This is probably one of the most impactful and insightful reviews. 800+ hours is no joke for such a small gas engine rudimentary tool. It looked like you have it dialed in so it is pretty smooth. Thanks for sharing your experiences. This is very helpful.
I’ve never been in a position where I’d need to use an excavator, but I kept seeing ads for Temu excavators and I thought “surely these can’t be any more powerful than those kiddie Barbie jeeps”, and went to see if anyone actually bought one and tested it out. I’m surprised it’s actually worth the investment! With some minor repairs and replacements on the user end of course, but still. Neat video that sated my curiosity. Thanks!
My buddy is an electrician and bought one of these Chinese excavators last fall for $12,000 with the hydraulic thumb and 3 attachments along with the quick connect option, so he can switch attachments quickly. It only digs 5'6" deep, but the reason he bought it is when he is trenching in wire with the ditch witch he will run into rocks sometimes. The excavator digs out the rocks and will save his body for many more years of work. He loves this machine! He could have bought the $7,500 model but he wanted all the attachments. He bought the post hole digger, spare bucket that is wider and a rake for tearing out brush.
I've had my QH12 over a year and love it. I added a 24" tilt bucket. I'm almost done doing my own hydraulic thumb conversion with bypass valves. I also did a hinge and latch mod on the rear panel. Plus a fan for cooling. Better lights and and oil drain valve and hose. So cool to hear you have that many hours on yours.
When the engine gives up you can replace with a HarborFrieght unit like B&M Excavating did. Plus his is a lot easier on the ears and more power. Good video.
These Chinese minis are worth every penny and then some. I have one in the 2 tonne version with the Kubota diesel engine and love everything about it. If it ever and it hasn't, comes up against something it can't handle, I have a 15 tonne John Deere excavator that will back it up. They are so,so useful. Just keep them greased and change the oil and coolant when it is needed. Also, check the bolts for loosening and have at it. Good review.
hi would you mind to sharing where did you got it? i mean if you dont want to share details its okay just the website if you dont mind or "brand and type " if you dont mind. Many thanks Rob
Hello, where did you buy exactly that model? The JF12, could you provide a purchase link? Thank you very much and great video, it seems like a pretty decent machine and it’s what I’m looking for
I am very happy to see our country's production of small excavators are loved by so many people, our company has produced and exported small excavators for 20 years, there are also interested in small excavator friends can find me to understand the machine, will give you a satisfactory answer!
So do you know which Chinese Mini has the best value? I have seen a lot of them on UA-cam Price range from 7500-12000, some of them said the company offered good customer service and some said no, I am so confuse right now
Nice! I have the same impression of quality on mine. They have gotten a bit less expensive, mine was, after Ritchie auction fees, in July, in Alberta Canada, around 2250$ USD (of around 80 for sale, nobody likes to hear they paid more, just info for other viewers on current pricing), so the value is certainly there now. I put a cooling fan on the one side, but you guys seem to be fine after so much use and not having one! I think the exhaust outlet is like 1.5, I was looking to see if I could add an additional muffler as the engine is pretty loud, thanks for the review!
@@fastlanetechnologies2512 Ritchie Bros here in Alberta, you can check auction stats online with a free account, check Edmonton\Lethbridge Alberta\Prairies for this past summer.
I've taken mine (ff-12) down at least a 30 degree slope if not steeper and it went fine. I just dragged the bucket on the ground in front of me on the way down and then pushed with the boom on the way back up going backwards.
I just picked up one of these to dig out a few holes around the property, hope it’s capable of doing so. I was nervous with my purchase but this video gave me some confidence, thanks!
You said the guage was filled with salt water. I’m guessing that happened on the ship during transport. Does that not ruin the engine or any of the electrical parts?
