I have the same unit and love it! I have dug trenches, moved rock around, and used it for helping with small projects around my farm. I’ve got the auger and thumb.
Thanks for the video! I have been toying with the idea of getting one of these because I hate digging by hand. But I also do volunteer work clearing downed trees after storms. I think all of the shortcomings outlined in the video could be handled pretty easy. Get a couple of boat switches to replace the ones that are rusting. Bushings, or more likely the pin, is available at tractor supply. And the rattling can be limited with some poly washers and locktite. I really appreciate the total cost provided also. I realize that the cost can change, but at least I have an idea of what would really come out of my pocket.
Nice! Compact and it can get in those tight areas. I can see you doing a lot with that machine considering you've got a pretty big property. This is just my opinion from experience, when you invest on something like your Mini Excavator, there are many things to consider. Your dealing with continuous movement when your operating with hydraulics. Vibration causes bolts and nuts to loosen throughout time. A thorough Preventive Maintenance Check should be done "Always" before you operate anything. This will save you and the machine a lot of headaches, Plus, SAFETY FIRST! Have fun with you new toy! 😎👍
I have one of these. The support has been excellent in my case. Some issues with it. The hourmeter broke after 3.4 hours. One of the pins was wearing a bushing after only 124 hours and the fuel tank was mounted on the engine, which led to cracking due to vibration. I received immediately replacement parts for everything, no questions asked. I may even buy another one.
I bought the Masang 15. The company builds HT and Masang. Like yours I paid about $8500.00, took a few months to get. As for as all the gripes, yes I have some issues. Though for the money, I was expecting things to come up. And as they do, deal with them. If you were expecting a perfect machine, you should have bought a 30k dollar machine. Then you would be happy. Tighten the switch, replace rusting bolts and nuts with Stainless steel ones. Deal with the little things, or better yet, get rid of it and you would be free from the imperfections.
Thanks for the tips.. I overall like the machine. I haven't heard of the Masang these machines get labeled whatever people want. This video is just to give people an idea of what to expect. I may still end up selling it when I get what I want out of it. 30k is steep for me since I dont do this for a living..I completely understand that you get what you pay for. So for now I'll be upgrading the hardware slowly.
I got a relied 12 , It is not perfect at all, I just replace battery, starter, and 3 hoses, I have 100 hours on it. This thing already help me do 6 jobs , it was only 9k and I am very happy with it, I have spent 35 k on another machine and it also broke down a lot.
I bought the ht10 b. It's like yours. I paid 11,500 after taxes. I bought and picked up that day. It has some of same problems as yours. But here is what you have to remember. It not 21,000 in cost. So what I saved I can fix some problems. I did not get swing boom. Thing I would do If I was you. Put a 5.00 light on the off and on switch. It is a ground system. The othere thing that will help is a thum. A hydraulic one is nice. If you can weld it will help. Where do you live. I have been buying 7/8 bolts to replace some. In Oklahoma metric bolts are hard to find.
I live in CT where do you get your pins from ? Have you been able to find bushings ? The Grabber worked for a little and when it did it was great. How long have you had your machine ?
@@Jonedvega I buy bolts from hard ware. Pins farming supplies store. bought it 3,1,2022 have about 60 hour on it. When I buy something I do plane on using the machine. The mini excavator is a lot better then my subcompact with a backhoe. I get so much more done with the excavator. The only drawback is it is slow. Have a small trailer to move it around will help when I get set up.
@@jbro427 Youre right about it being slow I feel like im walking a donkey. I do enjoy the machine I just figured Id give the worst case for people that are on the fence .
@@Jonedvega you guys must be running the engines way too slow. You're supposed to run those engines at full speed when you are working. If you don't it could damage something.
Go to a bearing supplier to get the bushing, you will have to measure the od, id and width they should be able to come up with something. You might get with a machine shop to make you a greaseable pin for that to if you want to spend a little$$ also to fix the grapple that broke take it to a welding shop and have them beef it up that is if you don't weld yourself.
You should probably replace the screws and bolts that are rusting with zinc plated substitutes or brass or stainless steel. For the switches they do sell some that have a rubber boot to keep water off the metal. Or find weatherproof switches.
That tractor is still fairly new you don't need bushings in it yet! You need pivot pins that go through the bushings!!! Available at any place that sells tractors or tractor parts!
