Micro Excavator Maintenance - Questions Answered

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  • @freetacos4everyone55
    @freetacos4everyone55 10 місяців тому +7

    I just got myself one of these as well. Tons of fun, and power is no joke, but 100% for the 'tinkering' type.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому +2

      Yes agreed, agreed and AGREED!!! lol. I’m just learning how to “tinker” with and work on this thing. So far, very easy stuff. Nothing to it.

  • @chestypuller4591
    @chestypuller4591 10 місяців тому +5

    For your next oil change, grab one of those thin flexible plastic cutting boards, like 12"x14", from the kitchen and maneuver it into a position to act as a funnel into your collection pan. You can bend and roll them all sorts of ways. You could add an extension to the drain tube but you'll still need something to guide that oil into your pan.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      Ohhhhhh great idea! I like it. I may just try that. Thanks!

    • @portnuefflyer
      @portnuefflyer 9 місяців тому +1

      Looks like if you ran the the opposite track from the oil drain plug up on a couple 2x6's, 3" of tilt would make that oil change a bit less problematic.

  • @charredskeleton
    @charredskeleton Місяць тому +2

    The plastic brackets are hose separators you can used them to brace lines by ting them together and or screwing them down. Id say look over all the hoses carefully if any are rubbing and wearing use the hose separators!

  • @deadthem
    @deadthem 7 місяців тому +2

    I was gifted one of these with only 33 hours on it. It defently just needed some tuning and some love. Im going to be using it to install small recreational ponds.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  7 місяців тому

      Awesome! So much better than a shovel!

  • @ProteusDIY
    @ProteusDIY 6 місяців тому +4

    Nice video. What happened to the oil drain extension?

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  6 місяців тому +3

      I bought one based on what other users in a Facebook group said worked. It did not. It was too small a diameter. I have a new one I think will fit now, just need to change the oil again.

    • @jonathanyates8414
      @jonathanyates8414 Місяць тому +1

      ​@@OurLifeInTreesPlease update and link if it works, thank you

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому

      @@jonathanyates8414I will

  • @scottfoster2487
    @scottfoster2487 10 місяців тому +2

    I would unbolt the motor and slide in some rubber to reduces friction and reduce vibrations .The plastic pieces are for hose clamping. I would modify the rear cover to be easier to remove with out tools.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      The rubber for the motor seems like a good idea.
      I’m not sure what hoses to clamp.
      I do want to hinge the rear cover, just not sure which way.

    • @scottfoster2487
      @scottfoster2487 10 місяців тому +1

      @@OurLifeInTrees Clamps for the hydraulic hose. Taking about making the smaller vent panel quick removeable.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      Ohhh. Hmmm I bet that would be easy enough to do.

  • @imetr8r
    @imetr8r 5 місяців тому +2

    The access hole in the rear cover might also be for the exhaust of a Kubota engine which is usually a option.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  5 місяців тому +1

      That’s one I haven’t heard before. Yeah, you are right! Great idea. I wonder if it is for another engine.

  • @OldIronAcres
    @OldIronAcres 10 місяців тому +2

    I love this series from you. Anything on these mini excavators, and if they're worth it (I think they possibly are, for a small property/farm. Don't have to get a 5-ton machine)!! Great job! I'm saving pennies, in hopes of getting one someday (I hate digging with a shovel!!)! Love watching what they can do and how they operate. LOL Have a great weekend. Cheers, -- J.Andre. / Old Iron Acres

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому +1

      Awesome! I glad it helps. If there is anything you want to know, just ask. Also if you do end up getting one, feel free to ask anything about your new toy… tool… toy…. Whatever it is! Haha

  • @zoart9335
    @zoart9335 10 місяців тому +1

    Do you have enough hose slack to move cooler up and in so that air exhaust hits grill on side better and no longer is a factor with rear cover?

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      Good question. I will check and see if that’s possible. I might reroute and add a filter anyway.

  • @Chesney46
    @Chesney46 Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for the video like your down to earth approach

  • @justd02ofus
    @justd02ofus 9 днів тому +1

    The hole in the rear grill is to allow you to pull start the engine if the battery is down,,They are a pull rope if you look down in the hole.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  9 днів тому

      Wow. Never heard that one. I bet you are right! I’m going to try that.

  • @devillesworkshop2846
    @devillesworkshop2846 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video! I got an AGT H12R last week and have been trying to find good clear videos on fluid changes and grease gun options. Im going to take a look and see what other videos you have, but just wondering if you have one on changing the hydraulic oil? Thanks!

