It's great that there's now a growing community of mini excavator owners who can trade support knowledge. Please keep making more of these topic-specific videos as things happen.
@HomesteadingUncontained Last October, I bought an FF12 mini-ex. I will start using it for projects soon. A parts list for spare parts and accessories would be very useful. Thanks. Jim
Like the always problem solving mindset you have. Don’t think in problems, but in solutions. That’s why you make great videos. Instead of complaining you teach a possible solution! Well done 👏 love it!
Keep them coming! On the skid steer as well - mine is coming next week and every one of your fixing and maintenance videos on these is much appreciated!
Hope it all goes well - I am just asking for a price on the brush mower for mine to see if it make work well up the banks (I have tried everything else)
Really smart to have a crawl space. Can't remember if it's a conditioned crawl space? (hopefully it is - but takes more care/design to do properly). I have a slightly bigger Chinese mini with a Kubota diesel. Great little tool - only problem is a bit of rust since we're close to the ocean. I'm really considering that mini track steer...
It will be conditioned..ish I think I will put it as part of the heating system although I need to check if it will be airtight or vented.... still planning.
Great video, thank you for posting, it does take the hard work out of digging, and using it like you do is perfect. Just for my OCD paint the scratches on the rear of the machine, pride of ownership on a mini digger is never to scratch the paint.
Love the mini videos with technical stuff. The 1,2kW starter is hard on the batteries. I have a 8kW diesel generator with the 192F motor in it. Need to charge the battery every 3 weeks (it's on standby-duty) to keep it above 11V.
Good video Ian. You've got a mechanic / engineer brain, which I can relate to. Simple repairs / maintenance for someone like you (and I), good to see that you have th courage to try and the resources to rely on for assistance. Cheers mate.
I have had a 2 metric ton SDJK, probably from the same factory in China, Mine is three years old 350 hours and is great. Mine has a 3 cylinder Kubota engine. I added a little mechanical quick change for my buckets, auger and chisel or tree removal tooth. yes, I like these videos and I am still worried about the Renault rally car.
Machines like these make all the difference for a home builder to get laborious tasks done without breaking your back. I like these videos. Thanks for the update Ian.
i like the mini equipment update... got a Jansen version of the excavator, same issues... all resolved with new ign switch. great little machines that save your back!!
I think that was the source of my issues - water in the ignition switch then short, then cable melt and then regulator failure - all fixed now though 😀
Here is the regulator - tinyurl.com/2axx7s92 The starter I did not get but search E-Bay for Forward Rotation Starter Motor QD114A Diesel Engine Water Pump Electric 12V1.2KW
I got a Nuoman NM-e10 which unfortunately I wasn't quite so lucky with. In 12 months of ownership, I put about 70 hours on it but forever had hydraulic issues. It went through 4 hydraulic pumps in that time and we just couldn't figure out what was causing it.
I really enjoy watching your mini video on Chinese mini excavator. In fact, inspired by you, I just bought one too, the same model from the same company but newer product. I am planning to have a lot of use of it. Unfortunately, the new machine I just picked it up two days ago has an issue, a big issue--the bucket doesn't curl inward! Obviously the very end cylinder is not moving. I am not sure where the problem is from yet. I have just contacted the seller. But I don't know how the company will help me to solve the issue. Do you have any advice?
Take a video of the issue and send it to your contact at Nuoman - The problem could be the hydraulic piston or the control valve. Only way to tell would be to swap over the hoses on the control valve to a known working one and see if the piston moves then. Real pain to do on a brand new machine.
Pro tip: Don't leave any battery on charge if you are not there. My neighbor was charging his golfcart in a covered shed and it caught fire and burned down the shed, mower, his boat and the golfcart.
Hi all, Thank you for your videos. I have one of these machines and it has been great. However I had to change the diesel tank and since I put the new one in, it has trouble starting. I managed to get it started and ran for a while. Then the next time it wouldn't start and I had to spray starter fluid into air intake and it started. But now it won't start at all. would this be the rectifier??? Help me please! 🙂
Have you checked fuel is leaving the tank and it is not blocked. The rectifier is for the charging circuit. If it is turning over well then check the fuel as this is what you have changed out.
