Buying the Cheapest Mini Excavator I Could Find
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- Опубліковано 28 жов 2022
- After coming to the realization that a brand new mini excavator was not anywhere near my budget, I"ve taken a chance on today's episode and bought the cheapest mini excavator I could find. Sometimes these low cost pieces of heavy equipment end up costing me more than a newer machine would in repairs but I'm willing to take that chance. This mid-90's Takeuchi TB15 is the newest piece of heavy equipment which will call the SWS landscape home. I'm hoping to use this mini excavator to help maintain my trails and get to places where my tractor just can't. Low ground pressure and relatively small footprint will make this an excellent trail-building tool for me and one that I"ve been after for quite some time. Now it's a matter of learning how to use the thing. I'm no expert on mini excavators but I do have a basic understanding of hydraulics and general repair and so I"m optimistic here and hoping for the best. Glad you're all along with me for the ride. Here we go!
Sawing with Sandy Merch Store
/ @sawingwithsandy - Розваги
Congrats on the new toy, Sandy! I think it’s fair to say that the hours are many times over what the hour meter says. You wouldn’t need a new kingpin or have that much play in the bucket pin with only 922 hours. However, it doesn’t really matter! It runs, it doesn’t seem to have too many issues, and knowing your nose for deals, I’m sure you got it for a fair price. Once you do your usual clean up, maintenance, and paint job, it will be worth far more than you paid for it, and eventually you’ll be able to move up to a larger unit.
I think you're right about the hours. I figured since it runs and operates that's half the battle and figured because of that it was worth the cost. I"ll be looking forward to learning all about them. Maybe if the stars align one day I"ll get a bigger machine but who knows
It’s nuts what these things go for, but some day like you I will have one. The amount of things you can do with one of those little guys is unbelievable. Congrats and thanks for the video
I did the same thing a year ago. After looking for 4 years I realized my budget wasn't going to get me a 6k machine. I bought a 96 Takeuchi tb 015. It's about the same size as yours. Takes a while to get used to the tippy unstable feel. My son who has 20+ years of experience with heavy equip. Makes the thing dance. It is one of those things where experience really shows. As others have said, you won't regret it. I am looking for a manual thumb for mine. I am certain it will double my use of it. Congrats.
Sounds like a great machine you’ve got!
Hi Sandy, The first bit of advice in operating your excavator is to do everything slowly and keep the RPM's at their minimum. This is done for safety and will save fuel when operating. Slow finishes the race with these machines.
Great advice. I will keep that in mind until I get comfortable.
Congrats on your excavator! And thanks for the walkaround, I've been wanting one myself and you pointed out things I wouldn't have known to look for. Looking forward to see you put it to work.
Thanks Bruce. My friend was a big help looking it over with me.
Congrats! Can't wait to see all the projects you get up to with it!
Thanks Megan! Going to be a lot of fun
Great stuff. Love that your just starting out with an excavator. Me too, mine hasnt arrived yet and Ive spent literally only 10 minutes digging in one so intereting to see you not at all too proud to share . Greetings from Tasmania 😊
Thanks Peter! Enjoy your new machine!
Sweet! Such a great edition to the ol tool box. Happy for you Sandy! ✌
Thanks Jill! Looking forward to putting it into action
I had one of these TB15 for many years, traded it for a new Kobelco sk45. Installed a thumb. Great little machine, solid, reliable. Put new tracks on and, talking expensive, one front drive motor. But I got a very decent price for it. You made a good choice, good machine, have great fun with it.
That’s great to hear they are a reliable machine
Great find Sandy! Sure, right now she doesn't look like much but if you put the usual Sandy touch to it then she is going to really shine. If I could make just a couple of recommendations:
FIRST thing, change ALL fluids! You just don't know the history of them. This would certainly include draining the hydraulic reservoir.
Change all filters and lube every moving part that has grease zerks.
And when you are operating the arm in a stationary position be sure to drop the blade for additional stability.
And if you want to see how a real pro operates an excavator then watch your fellow UA-camr Mike Morgan on Outdoors with the Morgans. He makes his excavator really hum.
Lastly, please stay safe brother. You mean alot to us. God bless.