All excavators that come with double function joysticks like those come with either what they call John Deere control versus cat control patterns! Nearly all excavators sold in the United States now have a switch to switch between the two different control patterns but cheap machines like that probably don't. You'd have to move the hoses to change the control patterns. ISO & SAE are the two standard control patterns.
If you can get the pin out drill down the center then drill down to it in the middle put the grease zerk on the end of pin. Be sure and polish where you drill thru the middle with emery cloth.
The pin/bolts are all over the internet for $30-$40 for 2. You have to tighten and adjust everything before you use it. Change the oil before 2 or 3 hours. Add a fan for extra cooling. Hill Top isn't the best. A Rippa Texas mod. 319 for $6100 delivered. Check out Mike Festive-spelling- When you buy 1, and they know you will never buy another. I’ve watched 70 to 80 at auctions being sold in PA and MD. They go for $3000 to $4250. You can look, touch, run them. For the most part, parts interchange. I payed $3500 for my H15. I wasn’t paying attention or I could have gotten it for $3100. It's a lot of trouble importing unless you do it a number of times. Now if you’re buying a full shipping container, that’s better.
@denslod2930 you're are right but when I made this video these weren't as common as they are now.. I'm loving how fast people caught on to these.. parts are way easier to find.
@@Jonedvega Sorry, my comment sound like I was attacking you, I toned it down some. It was meant for those that are thinking about buying one in the future.
Q: do you find it hard to get your feetin between the control tower and your seat,we have bigger feet,and bodies ,so how comfortable is it to sit down and operate? Is 4 to 8 hours giving you a sore back or leg cramps ? Interesting point about the swing not being part of the order!
I'm a "husky" guy and it's not terrible.. I'll be on it a few hours at a time and I do feel it on my back since I sit closer to the edge of the seat to reach the controls more comfortably. The machine it's self gets pretty hot since it's air cooled and there's no oil cooler on mine. I take water breaks and let it cool down. As for the feet I would compare it to using highwaybars with pegs on a motorcycle you pretty much spread around the controls tower or bend your knees 90 degrees and lay your feet flat. The machine itself is bigger than what you expect but you still feel big sitting in it. I know ground hog offer larger machines at a higher price tag.
I have been looking at these brands of excavators myself. unfortunately, or rather fortunately, they did not convince me. I decided on the Nuoman NM 10 pro, which of course also has many shortcomings, but it is made much better than this Hightop in my opinion.
the throttle cable is incorrectly fixed. in idle position it must be pulled into the bushing. Now it's pulled out so much, so a loop has formed, which is why you have reverse throttle response.
I went back to Hightop through Alibaba and got it shipped using FEDEX. It cost more that way than if I ordered it with the machine. I think I paid $380 Vs $130 if I ordered it with the machine. You can also go through Groundhog in PA they also carry the quick hitch for these machines. Not sure of their price though.
There's many online places to order bearings and things of that nature you just need to get a set of calipers and measure it you can get them very cheap over at Harbor Freight other than that appreciate the video the language is a little bit much but it is your channel you do what you want but if you're trying to create a channel that reaches everybody then everybody ain't heifers and them efforts and Son of a sobs and all that stuff so like I said go Channel you do what you call I'm just letting you know from a personal person who don't listen or watch Channels like that all right God bless brother
Do what you can to keep it running and tighten up all those bolts and hopefully the head bolts are not that loose on the motor. You may have to put toothpicks or other wooden wedges where the metal is vibrating. You probably don't have any or very little warranty on that.
You must realize that excavators come into different control patterns when is ISO and the other is SAE. Also known as backhoe pattern or excavator pattern controls. If your machine came with English instructions you should be able to read about it in there.
This changes depending on where you are importing to. I used a local broker in NY and never met the guy in person everything was emailed. I found him and another local to NYC broker on Google, I tried calling a place in CT but I only found 1 and they handled non-motorized imports like art and other "goods". Called both NYC brokers but Tony answered right away. 1 call and a few emails and I was all set. Tony Chen Licensed Customs Broker Import Manager All Cleared Customs Brokerage email: tchen@accb.us Office: 347-891-6219
Thanks for the quick reply . I’m in NJ I have never ordered from Alibaba before . I’m working with Luna from shenhdong high top group and planning to order the same machine as yours . So far I understand I place the order on Alibaba and have the broker here process the import and I just pick it up . Is that it 😅? Any suggestions based on your experience?
