Excavating from a Different Angle

Looking back at a recent article I put together for Earthmovers Magazine, bringing it to life on the internet complete with video footage.

Takeuchi’s unique FR range of mini excavators were first launched over two decades ago back in May 2000, when the concept was first rolled out across four models, the TB15FR, TB28FR, TB53FR and the TB80FR.

Series-1 model upgrades appeared in 2006 with the introduction of the TB153FR and TB180FR, which were joined by the TB138FR in January 2007, and the TB128FR in September 2010. With the current Series-2 models included it is said that over 1900 FR units have been sold into the UK & Eire markets.  

As the suffix suggests, the FR models effectively offer a reduced tail swing not only to the rear, but also to the front, making them a virtually unrivalled machine in terms of compact dimensions and geometry. Add to that the unique and patented STS (side-to-side) off-set function there really is nothing else quite like them on the market.

The boom on these machines can be folded right up and back on the offside, so much so that if you can slew the counterweight in a confined space, then the boom and dipper can be tucked right in to match the swing radius of the rear end.

It’s probably fair comment to say that these models can be a bit of a “Marmite” machine, you either love them or hate them, and I have met people from both camps over the years, but for those end users who are continually working in tight locations like alleyways or in more recent times working between solar panels and the like, then these machines are a real game changer.

I spent some time on a Series-1 TB180FR back in my operating days, and with it being a Takeuchi, I loved it. But it was a very different beast to operate when compared to a conventional mini/midi excavator with a more traditional offset function.

We were using it on a road job preparing a new footpath outside of a housing development, and I found the side-to-side function very useful, enabling me to excavate for a kerb race, and foot path edging stones from one spot, while the base machine itself remained in the middle.

The current line-up of Series-2 FR models comprises of two machines, the 6-tonne class TB257FR and the 8-tonne class TB280FR, and it was one of the former that we visited on a site in Taunton, Somerset, which had recently been purchased by Josh Leighfield, the Managing Director of LSL Groundworks & Plant Hire, who invited us to catch up with man and machine on the development of a 14,000 square feet luxury property development, where they are undertaking a full groundworks package up to DPC, including road, tarmac and landscaping works.

Popping the rear bonnet, which rises up with the assistance of two gas struts, we discover the Stage V emissions compliant 4-cylinder Kubota V2403-CR-TE5B engine which has a rated power output of 39.0kw (52.3hp) and despite the machine’s compact dimensions access to the fuel and engine oil filters is good, as is the radiator coolant expansion bottle and engine oil dipstick. Exhaust emissions compliance is achieved by the use of a DOC+DPF exhaust after treatment system.

On the offside, a panel door opens outwards to reveal access to the cooling packs for cleaning, the air filter housing, the washer bottle tank, and there is even a dedicated storage point for the grease gun. The battery is also housed deep down in this area with a clear plastic cover on top to protect it, I have to admit, it did look like it would be struggle to get the battery out if needed, but a few component removals would assist in that department, I’m sure.

On the nearside of the machine, just behind the cab door, a lockable panel door opens to reveal the diesel filler cap, however, for more effective filling of the 7.2 litre tank, on the lower offside another door opens out and we discover the standard fit electric refuelling pump, with auto shut-off function and associated pipe work.  

On the upper body work on the offside, another panel gives us access to the 100-litre hydraulic oil tank.

In common with other Takeuchi models the TB257FR features triple flange track rollers, 5 on each side in this application, and one top roller to offer improved track stability and operator comfort. Fitted with standard 400mm wide rubber tracks, overall track length is 2500mm with actual track ground contact being 1980mm. Two travel speeds are available ranging from 2.6k/ph in tortoise and 4.8k/ph in hare mode. Maximum gradeability dependant on operator’s comfort zone is 30^o.

The sloped design of the undercarriage allows for easy clearance of debris build up, and guard protected hydraulic track tensioning is also fitted. 

It's at the business end of this machine that we notice the big differences from conventional machines. The STS heavy-duty offset boom can only be described as wizardry at its finest, and very hard to describe, except to say that its clever stuff.

To put it in layman’s terms the boom is mounted on the end of moveable two-piece parallelogram style section framework, whose root is way back under the cab floor, which as you operate it via the rocker style foot pedal, moves the whole boom infinitely across the front radius from left to right and vice versa. This system allows you to excavate alongside walls or other obstacles on both the left and right, with absolutely no loss in dig depth or reach.

This system does appear to have a lot of moving parts and premature wear would be a concern for me, but I was assured to hear that the whole thing has been well engineered with heavy-duty components including an oversized slew bearing and ring gear, in addition to heavy-duty pins and long wearing bushes. With many moving parts in this system regular greasing would be highly recommended.

Stepping up to the cab, there is a convenient ledge with an anti-slip coating on to gain access safely, once inside it’s all the usual Takeuchi fare that we have come to expect in the Series-2 models, spacious and workmanlike, with all the necessary refinements one would expect to find in a modern excavator.

Legroom is never a problem for me considering it’s a compact radius machine, and fold down tracking foot pedals make for a decent size if required.

A manual fully adjustable Grammer suspension seat was fitted in this example, and very comfortable it was too. Air-conditioning is a standard fitting and no less than 6 vents are provided around the cabin for that vital hot or cool air supply. The air conditioning controls are located on the right-hand side too along with the standard fitted FM radio.

