My first time trying to move dirt with the mini excavator
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- We bought an AGT LH12R one ton mini excavator, "as-is" and sight unseen, through an online auction. After spending several days going over the machine, checking fluids, tightening nuts and bolts, adding missing parts, and greasing it up, I finally got to put it to work on the homestead. This is my first time ever trying to move dirt with an excavator. The only other times I have ever driven any tracked machinery was putting this same unit on, the off, the trailer when bringing it home from the auction yard. So, I am a complete newbie at the controls. We already saw that it can be pretty dangerous just getting it down the ramp on the trailer.
How hard could it be to move some dirt; just move the levers and keep it upright, right? Was it as easy as I hoped? Watch as I share this moment of vulnerability with you. Maybe it will embarrass me, but maybe it will help you to decide if a mini excavator is a tool for you.
Thanks to @RiverForged on IG for help with the thumbnails!
00:00 - Time to move some dirt!
00:22 - Job description
01:13 - Top soil is stockpiled
01:42 - Clearing saw in action
03:12 - I've been waiting for this moment ever since winning the auction!
03:58 - Why so jerky?
04:31 - 10X speed
05:51 - Dumping it the hard way
06:18 - "dumping" at 10X speed
07:12 - Second load -10X Speed
07:34 - dumping the 2nd load (10X)
07:50 - Visions of a dump trailer build
09:00 - Load number three (at actual speed)
16:18 - Enough of that! Back to 10X speed
18:27 - Grading it out with the blade (10X) - Навчання та стиль
OK. You convinced me. I just purchased this model directly from AGT with the "warranty". I'll see how the included shipping is (they say via T-Force so should be OK) and compare my build issues with yours...Keep the videos coming as they are most informative! I'll add what I can when possibly helpful.
It will be interesting to keep up on our shared experiences with these. The warranty versus as-is aspect may tell a really good story.
I am crazy impressed with how much dirt that thing can dig up at once. This will be a great addition to your property.
It certainly didn't disappoint on its first mission.
That little trailer sits pretty high. Instead of separating the bed from the frame, you might just make a pivoting tongue that could lift the front end of the trailer. Keeps most of the trailer as-is.
I have heard that they hydraulic pump was originally designed for a diesel engine at lower rpm. As it still has plenty of power if you lower the rpm of the engine it also reduces the jerkiness. They still run the engine at full speed when moving as the tracks are so slow though.
That's a good idea! I'll take a look at the structure. It sure seems like that would require a lot less reinforcing on the trailer. The throttle lever was set at the lowest possible idle speed during that whole "first dig," but I agree it still seemed too high. After several such comments, I got into it and found an interference in the throttle cable that prevented it from reaching slow idle. I'm currently editing that video. Check it out on Tuesday.
Per your question about converting the trailer. Could you just find an older used tractor (with loader). You get the same idea. Drive it where you want it and dump it.
I am watching the market for an older tractor (40-50 HP range) with a big loader. But, the dump trailer conversion might happen, too, just for the fun of it.
Is that the Stihl FS91? I've got the same one. That thing is a beast.
It's a Husqvarna; pretty similar.
Why not take the mini and take out the small trees. With where you are digging the top soil. Put the blade to rear. Will make more stable. As for jurkyness ideal down a little.
Instead of dump trailer. Could put a roller tarp. Make easyer to unload.
Thanks for your many bits of advice! The shots of clearing the brush were done last fall, when I was planning to rent a compact backhoe to move the dirt. Since then, I have bought the mini excavator. Next time I need some brush gone, I'll for sure use the mini. I'll try turning the blade around for the next dig. I wondered about that while editing this video. I, too, noticed that the strongest lurching was rearward when I was sinking the bucket, more so than lurching forward from ripping the bucket upwards. Your "idle down" advice is spot on. Wait for the next video. I found a problem that had been preventing that! Those roller tarps do look interesting. I might have to give one a try. Not as much fun as doing a dump trailer conversion, but probably way less trouble.