Buying the Cheapest Mini Excavator I Could Find 

Congrats on the new toy, Sandy! I think it’s fair to say that the hours are many times over what the hour meter says. You wouldn’t need a new kingpin or have that much play in the bucket pin with only 922 hours. However, it doesn’t really matter! It runs, it doesn’t seem to have too many issues, and knowing your nose for deals, I’m sure you got it for a fair price. Once you do your usual clean up, maintenance, and paint job, it will be worth far more than you paid for it, and eventually you’ll be able to move up to a larger unit.

I did the same thing a year ago. After looking for 4 years I realized my budget wasn't going to get me a 6k machine. I bought a 96 Takeuchi tb 015. It's about the same size as yours. Takes a while to get used to the tippy unstable feel. My son who has 20+ years of experience with heavy equip. Makes the thing dance. It is one of those things where experience really shows. As others have said, you won't regret it. I am looking for a manual thumb for mine. I am certain it will double my use of it. Congrats.

Hi Sandy, The first bit of advice in operating your excavator is to do everything slowly and keep the RPM's at their minimum. This is done for safety and will save fuel when operating. Slow finishes the race with these machines.

Slick truck! I've never seen one that can put the whole deck flat on the ground like that. Considering how many industrial accidents occur loading and unloading equipment on various ramp and sloped deck configurations, the margin of safety added by this feature is golden.

Great find Sandy! Sure, right now she doesn't look like much but if you put the usual Sandy touch to it then she is going to really shine. If I could make just a couple of recommendations: FIRST thing, change ALL fluids! You just don't know the history of them. This would certainly include draining the hydraulic reservoir. Change all filters and lube every moving part that has grease zerks. And when you are operating the arm in a stationary position be sure to drop the blade for additional stability. And if you want to see how a real pro operates an excavator then watch your fellow RU-vidr Mike Morgan on Outdoors with the Morgans. He makes his excavator really hum. Lastly, please stay safe brother. You mean alot to us. God bless.

I have this same machine, it has now has well over 10k hrs and still works, it a little slow and a little sloppy but it sure beats a shovel. Takeuchi makes great equipment. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger and buy a tb260 for a little bigger jobs , but my TB15 isn't going anywhere.

Sandy, I agree with Bob Wollard, watch Outdoors with the Morgans and add a thumb to your bucket. It will make a great addition to how you handle your logs for the sawmill. Stay warm and safe!

I have a tb-015. Just a hair newer than yours. Awesome machine, I have almost 2900hrs on mine, added a manual thumb. It's so handy for my construction business. I get a lot done with the skid steer, dump truck, and mini ex.

I used to run all kinds of tractors for a living including excavators. And I love vintage and antique machinery.

Extremely useful machine that doesn't take long to become proficient on. I like that it is all mechanical. You are going to love it.

When you do your first maintenance, don’t forget to change your drive oil on each side.

Just bought takeuchi tb 217r, glad to see how durabel takeuchi is!

Pump is mounted on the motor. It’s main function. Blade supports the excavator when digging in front. All other directions you have to just “feel” how much you can pull. If you are carrying a heavy load in the bucket just keep it low and close when spinning. 🙂I’ve run these for years and they are great.

bought one 10 years ago from a rental company. Works so nice. I have built miles of trails, food plots and logged with it. Before you take that thing out of the garage add a hydraulic thumb to it.

I had one of these TB15 for many years, traded it for a new Kobelco sk45. Installed a thumb. Great little machine, solid, reliable. Put new tracks on and, talking expensive, one front drive motor. But I got a very decent price for it. You made a good choice, good machine, have great fun with it.

Easiest way to get used to it is to keep your engine rpm’s to around half. If your not putting to much on the pump while working it at half. But this will allow your hands to keep up with the hydraulics easier. Then before you know it you won’t even be thinking about what each hand is doing. Sweet find. You’ll love it.

In my opinion, the left pedal (with what looks like a large washer on top) could be the speed control. The right lever (with a red cap) could be the pattern change lever. There are two different types of control patterns for excavator: ISO & SAE. Typically, ISO controls are standard. The most commonly used control pattern throughout the world is the ISO controls. In the ISO control pattern, the left hand joystick controls Swing (left & right) and the Stick Boom (away & close), and the right hand joystick controls the Main Boom (up & down) and Bucket motions (close & dump).

MM77 Approved 👍🏼👍🏼………………………………….Good for you Sandy! I’m sure you will figure out the ins and outs of that machine in no time. I’ll be here watching you learn and be a little envious at the same time!LOL!