For those who prefer fresh air, the front screen raises in the traditional manner and is stored overhead, while the offside cabin windows slide independently, although as you will note, there are protective bars located across the forward window, this is to prevent anyone leaning out the front portion when the boom is folded right up and leans towards the rear of the machine.

Most of the switches and controls are situated on the operator’s right-hand side, with the throttle dial located in a recess in the right-hand side arm rest in common with other Takeuchi models, the dozer blade lever is located just to the right of the arm rest in its familiar spot, and also features buttons to control other functions like blade float.

A bank of ten rocker switches is located further back, for all the usual functions like, work lights, wiper, wiper wash, auto-idle, and the work mode selection switch, which consists of Standard, Eco, and High-Altitude modes.

Takeuchi have over many years mastered and developed the patented cab protection system within the FR series and the TB257FR features the latest system in this design and technology in ensuring operator safety.

In layman’s terms the system utilises a combination of potentiometer switches combined with clever geometric computing that allows the Takeuchi controller to know at all times the exact position of the boom. The controller then activates solenoid valves to slow and stop the boom if contact with the cab is a danger.

In addition, the system also requires check valves installed on the offset cylinder to stop the extreme forces of digging causing the offset to drift, enabling the boom to maintain its set position.

A button inside the cab related to this cab protection system, has three settings, on engine start-up it is automatically set at position 3 (Non-Standard Bucket), so the machine assumes it is carrying a bucket wider than 800mm and via the sensors it prevents the bucket from coming back and possibly hitting the cab structure. Position 2 is for buckets less than 800mm, while position 1 is for what Takeuchi describe as a (Standard Bucket).

This set up is well proven on earlier models, and according to Takeuchi is said to be “fool proof” with the system always defaulting to the non-standard bucket setting after starting up.

So, what was it like to operate, I jumped on board to find out for myself? A flick of the key and the four pot Kubota engine came to life. I have always enjoyed running a Takeuchi, and I instantly felt at home in this model.

The site we were on was a new start up job, so there weren’t any close quarters work to put the machine to the test on, instead I headed for the topsoil heap, where soil that was being stripped by Josh, on his Doosan DX140LCR was being tipped for sealing up.

This machine had a very lively feel to it as I pushed the track pedals forward and it took off, initially in low speed, before I opted for the fast-track speed, which as previously mentioned is a decent 4.8k/ph, as I started to climb up onto the heap, the track motors sensed the load and automatically geared down.

I started to push around the soil as I got a feel for this powerful little beast of a machine, it really surprised me with how quick it was, especially on the slew speed which is a decent 9.6 rpm, with a very quick take off.

This particular example was fitted with a Tefra Tilting coupler from Northern Ireland based Hill Engineering, which despite the build height, was very impressive, the machine coped well with the extra weight and remained stable with a full bucket of material.

The side-to-side offset function feels quite strange to start with, as you are naturally expecting it to react like a conventional boom swing offset, but you do quickly get in the swing of it, forgive the pun, and after a while it feels totally intuitive.

Takeuchi TB257FR Brief Specifications

Operating weight: 6061kgs

Boom swing angle: 30^o left, 16^o right

Maximum dig depth: 3895mm

Maximum reach at ground level: 6080mm

Maximum dump height: 3890mm

Maximum bucket digging force: 36.6kN

Maximum arm digging force: 23.1kN

LSL Groundworks & Plant Hire

Family based business Lynfield Services Limited (LSL Groundworks & Plant Hire) was first established around 4 years ago when Josh Leighfield purchased a solitary Takeuchi TB219, he ran that machine for a year before upgrading to a 3-tonne class TB230, which he operated for a couple of years. He then added something a bit different with the addition of a second hand 14-tonne class DX140LCR, which was available at a very competitive price.

As the business grew and workload continued to expand, he returned to the red and grey once again with the addition of a TB23R, which is still on the fleet today.

One of his most recent acquisitions is this TB257FR model and a TB290-2, talking about the TB257FR Josh said, “For us in terms of flexibility, it just fits all our needs really, we do work on some pretty tight building sites generally, mainly up to around four plots, where access can often be very restrictive, and it’s on those jibs that it comes into its own.

We also recently completed some work on a solar farm where we were digging trenches in between the rows of panels and it was brilliant in that application”.

Clearly a fan of the brand, talking about Takeuchi in general Josh said, “To be honest, I wouldn’t look anywhere else really, they are so reliable, the residual values are always good, quality Japanese components under the skin, and above all else, the operators love driving them”.

Josh also has 4 Takeuchi’s out on permanent hire to a utility’s contractor, and knows that he doesn’t have to worry about breakdowns, due to their almost legendary reliability.

Regular operator of the TB257FR known only as Barry (Baz) said, “I’m happy as Larry with the machine, it’s just so nice and smooth to operate, and does everything I need it to do, it certainly ticks all the boxes for me!”

LSL Employs two other machine operators, + two groundworkers and two labourers and can call on other subcontractors as and when demand arises.

Although Josh upgraded to a new Doosan DX140LCR about a year ago due to price, he has not ruled out adding a TB2150R in the future to make his fleet entirely “Red & Grey” “I would love one, I just need them to get the price right,” said Josh.