Man buys $12,000 excavator from Alibaba then unboxes something he's not sure whether he can fit in
Published on Oct 29, 2025 at 1:04 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 07, 2025 at 8:40 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
It’s always a bit of a risk if you’re going to buy a $12,000 excavator from Alibaba, but what actually turned up was teeny tiny.
It all started with a scroll through Alibaba, the budget dropshipping website where you can find whatever you want.
YouTuber Frengen Engineering came across what seemed like an unreal deal, a fully equipped mini excavator from China for just $12,000.
Three months later, a massive wooden crate showed up at his door, and what came out of it left him both amazed and a little confused.
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A $12,000 excavator from Alibaba is quite the adventure
Even after speaking to a few suppliers and discovering an initial $2,000 listing was too good to be true, the total cost still came in at a fraction of what a Japanese-made excavator would set him back.
He ordered through a Chinese manufacturer called Jining Vote Machinery Technology Co. and specified everything he wanted: adjustable tracks, pilot controls, a swing boom, an expandable blade, and most importantly, a Kubota diesel engine.
Weeks later, the crate arrived – inside was his very own VTW mini excavator, complete with a rake, forks, and buckets.
When he opened the box, the first surprise was how solid everything looked.
The machine even came with a grease gun, wrenches, pliers, and an English manual – but as he tried to climb in, he realized he wasn’t entirely sure he could fit because it was so tiny.
From zero research to seven hours of digging
The best part is that he had done almost no research before ordering – he simply placed the order, forgot about it for months, and told his partner later that he had a plan to fix the potholes in their driveway.
After checking the fluids and topping up the diesel tank, he fired it up, and to his shock, it started instantly.
The Kubota engine came to life, producing 13 horsepower and burning so little fuel that five litres lasted him a whole seven hours of digging – the machine even stopped automatically when the fuel ran out.
He spent the day fixing up his road and testing the attachments, ending with a cheeky smile that said it all.
What began as an impulsive $12,000 excavator Alibaba purchase turned into a surprisingly capable piece of machinery, even if he’s still not quite sure he can squeeze inside it comfortably.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
