Looking for a 1.5t mini digger (and any advice)

[Storrsy]

So, D Day, as we have been calling it has finally arrived at 0745 this morning! Not the best photos as the heavens were just about to open. Really pleased overall. Everything is as described, and everything seems work as it should, (though I have not actually done any digging yet!), Except for one thing . The boom swing from left to right is really slow. I can speed it up by using the aux button at the same time but I know this is wrong. Everything else moves at the correct rate, and seems to have loads of power. The manual says I should press the button on the left joystick and operate the floor pedal to move the boom. However the boom moves regardless of whether the button on the joystick is pressed or not.
I initially thought it was my lack of knowledge/experience, but after playing and reading this afternoon, I definitely think it's a problem with the digger. Any thoughts guys? Thanks in advance as always.
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Congrats! Looks a straight tidy machine. The boom offset on machine are often a bit slower than other movements- how slow are we talking though!? I have the Wacker ET20 (similar machine as Wacker neuson make those cats) and just use the pedal direct. Surely having to press a button on the aux would only be if diverting between the 2 services. Might be generic info in the manual depending what spec you had at factory...

 

[Simon edwards]

Looks like a tidy machine,the offset isn’t crazy fast on mine but that is no bad thing as they can often be a “snatchy” if too quick .I’m sure you’re going enjoy getting used to it.

 

[Furniss]

Yep little jcb 8014 was too quick ...esp as they were a popular hire machine - if you were used to it then ok but better a bit slower.

 

[Lffsam]

First bit if work today after giving the digger a good once over. A couple of grease nipples broken off on the bucket pins that need sorting and one in the blade ram. Some play in the bucket pins but I will rebush them after I get the grease nipples done. Do you guys take them to an engineer or do them yourselves?
The rest of the digger is pretty tight . Ran it at about half speed whilst working today, plenty of power.
Still think there is a problem with the boom swing right to left, but I will live with that for now, and investigate after I get the ditches done at the lake.
The auto idle works fine, as does the 2 speed tracking and expanding tracks. One track is newer than the other, but ok for now.
The manual quick hitch (keen brand) needs a helping hand to latch the bucket in place. Either the small buckets are too light, or it needs some lubricant, though on first inspection I can't see any grease points?
So all in all pretty pleased. It started first time with no smoke. Long may it last !

 

[Lffsam]

Looks like a tidy machine,the offset isn’t crazy fast on mine but that is no bad thing as they can often be a “snatchy” if too quick .I’m sure you’re going enjoy getting used to it.

Do you have to press the button on the left joystick Simon? And another question if I may, how on earth do you engage the "floating " dozer blade. Apparently it was standard and not an option but all mine does is go down, or up. It's marked in the handle as all the way forward, but mine goes down to the limit of travel.......and stays there . Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Lffsam]

Congrats! Looks a straight tidy machine. The boom offset on machine are often a bit slower than other movements- how slow are we talking though!? I have the Wacker ET20 (similar machine as Wacker neuson make those cats) and just use the pedal direct. Surely having to press a button on the aux would only be if diverting between the 2 services. Might be generic info in the manual depending what spec you had at factory...

It's the same speed as all the other movements going right to left, but it crawls going left to right, unless I push the aux switch on the right joystick. I can hear the pump being loaded as there is no attachment on the aux circuit, but it speeds the boom swing up. It just doesn't seem right, but as long as no damage is being done, I can live with it for now.

 

[hiluxman]

Push it all the way forward it'll click into float.

 

[Lffsam]

First bit if work today after giving the digger a good once over. A couple of grease nipples broken off on the bucket pins that need sorting and one in the blade ram. Some play in the bucket pins but I will rebush them after I get the grease nipples done. Do you guys take them to an engineer or do them yourselves?
The rest of the digger is pretty tight . Ran it at about half speed whilst working today, plenty of power.
Still think there is a problem with the boom swing right to left, but I will live with that for now, and investigate after I get the ditches done at the lake.
The auto idle works fine, as does the 2 speed tracking and expanding tracks. One track is newer than the other, but ok for now.
The manual quick hitch (keen brand) needs a helping hand to latch the bucket in place. Either the small buckets are too light, or it needs some lubricant, though on first inspection I can't see any grease points?
So all in all pretty pleased. It started first time with no smoke. Long may it last !

