Importing and modifying a new mini excavator from China

[jaylast]

The georgia diggums went 6 and 64. With fees that's right around import price delivered. Hope ya got one bro! The agt's all going around 4k imo is high when you can buy from dealer sales delivered for similar $.
There are four more soon auctioned in WI or MI and some on west coast. There aren't many at all compared to agt past or present.
Apparently new various pilot dbl pump machines will become a little more available but no guarantee the non-auction price will be sub 9-10k i don't think.

In case you missed it Josh, you can by that machine from leking machinery (leking.net) also on alibaba. about 4200 and somewhere between 6 and 7k total price delivered. Buy attachments at the same time, very economical.

 

[JoshT1604]

Did not get any of them. That would have been 7200-7600 for the Diggits after the 20% markup. There's one on FBMP for 9k (could probably offer 8k) and there will be other auction opportunities, so not worth rushing into the purchase at that price. While I like the layout of those better than the AGTs, I've never used either style and not sure that alone is worth the price difference. Or if I learn the ropes on the import thing and am willing to wait I can probably get more for less.

The AGTs were just too high IMO. One sold for 3900, the rest were 4-5k plus the 20% markup. Like you said, at the prices they went for, I could buy a new one direct from AgroTK with free shipping.

Thanks for the Leking info. Was trying to find that style on the import stuff but there are so many its easy to get lost digging through them. Still not sure that I want to tackle importing though. Will take time and study it some more. I was mostly rushing in hopes that I might score a deal at auction, but we don't have a problem waiting. Though 6 months for an import might be an issue, that's put us right in summer when it would be too hot to work much in this part of the country. Maybe that calls for an enclosed unit with AC?

...probably not

 

[jaylast]

I have minimal experience to compare but think the pilot models (all?) come with the double acting load sensing pumps. I think they work together allowing for somewhat finer control (while faster/more flow ~ 9gpm vs 5gpm iirc?), and also the ability of >2 functions simultaneously. I've not run a single pump to compare though!

I can confirm the parts alone to create pilot joystick (and double pump) cost about 1500 china price not shipped. (best parts price I could find for the pump, hoses, sticks, enclosures, valve block assemblies, etc)
Which makes sense. . . china price of standard 1ton machine is around 2400, vs about 4200 for pilot/double, and also the kv13plus (friggit) runs (I think) about 15% longer and wider track footprint.


Dfk and others can confirm, import is like 90 days max usually. Port to port often about 45 days.

 

[dfkrug]

I have minimal experience to compare but think the pilot models (all?) come with the double acting load sensing pumps. I think they work together allowing for somewhat finer control (while faster/more flow ~ 9gpm vs 5gpm iirc?), and also the ability of >2 functions simultaneously. I've not run a single pump to compare though!

I operated the Diggit EM15, as I noted in this thread, and I could not feel that the pump (duel chamber with load-sensing) changed flow rate. That setup used a single output pump with flow divider on the stack valve to dedicate some of the volume for the pilot controls. It seemed a bit smoother than the 3 brands of direct-acting setups I have operated. Not faster, and a little less jerky, and the lower jerkiness may have been due to the higher weight. The EM15 could be as much as 50% heavier than my XN08.

I have not operated the setup that features a 2-chamber pump with no load sensing, but 2 independent OUT hoses. Pix of that setup have been posted.

As for shipping times from Xingdao to ports in the US, current conditions may indicate that you can prob get a load in under 45 days. There seem to be fewer container issues, and lower customer demand from this side of the pond. But Christmas season is here. Someone who has done it recently would have better information.

 

[diabeticpilot]

I got an AGT L12 direct from AGT via a eBay sale and it was shipped to me for $5900 plus tax about 2 months ago. Originally I had a QH12 on order but changed to an L12 because the L has a hydraulic oil cooler and stronger canopy. Also the engine is more accessible from what I can see. It was the same price.

15 hours in and so far I’m happy. No leaks or major issues. The controls for the tracks keep wiggling loose. I want to find some better handles for them. I haven’t looked into where to order those.

I was surprised to get a call from AGT a week back. They sent me a part for free that extends the pump inlet into the hydraulic tank. It’s supposed to solve a “manufacturing defect” where the hydraulic system stops working when the machine is at a steep angle.

I’ll probably replace the hydraulic fluid when I add this part as I have to drain it anyway. Anyone have a recommendation for fluid? Should I use synthetic?

Many have added a proper filter but I’m hesitant to take that on right now.

 

[Fredrik]

That simple fix they sent you is great. My Kat-12 has a lot of trouble on inclines. Be careful on really steep terrain and keep you cg as far forward as possible. Use the hoe to throw cg forward or to one side.
Concerning fluid; AW-32 can be bought at any auto supply and is cheap.

 

[Rich B1]

@diabeticpilot - Unless you want to put a lot of work into draining virtually everything, stick with mineral oil. . Synthetic and mineral do not play well in hydraulic system

 

[diabeticpilot]

@diabeticpilot - Unless you want to put a lot of work into draining virtually everything, stick with mineral oil. . Synthetic and mineral do not play well in hydraulic system

Oh so they put mineral oil in it? Where do you get that from? I see Amazon stocks food grade mineral oil for pretty cheap.

 

[JoshT1604]

@diabeticpilot - Unless you want to put a lot of work into draining virtually everything, stick with mineral oil. . Synthetic and mineral do not play well in hydraulic system

I'm still learning about these and don;t own one yet, but that doesn't sound right.

Instead of mineral oil, did you possibly mean traditional, non-synthetic hydraulic oil?

 

[Rich B1]

Yea, traditional hydraulic oil….