Takeuchi

Products
Takeuchi was founded in Japan in 1963 and developed its first compact excavator by 1970. Today Takeuchi is marketing its fifth generation of compact excavators in North America, which includes five models of the TB Series conventional excavators ranging in operating weight from 2,000 to 10,562 lbs (the TB016, TB108, TB125, TB135 and TB145). The company also markets two models of the TB/FR Series zero swing excavators with operating weights from 8,316 to 12,450 lbs (the TB138FR and TB153FR).

The TB135 is the company’s most popular unit, fitting right in the middle of the 6,000- to 8,000-lb weight class which is 35 to 40 percent of the market, say Takeuchi officials. Dig depth and operating weight are the keys (11 ft, 2 in. and 7,600 lbs, respectively), allowing customers to dig at a good depth, maintain reach and then pull the unit on a trailer that does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Takeuchi supports two units with an expandable undercarriage — the TB108 and the TB016. The TB108 expands from 29 to 36 in. and the TB016 expands from 39 to 51 in. All Takeuchi excavators have the following standard safety equipment: 1) travel alarm, which sounds anytime the tracks are engaged; 2) automatic lock-out of travel levers, pedals and joystick controls when the control tower is raised; 3) spring applied pressure released brakes, which lock out the travel motor, slew motor and joystick controls whenever the machine is off; 4) seat belts; and 5) TOPS/FOPS certification.

The TB135, TB145, TB138FR and TB153FR all have cab options: TOPS and FOPS certified cabs with heaters, air conditioning, windshield wipers, AM/FM cassette radios and retractable front windows with removable lower sections. The company offers a dozer blade as standard on all models, included in the base machine price.

Takeuchi uses a gear pump system on the TB108 and all other models use a combination of two piston and two gear pumps. All Takeuchi excavators are equipped with two-speed travel, and all Takeuchi excavators are powered by Yanmar diesel engines with the exception of the TB1140, which is powered by an Isuzu.

What’s Unique and Interesting?
Takeuchi puts more standard features on its excavators than anyone else — say company officials. Standard equipment includes work lights, self bleeding fuel system, travel alarm, dozer blade and two-way auxiliary hydraulics plumbed half way down the arm and an electronic engine monitoring system (which shuts down the engine before overheating and loss of engine oil pressure). Other standards include the tilt-up operator’s station, wrap around cast-iron counter weights, quick-change control pattern selector valve, electro-hydraulic push control of auxiliary functions, one-touch engine decelerator, horn, remote slew lubrication system, variable displacement piston pumps, six-way adjustable suspension seat and much more.

Takeuchi is also known for its innovative hydraulic systems. The company says its pumps are the most efficient pumps on the market and provide the flow and pressure that give unmatched breakout force.

Insights and Advice
“Run them all and pick the excavator that gives you the best performance in your application. Also, look at serviceability, reliability and resale,” says Mike Ross, division sales manager, product manager at Takeuchi. “Talk to other contractors and find out what they are saying about the machine you are looking to purchase.”

Contact Info
Takeuchi (U.S.)
1525 Broadmoor Blvd.
Buford, GA 30518
Ph: (770) 831-0661
Fax: (770) 831-9484
www.takeuchi-us.com

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