About 35 years ago I learned how to use a mini Ex on aTB15. My "instructor" had one rule for me, go slow, low RPM's, gain confidence, understand what the machine was capable of. My safety and safety of others near the machine, not to ignore the machine or the jobsite, but slow and steady always got the job done right and without damage. Lots of youtube videos available for you to watch, and the manual for the TB15 and the Yanmar engine is on the net. Have fun and enjoy....

I started running small equipment tractors, power saws etc at 12 yrs. old . It wasn't until I was in my 40s that I finally got to try out an excavator. After my exposure to excavators I was hooked . They are one of the most satisfying machine to operate. I spent 25 yrs running all sizes. Demolition of buildings can be like a chess game when taking one down in tight quarters. It is amazing what you can do even with a little one. Enjoy your new toy.

Congrats! Can't wait to see all the projects you get up to with it!

My recommendation is to learn how to jump turn as it takes some of the stress off the tracks when turning tightly - there's tutorials on RU-vid that show you how to do it. It will get you out of some tricky situations. Also as you've discovered small excavators can be very jerky and can really beat the operator up, so easy on the controls, slower engine speed can iron out the rough ride. You'll get plenty of seat time and it will surprise you how quickly you get proficient behind the controls of this beast

Great new tool to add to your property. I am sure you will get great use of it. Should probably get a thumb for it for grabbing logs. Good luck.

Congratulations on your mini excavator! I'm sure you're going to find many uses for it. Too bad it doesn't have a thumb on the bucket so you could pick up small logs to load the saw mill. I'm glad to see you grow!

Looks like a Great Mini Ex. Congrats and thanks or the walk around😁👍🚜💨

Sandy...I have been watching your channel for a long time and have a long time and got a lot of great ideas from you.When I tuned in this morning, had I not just repainted my TB15, all its original color by the way, I would have looked out to make sure you had not stolen mine. Seems to be not many still with original paint as yours and mine around much. I welded a manual operated thumb on mine and use it to unload logs at the mill when they arrive as well as load logs onto mill bed for milling, you would be surprised on the size log it can handle, great for holding firewood logs at convenient height to cut to size. You just purchased a great little helper around your operation.......Enjoy!

hi Sandy, If you are worried about the fins on the radiator being bent there is normally a easy solution. They called fin combs and are pretty common in the air conditioning world. I can't recall exactly how they are measure in fins per inch or the metric equal. Normally made of a hardened plastic material that won 't damage the rest of the core. Love your spot of heaven in the bush, but being an Aussie that white stuff that falls in winter could make me hibernate for six mths a year, Hope this helps. Regards Huey

Right on! Use the pin to lock the house while using it in backhoe mode to stop any chance of turning when in tight quarters. JD controls aren’t less common now. Should look into swapping to cat controls and it’ll cross over to your next machine.

You got this Sandy. Nice unit

Hello, Sandy, I can tell by the excitement in your voice, how great this is for you. I think this is the perfect piece equipment for you. I would suggest that you get an equipment shop manual for it.

If you keep it running you’ll be amazed how much work you can get done with it and wonder how you ever did without it!

Hi Sandy!!😀😀 Nice little excavator. I'm sure it has closer to 9 thousand hours and definitely not 900. I used to have a TB 70 with a tree harvesting head on it back in the late 90s. Now I have a TB1140 TAKEUCHI with a tree harvesting head on it. My TB1140 has almost 15,000 hours on it and is still running strong. Takeuchi excavators are top of the line machines. I think you have your self a good one there. Enjoy the machine and don't tip it over. Take care my friend!!😀😀👍👍 Logger Al

Congratulations Sandy, I know your happier than a bird in a birdbath! I’ll be using a mini excavator Monday helping my plumber buddy, retired underground sewer operator, so yeah your gonna love it! Be nice to put bigger logs on the mill too! I know you’ll fix her up and make er nice! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

Great choice, I had a 2001 Takeuchi TB015 for a long time and it was an amazing little machine. Hopefully this one treats you well. Try to get a thumb on that and you'll be really happy.

Sandy look on eBay and find you an operations and service manual for that TB15 excavator. That will give you a lot of information you need. The 2 hydraulic lines are not only for a hammer but also for thumb. I highly recommend getting a thumb for that excavator. Have a great day be safe

To run it smoother, move two things at the same time. Like the stick and boom, or even stick, boom and bucket. It will come in time, like you said. Have fun.

I do t know anything about them, but I think it’s a cool purchase Sandy! Will be fun for sure. Dig on….

