3 hours ago
Background of the Machine
The IHI IS‑14 PX (also referenced as MBU‑IHI 14 PX) is a vintage compact crawler excavator from early 1990s production. According to technical data, this model weighs about 1.5 tonnes (~3,300 lb), has a transport width of 0.96 m, and runs a small Isuzu 3 KB1 diesel engine rated at around 11 kW (about 15 hp). This was a modest, workhorse machine designed for light digging, trenching, and backfill work where larger machines would be overkill.
IHI (now part of Hitachi Construction Machinery) has a long reputation in mini and midi excavators. The company’s compact machines were especially popular in tight job sites, urban construction, and small‑scale earthworks.
What Makes This “Paddock Find” Interesting
One owner on a discussion forum described finding an IS‑14 PX sitting unused, “paddocked” in western Victoria, Australia. Its condition reflects its age: rusty areas, worn bushings, and degraded seal hardware were common complaints. The original backfill blade still existed, and a lever between the seat and control panel operated it. This blade, for stabilization and leveling, was a handy feature on soft or uneven ground.
The owner mentioned that the boom and dipper pins and bushes were badly worn, leading to play. He planned to ream out the old bushes and harden/weld new tubes—a textbook restoration approach for a machine of this vintage. There was also water damage in the dipper ram cylinder, so the ram seal needed replacement, and the tube would be re-bored to accept a new gland.
Another user chimed in with a similar machine, stating theirs was “piped for an auger,” meaning it already had hydraulic plumbing in place for drilling attachments. That’s a valuable starting point for restoration or modernization.
Technical Insights and Challenges
When restoring or running a 30‑year-old machine like the IS‑14 PX:
While original parts for a 1990s IHI model are becoming scarcer, aftermarket or NOS (new old stock) components are still somewhat available. For example:
For a hobbyist, contractor, or small-scale operator, restoring an IS‑14 PX can be deeply rewarding. Its small size means lower transport cost, simpler mechanics compared to modern machines, and a nostalgic charm. For less than what a newer machine might cost, a restored IS‑14 PX can dig reliably for years, provided the hydraulic system, undercarriage, and engine are well maintained.
Caution and Advice for Potential Buyers
The IHI IS‑14 PX is not a high-power industrial excavator, but as a compact, mechanically simple machine, it has proven value—especially when “rescued” from a paddock. For someone willing to put in the labor to rebuild hydraulic components, re-bush the structure, and service the old Isuzu engine, it can become a reliable little digger. Its diminutive size, combined with rugged simplicity, makes it a fascinating project and a potentially very useful machine once restored.
The IHI IS‑14 PX (also referenced as MBU‑IHI 14 PX) is a vintage compact crawler excavator from early 1990s production. According to technical data, this model weighs about 1.5 tonnes (~3,300 lb), has a transport width of 0.96 m, and runs a small Isuzu 3 KB1 diesel engine rated at around 11 kW (about 15 hp). This was a modest, workhorse machine designed for light digging, trenching, and backfill work where larger machines would be overkill.
IHI (now part of Hitachi Construction Machinery) has a long reputation in mini and midi excavators. The company’s compact machines were especially popular in tight job sites, urban construction, and small‑scale earthworks.
What Makes This “Paddock Find” Interesting
One owner on a discussion forum described finding an IS‑14 PX sitting unused, “paddocked” in western Victoria, Australia. Its condition reflects its age: rusty areas, worn bushings, and degraded seal hardware were common complaints. The original backfill blade still existed, and a lever between the seat and control panel operated it. This blade, for stabilization and leveling, was a handy feature on soft or uneven ground.
The owner mentioned that the boom and dipper pins and bushes were badly worn, leading to play. He planned to ream out the old bushes and harden/weld new tubes—a textbook restoration approach for a machine of this vintage. There was also water damage in the dipper ram cylinder, so the ram seal needed replacement, and the tube would be re-bored to accept a new gland.
Another user chimed in with a similar machine, stating theirs was “piped for an auger,” meaning it already had hydraulic plumbing in place for drilling attachments. That’s a valuable starting point for restoration or modernization.
Technical Insights and Challenges
When restoring or running a 30‑year-old machine like the IS‑14 PX:
- Hydraulic Seals: Rubber seals in the boom, dipper, and blade rams degrade over decades, especially if water contamination occurred. Replacing them often requires cylinder teardown, honing of tubes, and precision reassembly.
- Bushes and Pins: These wear items are often oversized (or “over‑bushed”), creating slop in the joints. Correcting them involves reaming and fitting new bushes or even rebuilding components.
- Slew Speed: One user observed low slew (rotation) speed after initial repair, which may indicate aging swing components or worn internal hydraulics.
- Blade Functionality: The backfill blade works via a lever system; knowing this helps potential buyers understand the machine’s versatility and mechanical layout.
While original parts for a 1990s IHI model are becoming scarcer, aftermarket or NOS (new old stock) components are still somewhat available. For example:
- IHI IS‑14 PX Mini Excavator — The original machine itself (if you can find one for sale).
- IHI IS‑14 PX Premium Rubber Track — Replacement rubber tracks, which are critical for maintaining good ground contact and reducing vibration.
- IHI IS‑14 PX Tracks — Possibly steel or mixed‑material track options depending on specification.
For a hobbyist, contractor, or small-scale operator, restoring an IS‑14 PX can be deeply rewarding. Its small size means lower transport cost, simpler mechanics compared to modern machines, and a nostalgic charm. For less than what a newer machine might cost, a restored IS‑14 PX can dig reliably for years, provided the hydraulic system, undercarriage, and engine are well maintained.
Caution and Advice for Potential Buyers
- Always inspect the hydraulic cylinders carefully for pitting or corrosion in the bores.
- Check previous repairs: welded or brazed sections on the boom or dipper may indicate past failures.
- Confirm the existence of the backfill blade and whether its linkage and blade function properly.
- Request photos of the cab, frame, and undercarriage; rust in the wrong place may suggest structural fatigue.
The IHI IS‑14 PX is not a high-power industrial excavator, but as a compact, mechanically simple machine, it has proven value—especially when “rescued” from a paddock. For someone willing to put in the labor to rebuild hydraulic components, re-bush the structure, and service the old Isuzu engine, it can become a reliable little digger. Its diminutive size, combined with rugged simplicity, makes it a fascinating project and a potentially very useful machine once restored.