Thanks for the tips Bob. I will be sure to keep safe and take small steps as I"m learning.
Extremely useful machine that doesn't take long to become proficient on. I like that it is all mechanical. You are going to love it.
Thanks Paul!
Slick truck! I've never seen one that can put the whole deck flat on the ground like that. Considering how many industrial accidents occur loading and unloading equipment on various ramp and sloped deck configurations, the margin of safety added by this feature is golden.
I agree Jimmy. My friend hauls around debris bins, barges, and equipment on it
Quite similar to a roll off garbage truck. you unload bins or move bins flat decks and alot of things need to be moved or hauled. To me that is smaller version of a roll off truck. A mini carry all .
We call it a zero degree bed.
Around here they are called hooklifts super popular for dumpster rentals or equipment rental shops.
That is what I was thinking, truck to move dumpster rental.
I'm loving the Takeuchi TB15. Looking forward to more video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Bruce. I’ve got some videos ideas coming up with it
I have a tb-015. Just a hair newer than yours. Awesome machine, I have almost 2900hrs on mine, added a manual thumb. It's so handy for my construction business. I get a lot done with the skid steer, dump truck, and mini ex.
That's great to hear the machine is a work horse. Looking forward to getting it dirty real soon
Congrats on your aquisition! For your tracks, you should have a look with extreme wear parts out of alberta. They have supplied me with the tracks on my last 2 machines. Great service and fast shipping!
Hello, Sandy, I can tell by the excitement in your voice, how great this is for you. I think this is the perfect piece equipment for you. I would suggest that you get an equipment shop manual for it.
Great advice Harvey. Thank you
Congratulations Sandy, I know your happier than a bird in a birdbath! I’ll be using a mini excavator Monday helping my plumber buddy, retired underground sewer operator, so yeah your gonna love it! Be nice to put bigger logs on the mill too! I know you’ll fix her up and make er nice! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼
Thanks Mark. Really looking forward to getting to know this equipment
remember it is only a 1.2 ton. The logs can't be much bigger than what he is using already
Nice new equipment, can't wait to see what you get up to with it!
Thanks! Should be all kinds of good projects coming up
Awesome score brother.. It will save you alot of back breaking work for sure..
Will be a great project to shine up over winter..
Keep up the great work there Sandy... Steve out..👍👍
Thanks Steve! Looking forward to seeing what it can do
Congrats on the mini ex, Sandy! Way to go! Check if you have a 1 way or 2 way auxiliary hydraulics to the front. If it's 2 way, I'd definitely recommend installing a hydraulic thumb, so you can move logs or larger rocks around. It's just incredibly handy. But even if not, you can probably put a manual thumb on it and still find it very handy. Andrew Camarata has a pretty cool video about excavator thumbs.
Unfortunately it's a 1 one valve I believe but will look further into it. Andrew does have a lot of great videos for sure
Nice find! Hope you will bring us along as you refurbish your new workhorse.
For sure I will Terry.
Looks like a Great Mini Ex. Congrats and thanks or the walk around😁👍🚜💨
Thanks!
Hi Sandy! I will be learning right along with you.
Good to have ya along Terry
Congratulations on the excavator looking forward to seeing you work with it!
Thanks Russell!
Must be a Canadian excavator - there's a Maple leaf under the seat !!!! LOL
Looks like you were doing a little excavation yoga towards the end. 🙂
hahaha
I’m so happy for you sandy!!!!!! I love my mini ex and I think you bought the perfect one!! Yanmar engines are bullet proof and tec makes a very reliable excavator. The first thing I would do after the oil and filters is to build a thumb!!! I built a thumb for mine (you can check it out on my channel) and it it the single BEST thing I did to the machine!! I use it to lift logs and all kinds of stuff and it works amazingly well and it’s only a mechanical thumb, you could build or buy a hydraulic thumb and you will be glad u did!! I look very foreward to seeing more videos of your excavator!!
Thanks! I’ll be sure to get that thumb figured out
Right on! Use the pin to lock the house while using it in backhoe mode to stop any chance of turning when in tight quarters. JD controls aren’t less common now. Should look into swapping to cat controls and it’ll cross over to your next machine.