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому

      Congrats. Fun toy. I have not changed the hydraulic fluid yet.

  • @charredskeleton
    @charredskeleton Місяць тому

    The quick coupler grease coupler is nice. The push on style grease coupler is actually adjustable its two pieces and its end can be loosened or tightened to better grip zerks or be more easily removed.

  • @moonwalker8172
    @moonwalker8172 Місяць тому +1

    I just purchased a BM13, which is a rebranded HT10/12. It has almost the exact same upgrades as the Kymron RH14G and it looks identical. After much research, it’s pretty clear to me that Kymron RH14’s are High Top HT10/12s with possibly a better DCV and larger hydraulic pump. I’ve found that MIVA VA13, MMS MS-10, AHM AX-12, VISEC VC13, and Kymron RH 14’s are all made at the same HT factory and share the same chassis. The only real difference between them is the valves?, motors, and pump. The swing boom is only available on higher end models of HT, Kymron, and MMS. I live in Lake Eufaula area of Oklahoma if you want to compare machines.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому

      Oh great information. I think you are right. Mine has those Kymron upgrades as well as hard lines, arm rests, upgraded console and digital gauges, protectors for the hydraulic rams, and a few other items.
      I live in the OKC area but my machine is currently at our cabin out past Eufaula in Muse, OK

    • @moonwalker8172
      @moonwalker8172 Місяць тому +1

      @ I actually live in OKC also. I have a vacation home in Eufaula. Let me know how to contact you if you want to compare.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому +1

      @@moonwalker8172That sounds like a good idea. I appreciate the offer. Now the question is time. So little time. Sigh….

  • @DiggerDaveSea
    @DiggerDaveSea 10 місяців тому +2

    I have a new HT10BZ if you want to compare. The core looks identical. My counter weight has the same holes, my engine is on a slant, and I have a hydraulic oil cooler in the same place. The only thing I see different is the control group is configured slightly differently. I am happy to compare if you like. Thanks for the great video. I haven't taken my back off yet, I have been dreading it.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому +1

      Yes! I see the control panel is different but the rest? They seem the same. I would love to know about the pumps and valves. Are they the same? I’d have to take them apart and put them on a bench. Thanks!
      I’m glad it is helpful. I have been trying to make some videos that I would have liked to watch to learn more about my machine. I searched around and couldn’t find videos on what I wanted. So I have been making them. lol
      Don’t worry about taking it apart. It’s really not scary as they built a very simplistic machine that comes apart with simple hand tools.
      So far, everything I have encountered on this is easy, besides getting somewhere fast and not being tippy. Haha

    • @DiggerDaveSea
      @DiggerDaveSea 8 місяців тому +2

      @@OurLifeInTrees I am getting ready to take mine apart to do some upgrades (weather permitting). I am putting together some videos and I am happy to share and collaborate. The more I watch your videos the more I am convinced they are the same machine just rebranded. And I love mine.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  8 місяців тому

      @@DiggerDaveSeawhere did you buy yours from? Was it from an auction?

    • @DiggerDaveSea
      @DiggerDaveSea 8 місяців тому +1

      @@OurLifeInTrees i bought direct from Hightop China and imported it.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  8 місяців тому

      @@DiggerDaveSea oh nice. How was that process? Do you mind sharing what it cost?

  • @chrisreibold1634
    @chrisreibold1634 10 місяців тому +2

    I would like to see a side by side comparison of your excavator and a sub compact tractor with a backhoe ( jd 1025r maybe). These machines are close to the cost of a backhoe attachment. Also I think it would be nice if they designed the counterweight so you could bolt one or two more onto the existing one for more ballast

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      Agreed. It sure would be nice to have a bucket. I think a Chinese mini skid steer is on the future list of purchases.

    • @chrisreibold1634
      @chrisreibold1634 10 місяців тому +1

      The skid steer would be nice. But I was referring to comparison of sub compact backhoe vs mini digger. Side by side comparison.

    • @normhowes2975
      @normhowes2975 10 місяців тому +1

      I can share that with the mini excavator you a 360 degree pivot. If you get one with a side swing boom then you can get closer to walls as well as by swinging boom just a little you can see the bucket better. With a tractor loader you move dirt and other stuff faster as mini excavators are VERY slow moving. You can always cheat and and buy both LOL

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      @@normhowes2975 I want to cheat and buy both. lol.