The small ones are so expensive because they are in huge demand, everybody wants one from 8 tons and below. I recently bought a 16 ton excavator and paid half the price vs a 5-8 ton. I'd rather have an 8 ton but I have some big projects and the 16 ton has done well though it requires a lot of space. One really positive thing about the 16 ton is that it is very spacious, closed heated cab and very easy to access all the components when it needs repair. I recently changed the starter motor, I stood uprised inside the engine bay and easily removed the old starter. Vs a friend of mine who had to remove the engine to change the starter on his mini excavator.

Hi Sandy! I will be learning right along with you.

Congratulations on the new toy, it will be nice to work with

Nice to see a venerable old machine in the hands of someone who's going to take good care of it.

I'm loving the Takeuchi TB15. Looking forward to more video. Thanks for sharing.

Excellent, looking forward to your reports & progress. I’ve been watching OutDoors with The Morgan’s ( he has a new Kubota excavator) he may be able to give you some pointers. Love what you’re doing-best with all. Wilber

Must be a Canadian excavator - there's a Maple leaf under the seat !!!! LOL Looks like you were doing a little excavation yoga towards the end. 🙂

Ditch'n with Sandy. Getting smoother on the controls as time goes.

Awesome score brother.. It will save you alot of back breaking work for sure.. Will be a great project to shine up over winter.. Keep up the great work there Sandy... Steve out..👍👍

Great stuff. Love that your just starting out with an excavator. Me too, mine hasnt arrived yet and Ive spent literally only 10 minutes digging in one so intereting to see you not at all too proud to share . Greetings from Tasmania 😊

I have a komatsu pc-12. It’s a 1999 with the same engine you have. I absolutely love it. I load my HM-126 with it. When you can, invest in a thumb,it’s a must have! Enjoy your new machine!

Have a Tip for you.. You don't have to run it full throttle when you operate it. Especially when loading and unloading. My mini I just run idle for that. even the controls will be slower and smother when operating. Try it out

Practice makes perfect Sandy. Time in the seat is the best Teacher. Things breaking on it, will eventually be your great friend. You will know the machine inside and out. When I bought my 12 year old Cat 304 ccr, I found out fast how to change out hydraulic hoses, they were busting often. But no longer scared, that will probably be your biggest problem. It happens to every machine that has hydraulics on it. Good luck buddy.

Nice find! Hope you will bring us along as you refurbish your new workhorse.

I bought a Tb230 around 7000 lbs so quite a lot bigger, soon after I bought my property so far I’ve cleared about 3 acres of heavy dense forest with it. I wish I would of gotten bigger but money only allows so much. Good power for its size. Tak’s are some of the best built machines out there. By the way it (TAK-E-U-CHE) lol, I said it wrong for years

Looks like. Ya got some bucket pins to change too-might think about adding a mechanical thumb as well- they are very handy an don’t cost a ton-take care

Hey Sandy! This will be a great little addition to the fleet! Enjoyed this video with my morning coffee! Great first impressions and descriptions. My first suggestion :) - would be to either go on eBay and locate the hard copy / or a PDF online of the complete service manual for it and print it off and put it all in a heavy duty binder for the shop. For any big pieces of equipment for me, if it doesn’t have a manual, I try my best to locate one for it, especially where I do all my own maintenance and service. This will also come handy say if you’re potentially looking for part numbers, diagrams and schematics. Next would be what you’ve pointed out in the video like starting with a fresh service an maintenance of the machine and updating / replacing what you can at this point to get it at a level that your comfortable with being able to operate effectively, efficiently and safely. Also as some folks have noted in the comments, the remotes on the end of the boom, maybe for a thumb function. Take a look into this as going forward this could be a great addition if that is the case :) I honestly don’t have any experience with excavators and like yourself have only used one for a minimal amount of time. My dad has a JD 3 ton that I’ve played around with but really haven’t got to use yet, so I’m on the same learning curve as you are :). Anyways Sandy, as always another quality video and I appreciate you having us along with you on your journeys. Looking forward to seeing whats in store coming up with the new to you toy and all the fun and learning you’ll have along the way! Take care Sandy! Andrew from NB :)

A new toy and young enough to enjoy it nice thanks for show sandy

Congrats on your excavator! And thanks for the walkaround, I've been wanting one myself and you pointed out things I wouldn't have known to look for. Looking forward to see you put it to work.

Sweet! Such a great edition to the ol tool box. Happy for you Sandy! ✌

Sandy, you are a crack up, it's in your DNA you see with a few turns of a wrench and adjustment here and there, this excavator will have life again. I am excited and also jealous you found a diamond in the rough. I am impressed even though it has a few hours on it (specially the seat) it looks all original with no patch fixes or home wire modification.

That is a very cool toy. Hope to see a few videos on that.

Hey Sandy, I own one of these. Mine's got loads more hours and still operates like a charm!