@@HomesteadingUncontained Thank you for your reply. I changed the rectifier with a new one and put a new battery and it runs well. I am not sure exactly what the issue was but it works fine now so thank you for your tips and advice.
If you are a 'hands on' person, you are fine. If you aren't mechanically minded buy a machine which is serviced locally and accept the $100/hr labour rate to fix the machine which costs 4 times the budget machine. Not it doesn't mater what you paid for your car, boat, digger, truck etc... If it doesn't work, it doesn't work weather you paid $5000 or $5 million.
i have changed ignition lock (that was water damaged from day one), the starter, the regulator. tried to jumpstart the strter relay. my digger died after 40 hours. it is just plain bad quality these machines and waste of money.
@@Aaron-nj8xj about 6 months. I've probably had 8 hours into repairs when I first picked it up, including the thumb being welded on in the wrong spot and wrong length. Forks unpainted despite all implements being painted. Didn't have all the hydraulic hoses I needed in order to run all implements . Honestly just overall junk grade. And that doesn't even include the fact that even with the Kubota diesel, whatever hydraulic pump they put in it is just way underpowered. I wish I didn't buy it
@@HomesteadingUncontained yeah there were also multiple times where the schedule was pushed back, that combined with it not being anywhere close to complete when I got it makes me think they're too busy and just don't care. For the same money I could have gotten a much more capable but older used machine locally. I do wish I did that in retrospect. Now that I have it repaired it has come in handy plenty of times. But certainly I've noticed for a 2-ton machine it's not near as capable as the same tonnage machine from a well thought out brand.
It's great that there's now a growing community of mini excavator owners who can trade support knowledge. Please keep making more of these topic-specific videos as things happen.
It is good and finding parts, I may need to make up some sort of sourcing list.
@HomesteadingUncontained Last October, I bought an FF12 mini-ex. I will start using it for projects soon. A parts list for spare parts and accessories would be very useful.
Thanks. Jim
Like the always problem solving mindset you have. Don’t think in problems, but in solutions. That’s why you make great videos. Instead of complaining you teach a possible solution! Well done 👏 love it!
Cheers Edwin.... I have no one to turn to for help here so I spend a lot of time just "thinking" with a cup of tea of course 🤣
I hope the manufacturer listened and is addressing the problems you mentioned.
They do listen but these are pretty cheap parts and a probably a Friday build just like the old days of car manufacturing....before robots 🤖
wow it's been two years already doesn't seem like it's been that long ago 💖
I know, I can't quite believe it 😬
Thanks for the updates and that you take your time to show how you try fix everyhting!
Excellent update on the mini digger. Glad to see you figured out the charger/starting issues.
I dig these kind of updates 😂
Cheers Tim - I got some good help from Aidan with his machine.
more vids like this please
Cheers Adrian - will do 👍🏻
Keep them coming! On the skid steer as well - mine is coming next week and every one of your fixing and maintenance videos on these is much appreciated!
Hope it all goes well - I am just asking for a price on the brush mower for mine to see if it make work well up the banks (I have tried everything else)
Another great video. As a retired equipment operator I love all equipment videos, even the small ones, they all have their niche. Thanks!
Thanks - I didn't want to lose this one in a bigger video - 👍🏻
Updates and repairs on your equipment are very interesting. keep up the good work and news.
Hope to keep them coming but hoping they won't break for a while 😬
Definitely love the updates you do on all your equipment. Those mini machines are great and never get enough credit for what they can do.
Thanks Harry, without them I would not attempt half the jobs.
Really smart to have a crawl space. Can't remember if it's a conditioned crawl space? (hopefully it is - but takes more care/design to do properly). I have a slightly bigger Chinese mini with a Kubota diesel. Great little tool - only problem is a bit of rust since we're close to the ocean. I'm really considering that mini track steer...
It will be conditioned..ish I think I will put it as part of the heating system although I need to check if it will be airtight or vented.... still planning.
Great video, thank you for posting, it does take the hard work out of digging, and using it like you do is perfect. Just for my OCD paint the scratches on the rear of the machine, pride of ownership on a mini digger is never to scratch the paint.
I know.... I saw that on the video.....I will get that sorted ☹️
Love the mini videos with technical stuff. The 1,2kW starter is hard on the batteries. I have a 8kW diesel generator with the 192F motor in it. Need to charge the battery every 3 weeks (it's on standby-duty) to keep it above 11V.
