Chinese mini excavator purchase/review

[hunterdan]

Well I just hit Buy now on an eBay mini ex.

I've got some scrap metal(lots of it) to remove from a piece of property where I'm building a home. A rental mini was going to cost me 4k per month and I think I need one for about 2 months minimum.
Anyway this mini should also be helpful in doing footers, power and water lines from well to home and outbuilding etc.
Its a 2024 2ton(3950lbs) with hydraulic thumb, pilot controls, boom swing.
Best of all it has the Kubota D902 diesel. 24.8HP @3600rpm.
It should arrive around the 25th of this month.
I'll do an initial review and then ad notes as I put it to the test.
For anyone interested it was 11,200+tax(11,956) delivered .
Once it arrives as described I'll provide the seller's contact. Can't recommend yet.
***Note- seller is on eBay under (kamranmotors)
Chicago, IL
Main issue is weight is not as described by -1k lbs.
Also ordered the open cab and he said "sorry I sold you one I don't have...how about a cabin model for another $900 discounted from $1500 upgrade? I requested a cancellation of sale. He then offered the cab at no additional cost.

***After receiving it I weighed it at a local scale.
It's not 2 tons even with the cab. It's a total 1.5 tons with open cab and 3300lbs with cab.

Overall I'm happy for the price and what I need it for so I'd give 4stars. If you can get passed the weight discrepancy, and realize you must get the model and it's availability hammered down before purchase etc.

 

[grapehead]

There's a dude over on irate messing with these.

The mini excavator thread

Sounds cheap for a Cat It's a 1.5 metric ton Cat, same size as the ones seen for $6k at auctions but with stick steer.

irate4x4.com

 

[jeepinmatt]

There's a dude over on irate messing with these.

The mini excavator thread

Sounds cheap for a Cat It's a 1.5 metric ton Cat, same size as the ones seen for $6k at auctions but with stick steer.

irate4x4.com

That dude is @bgaidan and he is on NC4x4 too Good dude, bought some sweet tires from me a few months ago.

FWIW, I have a 7500lb Takeuchi TB135 for sale for anyone else that is looking that I'd take a firm $21k for. Hydraulic thumb, new tracks, 2 buckets, works like a champ. It's not Chinese, but it's still Asian

 

[ghost]

That dude is @bgaidan and he is on NC4x4 too Good dude, bought some sweet tires from me a few months ago.

FWIW, I have a 7500lb Takeuchi TB135 for sale for anyone else that is looking that I'd take a firm $21k for. Hydraulic thumb, new tracks, 2 buckets, works like a champ. It's not Chinese, but it's still Asian

Yes I recently saw your's on FB. I resisted the urge to mess with you....

 

[jeepinmatt]

Yes I recently saw your's on FB. I resisted the urge to mess with you....

Feel free to mess with me. Can’t be any worse than regular Facebook, ha ha.

 

[ghost]

Feel free to mess with me. Can’t be any worse than regular Facebook, ha ha.

I was going to ask the NC4X4 price but first thought I’d hit the is this still available button. Lol.

 

[bgaidan]

That dude is @bgaidan and he is on NC4x4 too Good dude, bought some sweet tires from me a few months ago.

FWIW, I have a 7500lb Takeuchi TB135 for sale for anyone else that is looking that I'd take a firm $21k for. Hydraulic thumb, new tracks, 2 buckets, works like a champ. It's not Chinese, but it's still Asian

Hey, that's me.

I have a load of ones very similar tot he one in the OP en route right now. I can't sell them quite as cheap as that one, but mine will have a few more bells and whistles.


There are only 3 or 4 major manufacturers of them and hundreds of companies reselling them under different names. Almost all of them also source parts from the same places so different brands will still have a lot in common. The big manufactures are Rippa, High Top, Agrotec, etc.