@@MrPlaylistaaaa we’ll just a few warnings.. the sales person becomes really slow to answer after you place your order and almost non existent when you receive it. Make sure you document when you pick up your machine since the alibaba protection starts from when. High top says it will arrive instead and that will most likely be a big difference in time. Everything is money so be prepared to pay fees for the smallest of things. Even though I paid before heading out to the warehouse to pick up they charged me for “needing a ramp” since I used a uhaul trailer and pickup truck and their docks accommodate the taller tractor trailers. I paid $75 for a guy to come down a cement ramp behind the building and load the crate on to the trailer. Also if there is any damage to the outside of the crate make sure to file an inside by report and have them give you a copy at the warehouse I did this since my crate was busted on one side but everything was ok when I got home. The reason you do this is because that makes the warehouse liable for any handling damage, if you don’t say anything it’s all you.
The grapple you mentioned as a grabber was junk The bushing that you talk about looks like a hex head bolt! That bolt does not belong in there. They must have used that because they did not have the correct part handy! You can get bucket pins like that at almost any place that sells tractor parts! This whole machine looks like it was put together very badly! Very bad workmanship!!!
I have the same unit and love it! I have dug trenches, moved rock around, and used it for helping with small projects around my farm. I’ve got the auger and thumb.
I've ordered one myself and I am very interested to watch all these videos still looks like very good value for money
The work you did with the machine looks great!
Thanks for the video! I have been toying with the idea of getting one of these because I hate digging by hand. But I also do volunteer work clearing downed trees after storms. I think all of the shortcomings outlined in the video could be handled pretty easy. Get a couple of boat switches to replace the ones that are rusting. Bushings, or more likely the pin, is available at tractor supply. And the rattling can be limited with some poly washers and locktite. I really appreciate the total cost provided also. I realize that the cost can change, but at least I have an idea of what would really come out of my pocket.
Nice! Compact and it can get in those tight areas. I can see you doing a lot with that machine considering you've got a pretty big property. This is just my opinion from experience, when you invest on something like your Mini Excavator, there are many things to consider. Your dealing with continuous movement when your operating with hydraulics. Vibration causes bolts and nuts to loosen throughout time. A thorough Preventive Maintenance Check should be done "Always" before you operate anything. This will save you and the machine a lot of headaches, Plus, SAFETY FIRST! Have fun with you new toy! 😎👍
Thank you for your review of the machine. I think I’ll buy one.
I have one of these. The support has been excellent in my case. Some issues with it. The hourmeter broke after 3.4 hours. One of the pins was wearing a bushing after only 124 hours and the fuel tank was mounted on the engine, which led to cracking due to vibration. I received immediately replacement parts for everything, no questions asked. I may even buy another one.
Where did you buy from ?
I bought the Masang 15. The company builds HT and Masang. Like yours I paid about $8500.00, took a few months to get. As for as all the gripes, yes I have some issues. Though for the money, I was expecting things to come up. And as they do, deal with them. If you were expecting a perfect machine, you should have bought a 30k dollar machine. Then you would be happy. Tighten the switch, replace rusting bolts and nuts with Stainless steel ones. Deal with the little things, or better yet, get rid of it and you would be free from the imperfections.
Thanks for the tips.. I overall like the machine. I haven't heard of the Masang these machines get labeled whatever people want. This video is just to give people an idea of what to expect. I may still end up selling it when I get what I want out of it. 30k is steep for me since I dont do this for a living..I completely understand that you get what you pay for. So for now I'll be upgrading the hardware slowly.
I got a relied 12 , It is not perfect at all, I just replace battery, starter, and 3 hoses, I have 100 hours on it. This thing already help me do 6 jobs , it was only 9k and I am very happy with it, I have spent 35 k on another machine and it also broke down a lot.
that little machine is just perfect for a plumber or homeowner
I bought the ht10 b. It's like yours. I paid 11,500 after taxes. I bought and picked up that day. It has some of same problems as yours. But here is what you have to remember. It not 21,000 in cost. So what I saved I can fix some problems. I did not get swing boom.
Thing I would do If I was you. Put a 5.00 light on the off and on switch. It is a ground system. The othere thing that will help is a thum. A hydraulic one is nice. If you can weld it will help.
Where do you live. I have been buying 7/8 bolts to replace some. In Oklahoma metric bolts are hard to find.
I completely agree!
I live in CT where do you get your pins from ? Have you been able to find bushings ? The Grabber worked for a little and when it did it was great. How long have you had your machine ?
