't believe it has a 35hp vanguard. Great engine's ran one on my. Bandit 65 wood chipper for years no problems at all. Still running great when I sold it.
Yeah that was one of the things I really liked about the machine, as I'd heard good things about the engine. So far so good!
Good for you Spencer. That’s next on my list, something to lift big wood into my chipper truck. I might rig a winch to get me by until then. I’m also solo with a chipper and chip truck.
Sounds like a good setup you have and that winch will do wonders for ya. I have one in the back of my trailer and one on the front of the truck: winches save soooo much work.
That looks like a little great machine and for the price cant really go wrong. That Briggs and Stratton is a division of toyota. I had a 35 HP, and it was brilliant engine on a pressure washer
I didn't know B & S was part of Toyota -- it's interesting how so many seemingly distinct brands are related. I run some different chainsaw brands that are made by the same company. Thanks for the info!
@@metaspencer that's because it isn't "part of toyota" B&S is owned by KPS, a capital investment firm (who also owns Taylormade golf equipment and AM General). At one point Vanguard engines were built in Japan in a partnership with Dihatsu, but as of 2017 that's no longer the case. They are built in the US. Now that machine being made in China, ill almost bet that isn't a real Vanguard engine, rather a counterfeit
Interesting! Thanks for all the info
1) From the time of order, how long until time of pickup at port? 2) How much in $ was un-disclosed costs at port (agent/customs/port costs/wait times)? 3) I worry about the drive sprocket grinding down if it's not lifted on a triangular track setup. wonder about finding tracks in the states, or will you have to go back to to the port to get new tracks? Tires are probably easier to find, but ... they don't have the pushing power either and don't hold up to thorns/rebar shards either. 4) A lot of the domestic loaders have leg pads/support for fatigue, this thing seems to be rather spartan at that. 5) Having to worry about learning some new 'control pattern' vs a standard skid steer pattern. 6) Bucket dump pin-height, to know how high you can lift a load to load a dump trailer over the side wall. It seems units like these are going for around $8000 give or take a few hundred for a gas engine model, some come with a 4:1 bucket. The Hysoon had a pretty good review. Diesel more expensive. Domestic models, I've priced around $32,000 before taxes which seems 'ridiculous' to me. (Bobcat, Kubuta, Vermeer, DitchWitch) Then again the Bobcats I have had last decades.
Hiya lots of good thoughts and questions there. Time from order to delivery was several months but that was also at a time when the Chinese government locked down the port of Shanghai, so ya never know how it would be in the future. Added costs was a few grand for sure with customs and whatnot. We'll have to see about the drive sprocket, tracks, and other elements over time -- only time will tell, really. Getting new parts may be tricky; again, time will tell. YOu mention leg pads: on this one your legs are up against the engine is you stand close! I stay back to keep the weight back LOL The domestic skids I''ve priced are well over $50k without attachments and I've had dealers not get back to me. Used machines are in the 20s and 30s where I am.
Hi, this got me hooked, great introduction of this small helper! One question that would interest me is how would it do on climbs, what kind of elevation would be tollerable.
I've used it to haul logs up hill a few times now, and it's done great. You can see it in this vid: th-cam.com/video/NH9irkUnJwI/w-d-xo.html ... with that said, I'm always careful not to go sideways on a hill and tend to back up the hill for safety. Not a perfect machine by any means, but it gets the job done
My China mini skidsteer came in! Cougar! Thanks for the Information on ordering procedures and step! It helped me a lot!
My man got the Cougar! Awesome to hear ... it's gonna be a great tool for ya I bet :)
@@metaspencer It was an uphill battle from port to port and shipping charges for each leg and with the help of the customs clearance agent I had to hire! But it’s here in Hawaii! Thank you again!
I just ordered a forklift from China and right now is in the middle of the ocean traveling. I am actually a little overwhelmed regarding all the paperwork but look like the agent will works everything out for me
Yeah a good shipping agent helps. It’ll work out!
Did you get it ? Thinking of going this route.