They all lie about the specs, capacities and weights. The OP is listed as a 2 ton. They're sold as 1.8 (metric) ton machines and the seller is being a little sleazy by listing it as 2 imperial tons. And it likely only weighs about 1.5 metric tons. When I was talking to manufacturers and asking about weights, they'd all talk shit about the other guys and send me pics of theirs on the competitions' on a scale.

This is pretty close to the one one in the OP. They're showing it as about 1.5 metric tons.

But then this came from the competition claiming that it's actually 1.3 ton WITH the cab.

The one in the OP looks really close to a High Top HT18, but there are a few things off so likely another assembler that's buying parts from them.



These are the machines I have on order right now. Pretty similar to the OP's - Kubota D722, Parker Pump, Eaton Motors, side swing, hydro thumb, expanding tracks, ISO switch

 

[hunterdan]

Thanks for all the info. These minis are a booming business. I'd like a container of them but don't know which chinese shippers to trust.
I sold a Bobcat 334 last year and don't expect this one to be anywhere near as strong or smooth. Hopefully, it will be handy though doing miscellaneous task around the property. I've got some footers to dig and will post results.
I wish I had gotten something with expanding tracks and 2 speed but they were in the 15k+/- price.

 

[bgaidan]

Thanks for all the info. These minis are a booming business. I'd like a container of them but don't know which chinese shippers to trust.
I sold a Bobcat 334 last year and don't expect this one to be anywhere near as strong or smooth. Hopefully, it will be handy though doing miscellaneous task around the property. I've got some footers to dig and will post results.
I wish I had gotten something with expanding tracks and 2 speed but they were in the 15k+/- price.

That's roughly where mine will come in at price wise.

I'm curious to see some detail pics when you get it - especially the pump(s) and motors and the cooling systems. I'm pretty sure it came from the same factory as the ones I have coming, but I suspect it was made for a different brand name or something. I haven't figured out exactly which one is using that particular stamping pattern on the sheet metal yet. Funny thing too, I'm looking at the ebay auction from your seller and they're up to $11,900 + tax & shipping now. Freight costs are crazy high and the whole Baltimore thing hasn't helped any. I bet they just got the quote on the their next shipment.

The pilot control machines like this are supposed to be way smoother and less jerky than the forward control, direct valve ones. I started out with a load of slightly nicer versions of the cheaper 1-ton machines you see everywhere. They're still handy as hell, but really jerky until you learn the finesse. Most of my seat time has been in 20 to 50+ ton machines playing around at work so these took a little adjustment to get used to. Still beats a shovel!

These were my 1 tons.....or .9 ton or something like that.

 

[bgaidan]

Funny thing too, Groundhog equipment out of PA has gotten pretty big in the last year or two and have a handful of independent dealers around the country now, including one in Winston Salem. They sell a very similar version for $16k, without some of the options. They were quoting close to $19k out the door earlier this year, but I think the amount of competition out there has beat them down a bit.

KH20D / ZH20D / BH20D – CCB Equipment

ccbequipment.com

 

[hunterdan]

That's roughly where mine will come in at price wise.

I'm curious to see some detail pics when you get it - especially the pump(s) and motors and the cooling systems. I'm pretty sure it came from the same factory as the ones I have coming, but I suspect it was made for a different brand name or something. I haven't figured out exactly which one is using that particular stamping pattern on the sheet metal yet. Funny thing too, I'm looking at the ebay auction from your seller and they're up to $11,900 + tax & shipping now. Freight costs are crazy high and the whole Baltimore thing hasn't helped any. I bet they just got the quote on the their next shipment.

The pilot control machines like this are supposed to be way smoother and less jerky than the forward control, direct valve ones. I started out with a load of slightly nicer versions of the cheaper 1-ton machines you see everywhere. They're still handy as hell, but really jerky until you learn the finesse. Most of my seat time has been in 20 to 50+ ton machines playing around at work so these took a little adjustment to get used to. Still beats a shovel!