These machines are absolutely junk!! Parts? Forget it. Warranty? Forget it. Customer support? Forget it. Resale value? Forget it. Longevity? Forget it. Overall quality? Forget it. I tested one of my friend’s Chinese mini excavator out for giggles. I was not impressed. Difficult to start. Not worth my time or money to purchase one. I own two John Deere excavators and are top quality with high resale value. You get what you pay for and also the customer realizes you’re serious about the way you invest in your excavation business. Chinese made products have improved, I will say that but they are not made for commercial work. Dealerships won’t even take Chinese equipment in trade so why bother? You’re better off purchasing tough name brand equipment for the needed supplies and support when it’s most important. Our business reputation is on the line. Customers whom spend their hard earned money on your contracted job deserve to see their money supporting name brand (often American made equipment) equipment in their yards or on commercial work sites. No one takes a company seriously without seeing industrial equipment used on their jobsite. And we don’t lose money on the higher cost of equipment. Do the math. Resale or trade in of great used name brand brings in good return on investment. And dealerships want it but not the Chinese junk. Keep it and if you ever bring that crap on one of our job sites, I will personally send you back to where you came from because I will know you don’t use good judgment on equipment or probably aren’t that professional in your field of work.
visualize all of the time saved NOT having to pick up and drop off the machine for a 100 rental cycles . Think about all of the times you raced to make rental drop off time and the times that you were late and had to pay for an extra day.
Are you guys in BC? Saw the 778 number. I want to replace my water service and prep an area for pavers and I've been thinking about purchasing one of these and teach my kids some life skills. For the price I think it's a no-brainer. Thanks for a great review video.
Great review! I was hoping you could direct me to the hardware you used to make the hinged back. I agree it's a pain in the butt to take out all those bolts. Thanks again!
Ive had $500 Chinese compactors that vibrated apart over a summer. Awful quality, but use it for a summer & done. I did not expect to hear these excavators are adequate but you guys tried it & say they are more than decent.
Where can I get one of this.??? That language my work in your country..but Def don't work on an English speaking site....but the word your looking for is. (These) geez...
IF you can, use only non ethanol fuel and add one ounce of penzoil two stroke oil to every 5 gallons of Gasoline. This will live your engine eternal life.
I bought one 2.5 years and was 11,500. Now you can buy same machine 5,000 to 6000. I have upgraded to pilot control and 16hp diesel. Its 39inch wide. I have bought with no warranty.
@NexGenLandscapes I've been watching videos and reviews of these for a few years. Unfortunately, where I am at its difficult to get them here, but recently I found a company near me who imports them. So I'll be buying very soon. At least I'll be able to go see it, check it, and test it. Anyway... My main concern is the engine. The Koop diesel is rather noisy, so wouldn't be a good option for me. Besides, I'm a Briggs & Stratton fan, and know their engines quite well. If noise is an issue, I'd imagine the petrol one is the better option. Thanks for the great review. 👍
@@NexGenLandscapes I have a ff15 and i recently dug a hydro trench at a buddies and went right through his gravel driveway, definitely took longer but no issues!
We need to get rid of federal minimum wage then and people already complain it's too low. I really wish we could but we couldn't unless people wanna make less (they don't)
Love the video and the positive site to saving a few bucks on a machine. I’ve been selling name brand excavators for many many moons and I always wonder on these things but honestly don’t see the business case. Have you done the math on productivity? I can tell by your video the machine is quite slow in comparison and I’m sure your ears are ringing. But it gets the job done… Example - 6 hour job, 30% efficiency is 2 hours. 2 hours per day by your 100 day math would be 200 hours. How many additional digs can you do with 200 hours? Is that 4 weeks of projects? 5? Your payback on a productive machine could be achieved in less than one year. 10k vs 30k - 20k / 1-3 or 4 small jobs in an extra week. Productivity over cheap all day long! Good luck! BTW if I hired you to do my landscaping and you showed up with that thing that was basically the equivalent to a champion generator at a campsite… you better be the cheapest guy in town. (I think you get the picture I’m just painting it.)
My NUOMAN brand is totally destroyed after 20 hours of use. Almost every screw is unbolted, tracks get coght and ripped against the frame (incorrect manufacturer's design) drive motors leak oil, hydraulic thumb has very soft metal, all bent , just headache, fixed it more than used it
It's on sale for...$6K (Nov 2024). I thought it was a joke and sent the listing to some friends. One of 'em sent me your video and...LO and behold, it seems like a solid investment. lol.
