Chinese tracked skid steer

[IXLR8]

The wifely unit is talking more and more about getting a tracked skid steer rather than an excavator. Are there any 'quality', less expensive, skid steers out there?

 

[2manyrocks]

In terms of chinese mini skid steers, garage connection posted a recent video of a rippa unit nd1635 that looks better built than many others. The frame for the loader mount was beefier and the hoses werent run externally on the frame. The drive sprockets also looked bigger.

 

[Jrasband]

Yeah I would suggest Rippa as well.

 

[RayIN]

 

[Jrasband]

Does she understand that they have vastly different purposes? What are you wanting to get done with the machine?

 

[WranglerX]

Basically a mini steer is a lot of muscle in small package where you can not get your wheeled tractor with a FEL into.... What exact use where you contemplating with a mini excavator vs what a mini SS can do?....

 

[tacticalturnip]

If I were buying a Chinese CTL I'd be looking at Sany or XCMG, something with a dealer network.

 

[mike0000]

Pay attention to the pumps, if you want to run some of the powered attachments a triple pump seems to be the way to go, the rippa brand as others pointed out look pretty good.

 

[mikester]

You can buy either quality or cheap. Pick one.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Is there anyone who has actually had long term good results out of a piece of Chinese equipment? In other words years of good service out of a Chinese skidsteer, mini ex, tractor , etc, just curious.

 

[Jrasband]

 

[2manyrocks]

Is there anyone who has actually had long term good results out of a piece of Chinese equipment? In other words years of good service out of a Chinese skidsteer, mini ex, tractor , etc, just curious.

That is the important question. Other than one landscaper saying they have about 770 hours of good service on their mini ex, most reviews seem short term of say 50 hours and focused on correcting quality control dissatisfaction. Still…$5000 for one of these units seems more appealing than $25k for a used name brand with 1200 rental hours.

I havent seen a full size CTL that would compare to your kubota though.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

That is the important question. Other than one landscaper saying they have about 770 hours of good service on their mini ex, most reviews seem short term of say 50 hours and focused on correcting quality control dissatisfaction. Still…$5000 for one of these units seems more appealing than $25k for a used name brand with 1200 rental hours.

I havent seen a full size CTL that would compare to your kubota though.

Yeah , I was just curious as I have never heard any good long term results, kind of like these Top Cat Chinese drum mulchers, you don't hear about anyone getting years of use out of them but you do hear about someone using them and having it grenade within 10 hours of use and then no replacement parts to be found.

 

[RayIN]

Yeah , I was just curious as I have never heard any good long term results, kind of like these Top Cat Chinese drum mulchers, you don't hear about anyone getting years of use out of them but you do hear about someone using them and having it grenade within 10 hours of use and then no replacement parts to be found.

Watch the video in my reply #4. He is wordy, but tells every expense incurred buying his unit.
The total was much more than the actual machine cost, by the time he took possession.

 

[IXLR8]

Does she understand that they have vastly different purposes? What are you wanting to get done with the machine?

She wants the SS as she has used one in the past and loved playing with it. A lot of money to have something to play with in my book. Personally, I think the mini-excavator is MUCH more suited to our needs. Especially since I need to dig a 500ft trench for a septic line and fibre optic cable to my shop.

 

[2manyrocks]

If you already have a Kioti with a loader, I'd think the next logical addition would be the excavator because it expands the scope of work you can accomplish.

 

[IXLR8]

If you already have a Kioti with a loader, I'd think the next logical addition would be the excavator because it expands the scope of work you can accomplish.

I agree, and if we get anything it will be the excavator. I'm not buying a SS just for her to play with, that is too expensive of a toy, which would be all it would be. I can put a post hole digger on the excavator and I'm looking to see if I could put some sort of a grapple on it as well.

 

[grsthegreat]

When i was still in the electrical business i was thinking of buying a mini excavator….but after running the numbers, renting when needed was way more practical. Maintenance and repair on excavators is above my wheelhouse…as they say. I helped a friend swap track and a few drive wheels…..Major pain in the ***

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

A lot of money to have something to play with in my book.

Sounds like having a wife.

 

[scootr]

My buddy loved to say if it's got t*ts or tires, it's cheaper to rent it.