These were my 1 tons.....or .9 ton or something like that.
View attachment 415929

Yeah, I believe they all come out of the same factory and each buyer gets his own sheet metal design for the body.
The reason I got this one is the 902 Kubota vs the 722 offered by most. It has the same hydraulic cooler and probably the same drive motors etc.
Some of the 1.8/2 ton models end up weighing 3k-3500lbs. This one claims an actual 3950lbs. I'll believe it when I take it to the scale at the dump. Its about a mile from here and I'll update....if it actually shows up at the end of April.

 

[hunterdan]

Funny thing too, Groundhog equipment out of PA has gotten pretty big in the last year or two and have a handful of independent dealers around the country now, including one in Winston Salem. They sell a very similar version for $16k, without some of the options. They were quoting close to $19k out the door earlier this year, but I think the amount of competition out there has beat them down a bit.

KH20D / ZH20D / BH20D – CCB Equipment

ccbequipment.com

View attachment 415931

I've seen some retailers getting in the 15-20k range for their 1.8/2 tons with a few upgrades but at that price I'd just buy a Bobcat 331/334 with a couple thousand hrs. Before my purchase I was giving a 2016 Deere 17G a serious look. It had 700hrs+/- and was 15k. It didn't have a thumb but was a close candidate.

 

[bgaidan]

Yeah, I believe they all come out of the same factory and each buyer gets his own sheet metal design for the body.
The reason I got this one is the 902 Kubota vs the 722 offered by most. It has the same hydraulic cooler and probably the same drive motors etc.
Some of the 1.8/2 ton models end up weighing 3k-3500lbs. This one claims an actual 3950lbs. I'll believe it when I take it to the scale at the dump. Its about a mile from here and I'll update....if it actually shows up at the end of April.

Not to poop in the punch bowl, but are you sure it's a 902? I know they say that in the title of the listing, but on the specs they list as either a 722 or Koop 292.

A couple of the manufacturers I've talked to show the 902 as an option, but the always spec them out with the 722.

Although the 902 could make up the extra weight to where it's actually a 1.8 ton and not 1.5.

 

[hunterdan]

I spoke to him directly and he said he needs to edit that old ad. He claimed he made a deal with the factory for all to come with D922 for his shipments.
There's a fella in Memphis that has a good rep. Last name Yang. He offers the 722 or the 25hp Laidong engine. I almost went with him because he said the Laidong was noticeably stronger than the 722. He also claimed parts were quicker to get than Kubota...
Here's the spec.sheet. It says 16hp at 2200rpm. I've seen other data sheets on the D902-EF08 that show the same but as 24.8hp @3600rpm

 

[bgaidan]

I spoke to him directly and he said he need.tonedit that old ad. He claimed he made a deal with the factory for all to come with D922 for his shipments.
There's a fella in Memphis that has a good rep. Last name Yang. He offers the 722 or the 25hp Laidong engine. I almost went with him because he said the Laidong was noticeably stronger than the 722. He also claimed parts were quicker to get than Kubota...
Here's the spec.sheet. It says 16hp at 2200rpm. I've seen other data sheets on the D902-EF08 that show the same but as 24.8hp @3600rpm

Interesting. Glad you confirmed that before you bought! I've seen so many of the resellers that don't have a clue what they're actually selling.

There are apparently various versions of both engines. Kubota has the 722 listed anywhere from 16.4 to 20hp and the 902 is pretty consistently shows as 24.8.


Then again, I have an older Grasshopper zero turn mower with the 722 in it and they listed it as 21 hp, so who knows!?

 

[hunterdan]

Update;
Today is the day seller said the mini ex would arrive in the US and would go through customs etc.
He had told me he would call and explain shipping/receiving the week after I paid for it.
I never got a call. I sent 2 messages through eBay and got no reply. I decided to call him today because tomorrow is the last day I can file a case and get a refund on eBay.
I asked where is the machine at this point? He said sorry but I don't have your machine. He asked me to look at photos of one with an upgrade that he can send instead...and stay on time. My original machine will take another month etc.
He offered the same machine but with an enclosed cab. I said I don't want an enclosed cab...
He said it's a $1500 upgrade but I'll take $900.
At that point I sent him a cancel order through eBay.
In the end through eBay emails he has offered the same machine I bought but with a cab at no extra charge.
I figured maybe I'll like it and if I don't I can take out all the glass and have a sturdier steel roof and ROPS.
I two finger type so dang! Anyway just trying to give the full experience and future review.