    • @portnuefflyer
      @portnuefflyer 9 місяців тому

      @@chrisreibold1634 I had a small Kubota tractor with a backhoe (sold it 20 years ago, don't remember the model) but it had the little 3 banger engine. More recently, I bought a U-25 mini X Kubota, same engine! That thing could outwork the tractor many times over, nothing beats the ability to swing 360 degrees, plus it just had more hydraulic power.

  • @MrTaxandspend
    @MrTaxandspend Місяць тому +1

    Diesel oil in a gas engine.. any issues with it running after the change?

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому

      Nope. None. Runs like a champ.

    • @MrTaxandspend
      @MrTaxandspend Місяць тому +1

      Nice. I did that once with a push mower on accident, probably had 50 hours on it and same no issues. Probably not ideal though. Great video though I just got a nearly identical mini ex as yours. Definitely subscribed for any new ones!

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому

      @@MrTaxandspendawesome! Very handle little toys!

  • @troyb.4101
    @troyb.4101 12 днів тому +1

    Battery powered grease gun. Can you just drain the oil without removing every thing? Hole saw would make it real easy? On my H12R that screen lines up with the exhaust perfectly.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  9 днів тому

      I just got a. Artery grease gun actually. I bought a drain hose so hopefully o can do the oil in the future without removing everything.
      Nice your screen lines up. Mine gives me endless comments on UA-cam because it doesn’t. lol

  • @fakeoutrage-mh7pu
    @fakeoutrage-mh7pu 4 місяці тому +1

    I just picked one if these up for 5k but mine has the chinese engine. What model of Briggs and Straton is in that

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  4 місяці тому

      It says Briggs and Stratton XR on the air cleaner.

  • @GREENARROW-em2sw
    @GREENARROW-em2sw 10 місяців тому +1

    Just bought one. Didn’t start yet. One question :
    It’s normal that the cabin terns when I push it ?

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      It 100% sure, but my cabin turns when I push it. Slightly back and forth.

  • @BrightthgirB
    @BrightthgirB 5 місяців тому +1

    Harbor Freight offers an oil pump to suck the oil out instead of removing the plug. Works great.

  • @57bugman
    @57bugman 10 місяців тому +1

    Okie here as well, east side okc area, looks like your in the tulsa area, or eastern side of the state, . I have a mms 13 c, myself. But looks identical to yours , other than it's not a kymron, couldn't afford one of those

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому +1

      Nice. Not familiar with that model. So many are just the same.
      I live in Norman near Lake Thunderbird, but we have property east of Talihina in SE OK. So I have videos from both places. SE Oklahoma is a much nicer backdrop! Haha

  • @calvins4084
    @calvins4084 4 місяці тому

    I just got one recently and the hydraulic for the elbow all the sudden seem to lose a lot of power. There's no fluid leaking anywhere trying to figure out what's going on

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  4 місяці тому

      That doesn’t sound fun. I’m no hydraulic expert.

  • @customprc
    @customprc 10 місяців тому +1

    How many hours were on that oil before you decided to finally change it? Luckily replacement motors are fairly cheap at hobo freight. A 20 dollar drain hose is a useful permanent addition as are an 18 dollar set of 4 latches for the rear panel.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому +1

      25 hours on the oil.
      I bought a drain hose based on a link in a Chinese digger Facebook group and it was completely the wrong size for my machine.
      My rear cover is behind the weight, so I’m not sure about the latches on this. Mind you, 5 12mm bolts I can get with my power ratchet, one 13mm bolt with a gear wrench, and two 27mm bolts, I can have the back panel off in about 2-3 minutes.

    • @customprc
      @customprc 10 місяців тому +1

      @@OurLifeInTrees Next time you have the drain plug out slip metric open end wrenches over the threads. The one that fits the closest will tell you your metric thread size so you can order the correct size hose

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому +1

      @@customprc really? I never knew that! Ok I’ll try it. Thanks!

  • @jmfarrell5
    @jmfarrell5 10 місяців тому +1

    Great video. Very helpful 👍🏻

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      Thanks. I figured it would help some people out. Glad it does.

  • @richw2615
    @richw2615 6 місяців тому

    I bought a Miva brand of similar build. I understand most of the maintenance required, but am curious about the undercarriage. Do the three non powered wheels need grease? Or is it all sealed bearings?

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  6 місяців тому

      Ohhhh great question that I honestly don’t know the answer to. I haven’t seen any grease sitting around them. I assume sealed bearings.