That is interesting - specially with the stop start on smaller jobs too. I will keep the trickle charger to hand I think. Cheers 👍🏻
Hi definitely do more of the mini videos going into more detail about technical projects be it the digger or solar installation
Thanks for watching - a solar project is just about to be done.
Good video Ian. You've got a mechanic / engineer brain, which I can relate to.
Simple repairs / maintenance for someone like you (and I), good to see that you have th courage to try and the resources to rely on for assistance.
Cheers mate.
Cheers Jay - I put this down to my Artificer Aprenticeship - if you can't find a part then make it. I now understand 🤣
I have had a 2 metric ton SDJK, probably from the same factory in China, Mine is three years old 350 hours and is great. Mine has a 3 cylinder Kubota engine. I added a little mechanical quick change for my buckets, auger and chisel or tree removal tooth. yes, I like these videos and I am still worried about the Renault rally car.
Just performed some engine tests on the car - I do have a guy helping me now which is great.
Machines like these make all the difference for a home builder to get laborious tasks done without breaking your back. I like these videos. Thanks for the update Ian.
Cheers Doug - without them, I don't think I would attempt half the jobs and I am too stingey to rent one 😬
i like the mini equipment update... got a Jansen version of the excavator, same issues... all resolved with new ign switch. great little machines that save your back!!
I think that was the source of my issues - water in the ignition switch then short, then cable melt and then regulator failure - all fixed now though 😀
Very excited to hear ICF…. About to start my ICF build and will be following even more closely!
Yes, we will do ICF on the bottom and probably SIPS on the top - I can't wait to get started.
Always enjoy your videos. Glad you're able to find non-proprietary fixes for you machine :-)
Cheers George 👍🏻
Another great and helpful vid Ian thank you. Are you able to post an amazon link to the starter motor and regulator pls? Thanks Wayne
Here is the regulator - tinyurl.com/2axx7s92 The starter I did not get but search E-Bay for Forward Rotation Starter Motor QD114A Diesel Engine Water Pump Electric 12V1.2KW
I enjoy watching your videos ,and your equipment working 💪
Thanks William 👍🏻
@@HomesteadingUncontained Your welcome
On my digger that I got from ripper in china you can release the compression which makes it very easy to start
More of these please, can’t wait for the house project to start. Bon courage 😁.
Cheers Duncan - I will get this work season out of the way and we will be straight into the house 🏠
2 years on! great investment!
CTEK trickle charger , I use this for my classic car that sits around for months at a time , it’s never let me down. 👍🇬🇧🏴
They are so cheap as well, they are a must have 👍🏻
Sweet sound of that machine starting up as it should 😁 Great work Ian 👍
So much better, than getting the booster out every time - 👍🏻
I got a Nuoman NM-e10 which unfortunately I wasn't quite so lucky with. In 12 months of ownership, I put about 70 hours on it but forever had hydraulic issues. It went through 4 hydraulic pumps in that time and we just couldn't figure out what was causing it.
That is bad - the pumps are very simple though so I wonder what it is. Where did you get the spare pumps.
Great information. I too am looking to purchase a mini excavator to use here in N. Idaho. Thanks.
Cheers Rich 👍🏻
That was really two years ago? That's amazing ....
And I like this little videos too 🙂
Many THX and regards from GY
I know, the time is flying. I put a 5 year time limit on the whole build, nearly half way through....better get a move on 🤣
Great job my friend
Cheers Billy 👍🏻
That was the cutest little starter motor I’ve ever seen! Great vid Ian! Thank you! 🤟
😆 it is bigger than my little rally car 🚙
Great video!
I am also having battery-problems with my NM-E12 Pro. Could you link which regulator that you bought?
Here you go - tinyurl.com/439frztk
Hi. i remember 2 years ago when you bought it. Fair play. is it petrol or diseal? im in london would i find a shipper from this end?
It is a diesel and you should be able to find a shipper or ask for Direct to Door shipping, it is much easier
Hello ian &julie
Cheers Liam
I really enjoy watching your mini video on Chinese mini excavator. In fact, inspired by you, I just bought one too, the same model from the same company but newer product. I am planning to have a lot of use of it. Unfortunately, the new machine I just picked it up two days ago has an issue, a big issue--the bucket doesn't curl inward! Obviously the very end cylinder is not moving. I am not sure where the problem is from yet. I have just contacted the seller. But I don't know how the company will help me to solve the issue. Do you have any advice?