 

[jeepinmatt]

Update;
Today is the day seller said the mini ex would arrive in the US and would go through customs etc.
He had told me he would call and explain shipping/receiving the week after I paid for it.
I never got a call. I sent 2 messages through eBay and got no reply. I decided to call him today because tomorrow is the last day I can file a case and get a refund on eBay.
I asked where is the machine at this point? He said sorry but I don't have your machine. He asked me to look at photos of one with an upgrade that he can send instead...and stay on time. My original machine will take another month etc.
He offered the same machine but with an enclosed cab. I said I don't want an enclosed cab...
He said it's a $1500 upgrade but I'll take $900.
At that point I sent him a cancel order through eBay.
In the end through eBay emails he has offered the same machine I bought but with a cab at no extra charge.
I figured maybe I'll like it and if I don't I can take out all the glass and have a sturdier steel roof and ROPS.
I two finger type so dang! Anyway just trying to give the full experience and future review.

Just come buy mine. It’ll run circles around it and is easy to get parts for. Plus I’ll take partial trade on a 7k single axle tilt trailer

 

[bgaidan]

Update;
Today is the day seller said the mini ex would arrive in the US and would go through customs etc.
He had told me he would call and explain shipping/receiving the week after I paid for it.
I never got a call. I sent 2 messages through eBay and got no reply. I decided to call him today because tomorrow is the last day I can file a case and get a refund on eBay.
I asked where is the machine at this point? He said sorry but I don't have your machine. He asked me to look at photos of one with an upgrade that he can send instead...and stay on time. My original machine will take another month etc.
He offered the same machine but with an enclosed cab. I said I don't want an enclosed cab...
He said it's a $1500 upgrade but I'll take $900.
At that point I sent him a cancel order through eBay.
In the end through eBay emails he has offered the same machine I bought but with a cab at no extra charge.
I figured maybe I'll like it and if I don't I can take out all the glass and have a sturdier steel roof and ROPS.
I two finger type so dang! Anyway just trying to give the full experience and future review.

Only negative thing I've heard about the cabs on some models (not sure on that specific one) is that the cab was an afterthought and blocks access to some of the panels and in some cases you couldn't even access the fuel cap without removing part of the cab. But it should be easy enough to remove the whole thing if you don't like it.

 

[hunterdan]

Only negative thing I've heard about the cabs on some models (not sure on that specific one) is that the cab was an afterthought and blocks access to some of the panels and in some cases you couldn't even access the fuel cap without removing part of the cab. But it should be easy enough to remove the whole thing if you don't like it.

Yep, I saw someone trying to remove an access door and the cab was on it. Hopefully that's not the case.
It's supposed to arrive tomorrow so I'll update with pics etc.

 

[hunterdan]

It's here!
I was worried about being scammed but it arrived as described.
I was most worried that it would be the 702 Kubota but it truly is a D902 Kubota.
Also a welcome surprise...it's orange and not red like I thought. I will be ordering some Kubota stickers tonight.lol
The motor sounds great and hydraulics are smoother than I thought they would be. I've operated numerous machines over the years so I imagine that helps. I must say it's the slowest machine I've ever been on. The trailer I bought to haul it will be handy moving to different parts of my property.
***Note*** I have two of these trailers and am going to sell one. I'll list with price tomorrow. They are twins and have both been repainted and have new tires, decals. It's a Hudson 18' single axle with tilt 6'x12' steel deck and elec. brakes. 3 ton capacity 7560 GVWR

I'm planning to weigh machine tomorrow and will post actual weight and continue with comments/review. I'll also post sellers info at the top asap.

