Chinese digger recommendations

[Carl_NH]

Hi Tex, I would venture to say that your Terror XIX has the 90MM stick or 3.54" and uses the standard QD for the bucket for these sizes - the Typhon web site sells the same auger $770 whether for the XVIII or the XIX with the 25MM pins.

If seems some of the 1/5-1.8T mini's have a 30MM pin and 4" stick width but those are unusual IMO. Usually the 30MM pins and 4" width stick are on the 2.5T and higher machines.

This one on ebay is less than $400. 150mm Diameter Auger Drill with Hoses for 1Ton-1.5Ton Mini Excavator | eBay

 

[TexTrctr]

Thanks Carl, I figured it was probably a "standard" size, and that someone was (and I can picture some guy with a wooden ruler doing this) just taking ad hoc measurements of a unit on a pallet on the loading dock...and, not so accurately, transposing them to a picture for an ad on the internet.
I saw the units you described and even one on AliExpress for $312, supposedly shipped from the US. I'm just not sure how much to trust some of these guys.

 

[Carl_NH]

I bought my 8" (200MM) auger and head on ebay for $320 delivered last August.
- They are heavy and awkward to manage when an auger is attached
- Auger doesn't like "small QD" on the BH stick valve- I plumbed in 15MM QD and it barely turned - had to direct connect - I will just attach with threaded fittings for the few times a year I use it.

Designing a multilevel storage setup now to hold all my buckets for Kubota (2 buckets, QA snow plow, pallet forks, and grapple) and for mini - 4 buckets and auger). May build a vertical rack on a dolly for the mini accessories and auger as they are smaller.

 

[dfkrug]

Designing a multilevel storage setup now to hold all my buckets for Kubota (2 buckets, QA snow plow, pallet forks, and grapple) and for mini - 4 buckets and auger). May build a vertical rack on a dolly for the mini accessories and auger as they are smaller.

Dunno if you said earlier: have you tried to fit your B21 bucket on the mini-X? Pin sizes are also 25mm, as I recall. I don't recall the dipper stick width.

 

[TexTrctr]

On the subject of augers, have any of you used a 12" bit on your mini? I think it would be a better overall fit for my needs but I didnt know if it was too much for the hydraulics in anything but sand.

 

[Carl_NH]

Dunno if you said earlier: have you tried to fit your B21 bucket on the mini-X? Pin sizes are also 25mm, as I recall. I don't recall the dipper stick width.

DF on the B21 its very close - 3.65" width vs 3.6" on the mini, but the pins are 6" on center vs 4" on center on the mini. I only have the 16" BH bucket and the ripper tooth for the B21. Then I installed the Hyd thumb last spring on the B21 making it more work to change.

But I plan to use the ripper tooth on the mini - just can't use the quick attach on the mini - need to pin it on as the 6" on center should be OK on the mini.

 

[Jrasband]

I am pulling the trigger on a Kymron XH20D today. Getting it with a 12" auger, 8" bucket, ripper, and 32" tilt bucket.

Yes it is expensive but these Kymron machines seem like excellent quality. Hopefully in the long run it will be a great choice.

KYMRON XH20D

 

[Carl_NH]

Tex - I haven't dug holes yet - just got it in the fall. I did install it and do a quick test with the 8" - we have a lot of rock here and seems to wander more left/right when encountering rocks/roots due to the Stick/Boom/House play (more joints to flex).

I ran a Bobcat MT100 two years ago installing 900' of fence, with an 8" and also18" auger to prep for tree planting and the 18" with more space between auger vanes cleared 4-6" size rocks easily. The auger head attaches directly to the Bobcat SSQA so is more rigid and didn't wander much.

Sum and substance, the mini will probably manage a 12" OK - just depends on your soils.

 

[Carl_NH]

I am pulling the trigger on a Kymron XH20D today. Getting it with a 12" auger, 8" bucket, ripper, and 32" tilt bucket.

Yes it is expensive but these Kymron machines seem like excellent quality. Hopefully in the long run it will be a great choice.

KYMRON XH20D

Congratulations - looks like a very nice machine and well outfitted! I like the fit and finish on that machine, larger tracks and the Yanmar too! Good choice.