@@j.p.fabrications Yes I did, the process was pretty easy, they practically did everything included the custom agent. The only problem was the fact that the forklift get some cosmetic damages during the shipping process, not a lot of them but quite disappointing, they have insurance and I am still dealing with them.
It is good to pay the least if you have the means (knowledge) and tools to repair and possibly improve it.
Yellow beast, welcome to the ground crew! 🎈
The ground crew is applauding:)
Very interesting machine for sure! Thanks for making this video because I have been wondering about these sorts of machines.
thanks for having a look
Loved the video. Was skeptical about the customs on a previous purchase but seeing it and knowing it's not a scam I just ordered the 2 ton! Way way better price than bobcat. Thanks
2 ton! that's awesome man ... yeah, can't beat the price ... I hope it works out great for ya!
Sweet machine even with its limitations. Just for lifting big tree rounds I'm sure it was worth it.
So far so good ... it's got more power than me so I'm happy :)
It’s only 1,873 pounds (850Kg). That’s going to be great for low impact on customer’s lawns. We have a Deere 35G mini ex, and there are times that 8,000 poind machine can’t be used on a tree job because it would destroy their yard!
Yeah it’s gentle on the lawn as long as you don’t turn too fast …. That 8k beast can pull on a top I bet!
8,000 pounds is pretty light, I would say try plywood, but I can't imagine how you would use a mini-excavator on a tree job...
@@jacobcarter5923 I use it in tree work all the time. Moving 14 foot 3,000 pound logs to the dump trailer is a lot faster than bucking them into small enough pieces to maneuver by hand, or down to a size a mini-skid can lift.
Like Spencer, a lot of us aren’t far enough along to afford a chipper big enough to eat the stem wood, so hauling it off is the name of the game.
How much did you pay for it
@@jermaineglover4043 I bought nearly new for just over $40k. I do more small excacation jobs than I do tree work, and it’s the most used tool on our homestead.
I’m going to cheap out, that thing looks great!! It’s enough for me and I’ve seen this at half the price of the name brand! Thanks for this video!
You bet man ... I'm still using it daily that the thing will do some LIFTING for sure
It is a log roller.
It can move the big rounds out to the more powerful loader.
Noodling is when you cut the big round in half using a chainsaw with the grain and parallel to the grain.
Yep, you said it man. Thanks
It looks a bit like a body extension rather than a tool, but what a great body extension it turned out to be... Nice one.
It kinda feels like that once you get a feel for it ... easy to jump in and out of the exoskeleton :)
The mount plate looks like a universal mini skid type mount. There's plenty of lightweight attachments in the market that will fit on it
I’ll have to start looking… thanks for the tip
Great video. Don't have a use for it myself, but I like stuff like this and i will recommend it to some of my buddies. Liked and subbed. Yall have a blessed day.
Big thanks!
Bought an old mini skid steer, Rounder L700
40" bucket came with a newer grapple modified to fit. Fits in a lot of spaces a full size will not. Cheaped out on a set of clamp on forks., eventually will buy a dedicated fork attachment.
I also have some clamp on forks -- not perfect but they usually get the job done. That Rounder sounds great
Yup, that grapple is a little large. Think you are on to something making it a little smaller with flat steel and take the hoses and have them shortened. Other than that I think that little track can do work>
Good idea on having the hoses shortened: that's the way to go. Thanks for the tip man
@@metaspencer
The longer hoses may be for a different attachment and would possibly affect the resale value.
Very cool beast.
It would definitely help load the logs, which smashes the brush, which means you could get a larger load per trip.
But…
I can’t let go of the money. It’s a problem.
Stay safe
I hear ya man ... every machine is its own potential money pit and also a way to get divorced from the work itself. Absolutely :)
I bought a clamshell grapple for two reasons. 1 carries the load closer to the machine. 2, don't have to tip the bucket to unload when over the dump trailer. I also purchased a hose tender spring thing to keep the hoses up away from harm.
Sounds like a good unit! I have a similar grapple on my other mini skid now, but that spring doesn't always do the job ... looking for a better hose holder
Its horses for courses, as you say it lifts stuff you can't so from that perspective it's ideal. I think it would be really good for sites where your might have access issues and you limited for space.