@@Jonedvega I buy bolts from hard ware. Pins farming supplies store. bought it 3,1,2022 have about 60 hour on it. When I buy something I do plane on using the machine. The mini excavator is a lot better then my subcompact with a backhoe. I get so much more done with the excavator. The only drawback is it is slow. Have a small trailer to move it around will help when I get set up.
@@jbro427 Youre right about it being slow I feel like im walking a donkey. I do enjoy the machine I just figured Id give the worst case for people that are on the fence .
@@Jonedvega you guys must be running the engines way too slow.
You're supposed to run those engines at full speed when you are working. If you don't it could damage something.
Go to a bearing supplier to get the bushing, you will have to measure the od, id and width they should be able to come up with something. You might get with a machine shop to make you a greaseable pin for that to if you want to spend a little$$ also to fix the grapple that broke take it to a welding shop and have them beef it up that is if you don't weld yourself.
You should probably replace the screws and bolts that are rusting with zinc plated substitutes or brass or stainless steel.
For the switches they do sell some that have a rubber boot to keep water off the metal. Or find weatherproof switches.
That tractor is still fairly new you don't need bushings in it yet!
You need pivot pins that go through the bushings!!!
Available at any place that sells tractors or tractor parts!
I have a groundhog zh14g bought from hackenberg equipment great machine an much rather deal with them than china good vid like to see more 👍
For the bushings, try your local machine shop
I’m also in CT all said and done with shipping what did you end up paying ?
Where'd you get it, and was it immediately usable?
If you have a place where they sell bearings, and bushings in your area contact them. They probably are able to help you with your issues.
All excavators that come with double function joysticks like those come with either what they call John Deere control versus cat control patterns!
Nearly all excavators sold in the United States now have a switch to switch between the two different control patterns but cheap machines like that probably don't. You'd have to move the hoses to change the control patterns.
ISO & SAE are the two standard control patterns.
If you can get the pin out drill down the center then drill down to it in the middle put the grease zerk on the end of pin. Be sure and polish where you drill thru the middle with emery cloth.
The pin/bolts are all over the internet for $30-$40 for 2.
You have to tighten and adjust everything before you use it.
Change the oil before 2 or 3 hours.
Add a fan for extra cooling.
Hill Top isn't the best.
A Rippa Texas mod. 319 for $6100 delivered.
Check out Mike Festive-spelling-
When you buy 1, and they know you will never buy another.
I’ve watched 70 to 80 at auctions being sold in PA and MD.
They go for $3000 to $4250.
You can look, touch, run them.
For the most part, parts interchange.
I payed $3500 for my H15.
I wasn’t paying attention or I could have gotten it for $3100.
It's a lot of trouble importing unless you do it a number of times.
Now if you’re buying a full shipping container, that’s better.
@denslod2930 you're are right but when I made this video these weren't as common as they are now.. I'm loving how fast people caught on to these.. parts are way easier to find.
@@Jonedvega Sorry, my comment sound like I was attacking you, I toned it down some.
It was meant for those that are thinking about buying one in the future.
Q: do you find it hard to get your feetin between the control tower and your seat,we have bigger feet,and bodies ,so how comfortable is it to sit down and operate?
Is 4 to 8 hours giving you a sore back or leg cramps ?
Interesting point about the swing not being part of the order!
I'm a "husky" guy and it's not terrible.. I'll be on it a few hours at a time and I do feel it on my back since I sit closer to the edge of the seat to reach the controls more comfortably. The machine it's self gets pretty hot since it's air cooled and there's no oil cooler on mine. I take water breaks and let it cool down. As for the feet I would compare it to using highwaybars with pegs on a motorcycle you pretty much spread around the controls tower or bend your knees 90 degrees and lay your feet flat. The machine itself is bigger than what you expect but you still feel big sitting in it. I know ground hog offer larger machines at a higher price tag.
how they have h10 newer machines more upgrated ones even different body type! Im thinking to order couple of same units!
For 8k you can buy another when it's rusted out lol
Shippings more like $2200 to middle of the country now
I have been looking at these brands of excavators myself. unfortunately, or rather fortunately, they did not convince me. I decided on the Nuoman NM 10 pro, which of course also has many shortcomings, but it is made much better than this Hightop in my opinion.
Well don't keep the darn thing outside. If you don't like the rust
Is there a way to change control pattern to SAE ?
It is the sae pattern to my knowledge.
