Agrotk excavators: Does anyone have one? Opinions/comments/critiques?

[mikester]

Being retired and on a fixed income makes “getting a deal” a bigger part of the equation. If I were going to have a business/side business, I would be signing financing for a Bobcat E35, transport trailer, and a 3500 Ram Diesel…

 

[2manyrocks]

Being retired and on a fixed income makes “getting a deal” a bigger part of the equation. If I were going to have a business/side business, I would be signing financing for a Bobcat E35, transport trailer, and a 3500 Ram Diesel…

Using payment plan from a dealer could spread out the payments on a new tractor/backhoe deal. I was shocked to see some used Terramite backhoes on tractorhouse.com for something like $15k. Probably pushing 20 years old or more, no warranty. For that money, might as well look at a new tractor/backhoe combination.

2023 T264 4wd loader/backhoe $22,600 from a dealer. I'm not saying buy this, but you might as well look at what you could get new with financing. '23 T264 4WD Tractor W/ Loader & Backhoe - $22,600 In Oneida TN - LSN

 

[TimberFarm]

The Chinese excavator was pretty similar in performance but it’s lacks the ability to quickly change the control pattern, it’s gasoline vs diesel, it lacks hydraulic adjustable width tracks which is realistically pretty important for that size class, the controls are considerably rougher, it has a janky drive motor setup, the dealer support and parts network is non existent and the resale vehicle is presumably poor. How would you consider that beating the yammer in any aspect other than upfront cost?

You can buy these with diesels if you look closely. A B&S engine and you can blow it and easily find a replacement from Northern or any other online source. Almost nothing has adjustable tracks in this size, controls are something you get used to with each machine from each manufacturer. Agrotk has their HQ set up in Chicago and by the looks of it they have a stock there.
At one third of the price you can buy three of these and keep two in storage until the first dies.
If I had to make my living with this machine, I would not buy it. But for working around the property it fills it's niche.
Personally, I am looking at 3.5-4 ton models and there are quite a few impressive ones out there.

 

[dfkrug]

It does sound Like there was a ship full of these Minis brought in and now an over supply of them that are being sold at the auctions. If I was looking to buy at an auction would be doing as dfkrug suggested and try and figure out which pumps and parts were used. I have my doubts about ANY after sale support even if they are brand new.

I just checked the upcoming RB auction catalog for the May auction in CA. Lots of China minis listed, but this is a first that I have seen: some are still palletized from the factory, so they are new, but can not bet demonstrated.

Don't count on any support for any of these machines, tho prices are really low, and quality of manufacture is good in many regards. Buyers really need to be somewhat handy and resourceful. As I mentioned with my own personal unit, I am selling off most of my spares since I don't think I will need them with my limited homeowner use.

Note that essentially all minis in the sub-1.5-ton range with have direct-acting valves, and will be somewhat jerky to operate due to their light weight. This is true of Chinese units and name-brand units. Properly sizing the single gear pump to the operating engine RPM is very important. The diesels (1-cyl or 3-cyl) operate at lower RPM vs. gas, tho they make similar power. Restrictor valves are not the proper solution.

Re-setting the valve pattern is an easy one-time hose swapping effort. The need to go back and forth is unnecessary unless the machine is used by different operators.

 

[KilroyJC]

View attachment 796314

Somewhere, there is a photograph of me and my 1975 Chevy Impala driving on the William Floyd Expressway on Long Island back in 1987 with 26 sheets of plywood tied to the roof, 14 rolls of 90# roofing in the back seat, and another 12 rolls and 5 cans of tar in the trunk. And I am cranking “War” on the cassette player… Low ri der…

 

[Fredrik]

Just purchased an Agrotk Kat12 Mini EX from RB Auctions. Same controls as H12, QH12. Does anyone know which hoses to swap to Backhoe controls.As an aside, I have owned and serviced many Terramites if any one needs help.

 

[dfkrug]

Does anyone know which hoses to swap to Backhoe controls.

You just have to take off the cowling and trace the hoses.

Also check to see if it has a hyd filter on the return line, and a hyd oil cooler. The former is likely; the latter is not.

 

[TimberFarm]

Here is a manual. It has a diagram of hydraulics I believe:

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.shopify.com%2Fs%2Ffiles%2F1%2F0254%2F7924%2F9971%2Ffiles%2FKAT12.docx%3Fv%3D1683702112&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

 

[Fredrik]

Thanks Guys, look forward to being part of the group.
I will post Pics of the hoses I swap hoping to help.