Yeah it'll fit back into backyards without much access, so that's nice. Thanks for checking it out
Very surprised you bought that thing. I run a similar operation and bought a older Thomas 25g with 250hrs on it for 7k. Thought you’d buy an old dingo before that thing. Not saying it was the wrong move just surprised. Good luck. Love the channel.
Oh man sounds like you got a deal!! I’ve been looking for a used mini for 2 years now but haven’t found the right one so thought I’d try something else … we’ll see how it goes
I will buy every running machine of a quality brand you can sell me to that kind of money. A worn out pos unit still sells for about the 13-15k something like this currently sells for in my area. I say you either got the you bought from your dad deal or you are full of it. You would not belive the crap folks think is worth 20k+.
7k for 250 hours would only be if the 250 hours were at the bottom of a lake.
@@johnhogan3810 are you familiar with the 25g? It’s 18k brand new today max.
@@jasonjordan88 Where is that Thomas 25g made?
@@asusreviews think Canada
Here's a link to the machine in the video: www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2 ... And then here is a full account of my shipping process: th-cam.com/video/eXZ_xZuLYso/w-d-xo.html
For the broke, ie, me!, I would love to have one of these. It is my only option! That being said, I would love it, and be better off with ot, than with none! THANK YOU! Let's get this process started!
@@wordswritteninred7171 I hear ya ... having "the best" machine would be great, but I had to do what actually made sense and was possible
Why would you add a weight to the operator platform? You are the weight you say the grapple bucket is too heavy. Well you can do what you did by pushing down on the bucket on a Vermeer you are the counterweight the tracks are not a Eliot they are a low track versus a high track and it doesn’t increase your ground clearance, the major difference is it gets your drives out of the dirt doesn’t increase your clearance what that cost 6 to 8 grand versus 40 to 80 for a brand name and only a select few are less than 36” my Vermeer is 54”or 48 with narrower tracks but then it cuts ruts from lack of flotation I guess I just don’t understand what you think you were buying as far as everything being drenched that’s on you from leaving it in the rain for as long as you did
@@jkmcp45 Yeah it's been a good machine so far for daily use, and the price was right. No more fish in the bucket these days :)
Awesome machine. Hopefully uncle Sam will buy me one in a month or 2.
We have them here in Australia but there called Hysoon, I have the hy380 same as what you have but the wheeled version with the Kohler engine, iv put about 200 hours on it in the past 1-1.5 years since purchasing it new and it’s been great.. I got the 4 in one bucket also but has the same issue as the grapple you have it’s just way to heavy especially if trying to pick up a full bucket of dirt.. for the price you really can’t beat it
Interesting to hear. In North America the machines are more unusual but seem to be catching on a bit. Thanks for the info
What was the shipping and import costs into Australia?
@@mickjoebills I didn’t have to import one into Australia, there is a distributor that owns the “Hysoon” brand here in Australia that sells them direct to the public
Thanks for the video. Very interesting I am looking for something like this just might go the same route just need a little more information not much though. Thanks again
I've got a few more videos on here about the machine and buying process -- nice to have LIFTING POWER out there on the jobs for sure
I own a lot of equipment, including several of these exact Chinese mini skids in the gasoline and bigger brother diesel version. If you have any questions about them feel free to hit me up. They've suprisingly given us very little issues considering the price point. There are a hand full of importers around the US a person could pick one up for not much more money and without having to jump through the hoops of maritime shipping and customs. Great video! 👍🏻
That's great to hear! I don't know anyone else with this kind of equipment so was a bit hesitant ... so far so good man. I'll look up those dealers you mention as I'd like to get some more equipment in the future if possible. Thanks!
@@metaspencer Great video! Id really like to know more about your import experience and the vetting process for purchasing overseas. I'll try and send you a message on social media. Thanks for making this content!