Very nice score there mate !!!!! That's going to be a great investment for your year round activities !!!!!!

Congrats on your aquisition! For your tracks, you should have a look with extreme wear parts out of alberta. They have supplied me with the tracks on my last 2 machines. Great service and fast shipping!

YO, Sandy! I'd bet Chris Guinn (Lets Dig 18) and Mike Simon (Dirt Perfect) are glad you're in Canada, and not competing with them! Hahaha.. Seriously, buddy, for what you've got, I think it looks pretty damn good. While it's not going to do a lot of things you would like, you'll find it'll do a lot more than you expected! The red handle by your right leg "MIGHT" direct your hydro. Normal operation, the left joystick (L-R) rotates the house and forward/backward (F-B) extends or retracts the arm. The right joystick (L-R) curls/uncurls the bucket and (F-B) extends or retracts the boom. The 'footrests', are they really footrests? They should operate the crawlers so you can take your hands off the crawler controls. (Experiment with it, it's likely different than other machines). Whenever you're digging, ALWAYS put the dozer blade down so your load is distributed between the drive sprockets and the blade. This will improve the stability. With the narrow track and short coupling (drive sprockets to blade) and the relatively high CG, it's not going to be real stable. Just go slow and take your time... learn how it works... and Wear That Seat Belt!!! I wish I was there to help you with it, but hey... take your time and experiment. Also watch some videos of other small machines to learn how to climb/descend hills, and operate on a side slope. Also, learn how to extend the arm and put the bucket on the ground on slopes, and moving over ditches, etc. I'd bet the time on that hour meter might be correct. Spending 922 hours on that machine might take you 25 years! One final tip. strive for being as smooth as you possibly can on it. WATCH THE BUCKET, NOT YOUR HANDS! Don't 'think' about how you want the bucket to move, watch the bucket instead, and before long your hands/feet will move according to what you want the bucket to do. Trust me, it's harder than flying a helicopter, and then one day, everything will happen the way you want it to.....

Those two holes to the left of the seat are for sure mounting holes for a sludge holder. Congratulations on the new machine! Nothing beats a new toy.

I’m so happy for you sandy!!!!!! I love my mini ex and I think you bought the perfect one!! Yanmar engines are bullet proof and tec makes a very reliable excavator. The first thing I would do after the oil and filters is to build a thumb!!! I built a thumb for mine (you can check it out on my channel) and it it the single BEST thing I did to the machine!! I use it to lift logs and all kinds of stuff and it works amazingly well and it’s only a mechanical thumb, you could build or buy a hydraulic thumb and you will be glad u did!! I look very foreward to seeing more videos of your excavator!!

Cool addition to the yard Sandy! Have fun with it. 👍🏼🌴🚜

You're gonna love this thing. I have the Takeuchi TB235. You're going to wanna put a thumb on it but I think you'll have to go with a manual thumb. That blade is more of a stabilizer because of the narrow foot print of the tracks. When i am lifting, digging deep or digging stumps I keep the blade in front of me. When digging hard pan like clay I keep it behing me so not to lift the front of the machine up. Other than that it's practice practice practice.

Dang that's a cool truck!

Nice new equipment, can't wait to see what you get up to with it!

Hi Sandy. Congratulations on the purchase. The hour meter could be correct, it just does not show that is has 10, 922.8 hours. You will have fun learning this machine. I did see one guy that when he changed the oil, after it had all drained, he poured a little more in, 1/3 to 1/2 quart, to push more of the old oil out. I like the boom pivot. I hope the bucket teeth are replaceable. Andrew Camarata likes the Yanmar machines. Have good days!

Sandy, Your a kid with a new toy. So happy for you 💛

The seat rusted because it is mounted over to of the battery. Place a battery mat over the battery and it will also protect all the metal controls.

Today is my birthday... and just too much on my mind, that said, I will revisit this video and give some of the stuff I know to you... quite happy for you on this great little machine... should be just the ticket for a lot of simple stuff.

Congratulations! Great purchase! But you will terrorize your partner with the spending adventures you'll have with an excavator! My advice: Run it a bit and learn but while you do, fix it up nice, scrub and paint it up real pretty and sell it. You'll be so much happier in a 8-12 thousand pound machine with a hydraulic thumb. They are more stabile, more powerful and more capable. I outgrew my 15 in no time flat! Graduated to a 035 and then 045 and now I'm eyeballing a JD-50 next. And an excavator is such a great compliment to milling and firewood! How wonderful it is to pick up a log with the thumb and set it on the mill, or block it up without bending down and running your chain into the dirt! All the best from Northern Vermont!