Appreciate that tip Travis
Not much to worry about as far as the controls go because most machines made in the last 20 years or more have an electric or manual operated valve to switch from ISO (John Deere) to SAE (Cat). The former is the most popular but its just a matter of what you get used to. Switching can be done with hydraulic hoses if there's no valve to do it.
Hi Sandy!!😀😀
Nice little excavator. I'm sure it has closer to 9 thousand hours and definitely not 900. I used to have a TB 70 with a tree harvesting head on it back in the late 90s. Now I have a TB1140 TAKEUCHI with a tree harvesting head on it. My TB1140 has almost 15,000 hours on it and is still running strong.
Takeuchi excavators are top of the line machines. I think you have your self a good one there.
Enjoy the machine and don't tip it over.
Take care my friend!!😀😀👍👍
Logger Al
Thanks! Great to hear they’re good machines!
Pump is mounted on the motor. It’s main function. Blade supports the excavator when digging in front. All other directions you have to just “feel” how much you can pull. If you are carrying a heavy load in the bucket just keep it low and close when spinning. 🙂I’ve run these for years and they are great.
Thanks for that Russ. I appreciate that
Great choice, I had a 2001 Takeuchi TB015 for a long time and it was an amazing little machine. Hopefully this one treats you well. Try to get a thumb on that and you'll be really happy.
Great to hear that. I'm hoping for years of good use from it and I"l be sure to look into a thumb
Excellent, looking forward to your reports & progress. I’ve been watching OutDoors with The Morgan’s ( he has a new Kubota excavator) he may be able to give you some pointers. Love what you’re doing-best with all. Wilber
Thanks for watching Wilber
Congratulations on your mini excavator! I'm sure you're going to find many uses for it. Too bad it doesn't have a thumb on the bucket so you could pick up small logs to load the saw mill. I'm glad to see you grow!
Thanks Steven. Think I"ll look into adding a thumb for sure
@@sawingwithsandy When you get to that stage get in touch with me I want to put one on my machine too same size as yours will make the thumb on my waterjet will see if I can make it any more economical than we can buy it if anyone has ready made CAD drawings email it to us.
Check out Andrew Camaratta's channel, he does all kind of mini ex vids and adds thumbs to every one he owns.
@@sawingwithsandy Hi Sandy yes it would be very handy but I also noticed that there is no point to fix it to at least you got the hydraulics there for that extra connection and learn how to use the foot controls to keep your hands free to control the boom at the same time you will find that jurky movement will be much less
I started running small equipment tractors, power saws etc at 12 yrs. old . It wasn't until I was in my 40s that I finally got to try out an excavator.
After my exposure to excavators I was hooked . They are one of the most satisfying machine to operate. I spent 25 yrs running all sizes. Demolition of buildings can be like a chess game when taking one down in tight quarters. It is amazing what you can do even with a little one. Enjoy your new toy.
They sure do seem highly versatile
Just bought takeuchi tb 217r, glad to see how durabel takeuchi is!
I really enjoy your trials and tribulations, whether it’s milling trees, playing with equipment, etc.
I’m actually curious what you do for a living (how do you feed your equipment and wood addictions)?
I’m originally from NS, lived in Toronto for too long, but have been in Southern Arizona for the last 21 years. Looking to get back to NS asap though.
I maintain flight simulators to feed my CNC Plasma and welding, woodworking addictions.
Keep up the videos - you have really great production and editing skills.
Thanks! I’ve got all kinds of jobs going on behind the scenes. Keeps me busy for sure
Very nice score there mate !!!!! That's going to be a great investment for your year round activities !!!!!!
Thanks David. I’m really liking it
That is a very cool truck!! Wow!
Thanks, slick way to move around things for sure
You're gonna love this thing. I have the Takeuchi TB235. You're going to wanna put a thumb on it but I think you'll have to go with a manual thumb. That blade is more of a stabilizer because of the narrow foot print of the tracks. When i am lifting, digging deep or digging stumps I keep the blade in front of me. When digging hard pan like clay I keep it behing me so not to lift the front of the machine up. Other than that it's practice practice practice.
Great tips there on the blade. Thank you.
