Gas vs Diesel: Chinese Mini Excavator Comparison

In this video I compare my Kymron RH14-3 one ton briggs and stratton gasoline mini excavator and my Kymron XH20D yanmar diesel mini excavator.

My Chinese mini excavator powered by a Yanmar diesel is here! I drove to Muskogee Oklahoma and picked up this Kymron H20D from K&R Equiptment and I give you my first impressions and a quick overview of how it works, my first thoughts and help some of you with some more detail of what this machine is.

I bought this micro track hoe or micro trackhoe as they are called. It's similar to the look of the Temu excavator. It has a 14 horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine which gives it possibly more power than a 2200lb mini excavator needs. I use it for all kinds of projects, from digging, trenching, picking up logs, moving rocks, etc etc. I have a 8" bucket, a 16" bucket, a 30" grading bucket and a rake or grapple. It comes with a 36" hydraulic dozer blade and a hydraulic thumb. It also has a hydraulic oil cooler with electric fan.

K&R Equipment located in Muskogee, OK offers more models in stock than any other dealer in America.

These are my favorite ratchet straps I use for my machines
These are thick & heavy duty car straps I also use on my machines

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[williamsheetsiii]

As an operator the best advice is the same that I received from an ole timer: Operators aren't fast, they are smooth. Speed happens on its own. The smoother you operate the faster you can work. Good luck my friend, have fun.

[JNash-roon]

Protect the drive motor bearings. When using the blade to stabilize the machine only use enough force to plant the blade. Picking up the front of the machine puts far more load on the drive motor bearings and shafts. They will last much longer. Loading the idler wheels is a much cheaper repair and or replacement than the drive motors. You can't always do this as in certain positions it may not be an option, and you may need to load the drive motors. But to lessen the stress and ware on the drive motors is advisable to lessen the maintenance cost over time. I do this on all the excavators I operate, even the larger machines. Less down time, less cost to operate, more profit. Great video, good comparison. Thank you.

[TMP]

Little pro tip…. When digging you should put blade behind you. Helps with down force and won’t tip the machine back when you put the teeth into the ground. And cylinder placement is depending on what you’re using it for.

Cylinder on outside like diesel means better for digging.. cylinder on inside means lifting is it’s strong suit. Little things like that with knowledge can maybe help someone on the fence make a decision

[whitefreeman]

great video. really good real world comparison and it gives a much better idea of some of the differences for those of us looking into getting one. thank you

[JimboSouthDakota]

Great comparison video, Sir! It is obvious that you have fun making them. Take Care, Jimbo.

[scottlowther]

I think the little machine would have picked up the big log because it's main cylinder is pushing the boom up, not pulling like the big machine.
Love your informative videos. You do a great job explaining all the pros and cons.

[moonwalker]

Great comparison video! Looking forward to more comparison videos.

[squid]

I just bought a 1.8 ton Terror with a Kabota diesel. It isn’t as fancy as yours and doesn’t have the 2 speed range, but everything else seems similar. I purchased it from an outfit on eBay located in California. It cost under 11, 000 with free delivery to Oregon.

[hxevngg]

Nice Vid, I picked up a Miva VA20 2 ton, Kubota 902 diesel 7500.00 plus auction fees

[Parents_of_Twins]

The canopy that these machines have is really suspect. I have an Steiner 525 I bought at auction many years ago and it's made out of heavy wall 2"x2" tubing. It doesn't move at all unless the machine moves. Now that's a ROPS these are sunshades with some metal by them. Think if I get one I will make my own ROPS or FOPS I'm still in the process of convincing my wife that I need one :)

[musclecars]

I think you could have gotten that 2nd log with the XH20 if you would have been a little closer. I moved the root ball and about 6-8' of trunk attached with my 42, it would not pick it up when I reached out to get it, I had to grab the roots and pull it up by the machine, grab it and it picked it right up. I boomed all the way in and then I could stick out. I only went a few feet because it would tip my machine over, but I was still able to pick it up and move it where I wanted it to be and dropped it in the burn pile. I didn't know putting the blade down further would give that much stability, gonna have to remember that in the future. Normally I just drop mine till I feel the front end pick up. This should help me when using the brush cutter or the mulcher. Thanks Greg.

[billvandorn]

It seems our human nature is constantly measuring things whether subconsciously or, consciously. We do that with comparisons so naturally there will more than likely be a difference.
The bottom line is this, can one afford it + does it make the task at hand easier?

There used to be a time. If you asked me to dig a trench, I'd simply ask how long, how wide and how deep and, if it wasn't too big, I'd do it by hand. Now that I'm older and my body is beat up. I would cherish even a small machine to improve the quality of life and still maintain some respect and dignity by being self-reliant.

You're doing just fine and thanks for the video! Have a very, very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[robertcretu]

You and others fall for the age old trick: it s the same Chinese machine with a few minor improvements that sells at double the price. They did build the brand a bit but the main reason we all get these machines is PRICE. If I wanted a brand name I ll just go down to my Kubota dealer

[Joshbuildsmodern]

I’m jealous now, I’ve got the hightop diesel with the same cab but my tracks are closer to the small machine
I think you could’ve got the log with it closer up I’ve picked up some monster logs and huge rocks

[Outdoorsy]

The little one is better than a hernia, the larger one is rougher on the wallet

[SCDeerAddict]

Many auction units have those exact digital guages and same layout, AGT MX12R come to mind.

Also, the RATO gas engine that most of these come with can be replaced with a Predator 420 from Harbor Freigt for $400.

Also, seeing alot of the "Briggs" engines aren't really briggs, rather a knockoff

[crisgarcia]

Love these videos, but now I am conflicted on which I like best lol! I guess go bigger or go home lol

[johnrice]

You are mistaken where the mini made. IT IS USA made. The KYMRON XH20D Pro Mini Excavator is produced in Muskogee, Oklahoma. KYMRON is an Oklahoma-based company. KYMRON machinery is based in Oklahoma, and over half of the assembly is done in the United States. KYMRON machines are available to customers across the country through dealers and shipping partners.
KYMRON machinery is designed to be accessible to customers who might otherwise be unable to afford or obtain the equipment. The machinery is built with a variety of engines, including KUBOTA, Perkins, Cummins, Yanmar, Briggs & Stratton, and Vanguard. KYMRON machinery also uses Parker and Eaton hydraulic drives and pumps

[celyl]

I am not a commercial user, I just own a home. The cost will determine which one i buy for my purpose. The cost is most important factor for buyer.

[shovelguggelheim]

Great video. Thanks. Would love to see how they go in heavy clay soils. Our soil here is clay so it is rock hard in summer, soup in winter and sticky as hell in between. Also, seeing that it already has hydraulics for the thumb as well as an auxillary port, how do they go with a post hole auger, a flail mower attachement or a hedge trimmer? Thinking of buying something like this but it needs to be as versatile as possible. Other option is a back hoe attachment for my little John Deere tractor but they are nearly as expensive and not nearly as versatile. Would love to hear your thoughts. Cheers.