When I bought this mini excavator I had some doubts... But as I used it I learned that it had its limitations being a small excavator... It has plenty of power with a Kubota diesel engine, I also found running it at about half throttle keeps the mini X calm down and not to be too jerky... Also don't have too high of expectations for this little machine because it is limited to what it can do but it also does a pretty good job with removing stumps... Granted you got to take your time and not being a hurry and start the outside parameter of the stump and work your way in to get most of the roots broke Free to make it a little bit easier for the little mini X to remove the stump... Overall I give it a four I just wished it was 30 mm pens instead of 25 mm pins for the bucket... Outside of that it's been a good little machine and I've got no complaints... It is true, it is made in China and isn't a $70,000 excavator, but it's better than a handpick, axe & shovel... As long as your expectations aren't extremely high for the work you want to do with it this little machine will do what you need and to date has been very dependable starts anytime every time never overheats it's been a good little machine I'm glad I bought it... Bill