9 minute read
FIRST DRIVE
Below and inset: The latest addition to the Takeuchi range is the 2.5-tonne class, reduced radius TB325R mini-excavator.
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TIGHT FIT TAKEUCHI
Nick Drew reports from the cab of Takeuchi’s new 2.5-tonne class reduced radius mini-excavator
apanese compact excavator
Jmanufacturer Takeuchi continues the roll-out of its ultra-low emissions Series 3 machines. Following hot on the heels of the TB370 model is the all-new TB325R, a reduced tailswing 2.5-tonner. It is the natural replacement for the extremely popular, but now discontinued Takeuchi TB23R mini, over 1200 examples of which have been sold to UK customers since its launch back in 2004.
Although marketed as a reduced radius machine, the new TB325R has barely any rear overhang, just a measly 70mm when working at 90 degrees to the track frame. Complete with a hitch and a standard bucket, a cabbed TB325R weighs in at 2440kg, or 2310kg in canopy form. Such near zerotailswing minis, which can be towed under a 3.5t gross weight limit, are extensively used by utility contractors, and plant hire fi rms report growing demand from ever-more congested sites.
IN THE CAB
Cheshire-based Scott’s Hire kindly supplied a brand new TB325R for my First Drive, which was conducted within the facilities of Greater Manchester Construction Training (GMCT) in Rochdale. My fi rst impression is that the TB325R has a far more pleasing look than the outgoing TB23R model that, despite its popularity, was a bit of an oddball in the Takeuchi range in terms of its styling.
I was impressed at the way the cab door folds back into its locked open position within the recessed counterweight and lower side skirt, to protect the open door from any accidental damage. Unfortunately, I found the door opening to be on the tight side. Considering that I’m a little fella, it was a bit of a squeeze to get in.
However, once ensconced in the comfy suspension seat, the cab felt roomy enough for such a compact swing excavator. Although
Above, right and inset: State-of-the-art Japanese engine and hydraulics are packaged with an off set boom and near zero tailswing.
TB325R WALK-AROUND
With an overall crawler length of 1890mm and a width of 1500mm, this fixed undercarriage model offers a good footprint, resulting in a well-balanced working platform for this reduced radius 2.5t mini, when equipped with an appropriate bucket. This example is fitted with standard 250mm-wide rubber tracks, and 250mm steel tracks are available as an option. Triple flanged bottom rollers are fitted, four on each side, with one top carrier roller. This provides a much-improved ride for the operator and better track retention on tough ground conditions. At the business end, it’s all classic Takeuchi: all the pipework is nicely routed up the boom and down through to the dipper, offering the hoses great protection. The heavy-duty dozer blade is fitted with guarding for its hydraulic ram. There is a choice of auxiliary hydraulic pipework, first and third service lines are fitted with hitch pipework as standard, while a second auxiliary line is an option. This example did not use Takeuchi’s integrated hitch control system, its new owner preferring a simple but effective Harford Safelock manual hitch.
there is no dedicated storage shelf behind the seat, you could actually set a lunch bag down there, a welcome rarity among recentlylaunched compact radius minis.
The cab fl oor has one main pedal, which operates the offset boom function. T-bar track levers are fi tted, but fold-away track pedals are an optional extra. The sturdy rubber fl oor mat looks like it would be easy to clean out with a quick brush.
A small round heel pedal, on the offside rear of the fl oor, is used in conjunction with buttons on the proportional joysticks to control the integrated Takeuchi quick-hitch release function.
Takeuchi has retained the rotary throttle dial recessed into the right arm rest, which is a neat feature. But I couldn’t get comfortable with the dozer control lever, which seems to be a bit of a stretch; longer-armed operators would probably not fi nd it an issue.
Above, above right and inset: The new mini follows the well-regarded Takeuchi take on cab interior design – comfortable and practical, with very few frills.
Takeuchi’s cab interiors have come a long way since the days of the old Series 1 models, which were practical, no-frills machines. That practicality has continued through the Series 2 and into the Series 3 machines, but with successive upgrades to the quality of the interior.
