Choosing the right machine is always a complex decision.
Ryan Page, Product Manager, Takeuchi UK, explains the key points landscapers and professionals need to consider when picking the right excavator.
Q: Choosing the right size of excavator – from mini upwards – is essential, what advice can you give about making the right choice?
Takeuchi this year are celebrating 30-years in the UK and have seen an increasing choice of excavators as the market has expanded. Widely used in hire fleets Takeuchi have a reputation both for reliability and good residual values as well as powerful machine performance on site. Often potential buyers will hire first to try a model out; it is an effective way to assess a machine’s capability. Think about dig depths, power and trade-in values at the end. As a widely popular brand Takeuchi have always benefitted from many repeat customers who stick with us due to excellent machine reliability and outstanding residual values.
Q: As landscapers are often working in quite confined spaces, are there key features they need to consider -such as tail swing - when picking the right machine?
For excavators, the working radius is crucial. Takeuchi benefit from short tail options in every weight class from 1-tonne micro to 15-tonne TB3150R. Within the range are FR models with unique STS boom, perfect where space is really limited e.g. for parallel trenching right next to walls.
At the smaller end, a micro with just 750mm width gets access for those tight landscaping jobs in gardens and fits through gates. Extendable tracks available from micro to 2.5-tonne, allow narrow access and more track width for maximum stability when getting to work e.g. digging deep or removing tree stumps.
Q: Landscapers are often looking for a lot more than a one-size-fits-all machine, what attachments are available to increase the range of the excavator’s capabilities?
More and more attachments are being utilised on tracked excavators especially in the landscaping environment from flails, to grabs, post punchers and augers as well as buckets and breakers. It truly is becoming more of a tool carrier so well positioned and protected auxiliary port options are important. Takeuchi introduced a 2-tonne TB320 with up to 4 auxiliary ports including hi-flow to meet the demand for an attachment-ready towable excavator with auxiliary flow presets to save time when using regularly.
Q: Engine efficiency is important, not just in delivering power when it is needed but in ensuring the machine can operate throughout the day and minimise disruption, what do landscapers need to know about engine sizes etc?
Power performance makes all the difference in an excavator; it is important to over-estimate rather than under as on-site ground conditions can differ from soil to heavy clay. Reputations are made on the breakout force and productivity, and Takeuchi have a reputation for “punching above their weight class.”
Q: Machines do operate for long hours in difficult conditions, so what steps are taken to improve operator comfort?
Operator comfort is an important part of Takeuchi’s design approach. Whether the machine has a full cab, canopy or ROPS configuration, the focus is on creating a comfortable and intuitive working environment. Takeuchi are well known for having larger than average cab sizes.
Features such as premium Grammer suspension seats, armrests, well-positioned controls and foot pedals make all the difference for a full day operating.
