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+--- Thread: User Review: ZY60 Mini Excavator with Domestic Engine – Quality Still to Be Tested (/thread-5683.html)
User Review: ZY60 Mini Excavator with Domestic Engine – Quality Still to Be Tested - MikePhua - 06-29-2025
On August 8, 2012, the new generation ZY60 mini excavator, powered by Quanchai engines, rolled off the production line at Rongsheng Machinery's facility in Hefei. The use of a domestic engine, particularly from Quanchai, has caught the attention of many industry observers. While the use of local engines in small excavators is not new, the timing of this product’s release – at a critical moment in the collaboration between Rongsheng Heavy Industries and Quanchai Power – has sparked curiosity and concerns among users.
A New Player with Local Power
Currently, the majority of small excavators in China still rely on foreign engine brands such as Cummins, Isuzu, Yanmar, Mitsubishi, and Perkins. However, some manufacturers, including Yuchai, Changchai, and Quanchai, have ventured into using domestic engines for their products, especially in machines under 5 tons. The ZY60 is a notable addition to this category, and its launch by Rongsheng Heavy Industries has generated mixed reactions in the market.
Some experienced users from the machinery community have expressed their views on this new development, with varied opinions on the use of domestic engines in excavators.
- User "罩得住": While domestic engines like Weichai and Yuchai are mainstream, small excavators with domestic engines tend to have shorter lifespans. Many new domestic mini excavators are prone to issues, such as air conditioning failures and oil leaks, which can affect long-term durability.
- User "沐浴阳关": The small excavator market is seeing growth, especially due to lower purchase costs. The introduction of the ZY60 means more competition in the market. The benefit of using domestic engines is that they lower both purchase and maintenance costs, making it easier for users to manage repairs, though it may come with higher failure rates.
- User "汗鱼": The use of domestic engines in small excavators is not unprecedented. The key factor is whether the engine’s power output is well-matched to the machine’s design. The real challenge lies in the selection of hydraulic components.
- User "堕落天使": Domestic engines like Yuchai have been used in small excavators for some time. The ZY60 is not a groundbreaking example; it is a cost-effective machine. While domestic engines work in small excavators, they tend to be noisier and have shorter lifespans.
Rongsheng Heavy Industries, which is part of the Rongsheng Machinery Group based in Hefei, has a track record of diversification. In March 2010, Rongsheng Heavy Industries expanded by acquiring Hefei Zhenyu Engineering Machinery and establishing a hydraulic excavator production facility. This was followed by investments in the development of cranes, concrete machinery, mining machinery, and agricultural machinery.
At the ZY60 mini excavator launch, Rongsheng Machinery’s CEO, Yao Guangshan, emphasized the company’s approach to the macroeconomic environment and the strategic importance of the ZY60, which aligns with their dual-brand strategy. The ZY60 uses a Quanchai engine paired with a German hydraulic system, and the design has incorporated lessons from benchmark products, adapting them to meet both domestic and international technological standards.
The project focuses on cost control, with modular, standardized, and interchangeable components to simplify maintenance and improve after-sales service.
Public Reception and Market Position
According to promotional materials, the ZY60 has demonstrated impressive performance and reliability during comparison tests. The design is visually appealing, and the machine’s cost-effectiveness is highlighted as a key factor for market success. Rongsheng expects the ZY60 to help boost its market share, especially in the high-end sector, with its RS series aiming to quickly enter the premium market.
Despite these claims, many users remain cautious. While there are examples of successful applications of domestic engines in excavators, some are skeptical about the long-term reliability of such machines. The true quality of the ZY60 can only be judged through real-world use. As the domestic market for excavators grows rapidly, the focus is shifting to technological breakthroughs in core components, which will ultimately determine whether Rongsheng’s product lives up to its promises.
In conclusion, while the ZY60 offers a cost-effective alternative with a domestic engine, it remains to be seen whether it can match the performance, durability, and market presence of foreign-engine-powered machines. As the industry continues to evolve, the quality of the core components and the overall build will be crucial for the ZY60’s long-term success.