Push it all the way forward it'll click into float.

I will have another go tomorrow. Do you kind of push it quickly forward and release, or push forward and hold. I just went up in the air ......... quickly

 

[hiluxman]

I will have another go tomorrow. Do you kind of push it quickly forward and release, or push forward and hold. I just went up in the air ......... quickly

Yes push forward quickly it will click in.

 

[Lffsam]

Thanks, I will give it a go.

 

[Simon edwards]

Do you have to press the button on the left joystick Simon? And another question if I may, how on earth do you engage the "floating " dozer blade. Apparently it was standard and not an option but all mine does is go down, or up. It's marked in the handle as all the way forward, but mine goes down to the limit of travel.......and stays there . Thanks in anticipation.

No never had to press a button,just use the pedal,to float the blade push it hard forward and it will hold down engaging the float function.

 

[Lffsam]

Tha

No never had to press a button,just use the pedal,to float the blade push it hard forward and it will hold down engaging the float function.

Thanks Simon, going to try now

GOT IT ! It's obviously all in the wrist action . I wasn't being forceful enough to get past the "down" position. Thanks Simon and Hiluxman

 

[V8Druid]

any one know if my Lil' 8015 has float?? never tried it ?

 

[Smiffy]

any one know if my Lil' 8015 has float?? never tried it ?

No it won't have im afraid.

 

[hiluxman]

any one know if my Lil' 8015 has float?? never tried it ?

No.

I've ever only come across cat with blade float in the minis

 

[Furniss]

No.

I've ever only come across cat with blade float in the minis

Early 802 super had it used to use it a fair bit for back blading around bunkers

 

[hiluxman]

Early 802 super had it used to use it a fair bit for back blading around bunkers

Never knew that. 802 was a rear beast.

Used to hire the 803 plus and super many a time. I did also look at buying an 802.4 back in the day.

 

[V8Druid]

excellent .. can't wait to see the weapon


the guy in Ireland with the Hannix, has now actually put a price to it
View attachment 74077

coming down Aiden

 

[V8Druid]

so how is that little 'pussy' treating you - doing al you wanted from it ?

 

[Lffsam]

Hi Druid,
It's been a slow start really, life has got in the way lol.
I played with my new toy at home and was pretty pleased with my purchase. I gave it a service and got to know the machine. Changed a couple of dodgy grease nipples, tensioned the tracks ( which are probably not as good as described but ok for now ).
There are two issued that I need to address. There is an oil leak from (I suspect ) the turret motor, and the slew from left to right is non existent whilst the slew from right to left is perferct? The oil leak is consuming around 1 litre a day, which in an 11 litre tank is about 10%........too much!
On the up side, everything else works well. The digger starts well from cold, with no smoke, and the digital temp gauge just flashes on the first bar as the manual says it should. The engine sounds sweet and the digger has plenty of power at low revs. The auto idle is a nice feature.
It tracks straight and is quiet in operation with no nasty noises. The boom and stick are tight, though some play in the Whites quick hitch, especially in the small digging bucket, the 40cm and ditching bucket have less play.
I love the way the front windscreen upper and lower halves retract in to the roof. With the door and side window open its almost like a canopy version on hot days, but with a closed cab and heater for the winter.
The floating dozer blade is great for an amateur like me . The cab is comfortable, and the joystics responsive but not too sensitive. It's a little tight getting in and out ..... and I am not the biggest of blokes.
I only got the digger up to my lake on Tuesday, and have done a couple of half days work since, about 80m of ditch. It's slow work as I am transporting the spoil to the other side of the lake using a ride on mower and tipping trailer. Not the ideal solution, but once the bank dries up after the drainage work, I should be able to use the Freelander and a much bigger trailer . I spent most of yesterday beefing up the little trailer.......the sodden clay from the ditch was taking it's toll already!
So overall very pleased. A couple of neighbours have commented on how tidy the little CAT looks.
I will get the initial work done to allow the bank to start drying out before I tackle the leak and slew. I am hoping some of the members may be able to help and advice along the way with the repairs. I am pretty handy with the spanners, but hydraulics of this nature are new to me.
I will start a new thread when I get stuck in to the repairs. Thanks again to all who have helped and advised. Enjoy your Sunday .