I have a QH12R that I got from the Richie Bros Auction for $4k. They're selling even cheaper now. Flow control valves on the 2 hydraulics on boom closest to seat stops all the jerkyness. When I got mine it was like a bucking bronco but now its smoothhhh. R on model stands for Rato engine which means predator engine from Harbor Freight. Hydraulic motor can be found at tractor supply and hydraulic hoses anywhere they sell them. Best thing I have ever bought for my property. Next is a skid steer with forestry mulcher so I can clear my land. Thanks for the video.
I'm Sold, my wife of 28yrs dumped me after my body started breaking down. I have lost everything... House, Rental property, My Career, My best customers, .... So I have to get back out there and start over. I would prefer to use hydraulics this time instead of my back.
Not only that, but you could rebuild that engine relatively very cheap compared to a diesel motor or something like that I mean, you could order engine off eBay and have it in two days and have it in your damn machine that’s nice
This is probably one of the most impactful and insightful reviews. 800+ hours is no joke for such a small gas engine rudimentary tool. It looked like you have it dialed in so it is pretty smooth. Thanks for sharing your experiences. This is very helpful.
I’ve never been in a position where I’d need to use an excavator, but I kept seeing ads for Temu excavators and I thought “surely these can’t be any more powerful than those kiddie Barbie jeeps”, and went to see if anyone actually bought one and tested it out. I’m surprised it’s actually worth the investment! With some minor repairs and replacements on the user end of course, but still. Neat video that sated my curiosity. Thanks!
Literally why I’m here too lol
My buddy is an electrician and bought one of these Chinese excavators last fall for $12,000 with the hydraulic thumb and 3 attachments along with the quick connect option, so he can switch attachments quickly. It only digs 5'6" deep, but the reason he bought it is when he is trenching in wire with the ditch witch he will run into rocks sometimes. The excavator digs out the rocks and will save his body for many more years of work. He loves this machine! He could have bought the $7,500 model but he wanted all the attachments. He bought the post hole digger, spare bucket that is wider and a rake for tearing out brush.
Why didn’t he just use a pickaxe for the trench v
@@vangrijaaan efficiency 5 shovel would’ve worked just as good
@@vangrijaa That's called hard labour.
Electrician digging there own trench? I have never seen that before
@@LJStatuesyou don’t want to see it man. You have seen the messes they make inside a finished home😂 what do you think they do out in the wild
I've had my QH12 over a year and love it. I added a 24" tilt bucket. I'm almost done doing my own hydraulic thumb conversion with bypass valves. I also did a hinge and latch mod on the rear panel. Plus a fan for cooling. Better lights and and oil drain valve and hose. So cool to hear you have that many hours on yours.
When the engine gives up you can replace with a HarborFrieght unit like B&M Excavating did. Plus his is a lot easier on the ears and more power. Good video.
Thanks, and good idea! If we end up needing to do that we’ll cover it, our does sound like a lawn mower but it gives it character haha
I think these mini excavator would be better if the had 16 hp
@@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666 not needed. The 13.5 hp is already overrated for the pressure and flow these have.
Exactly!!! I would attempt and shoehorn a small 2 cylinder yanmar or kubota diesel in it😂
id use the predator brand get way way more horsepower hahhaa their basically racing lawnmower motors
These Chinese minis are worth every penny and then some. I have one in the 2 tonne version with the Kubota diesel engine and love everything about it. If it ever and it hasn't, comes up against something it can't handle, I have a 15 tonne John Deere excavator that will back it up. They are so,so useful. Just keep them greased and change the oil and coolant when it is needed. Also, check the bolts for loosening and have at it. Good review.
hi would you mind to sharing where did you got it? i mean if you dont want to share details its okay just the website if you dont mind or "brand and type " if you dont mind. Many thanks Rob
@@robertveres6735 I picked it up at a company called CEL equipment.
Thank you for the long-term review!
Thanks for watching! Hope it helped
The guy in green treat the machine gently...one mandatory rule to keep those in shape..
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for putting this on here, I have seen these for a while and can get one for half of what you paid in my area so it's very tempting to me.
Great review from a small channel! Keep it up!
Hello, where did you buy exactly that model? The JF12, could you provide a purchase link? Thank you very much and great video, it seems like a pretty decent machine and it’s what I’m looking for
Do you think the roof bars will hold up well in case of a rollover? Regards.
