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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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 👍🏻

@JohnSmith-tz4on

9 ай бұрын

Yes I know they change the name brand like every other day but what brand is it please?

@d1v1s1onby0

9 ай бұрын

@@JohnSmith-tz4on it was a Luzhong 304. 4x4 for the conditions here

@JohnSmith-tz4on

9 ай бұрын

@@d1v1s1onby0 thanks!

@listenmullahsb

2 ай бұрын

​@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.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Richard, really appreciate the support. ♥️

@michaelmactavish4445

Жыл бұрын

that mini ex is identicle kubota

@idothings6685

Жыл бұрын

Okay "richard", aka Ian's mom...

@leojunior7589

Жыл бұрын

​@@michaelmactavish4445 Kubota is very good. Chinese is not good. It sucks.

@michaelmactavish4445

Жыл бұрын

@@leojunior7589 some there stuff is good

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

@3Sphere

Жыл бұрын

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.

@davejaguar6532

Жыл бұрын

Dead right Awesome Games, the truth at last.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

I am going to have to try to rent a big machine just to see the difference. 😀

@jamesmolnar7780

Жыл бұрын

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

@growingoldandhavingfun4391

Жыл бұрын

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 personally like the stigma surrounding chinese manufacturing. Its really the only thing keeping the prices down!

@HomesteadingUncontained

7 ай бұрын

If they stuck a badge on it, no one would know the difference as most of the parts are built there anyway 🤣

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Exactly Ken, the convenience of having it on hand is the key.

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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.

@georgeton4991

2 ай бұрын

@@HomesteadingUncontained China can be GOOD.

@why67152

Ай бұрын

Right on dude!! Cheers from Northern Arizona here... I want one!!!

@Skylancer727

19 күн бұрын

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 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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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.

@Longtack55

2 ай бұрын

You are a good man.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

That is the way to go - organise your own shipping. I know for next time for sure.

@t.p.9232

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@James cardy

@jamescardy3530

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@theobserver8881

Жыл бұрын

nah, there is no such thing thing as export fees, only import fees.

This is BY FAR the most honest product review I’ve seen on KZread!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers John 👍🏻

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Haha, love your comment.... cheers Mark 👍🏻

@bradleycooper5436

2 ай бұрын

the "made in usa" is made in china too...

@jasonvanhalle

Ай бұрын

Do you have steady suppliers you've had good experiences with? Or are you using an Alibaba type site?

@Skylancer727

19 күн бұрын

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.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

3 ай бұрын

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. 👍🏻

@cliffordmontana4562

Ай бұрын

@@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.

@Skylancer727

19 күн бұрын

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

18 күн бұрын

@@Skylancer727 US government - the EU already have varying import duties. I wonder if they include tesla in that 😂

@Skylancer727

18 күн бұрын

@@HomesteadingUncontained I mean we already have import duties, over 20%, but they are planning to raise them across the board.

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!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, much appreciated 💙

@jimdevlin4949

Жыл бұрын

Beautiful comment!

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!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Mike, much appreciated

That is a cool machine

@HomesteadingUncontained

11 ай бұрын

Cheers 👍

Nothing wrong with Chinese equipment, great stuff. Save money

@HomesteadingUncontained

11 ай бұрын

Exactly my thoughts, cheers 👍

@MrXelaim

Ай бұрын

We really need higher import taxes on them.

@labandonaldhock80

Ай бұрын

@@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.

@labandonaldhock80

Ай бұрын

Buy them used in Canada save the 25--% tariff

Every machine has their limits. Seat time is what improves your speed and accuracy.

@chucknorris277

Жыл бұрын

Go to a dealer and sit in the seat first.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

It is coming, 1st time this week I felt comfortable and smooth. So it is coming.

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!

@MrWhateverfits

Жыл бұрын

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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.

@paradiselost9946

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, $500 is a steal, I won't move my machines for less than $1000...

@theoztreecrasher2647

Жыл бұрын

@@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! 😉

It's still better than a shovel

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

I gave mine to Julie 👍🏻

Thanks for the video.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Ай бұрын

No problem 😌

It’s amazing how many experts are out there in KZread land that have NEVER operated anything bigger than their TV remote! This thing looks like a fun little machine for around the property work!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Joe, it is working great for me 👍🏻

@Krunch2020

2 ай бұрын

Describes me perfectly! Where’s my remote?

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Will 👍🏻

I LIKE IT. THUMPS UP

@HomesteadingUncontained

9 ай бұрын

Cheers 👍🏻

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.

@bblauter

Жыл бұрын

sort of like buying from harbor freight

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Yes, we have checked and double checks along the way. It is mine so you have to look after it.

@shelbyseelbach9568

Жыл бұрын

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.

@michaelmactavish4445

Жыл бұрын

that mini ex has kubota diesel

@HenryLoenwind

Жыл бұрын

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.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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. 👍🏻

@DavidJackson-hc3bi

4 ай бұрын

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!