 

[Fredrik]

I'm planning on an oil cooler, and the filter. What is the current opinion on cooling the B&S with a forced air system? "Gets mighty hot in thar".

 

[dfkrug]

I'm planning on an oil cooler, and the filter. What is the current opinion on cooling the B&S with a forced air system? "Gets mighty hot in thar".

Look at how I cooled my gas engine on the XN08 thread. Gotta get the exhaust heat outa there, plus duct the flywheel fan. The Briggs has plenty of alternator current to run a good electric fan on the opposite side to the flywheel.

 

[Fredrik]

Sorry I missed this . Excellent idea. Similar to what i was thinking but Better. I suppose an auto fan from Ebay or Amazon would work. Probably nothing over 5 or 6 amps?

 

[Fredrik]

I'm switching my posts to the importing and modifying thread. Looks like i'll be doing a lot of modifying on my Agrotk Kat12.first impression is not to bad seeing as it cost so little. Seriously needs mods to be durable. Some things look like class project level.
With some thought and upgrades it should work better and longer than intended.

 

[Fredrik]

My Agrotk is now finished. Oil filter, oil cooler, forced air to cool the dog house, hose swap to backhoe controls, hose wrap and ,last thing was enlarge track adjustment access.

Impression after all the cutting, drilling , making grates, etc.

If it had cost between $750 to $1000 dollars more I would pass. Too many little things to take care of before use not to mention fit and finish leaves something to be desired.

Happy I have it but buyer beware, you will need to put some sweat into it.

 

[dfkrug]

I do not know which factory makes the AgroTK minis, but there is a large range of quality and features with the Chinese 1-ton minis.

I have not seen any AgroTKs personally, so your pix are the first I have seen inside. Not the best of the choices out there. Thx for posting.

 

[seb52]

hi looking for a mini excavator for simple tasks like lifting logs and brush clearing? The 2023 Agrotk H12 seems suitable, with a power thumb for easier log handling. While it's gas-powered, diesel engines are often preferred for heavy equipment due to efficiency and durability. The 12,000 lbs lifting capacity is decent. Consider comparing prices with similar models coz there are way better excavators available in the market or you may consider for a rental

 

[dfkrug]

I do a lot of log stacking with my Rhino 1T. The lifting capacity is enormous, considering the light overall weight. They use an under-boom cylinder, which trades off digging depth for lifting capacity.

By the way, I tried the mechanical log grapple attachment, which is lousy. I use an hydraulic thumb. Sure would be nice to have a swiveling grapple...

 

[pineislandnapa]

I have 3 Agrotk H-12 excavators with the Briggs and Stratton Engine. They are a great little machine where I live in Florida. Plenty of power for Florida soils and very fast machines. I had to swap a couple hoses to change the control pattern to my preference which took 20 minutes. I also cut out the existing engine cooling vents for much better cooling and super easy access to the engine. Although assembled in China, the machine incorporates name brand components that are extremely durable and easy to obtain if ever needed. I have only ONE single complaint with these machines and that is that they are "jerky". I have many thousands of hours operating equipment, especially excavators of all sizes. I can just barely operate these things without getting totally beat up. It's like jumping on a mechanical bull at high speed.
Now, I know that somebody out there probably knows an easy cure for this and I would dearly love to hear it !!!

 

[dfkrug]

I have only ONE single complaint with these machines and that is that they are "jerky".

Modern servo-controlled excavator controls are worlds apart from these single-pump direct-acting systems.

The only good solution for jerky is a smaller pump, more shock-relief valves, and practice feathering 2 valves at once. I have a smaller volume pump, but have not tried it out yet. My pump-to-engine coupler is custom-made, splined. The newer units seem to be using Lovejoy-type couplers, which I suggested 5y ago. That would make swapping pumps easier.

 

[dfkrug]

Well, AgroTK now has their QH12 1-ton mini-X on sale for $6199 + tax, including US shipping. Shipped from Chicago.

That is an amazing price, but does not include many attachments or spares. Those willing to brave a direct import can score attachments and spares for much much less. With all costs in mind, you will probably not do much better than $6200 per unit, however.

The AgroTK website has a minimal parts diagram, and there still seems to be no hyd oil filter or cooler, and no wheel brakes.

AGT-QH12 1-Ton 13.5 HP Gasoline Mini Excavator with Thumb Clip and B&S Engine

At AGT industrial, we're committed to providing our customers with the best possible value, which is why we're offering our Agrotk 1-ton mini excavator – significantly lower than our competitors' pricing. And with our one-year warranty, you can rest assured that you're getting a high-quality...

agrotkindustrial.com