@@sawingwithsandy don't get me wrong . You can push and back drag with it well. But don't be afraid to put it to use while digging.
great purchase. you're going to have a blast.👍
Thanks Terry!
I have a komatsu pc-12. It’s a 1999 with the same engine you have. I absolutely love it. I load my HM-126 with it. When you can, invest in a thumb,it’s a must have! Enjoy your new machine!
Thanks Jamie!
Sandy, you are a crack up, it's in your DNA you see with a few turns of a wrench and adjustment here and there, this excavator will have life again. I am excited and also jealous you found a diamond in the rough. I am impressed even though it has a few hours on it (specially the seat) it looks all original with no patch fixes or home wire modification.
Thanks Howie! I’m really looking forward to putting it to work
Cool addition to the yard Sandy! Have fun with it. 👍🏼🌴🚜
Thanks! Looking forward too it
hi Sandy, If you are worried about the fins on the radiator being bent there is normally a easy solution. They called fin combs and are pretty common in the air conditioning world. I can't recall exactly how they are measure in fins per inch or the metric equal. Normally made of a hardened plastic material that won 't damage the rest of the core. Love your spot of heaven in the bush, but being an Aussie that white stuff that falls in winter could make me hibernate for six mths a year, Hope this helps. Regards Huey
Thanks for sharing that Huey. I never knew about the comb. Yeah the snow is nice for a few months but the cold certainly gets to me
In my opinion, the left pedal (with what looks like a large washer on top) could be the speed control.
The right lever (with a red cap) could be the pattern change lever.
There are two different types of control patterns for excavator: ISO & SAE. Typically, ISO controls are standard.
The most commonly used control pattern throughout the world is the ISO controls. In the ISO control pattern, the left hand joystick controls Swing (left & right) and the Stick Boom (away & close), and the right hand joystick controls the Main Boom (up & down) and Bucket motions (close & dump).
MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼………………………………….Good for you Sandy! I’m sure you will figure out the ins and outs of that machine in no time. I’ll be here watching you learn and be a little envious at the same time!LOL!
I've got a lot to learn with this haha .
Mee to 😊
Amazing truck. Smart purchase!
Thanks Dick!
Nice addition Sandy!
Thanks Justin!
Easiest way to get used to it is to keep your engine rpm’s to around half. If your not putting to much on the pump while working it at half. But this will allow your hands to keep up with the hydraulics easier. Then before you know it you won’t even be thinking about what each hand is doing. Sweet find. You’ll love it.
Great tip Paul!
Great new tool to add to your property. I am sure you will get great use of it. Should probably get a thumb for it for grabbing logs. Good luck.
Thanks Jack. Think the thumb will be coming along sooner rather than later for sure
That's a nice looking little machine and the Yanmar engine will serve you well I have a RK 24 with a backhoe attachment and it does very well and you will want a hydraulic thumb and I'm sure it will lift a decent size log. Thanks for sharing this
Thanks Jeff. Sounds like some nice equipment you've got there
Today is my birthday... and just too much on my mind, that said, I will revisit this video and give some of the stuff I know to you... quite happy for you on this great little machine... should be just the ticket for a lot of simple stuff.
Thanks Morgan. Appreciate that. Happy Birthday by the way!
Sandy, I agree with Bob Wollard, watch Outdoors with the Morgans and add a thumb to your bucket. It will make a great addition to how you handle your logs for the sawmill. Stay warm and safe!
The thumb will be handy for sure
I have this same machine, it has now has well over 10k hrs and still works, it a little slow and a little sloppy but it sure beats a shovel. Takeuchi makes great equipment. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger and buy a tb260 for a little bigger jobs , but my TB15 isn't going anywhere.
Those two holes to the left of the seat are for sure mounting holes for a sludge holder. Congratulations on the new machine! Nothing beats a new toy.
hahha I like the way you think! I was thinking add a separate tank onto the side of the mini ex for a direct feed of sludge to the operator
@@sawingwithsandy that sounds like an idea you should patent and sell to the masses. I'd put that on some of our machines for sure.
Cool. Going to be fun to see how it fits on your property.
