Hello. Thank you for this video. Last year, I bought a Chinese FF12 mini-ex, but I haven't used it yet. I have several projects planned for this year. We have a hilly lot. Some of my primary concerns are that the machine has a short and narrow footprint, no ROPS or seat belt. Your video is one of the few which show a small mini-ex working. Thanks for showing it bull dozing light dirt. You examples of the capabilities will help me. I don't have the mechanical thumb. That looks very useful. Jim
Jim, The Mini is definitely narrow. Caution must be exercised on hills for sure. I do have a steep road build coming soon. I plan to build my work platform as I go. The hydraulic thumb is a homebuilt project. Total cost was a little over $100. Thanks for watching and commenting! Chain
I am surprised you installed a hydraulic thumb for $100. If possible, could you list the parts, suppliers and, perhaps, produce a video explaining what and how you did it. Thanks. Jim
Hello Jim, Hoses are 1/4 -4. I used a 14mm/8L to 1/4 JIC adapter at the Aux Port and a 1/4 JIC to 3/8 NPT adapter at the cylinder. The cylinder was purchased on Amazon for $82.50. The mounting plate and the hydraulic hoses were homemade and cost was minimal. The actual thumb itself is a modified manual thumb that came with the excavator. I simply cut the pin slots back to support the cylinder mounting brackets. I did not record the build but I may go over the steps on a video in the future. Thanks for the great question! Chain
Hi Chain. Thank you very much for the info. It would be great to see a video explanation. In the next couple of weeks, I will start my mini-ex projects, so your demonstrations were very helpful. I need to install a French drain in a wet area of our lawn and dig a few other trenches and holes.
You should add some stabilizers to the back of the trailer to avoid lifting the trailer tongue when unloading. Without them you're risking lifting the rear of the tow vehicle. Not good if parked on a hill.
I like your video, like a cartoon.
Hello. Thank you for this video.
Last year, I bought a Chinese FF12 mini-ex, but I haven't used it yet. I have several projects planned for this year.
We have a hilly lot. Some of my primary concerns are that the machine has a short and narrow footprint, no ROPS or seat belt.
Your video is one of the few which show a small mini-ex working. Thanks for showing it bull dozing light dirt. You examples of the capabilities will help me.
I don't have the mechanical thumb. That looks very useful.
Jim
Jim,
The Mini is definitely narrow. Caution must be exercised on hills for sure. I do have a steep road build coming soon. I plan to build my work platform as I go.
The hydraulic thumb is a homebuilt project. Total cost was a little over $100.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Chain
Amazing how much someone can do with such a small unit. I have a 1.5T that I so much enjoy working with.
I am surprised you installed a hydraulic thumb for $100. If possible, could you list the parts, suppliers and, perhaps, produce a video explaining what and how you did it.
Thanks. Jim
Hello Jim,
Hoses are 1/4 -4. I used a 14mm/8L to 1/4 JIC adapter at the Aux Port and a 1/4 JIC to 3/8 NPT adapter at the cylinder. The cylinder was purchased on Amazon for $82.50. The mounting plate and the hydraulic hoses were homemade and cost was minimal. The actual thumb itself is a modified manual thumb that came with the excavator. I simply cut the pin slots back to support the cylinder mounting brackets. I did not record the build but I may go over the steps on a video in the future. Thanks for the great question!
Chain
Hi Chain. Thank you very much for the info. It would be great to see a video explanation.
In the next couple of weeks, I will start my mini-ex projects, so your demonstrations were very helpful.
I need to install a French drain in a wet area of our lawn and dig a few other trenches and holes.
You should add some stabilizers to the back of the trailer to avoid lifting the trailer tongue when unloading. Without them you're risking lifting the rear of the tow vehicle. Not good if parked on a hill.
good job brother, enjoy your work i will see more your video
Thank you for the encouragement. It's truly appreciated.
Hi friend, how much does this machine weigh to load onto a 1500 kg trailer? Regards.
I enjoyed your video and subscribed! What part of the country are you in? Im in upstate NY. You have nice soil.
Hi there, thanks for the sub! We are in Northwest Montana.