These will be the honda quads of excavators in 30yrs
Nowadays,you don’t use anything more than 10 years
This thing ain't lasting that long lol better have a JD, Kubota, or something in that class of machine or above if you want a 30yr investment
If you kept it in the garage and I only used it 50 hours a year sure
I am very happy to see our country's production of small excavators are loved by so many people, our company has produced and exported small excavators for 20 years, there are also interested in small excavator friends can find me to understand the machine, will give you a satisfactory answer!
i've seen other excavators cut a driveway. can that one handle cutting a driveway?
So do you know which Chinese Mini has the best value? I have seen a lot of them on UA-cam Price range from 7500-12000, some of them said the company offered good customer service and some said no, I am so confuse right now
Nice! I have the same impression of quality on mine. They have gotten a bit less expensive, mine was, after Ritchie auction fees, in July, in Alberta Canada, around 2250$ USD (of around 80 for sale, nobody likes to hear they paid more, just info for other viewers on current pricing), so the value is certainly there now. I put a cooling fan on the one side, but you guys seem to be fine after so much use and not having one! I think the exhaust outlet is like 1.5, I was looking to see if I could add an additional muffler as the engine is pretty loud, thanks for the review!
What auction? That’s a great price
@@fastlanetechnologies2512 Ritchie Bros here in Alberta, you can check auction stats online with a free account, check Edmonton\Lethbridge Alberta\Prairies for this past summer.
Can it climb up and down steep slope , say 2 horizontal to 1 vertical ?
I've taken mine (ff-12) down at least a 30 degree slope if not steeper and it went fine. I just dragged the bucket on the ground in front of me on the way down and then pushed with the boom on the way back up going backwards.
Excellent presentation! Best of luck!
Just paid $4500 for mine 2 days ago, put it to work on a job today…… for the price, seems like a great deal
What company did you go with?
@ agt h12R
I just picked up one of these to dig out a few holes around the property, hope it’s capable of doing so. I was nervous with my purchase but this video gave me some confidence, thanks!
Congrats, i’m glad we could help! If the blade is behind you while you dig, it makes you much more stable. Thanks for watching!
You said the guage was filled with salt water. I’m guessing that happened on the ship during transport. Does that not ruin the engine or any of the electrical parts?
Salt water so the gauge don't freeze?
These machines are absolutely junk!! Parts? Forget it. Warranty? Forget it. Customer support? Forget it. Resale value? Forget it. Longevity? Forget it. Overall quality? Forget it. I tested one of my friend’s Chinese mini excavator out for giggles. I was not impressed. Difficult to start. Not worth my time or money to purchase one. I own two John Deere excavators and are top quality with high resale value. You get what you pay for and also the customer realizes you’re serious about the way you invest in your excavation business. Chinese made products have improved, I will say that but they are not made for commercial work. Dealerships won’t even take Chinese equipment in trade so why bother? You’re better off purchasing tough name brand equipment for the needed supplies and support when it’s most important. Our business reputation is on the line. Customers whom spend their hard earned money on your contracted job deserve to see their money supporting name brand (often American made equipment) equipment in their yards or on commercial work sites. No one takes a company seriously without seeing industrial equipment used on their jobsite. And we don’t lose money on the higher cost of equipment. Do the math. Resale or trade in of great used name brand brings in good return on investment. And dealerships want it but not the Chinese junk. Keep it and if you ever bring that crap on one of our job sites, I will personally send you back to where you came from because I will know you don’t use good judgment on equipment or probably aren’t that professional in your field of work.
@@benjaminpettibone4254If you're buying these for a commercial business that's your fault. These clearly work for the occasional use of a homeowner.
Great review. I like the way you guys quickly get to meat and potatoes and show us some of the unit and how it works. 👍
Great video. Can you provide a link to the Deere choke and throttle you used? Thanks!
I would recommend digging with the blade in the front and pressure downward for better stabilization.
visualize all of the time saved NOT having to pick up and drop off the machine for a 100 rental cycles .
Think about all of the times you raced to make rental drop off time and the times that you were late and had to pay for an extra day.
This would be perfect for great depression side gigs
Are you guys in BC? Saw the 778 number.