@@jerrysaunders3672 Sounds good ... I'm happy to discuss it and as others have asked I should probably post a vid about it
How do I obtain one
@@jimgingericj9438 here's a link to the machine I bought ... www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2
“I keep a little brush handy” 😅
hahahaha! I showed Melissa that part and she said something like "Oh boy if they ONLY knew how much" :)
Adorable; I want one.
Hilarious that the bucket held water - and all the manuals. That operator platform needs to be at least a foot longer.
yeah not the perfect machine but the price was right
Dude! I just found your channel. I'm a Forestry Student in Wales, UK. I really enjoy your videos !
Forestry and Wales -- two great things together. Excellent
@@metaspencer absolutely. ✌🏼
Smart dude, backs don't last forever
Big lifter!!
The heavier you are the more you can pick up with it. Sounds like a good reason to eat more:)
Haha exactly! Backweight needed!
@@metaspencer
Perhaps it needs two operators to keep it a lightweight machine.
I've got the previous model to this, with different controls, but mine came with a 4 in 1 bucket which was way too front heavy, so I put a standard bucket on it and it does fine now.
Sounds like a good change. Too much weight up front is a no go with these smaller machines
Hey man- love the video. Extremely helpful as I have recently bought some land and will need machinery to perform different types of work. Couple things here:
- I may have missed it but is yours the 13 hp or 23?
-we’re you able to get product under 4K? I’be been talking with reps on alibaba and it seems that the listed price of the machine keeps getting cranked up whenever we come to a final sale. I was planning on picking up at Houston port to cut delivery costs.
Thanks man
Hey buddy, that land sounds like it's gonna be great! This machine is 23 hp with pretty good lifting power (around 500lbs). Paid 9k for the machine and 3k in shipping and fees, but prices have come down since then. I'd estimate 10k total these days with the chinese currency down
Kill video sir. As usual. 🪓🤙
Thanks buddy
❤️👍👍👍
Never thought you'd be catfishing in your skid steer bucket! LOL
I think the ground crew will be happy the company boss made this purchase. Congrats Spencer.
Now wait a second, I need to tell the ground crew about this one? :)
I rented a dingo tx1000 machine for several weekends to do the final grading in my back yard after I had an in ground pool put in this past summer. I removed 60 yards of rock hard clay with it (after jackhammering the surface to break they the top 6-12 inches of it). This was all in a tight space where the width of a big skidsteer just wouldn’t fit. Awesome awesome little machine, and would love to own one for my diy house projects, but I was absolutely floored when I checked the price of one. Really makes me want to get into making these things. They are actually very simple machines. Profit margin must be huge on them for companies like toro, bobcat etc.
Yeah that Dingo is a great machine -- tons of power. Gotta admit that I'm a bit jealous of the in ground pool :)
@@metaspencer that dingo was such a sweet machine, I also drilled about 50-12inch wide post holes with it in a short time. It honestly doesn’t look that much more powerful that the machine you have here. The dingo could not dig into the clay of my yard without me jackhammering the surface first (cheap 200dollar chinese jackhammer that is now a paperweight, but did get the job done before it died) The machine you have in this video would be more than enough for the landscaping I have left to do on my pool build. They are just so useful. As you eluded to in your video, one of the best parts of the stand-on machines is you can be super precise with the attachments, the standing position gives such good visibility of what your doing.
@@S4NORICE You said it: I use mine just about every day around our farm. Super handy
@@metaspencer have the mechanicals of the machine held up pretty good thus far?
@@S4NORICE It's been great so far. Like all equipment it will eventually need work, that's always the case, but it's a pretty simple machine overall. Cold starts all winter have impressed me
Wow, the ground crew will love using that little beast. Good luck with it. Forney, TX
Gotta keep that crew happy and their work gloves unused :)
After I watched this video I decided to not cheep out and got the Bobcat MT100 wow what an awesome machine, I haven’t found a con yet! Thank you!
Good choice man -- I've hears sooooo many good things about that beast of a machine. If you've got those big bucks, it sounds worth it for sure.
Killdozer. That things awesome.
You might try a counter weight on it when using the grapple. Maybe a piece of armor plate on the platform you're standing on to offset the weight of the grapple like on a crane.
