Chinese built 1-ton plus excavators.

[MattB4]

Had to contact BXpanded yesterday because no shipment after a week and no messages. After I emailed them I got a call back from them. The caller wanted to check the fact I had not listed a BX model during ordering (they require you to list your machine so I gave the Typhon) after explaining the fact I intend to modify the mount to fit, and I would not hold them responsible for it not working as intended, they got the shipping sorted out. Woulda have been nice if they had followed up earlier but at least it is on its way.

The representative mentioned that they use to do one off customs, but no longer, and would only do it now for large orders. Seems to me they are missing the idea that there is going to be a zillion of these Chinese 1-Tons Minis out there in the coming years. Hard to figure but not my problem so long as I get one to modify for my use.

 

[MattB4]

Just got in the BXpanded root ripper. After seeing that it is only 1/2 inch thick I decided to add a spine to the back for added reinforcement against bending. I had hoped that it would be at least 3/4 inch steel. I have a piece of 1/4" x 2" bar that after some preliminary bending it ought to do the trick. Needs to be cut shorter than shown in my picture below but it gives the idea.

Regarding the mount. The spacing of the flangesgives 97mm inside which is 7mm wider than needed. Some washers should take up the slack nicely. I will be putting in one new hole per side to get the 90mm CTC spacing needs. Although the present holes are 1 inch this is only .4mm wider than the 25mm pins I will add. Likely I will just weld them in place since this will connect to the excavator via the quick hitch.

Should be a fairly quick plasma hole cut and Mig welding task.

ETA: I should say that the ripper would likely fit just fine without modification if hooking to dipper with the factory pins. The hole spacing is 125mm and when I inserted a 25mm pin it was quite tight.

 

[MattB4]

Finished most of the modifications. I am waiting on a 1ft 25mm steel rod to make the pins to show up yet. My holes were a bit oversized (1-1/8") as I had to sort of guess how it would work since it was my first time cutting holes with my new plasma cutter. Once the pins are welded into place it won't be noticeable. The 1" washers seem to be perfect for the width reduction.

Some photos of it all.

 

[2manyrocks]

I don't quite understand why the chinese don't just standardize the mounts on these mini Xs and make rippers for them? That and why they don't put hydraulic filters on these machines at the factory.

 

[MattB4]

I don't quite understand why the chinese don't just standardize the mounts on these mini Xs and make rippers for them? That and why they don't put hydraulic filters on these machines at the factory.

They do sell a ripper to fit the 1-Ton. I have one but it is a beefy thing more suited to rocks and hard soil than it is for roots. It was a big help when I did my septic field due to all the large rocks I had to dig up.

 

[2manyrocks]

I dug up a bunch of small trees with the regular bucket on the Terramite, but have always wondered if a root ripper would have made the job go faster?

 

[dfkrug]

I dug up a bunch of small trees with the regular bucket on the Terramite, but have always wondered if a root ripper would have made the job go faster?

A ripper tooth is way better for roots, rocks, and very hard soils. A serrated inner edge would make cutting the roots even easier. I also find the implements for my mini are the easiest to change with just pulling the 2 pins. No need for a QA mechanism, which reduces your ripping or digging forces.

Kinda like a thumb. Once you have one, you wonder how you could ever do without.

 

[MattB4]

Here's the root ripper attached to the machine. I am still waiting on my 25mm steel rod for final assembly but I wanted to check the geometry. It is important if it was going to work OK with the ripper mounted. Using the pins from my other ripper it fits good to the quick hitch and the front to back curl is without obstruction. I do notice that when operating the thumb you want to be careful of the rippers teeth so as not to hit each other or have the tooth act as a hook on the rippers crossbar. That won't be an issue if picking something up.

2/9 edit to add finished with pins images. BTW if you have really good eyes you will see that one side of the pins is slightly further apart than the other. It is about 1/8" off. Not sure how I did that since I tried to be very careful. Won't hurt function but it bugs me.

 

[MattB4]

Removed 3 small stumps this morning with the BXpanded root ripper. It does work better than using the bucket or the other ripper I have. After testing on the stumps I can see that the limit is 4-6 inch stump unless you have really easy soil. My last one was up against a larger stump which complicated removal but was eventually able to work it free. You do have to be very careful that you do not tilt the machine over when the ripper grabs and the root does not break. Had one scary moment when that happened.

So my prognosis on the root ripper is it is a reasonable attachment but don't expect it to be a big stump busting monster. One thing that I thought of while using it is if it could be made to vibrate up and down it might be a more effective thing. Maybe attach it to a hydraulic breaker?

Edit one other comment about the root ripper; The steel is mild and really should be hardened like an axe blade. A file bites into it instead of skating. This means the edges dull quickly when encountering rocks.

 

[Sonny580]

I don't quite understand why the chinese don't just standardize the mounts on these mini Xs and make rippers for them? That and why they don't put hydraulic filters on these machines at the factory.

the chimineese dont want to spend any time on quality OR make anything standard! It's just NOT their way!!!