Take a video of the issue and send it to your contact at Nuoman - The problem could be the hydraulic piston or the control valve. Only way to tell would be to swap over the hoses on the control valve to a known working one and see if the piston moves then. Real pain to do on a brand new machine.
@@HomesteadingUncontained Thank you for the reply. The problem has solved. It wasn't a quality issue but the stupidity of the operator:)
Pro tip: Don't leave any battery on charge if you are not there. My neighbor was charging his golfcart in a covered shed and it caught fire and burned down the shed, mower, his boat and the golfcart.
The trickle charger should be OK - the main charger is back at my workshop so I can check on it. But I know what you mean 👍🏻
Hi all, Thank you for your videos. I have one of these machines and it has been great. However I had to change the diesel tank and since I put the new one in, it has trouble starting. I managed to get it started and ran for a while. Then the next time it wouldn't start and I had to spray starter fluid into air intake and it started. But now it won't start at all. would this be the rectifier??? Help me please! 🙂
Have you checked fuel is leaving the tank and it is not blocked. The rectifier is for the charging circuit. If it is turning over well then check the fuel as this is what you have changed out.
@@HomesteadingUncontained Thank you for your reply. I changed the rectifier with a new one and put a new battery and it runs well. I am not sure exactly what the issue was but it works fine now so thank you for your tips and advice.
Love all your videos!
Cheers Steve 👍🏻
The answer to any electronics problem is to use a FULL BRIDGE RECTIFIER!
Same engine different make machine ‘Dysart’. Just started having same electrical issue. What was the regulator model you purchased?
Thanks from NZ
This was the link from Amazon - tinyurl.com/bdwavdfd
Hydraulics beat a shovel. Nothing is perfect made today.
I still get those comments though, "bet I could dig with shovel faster" - go for it....hahaha 🤣
Ian, tell me about your trainers. I really like them, where do they come from?
They are HOKAS, I use them for running first then once they wear out I use them to potter about in.
@@HomesteadingUncontainedThanks Ian. 👍🏼
😊😊😊
Link to regulator?
tinyurl.com/bdwavdfd there you go 👍🏻
That's is small
I just got a Chinese digger
I think 90% of them originate there in some form or another 👍🏻
If you are a 'hands on' person, you are fine. If you aren't mechanically minded buy a machine which is serviced locally and accept the $100/hr labour rate to fix the machine which costs 4 times the budget machine. Not it doesn't mater what you paid for your car, boat, digger, truck etc... If it doesn't work, it doesn't work weather you paid $5000 or $5 million.
totally agree 👍🏻
i have changed ignition lock (that was water damaged from day one), the starter, the regulator. tried to jumpstart the strter relay. my digger died after 40 hours. it is just plain bad quality these machines and waste of money.
I wouldn't say they are a waste of money - It has more than paid for itself compared to rentals. A few repairs and upgrades and it works fine.
Nuoman is garbage, wish I hadn't bought my 2 ton
Was your wiring just twisted together? Mine looked like they were going to solder and then just wrapped it in tape instead 😂
How old is your machine? I just got one and it seems significantly better than the ones I'm seeing guys post about them online.
@@Aaron-nj8xj about 6 months. I've probably had 8 hours into repairs when I first picked it up, including the thumb being welded on in the wrong spot and wrong length. Forks unpainted despite all implements being painted. Didn't have all the hydraulic hoses I needed in order to run all implements . Honestly just overall junk grade. And that doesn't even include the fact that even with the Kubota diesel, whatever hydraulic pump they put in it is just way underpowered. I wish I didn't buy it
That is a shame - I have done minor repairs but otherwise well worth the money I spent on it.
@@HomesteadingUncontained yeah there were also multiple times where the schedule was pushed back, that combined with it not being anywhere close to complete when I got it makes me think they're too busy and just don't care. For the same money I could have gotten a much more capable but older used machine locally. I do wish I did that in retrospect. Now that I have it repaired it has come in handy plenty of times. But certainly I've noticed for a 2-ton machine it's not near as capable as the same tonnage machine from a well thought out brand.