As for buying the cheap tool and hoping to get away with it, I'm the king of cheap. I went back to tree cutting when I was broke, so I had to start on a shoestring budget and being in my 60s I don't work a ton, so I don't earn a lot. I've been getting by now for 5 years on a little Echo CS 590 with a '24 bar as my only "big saw". Everything else I have are climbing saws.
To date that Timberwolf has managed to handle any job or tree I threw at it, and sometimes I get some big fat stuff so, yea... I think you made a very wise purchase. I'd love to get one of those things but still out of my budget. But maybe some day down the road I might look into getting one. Definitely a helpful tool to have.
Sounds like you've had some good experiences and developed some real wisdom about what works for you out there. Great to hear man.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for checking it out
I just got a new one for my 1/2 acre. Gravel, grading, brush clearing, moving block - total mini-beast. Saved my back and countless hours of shoveling.
I hear ya -- saves the back and gets A LOT done
Thanks for posting you using this most of the videos I've seen us just people talking about them
good to hear! yeah it's a cool little machine
Little help. When picking up piles of brush you need to roll into them. Make piles about 5ft high and smash down with the grapple. Then open the grapple and come over the top like you would pick up with your hands basically and clamp down right before you hit the ground and then Curl up your pile and you'll make a cleaner pick.
Thanks for the tip! I've been getting a little better at it this week. My first few really flailed but they're getting more compact. thanks man
Could you imagine trying to return this if it didn't work when you got it home, seems very inconvenient going to a pier to pick anything up
Yeah no returns for sure!
They may be small and have a much smaller capacity compared to a normal sized skid steer but standing in the open and being able to see around you without obstructions really increases the users comfort and piece of mind that they are clear of obstructions and free to move. We had many jobs where we would use the mini skid steer even though the full size would of fit because when running the mini skid steer i don't have to run within 3 inches of instructions at a snails pace unlike when trying squeeze in our SSV75. I like to have all the equipment on site but that's just not practical.
Great point man
Great in-depth video. Are you able to share what is the total cost including shipping? How long does it take to get to you? Can I do the paperwork by email for the shipping? Are you able to fix it if it breaks or order parts if a part breaks?
I didn't mention exact price in the video because prices change over time and videos last a while. This machine is about $12k right now, but but taxes and fees and freight and customs and all of that probably closer to $15k. If you can't pick it up at a coastal port shipping would be another charge. The name brand machines from dealers are over $50k ... here’s a link to the loader I got so you can see the specs and all that: www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2 ... as far as time it took a few months to arrive but that had to do with China shutting down the port of Shanghai. But it's not a super quick process for sure ... as for parts I'll just have to see how it goes! it does run on a Briggs and Stratton engine :)
@@metaspencer Thanks. I wonder where I could get a good used one from. Do you know anybody? Just kidding. Again great video, thank you for posting and thank you for responding.
@@4notwithouthope haha :)
It did pretty good. I'm impressed!
Thanks man
after all was said and done, how much was it out of pocket, and can you supply links to the site you bought it from?
Link in the description… 12k in the end
For the best tool stuff I think that depends a lot about what it's for and how hard that job is and how much easier it will make something for you. That sounds obvious but here's my example: I'm pretty bad in the tree still so anything that makes me fumble less, feel safer, or is lighter and faster has a lot of value for me. If I was in super good shape maybe aluminum geckos don't matter. If I had massive arms maybe I don't have a 2511t and use the 355t more often. Things like that. I threw down for a nice Kubota for a different reason. I know it will last and I know it has resale. I had an LS that depreciated very quickly. That said all my 18v tools are ryobi and they are perfect for me /ramble
That Kubota sounds terrific ... way to go man!
awesome review. What about parts and maintenance? where would you take it and do parts here in America work? or do you have to order from them all the time?
I'm not too worried about the parts -- it's a pretty simple machine and the engine is Briggs and Straton. The tracks can be ordered, and everything else looks pretty standard. But if you're looking for a machine you can take back to the dealer for repairs, this definitely isn't it!
