AGT MX-MRT14

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Product ReviewBy Darryl Garvey | Garvey Media

AGT MX-MRT14 Mini Skid Steer Review

A homeowner’s perspective after buying one at auction.

I want to be clear up front: I’m not a professional operator or contractor. I’m a homeowner with a rural property, and this AGT MX-MRT14 mini skid steer is the first skid steer I’ve ever owned or operated. That said, I do have quite a few hours on my ol' 1973 Ford 4000 tractor and AGT H12R mini excavator.

This post is simply my experience owning, servicing, and using this machine as a homeowner.

AGT MX-MRT14 Specs

General

Operating Weight: 1,543 lbs
Bucket Capacity: ~0.13 cubic yards
Travel Speed: Up to 2.5 mph
Max Rated Lift Capacity: ~441 lbs
Max Pin Height: 6.5 feet
Reach at Max Height: 2.2 feet
Wheelbase: 3 feet
Ground Clearance: 6.4 inches
Bucket Dump Angle: 23°

Engine & Hydraulics

Engine: Rato R420D
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Power Output: 13.5 HP
Displacement: 420cc
Hydraulic Flow: 5.7 GPM
Hydraulic Pressure: ~2,466 PSI
Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.7 gallons
Hydraulic Tank Capacity: 8.7 gallons

Buying the Machine at Auction & Initial Maintenance

I bought this machine at auction, and regardless of whether equipment is new, used, or imported, I personally believe fluid changes are a smart first step — especially when you don’t know the machine’s history.

I started with an oil change. The oil didn’t look great, and after refilling and checking levels, I noticed the oil had a milky appearance, which usually indicates moisture contamination. To be safe, I drained it again and repeated the process until the oil came out clean.

Next was the hydraulic system, which holds close to 5 gallons of fluid. Rather than lifting the machine high enough to slide a large drain pan underneath, I used a hand siphon to remove most of the fluid. While cleaning the hydraulic tank, I used a telescoping magnet to collect metal shavings — something that’s fairly common on new or auction-purchased imported equipment.

The magnet ended up getting stuck inside the tank and the handle pulled clean off, which forced me to remove the hydraulic filter. In hindsight, that was a good thing, because it gave me much better access to the tank and allowed me to clean it out thoroughly. After draining the remaining fluid from the bottom drain, I refilled the system with 5 gallons of ISO 46 hydraulic oil and fired the machine up to confirm everything was operating normally.

What I Like About the AGT MX-MRT14

Easy to Learn

One thing that really surprised me was how easy this machine was to pick up. I honestly hopped on and felt comfortable with it very quickly. The controls felt intuitive, and within a short amount of time I was moving material and placing the bucket where I wanted it without having to think too hard about it.

That was a nice contrast to my AGT mini excavator, which definitely had more of a learning curve at first. The excavator took some seat time before everything felt natural, whereas this mini skid steer felt approachable almost immediately. For a homeowner who doesn’t run this type of equipment every day, that’s a big plus.

Precision & Control

Once I got comfortable, the precision really stood out. Small movements are easy to control, and the machine feels predictable. Coming from older equipment like my 1973 Ford 4000 tractor, the MX-MRT14 feels much more refined in terms of control and responsiveness.

Compact Size & Maneuverability

The compact footprint is a huge advantage on my property. I do a lot of work in the woods, around trees, and in tight areas where larger equipment just wouldn’t make sense. The machine is extremely maneuverable and easy to position exactly where I need it.

Another aspect I appreciate is the lighter overall weight of the MX-MRT14. While that lighter weight can also be seen as a downside in certain situations, for my use it is also advantage. It means I can tow the machine on a lighter-duty trailer and don’t need to buy a new truck to move it around. That’s especially appealing for me since I plan to bring this machine back and forth to my property in Northern Michigan. Being able to transport it more easily makes ownership feel a lot more practical and less of a logistical headache as a homeowner.

Visibility

Visibility is excellent. Standing on the operator platform, I can clearly see the bucket, cutting edge, and work area, which makes a big difference when doing detailed work or operating in tight spaces.

Downsides & Limitations (From a Homeowner’s View)

Rough Ride

It’s bumpy. Standing on the platform over uneven ground means you’re going to get bounced around. It’s not uncomfortable for short jobs, but you definitely feel it over longer sessions. I see why some more premium machines have spring loaded platforms.

Noise

It’s loud. This isn’t unique to this machine, but it’s worth mentioning — hearing protection may be a good idea.

Limited Power / Low-Flow Hydraulics

This is a low-flow machine, rated at 5.7 GPM. That limits what attachments you can realistically run. For comparison, something like a Toro Dingo TX 1000 or AGT CRT-23 with a V-twin engine offers more hydraulic flow and attachment capability.

Attachments like:

Buckets
Light grapples
Blades
Forks

…are well within reason.

High-demand attachments like:

Brush cutters
High-flow augers
Heavy trenchers

…are not what this machine is built for.

Reverse Feels Weak

Reverse travel feels slower and less powerful than forward movement. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but it’s noticeable — especially on slopes or when pushing material backward.

Final Thoughts

For a homeowner, this machine makes a lot of sense — especially if you’re working in tight spaces, woods, or around existing structures. It’s compact, precise, and surprisingly capable within its limits.

It’s not a commercial-grade, high-flow skid steer, and I don’t think it’s pretending to be. If you go into ownership understanding what it is — and what it isn’t — it can be a very useful tool.

This review reflects my personal experience so far, and I’ll continue updating my thoughts as I put more hours on the machine.