Takeuchi, a Japanese construction equipment manufacturer, is expanding its product lineup with the TB395W, the company’s first wheeled excavator to be exported to the United States. This article highlights the increasing popularity of wheeled excavators in Europe and the anticipated rise in demand in the US. We delve into the features and capabilities of the TB395W, emphasizing its power, versatility, and suitability for construction sites with limited accessibility.
The Growing Popularity of Wheeled Excavators
Increased Demand in the United States
According to David Caldwell, national product manager for Takeuchi, the interest in wheeled excavators is expected to rise in the United States as construction sites become more congested and accessibility becomes challenging. The adaptability of wheeled machines enables swift and efficient navigation in expanding cities and population centers.
Advantages of Wheeled Excavators
Wheeled excavators offer the advantage of faster travel speeds for both on- and off-road applications. They provide a balance between the power of tracked excavators and the versatility required for various tasks, thanks to their compatibility with different attachments such as tilt rotators.
The TB395W’s Features and Capabilities
Size and Power
The TB395W, weighing between 23,000 and 26,000 pounds, combines the size of a backhoe with more capabilities. It offers greater capacity, depth of excavation, and power compared to the smaller machines, making it suitable for a range of tasks.
Hydraulic Oil Flow and Attachment Options
With 31.7 gallons of hydraulic oil flow, the TB395W allows operators to utilize a wider range of attachments for paving, mowing, and other tasks. The inclusion of tilt rotators helps in improving the machine’s versatility and performance.
Operator Experience and Comfort
Improved Cab Design
The TB395W features a redesigned cab with operator amenities that improve comfort. Toolboxes are conveniently located on the side of the machine, providing operators with additional storage space for equipment and tools. The spacious cab includes a flat floor, air-ride suspension seat with a high back, adjustable armrests, low-effort pilot controls, and integrated footrests, ensuring operator comfort during long hours of operation.
Steering and Control
The TB395W is operated with a straightforward steering wheel, which can be tilted and adjusted in height for added convenience. The machine is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen and multifunction color monitor that simplifies navigation between various machine functionalities.
Steering Options
Takeuchi aims to provide multiple steering options for the TB395W in the US market. Along with the two-wheel steering, they plan to offer four-wheel steer (4WS) and crab steering (4WSC) options, which provide more maneuverability in constrained project sites and areas with limited accessibility.
Reach and Serviceability
Double Boom Design
The TB395W’s double boom design offers greater reach and the ability to lift and dig closer to the machine. The higher cutting-edge height at full length allows better performance in various applications, providing the operators with more versatility and operating space.
Serviceability and Maintenance
The machine’s serviceability is comparable to Takeuchi’s other models, such as the TB290. The TB395W features easily accessible compartments for routine maintenance checks, including engine oil fill, oil filter, dipstick, and more. Takeuchi’s Fleet Management (TFM) telematics system is also integrated into the excavator, offering remote monitoring, notification of problem codes, and machine health tracking.
Takeaway
Takeuchi’s introduction of the TB395W wheeled excavator to the US market marks an important milestone in the construction equipment industry. As wheeled excavators gain popularity in Europe, their demand is expected to grow in the United States as well due to the increasing challenges of packed construction sites and limited accessibility. The TB395W showcases the power, versatility, and efficiency that the company’s wheeled excavators offer. With its combination of a tracked excavator’s power and a wheeled machine’s mobility, the TB395W delivers faster travel speeds for both on- and off-road applications. Its size and capabilities also make it a valuable asset for contractors, providing a better excavation performance and the ability to handle a wide range of attachments.
Takeuchi has prioritized operator comfort and convenience in the design of the TB395W. The spacious cab, adjustable controls, touchscreen monitor, and ergonomic features ensure that operators can work efficiently and comfortably throughout the day. The TB395W’s innovative features, such as the double boom design, provide operators with greater reach and maneuverability, making it suitable for working in confined spaces or tackling obstacles. The machine’s serviceability and maintenance are also optimized, with easily accessible compartments and the integration of Takeuchi’s Fleet Management telematics system for efficient monitoring and maintenance tracking.
As Takeuchi introduces the TB395W to the US market, it opens up new possibilities for construction projects that require a balance between power, mobility, and versatility. The wheeled excavator’s ability to navigate work sites that are crowded and its range of capabilities make it a valuable addition to the construction industry, allowing more productivity and efficiency on the job. In conclusion, the TB395W wheeled excavator represents a significant step forward in construction equipment technology, meeting the evolving needs of the industry and enabling contractors to tackle complex projects with ease.