Hey There Spencer, I just ordered one of these mini loaders too. Regarding the clearance through Customs, I'm actually a little familiar with the process since I used to work for a shipping company in New York, but that was 30 years ago. Since then I've lived in Orlando FL and have not touched shipments anymore... Anyways, could you let me know if you pre-cleared the machine (in which case you would've needed the paperwork upfront ahead of the arrival of the ship) or did you have to wait until the ship arrived in order to clear customs?
Mine is arriving in Miami, about 4 hours from where I live and I just want to make sure I only make one trip down there. hahahaha
Thanks Spencer!
Hey Buddy, I knew NOTHING about the process so you'll do great at it. Yes it was pre-cleared before leaving. I think Homeland security requires that now or something like that. The shipper took a fee at the port (I think it was about $800 for all kinds of weird stuff) and then my shipping agent took about the same amount of $$ for whatever they did. So there are some fees built in but still waaaaaay cheaper than a high-end machine. Email or message me with any other questions. I'm happy to share my experience. Cool that you're getting one!
@@metaspencer Cool man! Thank you for the info. I appreciate you!
Thanks for this video! how is it going with this mini skid steer now?
Still running strong and it's been a great tool. I'm not saying it's the best or biggest mini skid out there -- it has it's limitations. But super useful for what I do (lifting and moving)
Great video man, that things awesome
It's been fun to use on the job -- different, but fun
Something that size could work for me, especially if it came with a mower / DR Trimmer type deal that could cut up brush / briars / tall weeds. That sort of thing combined with even that grapple (could one copy it but in aluminum?) could be a big benefit for what I do.
Yeah a tool with that power is a big help and a mower/brushhog attachment would be great.
@@metaspencer Yes indeed. Here is the rub though. Yards that are so overgrown that a DR Trimmer is needed often have hazards such as trash left out. Trash I've come across are cinder blocks, large rocks, pipes, tools, tires on the rim, etc.....things great at destroying blades and bending engine shafts. It's for that reason when someone wants high grass cut I refuse to do it without weedeating it first. If they won't pay for that I leave. Guy last year said "all you need is a zero turn! A guy mowed it for $40.00!" I replied "well then you need to call that guy back." He stormed off, cursing, and slammed his door. I checked myself for ticks and left. His grass was waist-deep and had such surprises as logs and a ladder buried in the tall grass. Whatever else was in there I was happy not to find during my wade through his grass. Neighbors on either side of him had privacy fences.
Will you have any followup videos on this device? It is inspiring and I'd like to see you do more with it.
@@gregblackburn4280 What you describe reminds me of a brush hogging job I had about a year ago: what looked like high grass and brush ended up hiding cinder blocks, railroad ties, trash, giant rocks, etc. what a nightmare.
I'll definitely post more on the yellow machine -- I'm working on an array of things now with it and it's going pretty good.
@@metaspencer Thanks man, eager to see those. That nightmarish brush hog job....how did that go? Did you hit any of those hazards? I hit a pipe last summer, bending my shaft and trashing the blade. Homeowner had no care at all that happened to me. The local shop was able to straighten the shaft and I'll pick up the mower later. Never again will I mow an overgrown yard without a weed eat first. (During that mow I found a bottle jack, a set of loppers, a huge 5 inch pipe, a number of large rocks, and a steel eye ring sunk into concrete. I was allowed to keep all the tools and was hired to remove all the hazards and fill in the holes with dirt. I scrapped out the pipe).
@@gregblackburn4280 I made a video about that land clearing job I was talking about: th-cam.com/video/tggqRuNrK9M/w-d-xo.html ... I didn't wreck any equipment but ran into the same array of junk and trash you are describing. All I found was garbage and old outhouses: nothing good! :)
I love just about any mini skidsteer, things are handier then a shirt pocket, usually powered to match there capabilities, get into just about anywhere, and beat the heck out if a shovel or carrying stuff by hand.
It's not a skidsteer, you go into doing something fast and hard with it the job will laugh at you, but they can do so many things and get into tighter places to do them, weigh less for transport, use less fuel, and better visibility.
