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

[TimberFarm]

Based on this video, seems the Chinese beat the Yanmar at 1/3 the cost.
Why would you avoid it?

 

[sd455dan]

Someone has to be the first to write a review!

dfkrug has some experience with the chinese mini/ micro ex's

Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

It has been a while since I posted a Big Project on TBN, so here we go again. I have been on a quest for a mini-X, so I imported a new one from China. It has been complicated and took a lot of time and energy, but it is here and working. Over the next week or so, I will post about my search...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[dfkrug]

As mentioned, Agrotk sub-2T mini-excavators are showing up all over the US, at auctions. I see both the B&S gasoline units, and the 3-cyl EPA diesels. Shipped out of Chicago; HQ in TX.

I don't know if they have ironed out some of the bugs that you see in other Chinese units that use the same design for many of the components.

As long as you match the hyd pump size, and modify the electrical system, I don't see significant downsides to the gas engine. Replacing or rebuilding it would be very inexpensive. Not so for the diesel (Yanmar or Kubota). Kinda like to see one of the new FI Honda thumpers in there....

I am nearing 150 hours on my Rhinocerous (Xiniu) XN08 and love it. (With all of my improvements.)

 

[TimberFarm]

dfkrug has some experience with the chinese mini/ micro ex's

Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

It has been a while since I posted a Big Project on TBN, so here we go again. I have been on a quest for a mini-X, so I imported a new one from China. It has been complicated and took a lot of time and energy, but it is here and working. Over the next week or so, I will post about my search...

www.tractorbynet.com

I was seeking info on an excavator that had an ID plate with the TX address on it. When I looked up the address it came up "For Rent".
I sent a text to the Chicago Agrotk number and they said they did not make this excavator even though it said Agrotk on the ID plate.

They are all over. There is a Ritchie auction in CA coming up and they around 35 of these minis by four different manufacturers. All brand new. That was why I made the previous comment about them being "dumped" as consignment sales apparently to get them out there anyway they can.

 

[2manyrocks]

For homeowner work around the house, it could be that one of the TYM tractor/backhoe packages or something similar might be the best value option at the moment unless you luck into a good, used backhoe somewhere somehow.

 

[sd455dan]

I was seeking info on an excavator that had an ID plate with the TX address on it. When I looked up the address it came up "For Rent".
I sent a text to the Chicago Agrotk number and they said they did not make this excavator even though it said Agrotk on the ID plate.

They are all over. There is a Ritchie auction in CA coming up and they around 35 of these minis by four different manufacturers. All brand new. That was why I made the previous comment about them being "dumped" as consignment sales apparently to get them out there anyway they can.

Very, Interesting,
I just posted the link to dfkrug;s thread since I knew he had a thread on one of these small china Import mini ex's. And have been very Impressed with some of his projects and fixes including hydrostatic drive units.

Also... I have had great luck overall with my chinese tractor over the years, So I watch many of the threads about them and even these mini exe's.

That said I started looking at mini and micro excavators and then Found what the op is trying to avoid, a clapped out Full size backhoe and bought it instead. It has needed several repairs and has been welded on extensively and has leaks and some pretty loose pins but for a starting price of 8K I did all right, I think. 13000lbs of machine
She will lift a lot of weight and also really move some dirt.

Still interested in these really compact exe's and will be following this thread. 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.

Does make it a bit harder hunting down parts but my guess is with the right help from a knowledgeable parts supplier from China the units could be serviced (but it may be a major pain).

Not advising for or against. Good Luck and Best wishes for All looking into backhoes of all kinds.

 

[4570Man]

Based on this video, seems the Chinese beat the Yanmar at 1/3 the cost.
Why would you avoid it?

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?

 

[KilroyJC]

For homeowner work around the house, it could be that one of the TYM tractor/backhoe packages or something similar might be the best value option at the moment unless you luck into a good, used backhoe somewhere somehow.

There are plenty of good, used equipment, be it trackhoes, backhoes, skidsyeers - if you can cough up $25G-$75G.

If that clapped-out 28000lb Kato had a plow and thumb I would have bought it for the asking $10G if they threw in transporting it the 40 miles and dealt with its issues…

in a nearby tree line I recently spotted a backhoe - or I should say, I spotted the ROPS and arm, because the rest was completely encased in thorn briars and Virginia Creeper - it should be affordable. . . Until I have to replace all the rubber bits…

 

[mikester]

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?

For some people "getting a deal" trumps cost, quality, safety and productivity. The low cost chinese crap satisfies a niche market and appeals to a portion of the population.

You can't rationalize with hoarder mentalities.

 

[KilroyJC]

For some people "getting a deal" trumps cost, quality, safety and productivity. The low cost chinese crap satisfies a niche market and appeals to a portion of the population.

You can't rationalize with hoarder mentalities.

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…