Chinese digger recommendations

[Carl_NH]

Finally got all the bits and pieces to finish the mods this week.
- Added the motor brace and hitch plate - welded on - the drive motor mounts are very robust on this machine - I dont think it was needed but its done now. Was going to add plate over the lines but decided to see how this works
- Added stiffener plates to thumb - 2 3" x 3/8" thick plates between the tines - the round bar just wasn't enough with the rocks I deal with - also made sure it didn't hit the boom or bucket
- Mounted the tool box behind the seat on the rops bolt and padded with adhesive foam
- Got the hydraulic Tilting bucket QD done finally - went to a local hyd house - needed two DIN14 seal gaskets and 2 14MM BSP to 14MM DIN connectors so finally have this solved.
- added 3/8" cutting edge to screening bucket - the stock sides are very thin so this was needed
- Got an 8" rock / trenching bucket - $180 - much better built than the stock buckets and the tines on the thumb mesh perfectly with the bucket.
- The fuel/oil tank cover rattled so added the black edging material around it and some rubber bumpers underneath and now its tight.

it's now going to get worked out this weekend and next week clearing a patch of ledge and rocks.

 

[Mej13579]

I really like the quick connects on the auxiliary. I got an auger with mine and would like to set it up for quick connect couplers. Thanks for the info on the size.

 

[LittleBill21]

any big issues pop up yet?

 

[Carl_NH]

No issues at all with the machine - its the operator!

I spent yesterday morning "learning the controls" turning over my compost pile - as I am used to my Kubota BH for 20 years - I didnt think it would be hard but it's definitely a challenge.

So after getting frustrated I wanted to see if there was a valve somewhere to switch the controls - no luck - so it will be moving hoses around it appears to change it.

I removed all the side covers and the access point on the floor - the access to the valve bank is limited and full of hoses - will need to remove the entire ROPS to get access if I decide to change the controls. I will write the factory and see what they advise.

But I did find another grease zerk for the swing arm too under the right side cover,

I will say the machine is very robust and welds smooth and steel plate are heavy duty - the base is 2 3/4" steel plates welded and machined and all the internal edges are smooth - no sharp parts to cut you when checking things for tightness. All the bolts are tight and most have locknuts.

 

[LittleBill21]

what controls are reversed?

 

[Carl_NH]

what controls are reversed?

The two pilot control "sticks" all have 4-5 small hoses each that connect to proportioning valve blocks on the main valve assembly - it will be easier to change them at the "sticks" rather than on the main valve body as its very tittle line clearance to move them around.

I need to figure out if this is possible then which ones to change. There are discussions in this over in DFKrug post on Importing Mini excavators.

 

[dfkrug]

The two pilot control "sticks" all have 4-5 small hoses each that connect to proportioning valve blocks on the main valve assembly - it will be easier to change them at the "sticks" rather than on the main valve body as its very tittle line clearance to move them around.

I need to figure out if this is possible then which ones to change. There are discussions in this over in DFKrug post on Importing Mini excavators.

Everyone needs to take off all the panels on their new machine to see what they have, and how to maintain it. Info from the makers is anemic at best.

That said, changing the control pattern to Backhoe style from Excavator style was very easy on my machine, switching 4 hoses on the main stack valve. You can also do it at the pilot valves, but the small diameter hoses have to go to the other side, if you know what I am saying. It may not be easier doing it at the pilot valve.

You probably need to adjust your main system RV, too, Carl.

I see you still have your B21. Since my ancient posts on that fine tractor, I have had a B20, and now have an awesome L47 here, fixing for a friend.

 

[Carl_NH]

Yes DF - I remember when you got the B20 basket case and restored it - that was decades ago! Yes I still have my B21 760 hours now in 23 years and still doing great.

Wanted a mini ex as a supporting cast to load rocks and clear some stuff out. But on to the Mini and hoses. I took off the left side pilot cover and they numbered the lines - same on right side - but haven't taken that side off yet.

As I was digging into this I noticed all the lines are numbered as follows:

- Lines 3 & 6 are for the Boom
- Lines 4 & 5 are for the dipper
- Lines 2 & 7 are for the bucket curl
- Line 8 is for the thumb circuit

The manual they send has a section in Mandarin but I found a Hightop HT 10 diagram which I think is close.

The question is since it seems the only difference in BH to Excavator controls is the Boom and Dipper action can I just swap out the #3-6 Boom and # 4-5 Dipper lines?

 

[Carl_NH]

Success!!

Swapped lines 3&6 on boom to 4 & 5 on stick

and now it runs in backhoe mode - that was easy!

 

[dfkrug]

and now it runs in backhoe mode - that was easy!

....and you don't need the fancy switching valve that comes on the Branded minis. Best to stay consistent with the pattern on all the machines you own.