Every good hobby guy needs a mini excavator,great addition to the homestead.Buying name brand also makes a huge difference in parts availability.Swing bearing and final drives,pay close attention to them,time consuming and expensive to replace.Weld on a good mechanical thumb,your gold.

Congrats on the mini ex, Sandy! Way to go! Check if you have a 1 way or 2 way auxiliary hydraulics to the front. If it's 2 way, I'd definitely recommend installing a hydraulic thumb, so you can move logs or larger rocks around. It's just incredibly handy. But even if not, you can probably put a manual thumb on it and still find it very handy. Andrew Camarata has a pretty cool video about excavator thumbs.

That will be great for digging out the stumps at the new sawmill shed.

You'll never know what you did without it. Hard part for me is doing a job on the property and remembering "wait a sec I have an excavator" LOL

This little machine will save you a ton of work, However I have to tell you, once you have used it for about a week seat time you will swear you need a bigger machine, especially with all the tree roots, do not push the weight limit by trying to do jobs that you know are to big, the machine will tell you when you are, it is the fastest way to start having problems, stick with it and please don't treat it the same way as the old log splitter, keep it well maintained and painted and when it comes to next machine you will get more money for your little helper, cant wait to see you using it on the saw mill building, removing stumps. thanks for sharing Sandy, what happened to your thank you button.

Congratulations on the excavator looking forward to seeing you work with it!

You are going to love it. Mini excavators are as handy as pockets on a shirt. Brent

Amazing truck. Smart purchase!

Awesome. I have the same model. I welded a mechanical thumb on it and have been very happy with it moving logs and digging out stumps. I upgraded to a 2 ton John deere a couple years ago and have been thinking about selling my TB15, but hesitate because it's so dependable. You'll enjoy it and may change the way you load your logs for the sawmill.

Nice addition Sandy!

Think of the footings you can dig now! That's a sweet rig.

Good find!

You need to watch Diesel Creek and Marty T as tutorials for these machines. You’ve already got a head start, it actually runs!

That's a nice looking little machine and the Yanmar engine will serve you well I have a RK 24 with a backhoe attachment and it does very well and you will want a hydraulic thumb and I'm sure it will lift a decent size log. Thanks for sharing this

Keep the R’s just off idle, you will find it smoother, easier to operate and more economical. Nice purchase. I have the 0.8t Kubota, it’s even smaller than yours but can get a lot done.

Very nice, I would love a mini excavator!👍🏻👍🏻

Give it about a week and you're gonna wish you went bigger! I bought a TB138 FR a few years back and its about an 8500 lb machine. Think its the perfect size. Can still haul with my 1 ton but can dig out a refrigerator sized rock if I need too. Also, a Thumb changes the whole game

Late to the party, but a cool find! I study marketplace quite well. Lol. Hoping to find a buy like this someday! Been wanting a mini x for quite some time to do ditch work with my business, but never wanted to spend big money. Have some other machinery that needs paid off first, but something like this would work for now. Ever find out if the hour meter is accurate and working? I’m sure you know by now, but I would run it and a timer on my phone to see if they equal up. Awesome content you have!

great purchase. you're going to have a blast.👍

Welcome to the world of excavators! First rule.... EVERYTHING is expensive . They, by nature have a hard life. Whatever size machine you get you'll always wish it were bigger ..But if you are 'hands on' the older machines can still do a days work. Best thing is the smaller machines always hold their value- So if you ever decide to trade up, chances are you won't loose. I have a 5t '93 vintage IHI that still does exactly what I need it to.. Enjoy!

Looks good buddy I'm looking for one myself. When you order the seat I think the bottom plate comes with it. I ordered a seat for my tractor last year and I was able to get it with the bottom structure and hinges. I ordered the whole assembly because of the rust I wasn't sure if I would be able to get the parts to fit properly. Good luck and I look forward to seeing the renovations.

i wish you luck sandy you will have be be very careful the tracks are way to close togerther. i think the hour meter has been replaced .the pins would not be wore out at 922 hours. the tracks for them things really cost a lot. take care, be safe and well.

That is a very cool truck!! Wow!

I have a slightly bigger mini ex in about the same condition and age. and The first thing you need to add is a thumb. A hydraulic (best) or fixed thumb doubles the use-fullness of the machine Great for picking up logs or stones. I noticed a missing skid plate under the engine. Also if you can get a seat with armrests your arms will thank you. It will help with fine control movements. Cheers.

Be sure and video anything you do with the excavator, service, repairs and working on your land. Thanks

😉Hello Sandy!!, dig a moat around the pirate ship, YOU are really stepping up in the world, I have enjoyed watching You succeed and improve your set up, Keep It Going!!!!