Saludos de un palomero 🙂😊👍
the throttle cable is incorrectly fixed. in idle position it must be pulled into the bushing. Now it's pulled out so much, so a loop has formed, which is why you have reverse throttle response.
where did you buy the quick hitch by itself? I been trying to get it for mine cant find them
I went back to Hightop through Alibaba and got it shipped using FEDEX. It cost more that way than if I ordered it with the machine. I think I paid $380 Vs $130 if I ordered it with the machine. You can also go through Groundhog in PA they also carry the quick hitch for these machines. Not sure of their price though.
@@Jonedvega thank you
Your teeth on the bucket should be on the top not bottom of the bucket just thought I would let you know good luck great machine
There's many online places to order bearings and things of that nature you just need to get a set of calipers and measure it you can get them very cheap over at Harbor Freight other than that appreciate the video the language is a little bit much but it is your channel you do what you want but if you're trying to create a channel that reaches everybody then everybody ain't heifers and them efforts and Son of a sobs and all that stuff so like I said go Channel you do what you call I'm just letting you know from a personal person who don't listen or watch Channels like that all right God bless brother
Do what you can to keep it running and tighten up all those bolts and hopefully the head bolts are not that loose on the motor.
You may have to put toothpicks or other wooden wedges where the metal is vibrating.
You probably don't have any or very little warranty on that.
I believe the engines are not made in china nor are they assembled there. Thanks for the tip!
Where did you order it from?
Alibaba specifically Hightop tools
You must realize that excavators come into different control patterns when is ISO and the other is SAE.
Also known as backhoe pattern or excavator pattern controls.
If your machine came with English instructions you should be able to read about it in there.
Just have your local machine shop make a bushing. Can’t cost more than 40-50 and you will not have e to wait.
Hi just letting you know if you are from u.s. contacted groundhog mini excavator,s that maybe able to help you out have a great day G.Whyte
thanks for the tip I did reach out to them and they were able to help.
I,m glad they able to help you out take care and stay safe G.Whyte
Hi there do you have the contact info for your agent/broker you used for the import ?
This changes depending on where you are importing to. I used a local broker in NY and never met the guy in person everything was emailed. I found him and another local to NYC broker on Google, I tried calling a place in CT but I only found 1 and they handled non-motorized imports like art and other "goods". Called both NYC brokers but Tony answered right away. 1 call and a few emails and I was all set.
Tony Chen
Licensed Customs Broker
Import Manager
All Cleared Customs Brokerage
email: tchen@accb.us
Office: 347-891-6219
Thanks for the quick reply . I’m in NJ I have never ordered from Alibaba before . I’m working with Luna from shenhdong high top group and planning to order the same machine as yours . So far I understand I place the order on Alibaba and have the broker here process the import and I just pick it up . Is that it 😅? Any suggestions based on your experience?
@@MrPlaylistaaaa we’ll just a few warnings.. the sales person becomes really slow to answer after you place your order and almost non existent when you receive it. Make sure you document when you pick up your machine since the alibaba protection starts from when. High top says it will arrive instead and that will most likely be a big difference in time. Everything is money so be prepared to pay fees for the smallest of things. Even though I paid before heading out to the warehouse to pick up they charged me for “needing a ramp” since I used a uhaul trailer and pickup truck and their docks accommodate the taller tractor trailers. I paid $75 for a guy to come down a cement ramp behind the building and load the crate on to the trailer. Also if there is any damage to the outside of the crate make sure to file an inside by report and have them give you a copy at the warehouse I did this since my crate was busted on one side but everything was ok when I got home. The reason you do this is because that makes the warehouse liable for any handling damage, if you don’t say anything it’s all you.
Have you considered going through groundhog ? They add a thumb and end up around the same price after taxes and fees.. probably slightly cheaper.
Groundhog excavator,s are from china
Or maybe you should go to like a Kubota or Bobcat dealer and ask them.
Take bushing off take to a machine shop
The grapple you mentioned as a grabber was junk
The bushing that you talk about looks like a hex head bolt!
That bolt does not belong in there. They must have used that because they did not have the correct part handy!
You can get bucket pins like that at almost any place that sells tractor parts!
This whole machine looks like it was put together very badly! Very bad workmanship!!!
It’s $5k what you expect?
To better politicians are so corrupt.
America can build this just as cheap.
Your out of touch with reality. This cost $5k. You can’t even buy an American made water heater for $1000.
This brand looks very cheap quality!!! Maybe you should buy from different manufacturer
Why? A comparable unit would be more then double.
a lawnmower engine??? NO THANK YOU LOL
Fine get a diesel ya mar for double the price