A LOOK AT THE TAKEUCHI TB216

From digging and back filling to moving and placing pipe the Takeuchi TB216 compact hydraulic micro excavator is the go-to machine for utility contractors.  Takeuchi was the first company to introduce the compact excavator, setting the stage for one of the highest growth product segments ever introduced in the compact equipment market. The TB1000 was the world’s first compact excavator, introduced back in 1971. The two-metric-ton class excavator was equipped with a boom swing mechanism capable of slewing 360 degrees.

Takeuchi TB216 mini excavator weighs 3,902 pounds, has a maximum dig depth of 7 feet 10 inches, maximum dump height of 8 feet 10.5 inches, and a maximum reach of 13 feet 5 inches. It also has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches and a tail swing radius of 3 feet 6.3 inches. Although it is a compact excavator, the Takeuchi TB216's tail overhangs its track by a few inches

This Takeuchi mini excavator uses 9-inch rubber tracks that are gentler than steel tracks on delicate surfaces and pavements but not as sturdy on rough grounds. The excavator also has triple flanged rollers in its tracks that uphold their structural integrity on any surface. Each track is 9 inches wide and 3 feet 9.5 inches long.

Overall, the T216 applies a ground pressure of 4.3 pounds per square inch, making it quite lightweight for landscaped job sites. The tracks' frames can also expand and retract. When fully extended, the width of the undercarriage is 51.2 inches, and the excavator is most stable in this mode. However, it can also retract to 38.6 inches when you need the excavator to go through narrow openings.

Underneath its hood, the Takeuchi TB216 carries a three-cylinder, 60 cc Yanmar engine with an EPA Final Tier 4 rating. This engine delivers 15 horsepower and has a maximum speed of 2,400 rpm. It drives the compact excavator to top speeds between 1.4 mph and 2.6 mph. This mini excavator sports simple quick-release side panels just below the operator's station. With these, you can quickly access the radiator, fuel filter and other parts that require regular maintenance.

Takeuchi makes the TB216 in cab or canopy options. In both models, the operator's station is spacious and comfy; it has large adjustable arm rests to help address operator fatigue. Other conveniences for the operator include a suspension seat, hydraulics-controlled foot pedal, retractable seat belt and visual display units that show important information such as engine rpm, fuel, hour meter and battery charge. Available attachment options for this mini excavator include an auger, buckets and a breaker.

The Takeuchi TB216 is powerful and speedy mini excavator for its weight class and its retractable undercarriage makes it easily maneuverable in tight spaces.

Side Note From Takeuchi :

“Not all excavators are created equal, so it is important to determine what size machine and options the customer can afford while meeting the requirements of their application(s). A good idea is to field demonstrate machines from several manufacturers which allows the customer to make an informed purchasing decision,” says Michael Shebetka, product manager at Takeuchi-US. “This provides the opportunity to feel the difference in hydraulic operation as it pertains to power, responsiveness, smoothness and cycle times. Equally important is operator comfort, visibility and serviceability. After all, they are spending entire days/weeks on the machine; it is their ‘office.’ Look closely at the quality components and structure to help differentiate a superior product from an inferior one.”