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".