Nice video, cute machine!!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🏻

Now you've got 3 thumbs ! ! ! ..Life is good

@HomesteadingUncontained

11 ай бұрын

Cheers 👍👍👍

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Doug, I do try to ignore them but it can be difficult

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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. 😀

Good show!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

👍🏻

Excellent video thanks for sharing

@HomesteadingUncontained

2 ай бұрын

Cheers, no problem 👍🏻

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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....

@joewilson3393

Жыл бұрын

I've seen a LOT of hit and miss on these video's. Definitely a do your homework moment.

@randomdude8202

Жыл бұрын

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.

@user-xe1gd7yt8z

11 ай бұрын

在中国这样的机器很多，800~20000人民币之间。

@HomesteadingUncontained

11 ай бұрын

@@user-xe1gd7yt8z Exactly, they are not just made for export. 👍🏻

Bought 2 and THERE IS NO REGRET! Great machine for the farm

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Great news - they are very useful for sure.

Northern AZ here!! I want one damn it!!

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 KZread. This is the first real English in-depth review on these things and that's super valuable for everyone.

@1pcfred

Жыл бұрын

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

No worries Alec, it is proving better than expected for sure.

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!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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.

@jeffcamp481

Жыл бұрын

@@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!

Bravo!

@HomesteadingUncontained

11 ай бұрын

Cheers 👍🏻

Thanks for packing a LOT of good information!

@HomesteadingUncontained

15 күн бұрын

Cheers for watching 😀

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 👍

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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.🐌

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 . . . . :)

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, we keep stopping and thinking the same....we do love it though 👍🏻

@1pcfred

Жыл бұрын

You eat an elephant one bite at a time. You stick with it and you can do anything. It just may take a while.

Awsom video really enjoyed it thanx

@HomesteadingUncontained

15 күн бұрын

Thank you ☺️

Fantastic people wish them all the best thank you for the videos👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍🏻

I have no real need for one, but I WANT one! Great review.

@1pcfred

Жыл бұрын

When I was a little kid I'd always see these ads in magazines for these little tracked vehicles. Oh man like the ultimate Tonka toy! I wanted one so bad. There's videos of them here. They're called Struck magnatrac. Go have a look at those.

@MatthewPautzke

Жыл бұрын

@@1pcfred Those do look cool, but even the smallest dozer starts at 5k for a build it yourself kit.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Matthew 👍🏻

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Exactly, if you never try you never know - I am pretty happy with it.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

No problem, enjoy doing it 👍🏻

Congrats man you did well i will folow your example

@HomesteadingUncontained

7 ай бұрын

No problem, there are a lot of suppliers out there so have a good look around.

Loved the DYI video video. Thanks

@HomesteadingUncontained

Ай бұрын

Thanks ☺️

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 😁

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Lutz, some comments you cannot believe and reply want to reply but it is just not worth it....👍🏻

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!

@HomesteadingUncontained

7 ай бұрын

No problem - I am still very happy with the machine and the company I bought it from.

Great video , I wouldn’t wear a seat belt , because if it rolls you want to jump clear , well done for having a go Mate ,

@HomesteadingUncontained

7 ай бұрын

Controversial 😀 But I do feel a little safer with it on as it does jump about a bit.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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).

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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.

@ulbuilder

Жыл бұрын

​@@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?

@mdmconstruction

9 ай бұрын

Yeah jcb micro .8 ton, 15-20k my chinavator (08) 5k

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

9 ай бұрын

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.

Excellent !

@HomesteadingUncontained

Ай бұрын

Thank you 👍🏻

I'm glad to see a person enjoying his experience, thank you

@HomesteadingUncontained

Ай бұрын

👍🏻

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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 🤪

@berettaboi

10 ай бұрын

Curious what you bought, and how much you paid "landed" here to Canada. Also if it's doing well and holding up.

@PEEJ08

10 ай бұрын

@@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.

@HogBoss850

8 ай бұрын

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

@berettaboi

8 ай бұрын

@@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...

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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 just hope that people listen closely to you and learn. There's a lot of good advice in this video!!!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Frederick.

Perfect video - now I know!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers 👍🏻

Love this follow up. Seeing your confidence and skill level grow on that machine in each video has been great.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Harry, means a lot 👍🏻

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

I am going to check out the seat, I am not sure I have much adjustment, maybe drill out and reposition.

Thank you for making videos and very good info. You helped thousands of other people, even a year later.

@HomesteadingUncontained

10 күн бұрын

Thank you so much Frank 👍🏻

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, much appreciated.👍🏻

We bought exactly the same machine (based on Ian’s first series) and are very happy!! We bought it ‘door 2 door’ which included all (!) transport (excl import duties)not our address in France. See Incoterms. They do these quotes as well!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

I think I would do that next time. Hope all is well with the machine.

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, much appreciated. Hope to get up to above 100 hours by the time I start on the house.

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 👍😃

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

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 🤣)

@theoztreecrasher2647

Жыл бұрын

@@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! 😜😁

Great balanced review, thanks!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 👍

If thing goes well, I plan to meet with Mr Frank at his Shangdong office year end to get know further about mini excavator.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Would be interested in hearing your experience 👍

@georgeton4991

2 ай бұрын

@@HomesteadingUncontained shandong bun is very famous.