I want to replace my water service and prep an area for pavers and I've been thinking about purchasing one of these and teach my kids some life skills.
For the price I think it's a no-brainer.
Thanks for a great review video.
Keep at it guys, i enjoyed the video and looking to get one myself. Sending big love from the 🇬🇧
Great review! I was hoping you could direct me to the hardware you used to make the hinged back. I agree it's a pain in the butt to take out all those bolts. Thanks again!
That kind of hardware can be purchased at almost any hardware store.
can you get the thumb attachment for it?
Yes you can, It can however be tricky to track down parts without a go-to manufacturer.
I have thumb attachment which is made in China
What type of brackets did you guys use for the engine cover ?? I recently bought one the engine access can be troublesome. Thank you.
Great video. Thanks. Did your come with a double hydraulic pump? I would love to see your review of mini skid steer. Cheers
Thank you! Unfortunately ours did not, and the skid steer video is uploading as we speak, so we'll see you soon!
Like and subscribe to see more.
Nooo! 😂
A thousand thumbs up. This is a much needed video for prospective buyers, so thank you for posting it!
What size is it?
when you said briggs and stratton i knew better than to even think about buying one. 🤣🤣🤣
yep get a diesel.
Excuse me ☝️ You said salt water in the hour meter??
Thanks guys
Where do you find your parts at?
I have, you can tell me your demand
Where did you purchase?
Facebook marketplace, for both of our chinese machines
I can make connection with you through youtube. I can give you excavators.
Ive had $500 Chinese compactors that vibrated apart over a summer. Awful quality, but use it for a summer & done. I did not expect to hear these excavators are adequate but you guys tried it & say they are more than decent.
How the heck your boom pins and bushings are so tight when 99% of the chinese excavators are loose from factory??
well done , thanks guys !
Our pleasure, thanks for watching!
The editing was good.
Where can I get one of this ?
Where can I get one of this.??? That language my work in your country..but Def don't work on an English speaking site....but the word your looking for is. (These) geez...
I have.
This would be perfect for missle pits and hand holes 😂‼️
They have units with kubota engines for 1800.00 on Ali baba.
IF you can, use only non ethanol fuel and add one ounce of penzoil two stroke oil to every 5 gallons of Gasoline. This will live your engine eternal life.
You’d be better off using two stroke premix if you’re gonna do that
Thank you for the review
haha, this is great. 800 hours, not bad.
Yeah it's stood the test of time for sure!
I kept getting temu commercials about this for some reason
Thanks for the review !!
Good info
I bought one 2.5 years and was 11,500. Now you can buy same machine 5,000 to 6000. I have upgraded to pilot control and 16hp diesel. Its 39inch wide. I have bought with no warranty.
Thanks for watching, once this engine goes we plan to go with diesel as well!
@NexGenLandscapes
I've been watching videos and reviews of these for a few years. Unfortunately, where I am at its difficult to get them here, but recently I found a company near me who imports them. So I'll be buying very soon. At least I'll be able to go see it, check it, and test it.
Anyway... My main concern is the engine. The Koop diesel is rather noisy, so wouldn't be a good option for me. Besides, I'm a Briggs & Stratton fan, and know their engines quite well. If noise is an issue, I'd imagine the petrol one is the better option.
Thanks for the great review. 👍
@chrismalcomson2824 it is always choice and needs. What fits your needs best.
@@chrismalcomson2824 Ear plugs or muffs help. Oldtimers seem to ditch these things, not good.
"I met her in a hospice." 😂
My neighbor bought one for 4500$ after all auction taxes n fees. Love it.
Looks good!
Thanks for watching!
I mean I paid mine 2000$. With shipping and costs it was 4500$
You sure ain't diggin in know virgin ground!
Would it dig a trench down the middle of a hard packed gravel driveway....?
It's hard to say, sometimes they can struggle with compacted ground
@@NexGenLandscapes I have a ff15 and i recently dug a hydro trench at a buddies and went right through his gravel driveway, definitely took longer but no issues!
I have a agt qh12r I just dug a 200' trench 2' deep in hard gravel took 7hrs 6" trenching bucket slow going I'm impressed
Thanks for the video,
Do you know where one could buy one of these?