  • @harleys2u
    @harleys2u 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video. Just got my H12. My complaint is that when going forward or reverse, it is extremely jumpy and almost violent. The Briggs & Stratton is a 13.5. Not sure, but yours didn't seem to exhibit my unit's symptom. I noticed that your hydraulic fluid window appears to be about 1/2 up from the bottom. My question or inquiry relates to mine being full to the top of the window. Do you or anyone else think that it is overfull and could be the cause of the jerky track movements? Other than that, I am impressed with everything else. Again, thanks for the video.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  8 місяців тому

      Yeah, I like this machine a lot. Is the window for level or temperature?
      Mine is kinda jerky too, especially on hard pavement.

    • @Jtwizzle
      @Jtwizzle 8 місяців тому

      It also depends on if the cylinders are extended or not. The manual may say where to have the boom positioned when checking fluid.

    • @brettdaley5497
      @brettdaley5497 5 місяців тому

      I have an H12 aswell and have done tons with it. Evens lowered under a house to dig out with my bigger 50z3 by wacker..Thing is a beast has crazy power..I run mine at Half throttle has plenty of power ..full throttle they get crazy fast so if you know how to run them and use more than one function at a time it helps to take power to all functions..I can dig a 6ft hole in 15-20 minutes..unbelievable machine..recently got all the attachments including a 40" hydraulic tilt ditching bucket .Auger , jackhammer and other buckets and ripper..They are made very well..I got mine from auction buddy for 5500 Don't regret one bit as iv used it on over 200,000 worth of jobs I couldn't complete without or a shit ton of shovel work I didn't wana do.

    • @brettdaley5497
      @brettdaley5497 5 місяців тому +1

      window is for level mine is full and not jerky unless you jerk controls..Move both at sametime or move them slowly at half throttle..Absolutely no reason for full throttle on these machines as you'll most likely hurt yourself!

  • @bslaws
    @bslaws 4 місяці тому

    I have a Miva VA13 which I assume is made by Hightop and looks identical to yours but I don't have the counter weight, oil cooler or B&S engine. Purchased new at a local action for $5100 with auction fees and taxes, including a 32" tilting bucket and hydraulic thumb.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  4 місяці тому

      Nice. That’s a good price. Yeah probably. I think mine is a slightly customized Hightop HT10bz.

  • @luissinsin
    @luissinsin 11 днів тому

    So, this engine doesn't have an oil filter?

  • @vitoverde8921
    @vitoverde8921 8 місяців тому

    do you know the flow of the hydraulic cooler thanks

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  8 місяців тому

      I don’t. That’s a good piece of information to look up.

  • @EricQuimby-pu3ix
    @EricQuimby-pu3ix 9 місяців тому +1

    You definitely like to spin around & around alot 😂

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  9 місяців тому

      Hahahaha. Not my favorite thing to do, I just think it looks funny sped up on videos. So does that make it my favorite thing to do? lol.

  • @markevans34
    @markevans34 8 місяців тому

    Does this unit have an oil filter, hydraulic filter?

  • @ErinBolton-x1h
    @ErinBolton-x1h 10 місяців тому

    Nice video. Helpfull. I have a machine ordered but haven't got it yet. I have watched a ton of videos, these seem really loud. Any thoughts or ideas on a really quiet muffler modification?

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      It doesn’t seem crazy would to me. Like a lawn mower…. I just tested it. Same volume as my riding mower. Yes loud, but not crazy.

    • @tracy419
      @tracy419 8 місяців тому +2

      I don't have one, but have been daydreaming about having one the past week or 2 and was thinking that I'd likely be listening to a book/podcast/video/music while working and my pixel buds with noise cancelling would likely be perfect.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  8 місяців тому

      @@tracy419 I must admit, I have listed to a podcast with earbuds and while using it.

  • @autodog618
    @autodog618 5 місяців тому

    Nice run through vid. Thanks. Few notes. Yours is exactly same configuration as the Groundhog BH14G-2. You dont need to disassemble the entire back to change oil. Just remove rear screen. Its a bit more tedious but works none-the-less. Your tool box had more stuff that the groundhog tool box. The zero clearance zerc fitting, while a nice idea, are a pain to use with their cheap needle grease point. I used SAE 30 WT made for Briggs and statton rather than auto oil. Not sure it matters though. Nice touch painting the counter weight. Probably paint mine black. The only thing I dont like about my groundhog is it gets UBER HOT. That cant be good for the Briggs and statton. We'll see. I have 10 hrs on mine now and just changed the oil. Was clear with no metal so happy about that. .