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

That is great, I hope it all works out. Who did you deal with from the supplier.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the advice, I will do that at the end of the season. Thanks

@closertothetruth9209

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@@closertothetruth9209 lol, no free lunch. You'd get less energy per tank.

@closertothetruth9209

Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@closertothetruth9209

Жыл бұрын

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.

I appreciate your video, Im an amateur operator and I find it very useful.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers, the more people share their experience the more confident you become. 👍

Good job. Go on mate. Bless you

@HomesteadingUncontained

11 ай бұрын

Cheers Antoine. 👍

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

6 ай бұрын

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 👍🏻

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.

@JohnSmith-yv6eq

Жыл бұрын

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....

@theoztreecrasher2647

Жыл бұрын

@@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. 😉

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Royce, really appreciate it. Only listen to your self and it will work (hopefully)

Great set of advise, expecting mine in two months😊

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Great news Holly, I hope it all works out for you, just be patient 👍🏻

Awesome video, enjoyed watching it. Fair dinkum mate!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, much appreciated

Nice video i have one on the way right now im very excited

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Hope it all goes well, thanks for your comment👍🏻

Fair play to you Ian, it’s not easy learning on a smaller machine kudos to you my friend

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

haha, for me it is normal......but when I see the big guys lounging in their arm chairs shifting tonnes of material, I do think, they are not looking scared 🤣

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 🇮🇪.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Aidan, much appreciated 👍🏻

Sounds good to me

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Mike 👍🏻

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

No sponsor although in hindsight.....damn 🤪

So, for $7500, you never have to rent something like this and have the freedom to use it at any moment's whim. I'd say this is an excellent value for the homeowner.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

It is about a months rent here in France, so I now have it for the next few years while I build my house.....slowly 😀

Its better than a shovel.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

I have given that to Julie now 🤣

It's sooooo cute ! You're bigger than it is.

@HomesteadingUncontained

21 күн бұрын

But it has a bigger hand to dig with 🤣

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Exactly right Dave 👍🏻

@deosiewilson732

8 ай бұрын

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 .....

@davejaguar6532

8 ай бұрын

@@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.........

Thanks for the update video. I came for the unboxing and still enjoy the videos. I have bought a lot from China in the past, and never had issues with parts of hidden "features" or similar. If you pay attention when looking you will spot what to avoid. Where I live you have to add 100% to the total price for taxes, etc.. So it would have been around €15500 for me..

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Pfff, that is expensive Tax.... I thought 20% was tough.

If i had a place to dig id definitely buy one

@HomesteadingUncontained

6 ай бұрын

haha, it is fun. Should have bought it years ago

Thanks man!!

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

10 ай бұрын

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.

@antonyharris6904

10 ай бұрын

@@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. 🙂👍🏻

I totally agree about the wider or extending track option. I bought a 1.6 ton machine just before you and wider track wasn't available until a few months after I got mine home. great machine for a hobby farm or landscaping, but stability on uneven ground is its greatest weakness.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

It all comes with experience, and I didn't have any when I bought it - now I woudl have ticked that option straight away.

Great video!!!

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers James 👍🏻

What a nice and level headed person you are. Ignore the naysayers.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I try too 🙏

Im happy to see you a year later & much improved operator . Those that mock you , don’t know what they are doing either. Everyone has to learn how to do equipment. There will always be naysayers or idiots, please ignore them with a smile. Keep up the good work

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Derek. Just makes me admire the pro operators even more when they effortlessly move these machines around. I will get there one day 😀

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 👍

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

That is a pain but if you can keep up the repairs it is always in the shed for the next dig...😉

You're the Hanoi Jane of excavators! Just kidding, great vid and thanks for the update.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

hahaha, I had to look that one up...... 🤣

Cool 👍👍👍gracias

@HomesteadingUncontained

8 ай бұрын

Merci 👍🏻

Happy to see that your machine worked out for you. My NM-E08 didn't fare as well and is in rough shape after not a lot of use. I have a review of it on my channel if you want to compare it to your machine (I don't think I can link to it as KZread might think it's spam).

@OlesMusic

Жыл бұрын

I have watched your review of the E08. I also own the e10, it seems to me that the e08 is a cheaper machine, it cost less, but it's also has less quality in the build.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

That is a shame - I will check out the review, but do tell them specially now their company is under a lot of spotlights at the moment with these videos.

@MartinNr5

Жыл бұрын

@@OlesMusic Happy to hear that your machine is of higher quality. Yes, my NM-08 machine was the cheapest I could find so it stands to reason that it isn't as good.

Good on you mate, don’t let the haters put you off! Sure a known brand would have been better in a lot of ways but for the very limited amount of work you do on it I’d think the cost would outweigh the benefits

@JamesThomas-fk3hu

Жыл бұрын

Also have you thought of getting a grab bucket instead of a thumb?

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Looking back a grab bucket would have been nice, I have the hydraulic point for it. But, again, the cheapest option at the moment was the thumb.

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.

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

I am quite into watching excavators now - did a lot of research before I even went down this path….👍

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Stu, can't wait to get the Thumb...it is on the high seas as I type.

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

@HomesteadingUncontained

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, means a lot 💙