Thanks for that. Looking forward to putting it to work
Nice new work toy Sandy, good job picking up such a small Excavator. You might want to see if you can add a thumb to the bucket, they come in handy when loading fire wood poles on the mill, just a suggestion.
Thanks TJ. Will definitely see about getting one
If you keep it running you’ll be amazed how much work you can get done with it and wonder how you ever did without it!
My brain is just going now with ideas for projects that the tractor just couldn’t do
Practice makes perfect Sandy. Time in the seat is the best Teacher. Things breaking on it, will eventually be your great friend. You will know the machine inside and out. When I bought my 12 year old Cat 304 ccr, I found out fast how to change out hydraulic hoses, they were busting often. But no longer scared, that will probably be your biggest problem. It happens to every machine that has hydraulics on it. Good luck buddy.
I think you're right there Doug. Will surely find the spots that need attention before long. It'll be a great learning experience. I just hope I don't have to learn too too much to keep it going haha
My recommendation is to learn how to jump turn as it takes some of the stress off the tracks when turning tightly - there's tutorials on UA-cam that show you how to do it. It will get you out of some tricky situations. Also as you've discovered small excavators can be very jerky and can really beat the operator up, so easy on the controls, slower engine speed can iron out the rough ride. You'll get plenty of seat time and it will surprise you how quickly you get proficient behind the controls of this beast
Great tips there Kevin! Thank you
Hey Sandy, I own one of these. Mine's got loads more hours and still operates like a charm!
That is a very cool toy. Hope to see a few videos on that.
For sure Paul
You got this Sandy. Nice unit
Thanks Joseph!
Congratulations. Nice asset to have for your projects.
I'm thinking so too
It will definitely be a help with logs even larger than you usually have nice to see your content give it a week you'll be an expert lol never stop. learning
Thanks Mark. Looking forward to some seat time for sure
That will be great for digging out the stumps at the new sawmill shed.
Thanks Wallace! Really looking forward to using it
This is just great, I have been looking to buy me a excavator also, be interesting to see what you do with it.
Thanks John. Will be looking forward to putting it to work.
Awesome. I have the same model. I welded a mechanical thumb on it and have been very happy with it moving logs and digging out stumps. I upgraded to a 2 ton John deere a couple years ago and have been thinking about selling my TB15, but hesitate because it's so dependable. You'll enjoy it and may change the way you load your logs for the sawmill.
Great to hear it's dependable. I"m hoping for the same out this machine. I think after using the mini ex I"m going to look at my tractor differently from now on haha
After you use it for about a year you'll probably start looking for a 2 ton with extendable tracks and two way aux hydraulics like I did for a hydraulic thumb and auger. Be very careful on heavily sloped land, or moving a load that can swing, it can tip over, but your tractor can get it back upright. Enjoy digging in your sandbox . :)
I think you're right. Will keep an eye out for larger and learn what I like and don't like on this machine as I go
Looks good buddy I'm looking for one myself. When you order the seat I think the bottom plate comes with it. I ordered a seat for my tractor last year and I was able to get it with the bottom structure and hinges. I ordered the whole assembly because of the rust I wasn't sure if I would be able to get the parts to fit properly. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the renovations.
Great to know Neil. I"ll be sure to do the same
Sandy...I have been watching your channel for a long time and have a long time and got a lot of great ideas from you.When I tuned in this morning, had I not just repainted my TB15, all its original color by the way, I would have looked out to make sure you had not stolen mine. Seems to be not many still with original paint as yours and mine around much. I welded a manual operated thumb on mine and use it to unload logs at the mill when they arrive as well as load logs onto mill bed for milling, you would be surprised on the size log it can handle, great for holding firewood logs at convenient height to cut to size. You just purchased a great little helper around your operation.......Enjoy!
Hey Dirk! Great to hear that I’m not alone with this model of mini ex. I want to paint mine as well and just curious whether you’d mind sending me an email so I can ask you a bit more about what paint to use. Thanks again for supporting the channel for so long
@@sawingwithsandy No problem,that would be great! Will send you an email.
looks like a nice buy. Have fun and be safe 👊
Thanks!
