What did you do with your Chinese baby digger today?

oldrustysteel · Dec 12, 2023

I put in a new ignition switch and wired the lights and hour meter so if the keyswitch is off everything is off. I removed the red battery disconnect switch because it is not really necessary, and I've heard they are not water proof. I will probably install a cupholder where the switch was. I am now up to 13 hours and still like the machine. I also installed a temp gauge and tachometer, clock, hourmeter all in one neat little package. works good so far. I like being able to monitor the engine temperature. then I cleared some trees off the trail and cut up some of the wood. what did you do to or with your little digger? For anyone planning to work on the china digger,, remember they dont always follow wire color-codes like we do in the USA. I found Hot wires that are Green, and another black wire with a white stripe that is hot.. Don't assume anything when working on these little guys.. I made some reminder notes for the next guy who has to do anything on this AGT L12.

MattB4 · Dec 13, 2023

I like the idea of doing something so the hour meter does not run if you forget to turn off battery disconnect. I made that mistake last week and left mine on and now have 20 hours added to the meter but no run time to go with it.

scootr · Dec 13, 2023

Chinese baby digger

I don't even have one but your title is great click bait

oldrustysteel · Dec 13, 2023

MattB4 said:
I like the idea of doing something so the hour meter does not run if you forget to turn off battery disconnect. I made that mistake last week and left mine on and now have 20 hours added to the meter but no run time to go with it.

it was easy to do and the existing cables were long enough so I didnt need to make anything or buy anything. I am glad I did it because one of the cables just slipped out of the crimp-end. only electrical tape was holding it together. it would have caused a problem that may have been difficult to find.

oldrustysteel · Dec 13, 2023

scootr said:
Chinese baby digger I don't even have one but your title is great click bait

HaHa didnt think about it. Its my first Mini Excavator and I just call it the baby digger. And its definitely made in China.

scootr · Dec 13, 2023

oldrustysteel said:
HaHa didnt think about it. Its my first Mini Excavator and I just call it the baby digger. And its definitely made in China.

I have dug foundations with similar excavators though not baby Chinese models. Real handy little devils. Enjoy the machine.

oldrustysteel · Dec 13, 2023

Thanks Scootr!!

oldrustysteel · Dec 13, 2023

Today I went to work and filled up the gas tank on the baby digger. I spilled a few drops, and I didnt want to start a fire on the digger so I turned the key on and then turned on the cooling fan. The fan worked good and moved enough air around the engine that I felt safe to start the engine. Before turning off the fan I reached in to feel the air flow. Lots of air flow in the WRONG direction. The hydraulic cooler and fan assembly sit in front of the engine on the flywheel side. The fan should blow air thru the cooler and into the flywheel/fan of the Briggs. I think reversing the polarity on the fan will make a big difference.

oldrustysteel · Dec 15, 2023

Went to work today and drug some logs off the trails. Installed a mirror so I can see behind me, I have always liked a mirror on a track hoe. Also installed a phone holder. And a few other things.