Sub 2 tonne excavators

[Arborist]

One that hasent had a pecker on it for most of its life and been shaken to bits.

[Robbie]

Have a Kubota KX36 - 3 good machine just does not have the expanding tracks that the TB016 has. Apart from that love it. If I could have afforded it I would have got a TB016.

[felixthelogchopper]

Have a Kubota KX36 - 3 good machine just does not have the expanding tracks that the TB016 has. Apart from that love it. If I could have afforded it I would have got a TB016.

 

What's the stability like?

[doobin]

What's the stability like?

 

Expanding tracks are nice but not essential. My machine has a narrow trackbase (although it also has a large overhang on the counterweight which helps. It's been rolled three times, but funnily enough never with me at the controls.

 

Operator skill is key. I take it up some serious slopes (check my avatar); so long as you always have the jib ready to catch you all will be well.

 

If you are planning any more than a tiny amount of timber handling, get a grapple not a thumb. Do a search- it's been covered a dozen times on here, loads of good info.

[doobin]

Have a Kubota KX36 - 3 good machine just does not have the expanding tracks that the TB016 has. Apart from that love it. If I could have afforded it I would have got a TB016.

 

The Kubotas are generally more expensive than the Taks. Much more of an owner operator machine, better built.

[felixthelogchopper]

The Kubotas are generally more expensive than the Taks. Much more of an owner operator machine, better built.

 

There seems to be a lot of Kubotas on the market at the moment. The machine will be mainly used for landscaping tasks and ditching as I only dabble in Arb these days.

[Matthew Storrs]

Expanding tracks are nice but not essential. My machine has a narrow trackbase (although it also has a large overhang on the counterweight which helps. It's been rolled three times, but funnily enough never with me at the controls.

 

Operator skill is key. I take it up some serious slopes (check my avatar); so long as you always have the jib ready to catch you all will be well.

 

If you are planning any more than a tiny amount of timber handling, get a grapple not a thumb. Do a search- it's been covered a dozen times on here, loads of good info.

 

I'd agree with this to an extent in that a skilled operator can get a mini digger most places but I'd feel vulnerable now I'm so used to expanding tracks, particularly with heavy attachments on- but then a lot of my work tends to be on steep or undulating ground.

Iv never tipped my digger, IME you should know way before it goes over and always have the bucket ready to stop you when traversing steep ground, as Doobin said.

[Matthew Storrs]

The Kubotas are generally more expensive than the Taks. Much more of an owner operator machine, better built.

 

I wouldn't agree that kubotas are better built, more comfortable yes, but takeuchis have no plastic casing on like kubota, they are made entirely of metal. Kubotas have more mod cons but Taks are good for that reason simplicity and bulletproof construction.

[LGP Eddie]

I'd absolutely back the fact that Kubota's are better built in terms of fit and finish with features most appreciated by an Owner Operator.

 

However it simply cannot be ignored that the Takeuchi TB016 is the Self Drive or rougher applications king every time?

The basic strong construction with simple flat panels really does shrug off the knocks well and can easily be smartened up when required.

 

The Takeuchi resale says it all really and it's the one people want, hence the premium?

Plenty of rumours surround them having soft pins and not wearing well, but look after it and it'll be no issues and cheap to sort out anyway.

 

King of the class is the new Kubota KX019 (special order only) but packed with features and a really top class bit of kit for an Owner Operator.

You won't want to take one in the woods or Self Drive it though!!

 

Go with a TB016, pay as much as possible for the best example it's really money in the bank, and enjoy having the 'cheapest man on the job' working hard for you every day!

 

Eddie.

[Matthew Storrs]

Eddie, any experiance with the tb219,?I'm considering buying this model new, slightly heavier and longer reach than the tb016 but not really heard much feedback from it.