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Just how tough is Takeuchi TL130?

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mxridernorth

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Well, I have an opportunity to purchase a TL130 - 2spd, high flow, with approximately 2500 hours on it for $9K.

Now I have not seen the machine yet as it is, and has been, on a job in the mountains of western Idaho working on cell towers for the last year or so. Here is what I know:
-It was a rental up until 1800 hours at which the current owner took possession.
-new tracks put on it about 300 hours ago.
-no leaks or known issues other than needing a new lap bar strut

I'm not sure what in the way of service (if any) it's had since the current owner has had it and he himself hasn't seen it in months as his operators run the equipment.

There are other decent lower hour TL130s that are available in the pacific northwest in the $16-17K (and up) range so that is the upper target for investment.

I currently own a wheeled skid and until this deal popped up, was just going to add some McLaren Rubber OTTs, however if this thing turns out to be any good, then I'll scrap that plan and just keep it and get rid of the wheeled one. The majority of my work is on dirt so ultimately a tracked machine will suit my purposes better (I'm aware of the current CTL/Tire thread).

Now please people, talk me into, or out of, this 'deal'.

p.s. I'm not putting any money down until I've seen it in person.
 
#11 ·
Good machines. The fact that it has 1800hrs of rental would make me think twice. It will need an undercarriage, and in my experience they are notorious for having their loader valves go out around 2500-3000hrs. Takeuchi rep couldn't explain it either. Said it was just a matter of fact.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Thanks everyone so far! It's encouraging to here those that already own one speak so highly of them. I know the excavators are tough as a few of the rental yards carry them and I know from watching some friends rent them, they can take some abuse.

So new undercarraige ~$4K. And these loader valves you speak of; What do they do and have you any idea what the replacement cost is?

Any other common failure points that I should be aware of?
 
#13 ·
Digdeep said:
Good machines. The fact that it has 1800hrs of rental would make me think twice. It will need an undercarriage, and in my experience they are notorious for having their loader valves go out around 2500-3000hrs. Takeuchi rep couldn't explain it either. Said it was just a matter of fact.
Click to expand...
Just curious what do you mean by Loader Valve?
 
#14 ·
You won't need an entire new undercarriage at 2500 hours, just check the bearings in the F/R idlers, check the tensioner cylinders and check for excessive play in the rollers, new tracks and sprockets are the only big cost items in a high hour CTL.
The only other items to look for is the quick attach, pivot points and wedges, they might be sloppy.
 
#17 ·
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Giles, certainly for where you work (at least by what your photos show), I would think that a tracked machine would be a better fit. Your climate is much like my own and the bonus of working through conditions that would sideline a wheeled machine in my opinion far outweigh the extra costs associated with undercarriage/track replacement.
 
#19 ·
yeah that would be the reason for me, we live in a very wet area and even in summer you'd belly a wheeled one. they are very rare over here though 2nd hand but skids are a rare site compared to the states, theres one t300 on uk ebay thats it.

my mate runs all tak excavators 1.5,3,4.5,7 and the rare 14 tonner for his family civils firm and has only good things to say about the excavators. seems a good cheap price, give it a good look over and treat it right and youll be fine.

its a fundamental part of the work we do bits break or wear out etc and most hire places well over here anyway take great care of their kit as it doesnt earn money when its not outon hire and sat in the shop.
 
#20 ·
mxridernorth said:
So what exactly fails?
Click to expand...
Don't know. Takeuchi rep said he didn't have an explanation from the factory, but that it was common for them to go on all models sometime between the 2500-3000hr mark. This has been confirmed by one of the local Mustang dealer mechanics as well (same machines). Same explanation on the reason...."it just is."
 
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Digdeep
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