The YH20D model (with smaller Kubota engine, and shorter tracks) appears to be a Hightop same as my machine - but a few a nicer features included - thumb and valve,gauges etc..

 

[dfkrug]

But I plan to use the ripper tooth on the mini - just can't use the quick attach on the mini - need to pin it on as the 6" on center should be OK on the mini.

I see your thumb shares the bucket pin on the B21. That makes it tougher to change buckets.

For what it is worth, changing buckets or my ripper tooth on my XN08 is super-easy, even without a QA. Much easier than any of my many backhoe attachments. The ripper tooth is awesome.

 

[TexTrctr]

I am pulling the trigger on a Kymron XH20D today. Getting it with a 12" auger, 8" bucket, ripper, and 32" tilt bucket.

Wow, that looks like a nice unit! 22hp Yanmar w/2-spd. and a 2 year warranty. I missed that one when I was looking at Kymron products. The engine is actually a slightly smaller, indirect injection version of the engine in my JD 3025E. If I had seen it I might have been very tempted.
But, as it is, I got my Typhon XIX delivered this evening at about dark. Can't wait to start playing tomorrow!
BTW, wherabouts in SW VA? I spent some time in Blacksburg going to school a few centuries ago.

 

[Carl_NH]

Tex yes Kymron machines have many nice upgraded features, but the two speed on the YH and the XH20 series machines (per the statement in their video) is when you lift up the Pilot controls lever this gives the machine another speed.

its a 3:30 in this video,

This is the same "two speed" on the XIX (made by Vote) and XVIII (made by Hightop) which is the same as the YH20 Kymron. The wheel motors look the same so I doubt its a true two speed,

It would be interesting to hear from Jrasband to hear XD20 feedback too.

 

[Jrasband]

Wow, that looks like a nice unit! 22hp Yanmar w/2-spd. and a 2 year warranty. I missed that one when I was looking at Kymron products. The engine is actually a slightly smaller, indirect injection version of the engine in my JD 3025E. If I had seen it I might have been very tempted.
But, as it is, I got my Typhon XIX delivered this evening at about dark. Can't wait to start playing tomorrow!
BTW, wherabouts in SW VA? I spent some time in Blacksburg going to school a few centuries ago.

Thanks, I am looking forward to getting the machine so much! I have a lot to do with it. It should be here next week.

I did a lot of research to end up with the Kymron. I almost got a Groundhog but settled on Kymron as they are heavier. My wife said nothing used( bad prior expierences) She also said I couldn't spend any more money lol. We ordered it with a 12" auger, ripper, 32" tilt bucket, and a trenching bucket. He threw in the trenching bucket and a quick connect.

 

[Jrasband]

Tex yes Kymron machines have many nice upgraded features, but the two speed on the YH and the XH20 series machines (per the statement in their video) is when you lift up the Pilot controls lever this gives the machine another speed.

its a 3:30 in this video,

This is the same "two speed" on the XIX (made by Vote) and XVIII (made by Hightop) which is the same as the YH20 Kymron. The wheel motors look the same so I doubt its a true two speed,

It would be interesting to hear from Jrasband to hear XD20 feedback too.

I will be letting everyone know what I think about the machine. I only have about 10 hours experience on a excavator so it is going to take some time to get used to.

I think your right on the 2 speed. Though I am not positive based on Rob's videos(K&R), there updating these things regularly. I got a discount on mine because I got a early 2025 model that has the middle stick lever to control the blade, the newest ones have blade control beside the right armrest.

 

[Carl_NH]

I got my Typhon XIX delivered this evening at about dark. Can't wait to start playing tomorrow!

Well it's been a whole day and no pictures yet!

Yes its cold and when its cold the hydraulics are not very smooth - it takes a bit to warm them up then they smooth out.

 

[TexTrctr]

HaHa, well unfortunately life interceded and my plans changed unexpectedly. It was only very late this afternoon that I got a chance to start it up, move things around and loosen up the hydraulics a bit...and yes, it is still cold here, maybe not NH cold, but cold for us!
BTW, I had a really good delivery driver. He kept in contact with me, before he left Cali. with an ETA to my place, to his first deliveries in San Antonio, then letting me know he was delayed by weather, and finally when he was 10 minutes out. When he got here, he unloaded the machine and parked it for me (in the dark). He was a hotshot, and had a whole load of 1 ton and XIX Typhons. After he left my place, he was headed to Florida and ultimately Rhode Island to unload the rest.
Vaya con Dios, Phil!
More pictures to come!