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  5 місяців тому

      Thank you. I didn’t realize it was like the Groundhog. That’s cool. It seems easier to pull the back panel off. Does your have a cooling fan?

    • @autodog618
      @autodog618 5 місяців тому

      @@OurLifeInTrees Yea, its got the cooling fan -I would say identical to yours but maybe slight detail differences if we sat them side by side. Even with the fan, the outer frame/cover gets really really hot. Manufacturer needs to install a bigger fan. I cant figure why it gets so hot because we all have riding mowers with the air cooled B&S's and they dont seem to get nearly as hot. What am I missing here? Also, I went out and got myself a nice set of the LockNlube grease gun/fittings along with their pressure relief valve adder. Keep up the good work!

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  5 місяців тому

      @@autodog618 I agree, they get very hot. Do you have room to add another fan so that you can setup a push/pull setup to get more air flow? I bought a couple fans and they didn’t fit, I never reordered a fan that fit.

    • @autodog618
      @autodog618 5 місяців тому

      @@OurLifeInTrees Ill look into a bigger or supplemental fan. If I find a good fit, Ill respond back

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  5 місяців тому

      @@autodog618 awesome. Sounds good. Running my mini skid last weekend, it was super hot! Hot to touch. Worked great and it was 97 degrees outside.

  • @daves7775
    @daves7775 5 місяців тому

    At 4:53 - "I bought an extension tube for that - to make future oil changes"... not messy. Got it. So at 6:13 when it would be Easy to install the extension tube so that future oil changes are not messy - you don't bother. Ok. Another mess coming up in the future.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  5 місяців тому

      Nice catch. I bought the wrong size. I ordered one that another Chinese mini excavator owner bought assuming it would be the same size It was not. Sigh…. Yes, another mess is coming. I have the correct size tube now.

    • @daves7775
      @daves7775 5 місяців тому

      @@OurLifeInTrees Thank you for the explanation. I am in the process of purchasing direct from China - a mini excavator. From various YT - I thought all parts were mostly the same...

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  5 місяців тому +1

      They are not all created equally. I hear many cheap ones have fake Briggs & Stratton engines as well. I have not personally verified that though. Like the cheap auction skid steers have issues with the tracks falling off and failing bearings. The ones a little more expensive from the manufacturer usually don’t have those basic issues.

  • @ladehesa8819
    @ladehesa8819 2 місяці тому

    Ese tipo de motores en todas las maquinas tiene el mismo problema a la hora de quitar el aceite ... se pringa media maquina ¡ pero eso del papel de aluminio es buena ideas. un Saludo .

  • @jjuggernaut3218
    @jjuggernaut3218 Місяць тому

    Did you forget to install your drain tube extension???😂

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  Місяць тому

      No, I listed to someone in a Facebook group and bought the wrong size for my machine. Dumb. I bought the correct one now, so next oil change…. lol.

  • @hammertime7834
    @hammertime7834 2 місяці тому

    i like this video fun to watch

  • @hammertime7834
    @hammertime7834 2 місяці тому

    cool

  • @coiw2280
    @coiw2280 3 місяці тому

    This is not a micro excavator. It’s a mini excavator. Micro excavators are half this size

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  3 місяці тому

      You are correct. It’s a very small mini excavator.

  • @hammertime7834
    @hammertime7834 2 місяці тому

    the paint

  • @robmitchell3633
    @robmitchell3633 10 місяців тому

    If a Lowe’s lawn mower becomes an excavator… pos

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  10 місяців тому

      Would be cool it Lowes sold these. Thanks for the useful input. I personally think it’s awesome. Have a nice day shopping at Lowe’s!

    • @mrbojangles9841
      @mrbojangles9841 9 місяців тому +2

      Rob Mitchell, what's wrong with a "mower" that can dig? If it digs and is cheap it works for basic home digging. Now if you're in the digging business get a $30,000 machine. I've learned that people with cheaper equipment and tools are usually the ones that actually have a 401k own real estate have cash, investments... and the people who talk trash on cheaper equipment usually can't even afford the cheap model anyway.

    • @robmitchell3633
      @robmitchell3633 9 місяців тому

      It’s still a pos tho

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  9 місяців тому

      I agree! Well said.

    • @OurLifeInTrees
      @OurLifeInTrees  9 місяців тому

      @@robmitchell3633 I’m happy with mine. Did one hurt you? Strange to keep coming back to a video to comment about how much you hate something if you don’t have personal experience with one. Sorry it hurt you.