All the machine’s auxiliary controls are located on the right-hand console, a bank of eight waterproof rocker switches, including those for lights, the wiper, screen wash and the engine auto-idle function. There is also a switch for the fan motor to supply hot air into the cab. As there is no air-conditioning option on this model, in the summer it is a case of turning off the tap in the engine bay and using the fan to blow fresh air.
All-round visibility is excellent. I especially liked the 60/40 offside sliding window. When combined with the opening top screen and removable lower section, stored at the rear of the cab, there are a range of options for air fl ow and communication with ground crew.
At the rear of the offside console an AM/ FM Bluetooth radio is fi tted, offering full connectivity with mobile devices, which can be powered from an adjacent 12v socket.
Keeping things practical, and in line with the TB325R’s compact dimensions, there is a small 3.5in display monitor. The top part shows coolant temperature and fuel level, together with a variety of warning lights. The lower LCD element displays machine hours and features a basic menu to allow the operator to make adjustments to the hydraulic fl ow to suit a particular attachment.
IN THE DIG
With a fl ick of the high-tech Takeuchi security key and cranking up the throttle dial, the latest version of the little threecylinder Yanmar engine sprang to life, producing that familiar drone of the top-quality Japanese power-pack.
Selecting the top speed of 4.3kph, I tracked the machine towards a mound of earth on the training ground. As I reached the slope, the undercarriage’s load-sensing automatic shift system geared down to allow an easier climb uphill.
On reaching the summit I set up to shift some loose soil about on top of the heap. The machine displayed all the characteristics that we have come to expect from a modern Takeuchi excavator. Cutting-edge Japanese hydraulic components ensure smooth and effortless control on the joysticks, combined with good speed and power. A slew speed of 8.9rpm confi rms that this 2.5-tonner is no slouch.
But all was not well, as the factory-fresh mini had been temporarily equipped with a bucket that was far too large for a 2.5-tonner, which unsettled its balance when working over the side. Fortunately, Takeuchi soon turned up with correct-sized buckets, allowing me to get a realistic feel of the machine.
With the correct bucket, the TB325R performed like a totally different animal, remaining rooted to the fl oor no matter how far the digging equipment was stretched. This example is fi tted with a UK-spec long dipper arm, providing a maximum reach at ground level of 4350mm. No matter what I tried, I failed to unsettle the new Takeuchi’s balance.
Coming down off the heap, we then fi tted a 600mm digging bucket to undertake some trenching work. The ground on the training area is a real mixed bag of clay and rubble, which can be quite wet the deeper you dig. None of this caused a real problem for this tough little compact mini. Visibility down into the excavation was good, and the TB3235R provided a maximum dig depth of 2540mm, while the maximum dumping height is 2775mm.
The offset boom offers a slew angle of 55 degrees to the right and 70 degrees to the left. If I had one wish for mini-excavators these days it would be for a return to the
Left, right and inset: All service points within the rear engine bay are easy to reach, with particularly good access to the fuel tank located at the front off side corner.
90-degree offset angle to the left, which is so handy when cutting or cleaning out ditches and the like.
CONCLUSION
As sites become increasingly congested, the demand for compact radius and zero-tailswing minis is increasing at some pace. No doubt they are safer for any ground workers that get too close. There is also far less risk, compared with a conventional mini, of damaging the machine when slewing close to a structure.
The downside of such designs is a comprise in the size of the cab. It is a bit of a tight fi t to get into the TB325R, but this is outweighed by the tight corners this near zero-tailswing mini, complete with an offset boom, can operate in. Once seated, there is adequate space and good visibility, plus the pleasure of working with the latest generation of Takeuchi’s legendary hydraulic systems.
This is yet another cracking machine from Takeuchi, which is sure to appeal to the ‘Red & Grey’ faithful. As will what is thought to be Takeuchi’s next compact excavator launch, a 3.5-tonne reducedtailswing machine.