 

[hunterdan]

Hey, that's me.

I have a load of ones very similar tot he one in the OP en route right now. I can't sell them quite as cheap as that one, but mine will have a few more bells and whistles.


There are only 3 or 4 major manufacturers of them and hundreds of companies reselling them under different names. Almost all of them also source parts from the same places so different brands will still have a lot in common. The big manufactures are Rippa, High Top, Agrotec, etc.

They all lie about the specs, capacities and weights. The OP is listed as a 2 ton. They're sold as 1.8 (metric) ton machines and the seller is being a little sleazy by listing it as 2 imperial tons. And it likely only weighs about 1.5 metric tons. When I was talking to manufacturers and asking about weights, they'd all talk shit about the other guys and send me pics of theirs on the competitions' on a scale.

This is pretty close to the one one in the OP. They're showing it as about 1.5 metric tons.
View attachment 415856

But then this came from the competition claiming that it's actually 1.3 ton WITH the cab.
View attachment 415857



The one in the OP looks really close to a High Top HT18, but there are a few things off so likely another assembler that's buying parts from them.



These are the machines I have on order right now. Pretty similar to the OP's - Kubota D722, Parker Pump, Eaton Motors, side swing, hydro thumb, expanding tracks, ISO switch
View attachment 415855View attachment 415859

Just got back from the scale at the dump. It weighs an actual 3300lbs with the cab. So I'm guessing you nailed it at 1.5ton with open cab. I'm happy with the machine but that pisses me off. It a 1000lbs less than advertised which ain't a little bit...

 

[bgaidan]

Just got back from the scale at the dump. It weighs an actual 3300lbs with the cab. So I'm guessing you nailed it at 1.5ton with open cab. I'm happy with the machine but that pisses me off. It a 1000lbs less than advertised which ain't a little bit...

Well, we can at least ay they're all consistent at being dishonest!

Curious - what does the data plate show for weight?

Also, I'm assuming you did indeed get a 902? Is there a specific 902 model number on the engine? Curious to track down the specs of the exact model they're using.


Someone told me the other day that they list the max weight as fully dressed, with a standard bucket full of material, full fluids AND the operator so it's just a bit of slimey marketing. But even then, you're not hitting the 1,000lb difference you got.


If it helps any, most of the dealers are clueless and are just going by what the shitty Chinese sellers are telling them. I've made it a point to tell people "it's marketed as a 1.8 ton machine, but it'll scale closer to 1.5". But you also have to watch the difference between metric and imperial tons. In reality, the Chinese are selling those machines as metric tons so your 1.8 metric ton machine should technically be a few pounds shy of 2 imperial tons. Luckily, many of the dumb US sellers don't get that math so they're selling them as 1.8 imperial tons, which is at least a little less of a ripoff.


For reference, this is one of the data plates for the 6 machines I have on the way right now. They list "operating weight" as 1800kg. Unless you're putting 700 lb operator in the seat, which would be hilarious, you're never going to get there.

 

[bgaidan]

Actually, now that I think about it, if you had a full bucket, say 5-600lbs, as 2-300 lb operator and a full tank of diesel, you might be damn close.


I've never actually paid attention to how the big companies actually rate their machines either. I've been in the civil construction field for 20 or so years, rented hundreds of machines but never cared enough to get in to that level of detail! I have a feeling I'm about to fall in to a rabbit hole!

 

[kaiser715]

Unless you're putting 700 lb operator in the seat, which would be hilarious, you're never going to get there.

Well, they are selling to Americans.... I've seen some rather large operators.

 

[Bogleparsons]

Actually, now that I think about it, if you had a full bucket, say 5-600lbs, as 2-300 lb operator and a full tank of diesel, you might be damn close.


I've never actually paid attention to how the big companies actually rate their machines either. I've been in the civil construction field for 20 or so years, rented hundreds of machines but never cared enough to get in to that level of detail! I have a feeling I'm about to fall in to a rabbit hole!

A full bucket of WHAT osmium?