 

[Jrasband]

Tex yes Kymron machines have many nice upgraded features, but the two speed on the YH and the XH20 series machines (per the statement in their video) is when you lift up the Pilot controls lever this gives the machine another speed.

its a 3:30 in this video,

This is the same "two speed" on the XIX (made by Vote) and XVIII (made by Hightop) which is the same as the YH20 Kymron. The wheel motors look the same so I doubt its a true two speed,

It would be interesting to hear from Jrasband to hear XD20 feedback too.

Your right, To get a true two speed from Kymron in the 20 series you have to buy a ZX22 which is $23,900($6,000 more). It weighs 2 tons as appose to 1.8, has a bigger Yanmar, taller tracks, extendable tracks, upgraded hydraulics, HD Piston 2 speed Encased Drive Motors, stronger buckets, thumb pivots off the bucket, and more. I wish I could get it but my wife said were not spending anymore!

KYMRON ZX22D

ZX22D KYMRON Mini Excavator is part of the all new KYMRON Premium ZX Series with a 3 Year Warranty.

parsleyequipment.com

 

[Jrasband]

Well, I spoke to soon. We were able to upgrade last minute before the XH20 had been shipped. We got the Kymron ZX22(blue) delivered last Tuesday evening. So far I have put about 14 hours on it, uncovering my compost pile(that got buried by tons of topsoil), loading the compost into my dump truck(about 10 loads in light duty dump truck), and doing road work.

I will be redoing our driveway, digging ditches on the sides - doing foundation work for house and barn - and lots of trenching for utilities including waterlines in the pasture. I will also be doing firewood work, pulling stumps, and etc.

The Kymron ZX22 is a very nice machine. I am very impressed by the build quality - thick metal everywhere - perfect welds. two speed works great on level ground or going downhill - but it is unable to go any faster than low speed going up any kind of incline. It does multi-functions well, is very stable and will break ground quickly.

My only complaint so far about the machine is that it does not have a retractable seatbelt! The adjustable belt will not stay where you adjust it - and it falls down at your feet when you take it off - and the buckle falls between the armrest and seat where it is hard to reach. I ordered a retractable seatbelt for $30 so no big deal. The thing that frustrated me the most about the seatbelt is the manual says it comes with a retractable seatbelt, so why is not on the machines(This is not the only thing the manual says is on the machine, but is actually not). Kymron is selling the ZX22 as a premium machine so this basic luxury seems like a no brainer.

In order to load material in my dump truck I had to get on top of the pile within five feet of the side of the truck, this was a little challenging but doable. I loaded most of the pile but had to load the last 3-4 loads with the tractor. I do not think I would have been able to do this with the XH20 as it has a smaller boom and stick.

It does struggle when working on a slope to swing the carriage around with a loaded bucket unless your bring the bucket close to the machine during travel.

I have had tracks come off about 6-7 times already and this has been pretty annoying but I blame that on my inexperience - the tracks breaking in - and the conditions I am working in. It only takes five minutes to get the track back on if you have the tools and grease handy.

 

[dfkrug]

two speed works great on level ground or going downhill - but it is unable to go any faster than low speed going up any kind of incline.

Wow, looks like you have the piston motor drives in the wheels. That's great. The machine goes downhill without any feeling of being out of control?

What hyd pumps do you have? Did you get a hydraulic schematic? Been inside yet?

Nice you have the 1-liter Yannie diesel (3TN74).

 

[Jrasband]

Wow, looks like you have the piston motor drives in the wheels. That's great. The machine goes downhill without any feeling of being out of control?

What hyd pumps do you have? Did you get a hydraulic schematic? Been inside yet?

Nice you have the 1-liter Yannie diesel (3TN74).

The machine was at first a little scary fast going downhill. I am sure it would flip right on its face if you slammed on the brakes - though the controls are very sensitive so it is quick to slow down safely if you want it to.

It has a Parker main pump, and Eaton drive motors - this is all I know so far. I have not taken off the side panels yet to look closer. I will ask for a hydraulic schematic.

It has the Yanmar 3TNV80. The 74 comes in the XH20