Takeuchi Rubber Track Loaders
Japan’s Compact Track Specialists
Build Three Rubber Track Models
for the U.S. Market
History
Takeuchi U.S. has been providing pioneering construction equipment to the North American market for the last 25 years. Takeuchi was the first manufacturer to introduce compact excavators to the U.S. marketplace in 1979. As a subsidiary of Takeuchi Mfg. Co. Ltd., its umbrella manufacturing arm headquartered in Nagano, Japan, Takeuchi U.S. has been outfitted to produce a variety of compact construction equipment — from compact excavators to rubber track loaders — all equipped with Takeuchi’s tracks and undercarriage.
Takeuchi began to develop its first Rubber Track Loader in the late 1980s; the company was one of the first in the industry. Over the years, Takeuchi tweaked each machine’s tractive force, bucket breakout force, lift arm breakout force and horsepower till it fine tuned each rubber track loader to its potential. Completed, the company introduced its first machine — the TL26 — in 1992 and manufactured that unit until 1999. Takeuchi’s latest rubber track series, beginning with the introduction of the TL150 released in 2000,
contains three models.
Products
The TL130, TL140 and TL150 — these are Takeuchi’s three Rubber Track Loader models. The latest unit is the TL140, introduced in 2003 as Takeuchi’s third generation loader, combining the power of its TL150 with the versatility of its TL130. Powered by a fuel-efficient, 81-hp, Isuzu, turbo diesel engine, the TL140 features a two-speed travel system for operating at both high (6.4 mph) and low (4.5 mph) travel speeds. The TL140 capitalizes on planetary final drives with spring-applied, hydraulically-released disc brakes, as well as one- and two-way auxiliary hydraulics, self-leveling and an electronic engine monitoring and shutdown system.
The TL140 incorporates a wide and long track design and features an operating weight of 9,590 lbs, tipping load of 5,952 lbs and bucket breakout force of 7,403 lbs. With 18-in. wide rubber tracks and an undercarriage that provides plenty of floatation, the TL140 can easily operate on soft ground, improved surfaces, muddy conditions or a
combination of all three.
Replacing the former Takeuchi model TL126, the TL130 comes with upgrades in engine, track and bucket performance, providing 1,000 lbs more tip load than its predecessor. The TL130 integrates power into its design, engineered for tougher excavation applications. Powered by a 67-hp, Yanmar diesel engine, the TL130 features a two-speed travel system for operating at both high (6.3 mph) and low (4.5 mph) travel speeds. It has a new, long track design and has an operating weight of 7,497 lbs, tipping load of 4,630 lbs and bucket breakout force of 6,728 lbs. With 12.6-in. wide rubber tracks on its undercarriage, the TL130 can easily operate on a variety of ground conditions.
Last, but not least, is the TL150. It’s Takeuchi’s biggest and most powerful Rubber Track Loader. It has an operating weight of 10,692 lbs and a 97-hp, turbocharged Yanmar diesel engine. With a tipping load of 7,056 lbs, bucket
breakout force of 8,692 lbs and a tractive force of 13,770 lbs, the TL150 has maximum power for handling the toughest excavating and lifting applications. The standard 18-in. wide rubber tracks provide a ground pressure of 4.3 psi and
supplies the traction necessary for good digging power, as well as traversing soft or tough ground conditions.
The TL150 is equipped with an electro-hydraulic, two-speed travel system that propels the machine to a high speed of 6.9 mph and a low speed of 5 mph. Durability is enhanced by elevating the drives on the TL150, which reduces the wear and abuse associated with a typical in-line drive system.
All Takeuchi loaders are “built from the ground up,” an obvious reference to the company’s powerful undercarriage design. Takeuchi is known for making undercarriages with excellent traction.
The company’s own planetary final drives, coupled with piston motors, provide an efficient transfer of power and torque amplification to each rubber track. It also provides Takeuchi with up to twice the tractive force in comparison to competitive class units, according to company officials.
Takeuchi uses five to six steel rollers in the undercarriage — all sealed and lubricated. The engagement between the rollers, sprockets and tracks is referred to as steel-on-steel. The company’s aim is to run an aggressive track pattern that is designed
for good traction in loose and wet soil conditions,
so Takeuchi incorporates steel mandrels and steel cables into the rubber molding of the tracks.
This design allows the track to maintain steel-on-steel contact between the track and roller, track and idler and track and sprocket. The internal steel cables strengthen the track and allow the track loader to achieve higher torque ratings.
Advice to Buyers
“Run them all and choose the track loader that performs best in your applications,” says Mike Ross, product manager at Takeuchi Mfg. “Ask other owner operators questions about performance, operating controls and downtime. Also, how well do your track loader dealer and manufacturer
support your equipment? Is the track loader durable or do you have recurring problems, failures or parts issues?
Does the manufacturer stand behind the warranty?
Finally, check out some of the used equipment publications and magazines. Generally, if you see a lot of listings for a particular brand or model, that’s usually a good
clue that other owners are not happy with the purchase they made.”
Contact Info:
Takeuchi Mfg. (U.S.) Ltd.
1525 Broadmoor Blvd.
Buford, GA 30518
Ph: (770) 831-0661
Fax: (770) 831-9484
Web: www.takeuchi-us.com
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