I was talking with a guy the other day who used one doing a BASEMENT renovation ... got in there under the house and cleared things out for new concrete. Super handy in small spaces! You said it man
@@metaspencer I'm a fence contractor, do residential, agricultural, and commercial jobs, plus do mobile welding. I bought a ditch witch sk 1050 in 2019 thinking it would be handy for digging holes in backyards.. I swear I use the thing every day between moving materials, welder, working on equipment on the farm, working on tractors, cutting firewood. Looking for a second one nows
@@allenmcintosh1184 It's so great to find the right machine like you did. Awesome to hear. I used to be a fence builder and hauled all supplies to the backyard on a wagon. Oooomph! It was tough but rewarding
@@metaspencer I'm a dissabled veteran, mostly back problems so carrying stuff and hand digging I'm not a fan of🙅🙅 I made a hitch to be able to drag a small flatbed lawnmower trailer behind it along with skids for all types of stuff
I know what you mean about buying stuff from China. Helped a friend buy a Diesel generator and it took forever to get and was damaged. You never mentioned price but by the time we shipped the thing and paid all the middlemen the cost was double. Still far cheaper than the real brand name. Worked fine once all the broken parts were replaced and loose bolts tightened.
That sounds like a bit of a fiasco and getting this thing here from China also took several months. China closed Shanghai due to Covid right in the middle of the deal, and that didn't help. With all that said, though, many "name brand" tools are made in the same factories anyway, so I don't always see a huge difference
@@metaspencer That generator with the Cummins clone engine runs great and looks exactly like the real deal. 25 Kw for about 3000 dollars by the time it arrived. The shippers had broken off a valve cover and bent the serpentine pulley, and some manifold bolts were loose so we ended up checking torque on everything including the bearing and head bolts. As you said the quality of parts looked about the same as a regular 4B engine.
@@chargermopar Good thing you knew how to get it back on track and running ... nice deal man
Weld a couple stakes on your foot deck on back and put some old metal weights from barbell's. Perfect for counterweights for your grapple. Doesn't seem too bad. I'm an asphalt paving guy that has been in the construction industry for over 40 years and they all break! New, old and the best! I go for the best bang for the buck
I hear ya about everything breaking down. It's not if, but when. Thanks for the idea on those weights: a simple solution and I'm gonna do it.
@@metaspenceragreed and subbed 👍💯🇺🇲
Ever hear of a tarp?my question to you is: would you buy it again if you had it to do over?
Looks industrious anough to mount counter weight under the back.maby a couple of side saddle weights.
Still looks to small.
But from the aspect now you have a mobile hydraulic pto tool carrier.😉
This "tarp" you speak of -- sounds like a brilliant invention! :) Yeah I'd buy it again ... it's not the best mini skid steer out there by a long shot but the price was right for me and I use the dang thing just about every day. You're right about the weights for sure
@@metaspencer yeh I've seen the equipment sticker shock of the real ones.ive often felt like doing just what you did.
nice addition! this should improve the ground crews game.
Yeah the crew will be happy when they find out :)
Very good video sharing, let me know the packaging issues must be waterproof when shipping in the future. I will continue to follow your channel. Thanks!
Thanks for dropping a comment and let me know if you want me to test out any of your machines for some videos
@@metaspencer Thank you, I'm looking forward to it. Happy weekend, sir.
@@metaspencer How can I send you some videos?
@@GOPHERS_PC10 metaspencer at gmail works
@@metaspencer OK👌I see.
What do you do for parts? Oil filters and so on? I'm very interested in one
Briggs and Stratton engine so filters are at Lowes :)
It would be great if you do a deep dive into the whole process from finding it buying it and picking it up. Since I live in NY myself and have some experience with shipping I'm curious.
Cool idea -- I've heard that from a few others as well. Thanks for the idea
@@metaspencer And tell us the cost including shipping.