Hi Sandy. Congratulations on the purchase. The hour meter could be correct, it just does not show that is has 10, 922.8 hours. You will have fun learning this machine. I did see one guy that when he changed the oil, after it had all drained, he poured a little more in, 1/3 to 1/2 quart, to push more of the old oil out. I like the boom pivot. I hope the bucket teeth are replaceable. Andrew Camarata likes the Yanmar machines. Have good days!
Thanks for that idea to put just a touch more oil in. Hope all is well with you
When you do your first maintenance, don’t forget to change your drive oil on each side.
Great point Ken
Been wanting one too but not enough need. Those little ones can be a little like a bucking bronco they will though you when you least expect it, so be careful, a thumb is must should well with your smaller trees. Again a little jealous getting all the fun stuff. 👍
Thanks Del. I’ll check out the thumb
Also, the little lever behind your right calf may be 2 speed travel. Mine is a heel pedal.
Other thing it could be is expandable tracks. Mine will go from 39 to 54" wide and has little extensions that bolt onto the sides of the blade
Thanks for that Kara
Keep the R’s just off idle, you will find it smoother, easier to operate and more economical. Nice purchase. I have the 0.8t Kubota, it’s even smaller than yours but can get a lot done.
Appreciate that tip! Will give that a try
Looks like. Ya got some bucket pins to change too-might think about adding a mechanical thumb as well- they are very handy an don’t cost a ton-take care
Yeah think you're right Lee. Will certainly get me busy doing some maintenance items
A new toy and young enough to enjoy it nice thanks for show sandy
Thanks for the ongoing support .Will be a great addition here I think
Congratulations on the new toy, it will be nice to work with
Thanks Larry
Nice machine and video! Will definitely come in handy! How much did you get it for?
Hey Bill, thanks for watching. Really looking forward to getting the fluids changed and into action real soon
You are going to love it. Mini excavators are as handy as pockets on a shirt.
Brent
I’m starting to wish I got one years ago
Hi Sandy, just to let you know that I love you videos. Just joined a week or two ago and think you have the right idea, by keeping the videos in the 15 to 25 minute time frame. I know that this new toy is going to be a benefit to your bush playground. Just a suggestion, but helpful, when you are blocking you logs cut them so that they fall next to the log spliter where they will be an easier reach for you as well as fewer steps away for you. In one of your earlier videos you said that you lived in Central Ontario. Where? I to live in Central Ontario in the Village of Burk's Falls. Have fun but stay safe! Brian
Thanks for all your support and great to hear you've found the channel. Welcome aboard!
Good find!
Thanks!
I bought a Tb230 around 7000 lbs so quite a lot bigger, soon after I bought my property so far I’ve cleared about 3 acres of heavy dense forest with it. I wish I would of gotten bigger but money only allows so much. Good power for its size. Tak’s are some of the best built machines out there. By the way it (TAK-E-U-CHE) lol, I said it wrong for years
About 35 years ago I learned how to use a mini Ex on aTB15.
My "instructor" had one rule for me, go slow, low RPM's, gain confidence, understand what the machine was capable of.
My safety and safety of others near the machine, not to ignore the machine or the jobsite, but slow and steady always got the job done right and without damage.
Lots of youtube videos available for you to watch, and the manual for the TB15 and the Yanmar engine is on the net.
Have fun and enjoy....
Great advice there Steven. I"ll be sure to go reallll slow for a while
Sandy look on eBay and find you an operations and service manual for that TB15 excavator. That will give you a lot of information you need. The 2 hydraulic lines are not only for a hammer but also for thumb. I highly recommend getting a thumb for that excavator. Have a great day be safe
Thanks Arthur!
Second that.. service manual- absolute must.. Adding a thumb- great for shifting logs!
Will grab one for Steve
I used to run all kinds of tractors for a living including excavators.
And I love vintage and antique machinery.
Nice having the old equipment for sure
The small ones are so expensive because they are in huge demand, everybody wants one from 8 tons and below. I recently bought a 16 ton excavator and paid half the price vs a 5-8 ton. I'd rather have an 8 ton but I have some big projects and the 16 ton has done well though it requires a lot of space.
One really positive thing about the 16 ton is that it is very spacious, closed heated cab and very easy to access all the components when it needs repair. I recently changed the starter motor, I stood uprised inside the engine bay and easily removed the old starter. Vs a friend of mine who had to remove the engine to change the starter on his mini excavator.