Ive seen them on Craigslist for $5800
And facebook marketplace, all places like that are fine just be safe out there!
there are many excavators in China, you can contact me.
America needs to makevthe same for rhe same price
Child labors not legal never would happen
We need to get rid of federal minimum wage then and people already complain it's too low. I really wish we could but we couldn't unless people wanna make less (they don't)
great landscapers, great machine
Get your Chinese excavator today before the war!
Just rented one from Home Depot for 24 hours is was $430 that included insurance and tax. More then I wanted to spend.
How about a video digging hard ground and not a pile of loose dirt?
Very informative !!!!!
Glad you think so!
Love the video and the positive site to saving a few bucks on a machine. I’ve been selling name brand excavators for many many moons and I always wonder on these things but honestly don’t see the business case. Have you done the math on productivity? I can tell by your video the machine is quite slow in comparison and I’m sure your ears are ringing. But it gets the job done…
Example - 6 hour job, 30% efficiency is 2 hours. 2 hours per day by your 100 day math would be 200 hours. How many additional digs can you do with 200 hours? Is that 4 weeks of projects? 5? Your payback on a productive machine could be achieved in less than one year. 10k vs 30k - 20k / 1-3 or 4 small jobs in an extra week.
Productivity over cheap all day long! Good luck!
BTW if I hired you to do my landscaping and you showed up with that thing that was basically the equivalent to a champion generator at a campsite… you better be the cheapest guy in town. (I think you get the picture I’m just painting it.)
This is $3500 factory price in china.
7 of these on an auction site. Currend bids average $350 ish. Ea With 1 day left. Im about to buy 3 of them and rent them out.
You think your going to buy them for 350..lol. trust me...there is a reserve price
did you buy any, and how much did you end up paying if you did?
@@oldcutlas7806 no. Some ended up going for more than retail ended up no real deals to be had
How deep will it dig? My daughter has a boyfriend.... jk.
😅😅😅
My NUOMAN brand is totally destroyed after 20 hours of use. Almost every screw is unbolted, tracks get coght and ripped against the frame (incorrect manufacturer's design) drive motors leak oil, hydraulic thumb has very soft metal, all bent , just headache, fixed it more than used it
I just bought one for $2250 CAD at an auction
It's on sale for...$6K (Nov 2024). I thought it was a joke and sent the listing to some friends. One of 'em sent me your video and...LO and behold, it seems like a solid investment. lol.
Do they come with a Title?
That aint digging
It doesn't look strong enough to take a stump out.
tome to upgrade more and get another ive seen em as low as 2500$ now get yall another have teo going be fuckin sick
Paint it white and put Bobcat stickers on it nobody will know the difference
I have a QH12R that I got from the Richie Bros Auction for $4k. They're selling even cheaper now.
Flow control valves on the 2 hydraulics on boom closest to seat stops all the jerkyness. When I got mine it was like a bucking bronco but now its smoothhhh.
R on model stands for Rato engine which means predator engine from Harbor Freight.
Hydraulic motor can be found at tractor supply and hydraulic hoses anywhere they sell them.
Best thing I have ever bought for my property.
Next is a skid steer with forestry mulcher so I can clear my land.
Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! We agree it's a great purchase, and thank you for the tips :)
Where do you get flow control valves for something like this?
Moving a truck load of dirt isn't the same a s digging a trench in virgin dirt.
Can't help being suspicious with your review
I'm Sold, my wife of 28yrs dumped me after my body started breaking down.
I have lost everything...
House, Rental property, My Career, My best customers, ....
So I have to get back out there and start over.
I would prefer to use hydraulics this time instead of my back.
These comments in here sound fake.
Where do you live that someone is going to give you a fine for running that without a seatbelt?
On a commercial job OSHA will.
@@josephwheeler1142 Does your lawn guy wear his seatbelt on his zero turn with the arops up?
No one cares
You look like Will Ferrell ,
Well that's an insult....😅
Not only that, but you could rebuild that engine relatively very cheap compared to a diesel motor or something like that I mean, you could order engine off eBay and have it in two days and have it in your damn machine that’s nice
Wow Ty Iam getting one
No good for posture unfortunately.
Where can you buy one of these?????
I kept getting temu commercials about this for some reason