My buddy is an electrician and bought one of these Chinese excavators last fall for $12,000 with the hydraulic thumb and 3 attachments along with the quick connect option, so he can switch attachments quickly. It only digs 5'6" deep, but the reason he bought it is when he is trenching in wire with the ditch witch he will run into rocks sometimes. The excavator digs out the rocks and will save his body for many more years of work. He loves this machine! He could have bought the $7,500 model but he wanted all the attachments. He bought the post hole digger, spare bucket that is wider and a rake for tearing out brush.
When the engine gives up you can replace with a HarborFrieght unit like B&M Excavating did. Plus his is a lot easier on the ears and more power. Good video.
I've had my QH12 over a year and love it. I added a 24" tilt bucket. I'm almost done doing my own hydraulic thumb conversion with bypass valves. I also did a hinge and latch mod on the rear panel. Plus a fan for cooling. Better lights and and oil drain valve and hose. So cool to hear you have that many hours on yours.
I just picked up one of these to dig out a few holes around the property, hope it’s capable of doing so. I was nervous with my purchase but this video gave me some confidence, thanks!
I have a QH12R that I got from the Richie Bros Auction for $4k. They're selling even cheaper now. Flow control valves on the 2 hydraulics on boom closest to seat stops all the jerkyness. When I got mine it was like a bucking bronco but now its smoothhhh. R on model stands for Rato engine which means predator engine from Harbor Freight. Hydraulic motor can be found at tractor supply and hydraulic hoses anywhere they sell them. Best thing I have ever bought for my property. Next is a skid steer with forestry mulcher so I can clear my land. Thanks for the video.
Great review! I was hoping you could direct me to the hardware you used to make the hinged back. I agree it's a pain in the butt to take out all those bolts. Thanks again!
I bought one 2.5 years and was 11,500. Now you can buy same machine 5,000 to 6000. I have upgraded to pilot control and 16hp diesel. Its 39inch wide. I have bought with no warranty.
@NexGenLandscapes I've been watching videos and reviews of these for a few years. Unfortunately, where I am at its difficult to get them here, but recently I found a company near me who imports them. So I'll be buying very soon. At least I'll be able to go see it, check it, and test it. Anyway... My main concern is the engine. The Koop diesel is rather noisy, so wouldn't be a good option for me. Besides, I'm a Briggs & Stratton fan, and know their engines quite well. If noise is an issue, I'd imagine the petrol one is the better option. Thanks for the great review. 👍
@@NexGenLandscapes I have a ff15 and i recently dug a hydro trench at a buddies and went right through his gravel driveway, definitely took longer but no issues!
My buddy is an electrician and bought one of these Chinese excavators last fall for $12,000 with the hydraulic thumb and 3 attachments along with the quick connect option, so he can switch attachments quickly. It only digs 5'6" deep, but the reason he bought it is when he is trenching in wire with the ditch witch he will run into rocks sometimes. The excavator digs out the rocks and will save his body for many more years of work. He loves this machine! He could have bought the $7,500 model but he wanted all the attachments. He bought the post hole digger, spare bucket that is wider and a rake for tearing out brush.
When the engine gives up you can replace with a HarborFrieght unit like B&M Excavating did. Plus his is a lot easier on the ears and more power. Good video.
Thanks, and good idea! If we end up needing to do that we’ll cover it, our does sound like a lawn mower but it gives it character haha
I think these mini excavator would be better if the had 16 hp
I've had my QH12 over a year and love it. I added a 24" tilt bucket. I'm almost done doing my own hydraulic thumb conversion with bypass valves. I also did a hinge and latch mod on the rear panel. Plus a fan for cooling. Better lights and and oil drain valve and hose. So cool to hear you have that many hours on yours.
Thanks for watching!
I just picked up one of these to dig out a few holes around the property, hope it’s capable of doing so. I was nervous with my purchase but this video gave me some confidence, thanks!
Congrats, i’m glad we could help! If the blade is behind you while you dig, it makes you much more stable. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the long-term review!
Thanks for watching! Hope it helped
Excellent presentation! Best of luck!
I have a QH12R that I got from the Richie Bros Auction for $4k. They're selling even cheaper now.
Flow control valves on the 2 hydraulics on boom closest to seat stops all the jerkyness. When I got mine it was like a bucking bronco but now its smoothhhh.
R on model stands for Rato engine which means predator engine from Harbor Freight.
Hydraulic motor can be found at tractor supply and hydraulic hoses anywhere they sell them.
Best thing I have ever bought for my property.
Next is a skid steer with forestry mulcher so I can clear my land.
Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching! We agree it's a great purchase, and thank you for the tips :)
Where do you get flow control valves for something like this?
Thank you for the review
Very informative !!!!!
Glad you think so!
Like and subscribe to see more.
Nooo! 😂
A thousand thumbs up. This is a much needed video for prospective buyers, so thank you for posting it!
Great review! I was hoping you could direct me to the hardware you used to make the hinged back. I agree it's a pain in the butt to take out all those bolts. Thanks again!
What type of brackets did you guys use for the engine cover ?? I recently bought one the engine access can be troublesome. Thank you.
My neighbor bought one for 4500$ after all auction taxes n fees. Love it.
haha, this is great. 800 hours, not bad.
Yeah it's stood the test of time for sure!
Can it climb up and down steep slope , say 2 horizontal to 1 vertical ?
Thanks for the review !!
Where can I get one of this ?
Looks good!
Thanks for watching!
Where did you purchase?
Facebook marketplace, for both of our chinese machines
Great video. Thanks. Did your come with a double hydraulic pump? I would love to see your review of mini skid steer. Cheers
Thank you! Unfortunately ours did not, and the skid steer video is uploading as we speak, so we'll see you soon!
I bought one 2.5 years and was 11,500. Now you can buy same machine 5,000 to 6000. I have upgraded to pilot control and 16hp diesel. Its 39inch wide. I have bought with no warranty.
Thanks for watching, once this engine goes we plan to go with diesel as well!
@NexGenLandscapes
I've been watching videos and reviews of these for a few years. Unfortunately, where I am at its difficult to get them here, but recently I found a company near me who imports them. So I'll be buying very soon. At least I'll be able to go see it, check it, and test it.
Anyway... My main concern is the engine. The Koop diesel is rather noisy, so wouldn't be a good option for me. Besides, I'm a Briggs & Stratton fan, and know their engines quite well. If noise is an issue, I'd imagine the petrol one is the better option.
Thanks for the great review. 👍
@chrismalcomson2824 it is always choice and needs. What fits your needs best.
Would it dig a trench down the middle of a hard packed gravel driveway....?
It's hard to say, sometimes they can struggle with compacted ground
@@NexGenLandscapes I have a ff15 and i recently dug a hydro trench at a buddies and went right through his gravel driveway, definitely took longer but no issues!
Where do you live that someone is going to give you a fine for running that without a seatbelt?