Why Do Chinese Mini Excavators Cost Less? Is buying this 1.8-ton unit something I’ll regret?

Lots of little surprises . . .
As subscribers to this channel know, I sold my 22-year-old Cat 302.5 a few months ago – as part of a package deal with my Norwood HD 36 sawmill – but you know – around a property like this, an excavator is a must.

And – if I was going to get another mini-excavator, I also wanted to expand my range of attachments.

[DiggerDaveSea]

I have a 1 ton sitting in the port about to be delivered. I had a similar journey with similar results. Reviews were critical, as were videos such as your own. I plan on doing an unboxing and inspection video when my machine arrives so others can learn from my experience. Thanks!

[dinomite_diggers]

Really good video Howard, I'm very enthusiastic about your enthusiasm. I too bought a Chinese excavator, (a 2 ton Rhino) mainly just to work on my own property. Originally I got the 1.2 T model and absolutely hated it but the importer had a 2 T demo one with about 50 hours on it so we swapped. Cost me more money but I've never regretted it. The 2 T is so much better built, better to operate and much more stable on my uneven property. As it turns out now after 2 years it's just about at 500 hrs and running like a dream. I'm the only one who operates it and I am very conscientious regarding maintenance because I want this thing to last. I've only just found your channel and already see I have quite a bit of catching up to do with your other videos so be patient with me. Thanks very much for what you are doing. Cheers.

[jerryleejohnsonjr]

Thanks Howard, I enjoyed watching. I am in the same situation but I really enjoy taking beat-up name brands and making them function again. I can do this because I really dont need to do any work with it but love the process.

[robertlipperd]

Good thing to remember is that probably a minimum of 45% the cost of a name brand machine is going to pay for the fancy dealership and the owners extravagant lifestyle.

[davejaguar]

Perfect analysis of why these things make sense for non professional part time users.

[osbornebay]

The EX50 has attachments: Hammer, forks, thumb, cement mixer, compactor, quick coupler, off set boom, 3 buckets. With a $5000 dumper/digger carrier, built 15 houses over 15 years. Sold the lot for $55, 000

[TheOldManAndTheSaw]

The only Chinese import I've had experience with is my wife. I an VERY pleased.

[MrCheaterpipe]

Just bought mine at auction saved a ton of money didnt have to wait didnt have to deal with import fees or dealer costs only downside is absolutely zero warranty im a mechanic by trade so not worried about that at all inspect what your buying and all should be good

[waynejanzen]

Hi Howard, we met this summer, I bought a cement mixer from you. I've imported half a dozen Chinese excavators over the last two years. Just thought I would give you some feedback on my experience with them. I've sold all of them, including a 1.8 ton like yours, except one, 1 ton, that I kept for myself. The only problems that buyers have reported to me are a couple of hydraulic leaks. My supplier has been good sending out new hoses and drive motor seals when needed. I've got about 100 hours on my one ton, and am really impressed with it. It is much more capable than I thought it would be. I think you probably will put more than 50 hours a year on yours, especially with the attachments you have. I find I'm using mine all the time. I think you made a good purchase and am looking forward to seeing it in action. BTW, the cement mixer you sold me works great! I used it to pour footings for a pole building and it was so nice having the ability to mix a small amount of cement myself. Also I do have an extra log grapple that will fit your excavator. If you're interested in it, I'll give you a good deal.

[thebradleysoncatbirdhill]

Howard! Wonderful review! I truly appreciate you sharing your thought process and method of analysis. You are saving so many hours for all of us who may be considering the same purchase!

[TyroneDamShewlaces]

I picked up a used little 1 ton Wacker Neuson several years ago before the prices went through the roof. These imports seem decent and no matter where they come from, they sure are handy. I use mine all the time and it's worth having one just to save wear & tear on the body.

[osbornebay]

Great Vid Sir!. I had a 5T Hitachi EX50, iwith 4500hours, paid $8, 000, over 15 year, a set of new rubber tracks, a few hoses blown, at time of selling, runs like day 1. I was a Chinese, has a deep trust for Japanese digger, but now retired, like to have new toy for my yard.

[LandFather]

Hi Howard, love the video. I got a quote on a machine just like this a few days ago. I’m a few weeks from being ready to pull the trigger on it, but it’ll be SO HANDY around my 20 acres in South Carolina. Thanks for the video and I just subscribed!

[kylequinn]

I just picked up a Chinese Mini skid steer and honestly, couldn't be happier. I can't justify spending over $50, 000 on a Bobcat MT100 when I was able to buy a Chinese one that'll do the same job for $4200. "Not a production machine" honestly, I think this is maybe half true. Take a look at Home Depot, they rent out Boxer machines using gas engines (mini skid steers). They're basically the exact same as the Chinese machines you can grab at auction, like, almost identical. Will they be as durable as a Bobcat? Of course not. Are they far easier to repair with generic off the shelf parts? Yep.

[indoors-outdoorshobbies]

Excellent thought process and good explanation of it. Look forward to seeing how it performs.

Regards,
Kevin

[uilleannman]

Howard, I really appreciate your thoughtful review of this machine. I’m looking at almost the same model but rebranded under groundhog. The cheapest I can see is locally is about 21, 000 USD all taxes and fees.

[cah_sawmill]

good night friends, success is always for you..indonesia

[Tiersmoke]

I honestly wish I had gotten a new Chinese mini excavator instead of my used tb016.

[bikramjeetsingh]

Did you have any problems with emission standards? Specifically at customs

[richscott]

The AGT QH12 has a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine that works the hydraulics and tracks. It is slow and bounces and vibrates and it is noisy. Depth is 5.4 feet but I recommend not to dig deeper than 2 1/2 to 3 feet for safety reasons. Parts are made in China. If taken care of and not abused and not left outdoors uncovered, it will last several years. You will need earplugs, hopefully you do not have back problems, this machine is not good if you have kidney problems. It takes nearly 2 hours to dig a 6 foot long and 2 1/2 foot deep trench. As mentioned it is not fast. It is not a child's toy and needs to be careful around objects because it is made of steel. Cost ranges from $6, 000 to $8, 000 New and Used is $4, 000 to $5, 000. If you paid more than $6, 000 then you have been had.