Yeah I think you're right about the demand. Certainly not a tonne around here for sale in the small size. There is some big machines and I could end up in something bigger down the road for the reasons you mentioned for sure
Late to the party, but a cool find! I study marketplace quite well. Lol. Hoping to find a buy like this someday! Been wanting a mini x for quite some time to do ditch work with my business, but never wanted to spend big money. Have some other machinery that needs paid off first, but something like this would work for now. Ever find out if the hour meter is accurate and working? I’m sure you know by now, but I would run it and a timer on my phone to see if they equal up. Awesome content you have!
Thanks or coming along for the video. Hour meter isn’t working so not too sure on the exact hours. Runs and operates really well though
If the pins in the boom are worn out and the one track is already been replaced, my guess is double or triple the hours shown at least. But Takeuchi makes great stuff. I just bought a new TB250-2
I think you’re probably right. Good to hear Takeuchi has a good reputation I was too familiar with it
I do t know anything about them, but I think it’s a cool purchase Sandy! Will be fun for sure. Dig on….
Thanks Todd, appreciate it
Sandy, it’s hard to go wrong with a Kubota mini ex , excellent quality
I do like the Kubota machines for sure. This is actually a Takeuchi TB15 though
Can see that be great for putting logs sawmill especially when on location and for lifting beams into place when building a shed structure or whatever
Now you've got the wheels turning in my head haha
Nice one Sandy I bought a trackless towable minidigger early this year a bit like the Harbour Freight ones they sell in the states
Similar to you I had had one go years before so steep learning curve best advice is go slow till you are sure it's very easy to turn them into a bucking bronco 🤣
A couple of times I have been grateful for the seatbelt so I stayed on the thing 🤣Have fun with it 👍
Haha I’ll hopefully stay on top of this bronco
You will love working or should I say having fun with this machine.
When you turn off the machine at the end of the day, before putting the safety lever in the locked position, activate all the hydraulic levers in order to release the pressure from the hoses.
In my opinion, the lever with the red handle under the right control, is the lever allowing to modify the control patterns from ISO to SAE, excavator mode or backhoe mode.
Link to a video describing the differences between the two modes: ua-cam.com/video/4H9km2YcVnQ/v-deo.html&ab_channel=LittleDigger
When traveling perpendicular to a slope in the forest, pay particular attention to rocks on the surface which can easily unbalance the machine, especially if this rock is on the high side of the slope.
Appreciate that info!
Congrats for the new toy in the stable, you don't know, yet, how much you will use it at his best. If I can suggest; if weather permitting, clean/pressure wash the entire machine then ''explore'' it to learn your machine in every small/little points/locations. Except for no cab (winter cold/spring flies), be prepare about travel time to the other end of your property as it is for me, wish to have a remote control and walked beside the excavator because so slow rather than sitting in it and almost falling asleep, lollll. Regular maintenance and respect for the capacities of the machine are a guarantee of longevity and limit the costs of use. Ahhhh, don't forget the sludge cup holder ;-) Be well.
Appreciate the tips there. I know what ya mean. This thing moves about half the speed I walk at . A slow go for sure haha
I have a slightly bigger mini ex in about the same condition and age. and The first thing you need to add is a thumb. A hydraulic (best) or fixed thumb doubles the use-fullness of the machine Great for picking up logs or stones. I noticed a missing skid plate under the engine. Also if you can get a seat with armrests your arms will thank you. It will help with fine control movements. Cheers.
Thanks Walter. Will be sure to look into that
Your gonna love that machine yea it's small but you can learn alot with it
For sure Terry
You'll never know what you did without it. Hard part for me is doing a job on the property and remembering "wait a sec I have an excavator" LOL
hahha I'm starting to get to that point where I"m wondering what I"m doing with this darn shovel in my hand
Dang that's a cool truck!
I hear ya. Wish I owned one too. Sure could use it for alot of things
I have one with a thumb that I use for offloading my logs. It’s a great back saver.
Right on Jack. Hoping to do the same
Love you video❤️ new sub here!
Great to have ya here on the channel!