@@codetech5598 I didn't mention exact price in the video because prices change over time and videos last a while. This machine is $12k right now, but but taxes and fees and freight and customs and all of that probably closer to $15k. If you can't pick it up at a coastal port shipping would be another charge. The name brand machines from dealers are over $50k ... here’s a link to the loader I got so you can see the specs and all that: www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2
@@metaspencer When you are talking about the name brand machines, do you mean ones of similar size and weight and gasoline engine type to the Chinese one you tested?
@@codetech5598 looking at Toro, Bobcat, Vermeer, and Ditchwitch it was hard to find smaller machines ... I was thinking about machine type: stand on track loaders
Nice little machine. Great video
Thanks for checking it out, man
How do you like this machine after a year of use? Any major issues or concerns come up? I have been looking at one of these that comes with a snow blower attachment. I haven't found anybody that has reviewed the snow blower yet but I would assume it would work pretty well as long as the skid steer holds up.
I have really liked the machine -- it's one heck of a lifter. With that said I did end up getting a second heavier and more powerful machine because I lift a lot of heavy logs. I haven't used the snow blower but sounds awesome
What are the cost details and the final price the loader gets to you?
about 9k for the machine and 3k to get it to NY
In total, what did you spend on it? The price of the machine, the price of having a shipping agent and such...
What is it's lifting capacity? I have a small landscaping and tree company. And I'm totally interested in this. The vermeeers and toros are like 30k
Hey man -- I didn't mention exact price in the video because prices change over time and videos last a while. This machine is about $12k right now, but with taxes and fees and freight and customs and all of that probably closer to $15k. If you can't pick it up at a coastal port shipping would be another charge. The name brand machines from dealers are over $50k ... as for lifting capacity it can lift right around 450 lbs. Vermeers and Toros are up over $50k last I checked
How is this holding up after months of use? Been looking for something affordable for my home shop, not looking to spend 30k on a dingo to move some firewood around.
Check out my more recent vids and you'll see that it's still going strong. I recently bought a bigger, heavier machine for jobs -- but I was torn because this little mini skid has been great. Very simple and saves a lot of work
I like this guy he’s pretty funny, also its admirable just how many of people’s comments he has replied to
Hey look, another comment and chance to reply! Much appreciated and thanks for checking out the machine
Cool little machine new subscriber I'm into Rc trucks and construction machine but love heavy equipment hope to see more equipment
Excellent good to hear. I have some RC trucks… lots of fun
This would be a serious weapon paired with a Wallenstein Timber Talon. I got one with the add on engine and hydraulic package and that thing would pull and load the dump trailer perfectly.
In 5 years I have moved 2000 cubic yards out of my gravel pit and toted hundreds of cords of wood. That would be perfect in towing it for low impact logging.
I haven't heard of that Wallenstein Timber Talon ... I'll have to check it out!
Cool little machine.
In the winter it will serve as a nut warmer!
There ya go ... double duty!
You should weld on a pair of hooks on the side/rear to weigh the unit down. I think I’d like to get one!!
I agree with you about the weight ... a little bit would go a long way (like 50lbs)
A short video break down of purchasing price , shipping price, importingprice ect. Would be amazing!
I've had that request from a few others, so have gotta put it together when a get a free second. Thanks for the encouragement
I have a similar small grapple on my TYM sub-kompakt. I think they use the same unit with different QuikkAttach mounts. Bekuzz I'm pretty sure they are the same dimensions
I'll have to look into some other attachments ... it's cool that these are compatible with so many tools and each other.
@@metaspencer man. They make konversion plates between the mini SSQA and the standard. I will be buying a mini grapple as soon as my standard sized SSQA weld plate arrives. Then burning a 48" mini grapple onto it.
My TYM doesn't have the greatest lift power. So i figure lighter is better and just use akkordingly. I really appreciate the rake type grapple bekuzz you kan plow with them like a dozer so to illustrate.
@@subixbarbarasson6052 sounds good!
hahahah the water, flip the bucket over and put the box under it friends!
i have been looking at getting one of these and a snow blower attachment for year-round use
that sounds like a pretty good setup ... they're pretty good in the snow with those tracks