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Exhibitor Profile : Takeuchi makes its move

Takeuchi Mfg UK kicks off the New Year having moved to larger purpose-built premises and the imminent launch of its latest mini excavator. Alan Guthrie reports.

As we explained in the Compact Plant Market Report in our November issue, sales of such equipment experienced a significant downturn last year, reflecting the state of the construction industry and, in particular, the housebuilding market. However, some manufacturers see signs of a more positive outlook from the second quarter of 2009. Takeuchi believes it will be well placed when the trend improves, following its recent move to a brand new, purpose-built facility in Rochdale.

Situated just off junction 21 of the M62 and two miles from the manufacturer’s previous location in the town, the building offers substantially more space and extra facilities. “At 14,770m2, our Kingsway Business Park facility is three times larger than our old one,” says Tony Tite, Sales Director of Takeuchi Mfg UK, “and it enables us to have dedicated service bays and a training centre, which all our dealers have access to for training their maintenance personnel and fitters.”

The building also accommodates an extensive spares facility with automated storage and retrieval systems for fast parts despatch. Takeuchi says this aspect of operations is particularly important, as it estimates that there are approximately 12,000 of its machines currently working across the UK and Eire. The hire industry still represents the company’s biggest market, accounting for 80% of sales.

The product portfolio continues to expand. Last summer Takeuchi introduced the TB235 3.5-tonne mini excavator as a next-generation replacement for its existing TB135, and at the Executive Hire Show in February the new 2.8-tonne TB228 will be officially launched in the UK. This model supersedes the TB125, which has proved to be the manufacturer’s most popular machine worldwide.

Weighing in at 2695kg with a canopy and 2810kg with a cab, the TB228 has an environmentally friendly Interim Tier 4 Yanmar diesel engine producing 23.5hp. The machine benefits from having the same cab as is fitted to the TB235 and to another new model, the 5-tonne TB250. This offers 12% more space, with legroom in particular being increased, and better all-round visibility. The front screen has a gas spring assist for easier lifting in hot conditions. Armrests are adjustable and interior storage space has been increased compared with the machine’s predecessor.

Particular attention has been paid to making servicing straightforward. The cab tilts forward to provide easier access for regular maintenance tasks, with key service points placed at ground level. The hour meter is re-located from the instrument panel to the sidewall so that it can be read easily from the outside, while other daily checks are being made. A plastic fuel tank prevents corrosion, and the radiator has been repositioned compared to the TB125, increasing cooling performance by 18%. Automatic slew brakes and track brakes are incorporated to enhance safety during transportation, and Datatag anti-theft protection is fitted to the machine as standard, as with other new Takeuchi minis.

On its Executive Hire Show stand, the company will also promote how machines can be fitted with tailored anti-vandal guards to protect cab glass when they are not being used. Made by the West Midlands-based Tanmill company, the guards utilise a snap-lock system to remove problems associated with padlocks. Roof rails have also been introduced, using existing fixing points on the cab roof to mount the rail, instead of pop riveting channels. Panels are made of virgin polypropylene for maximum strength, and feature fully welded construction with anti-wear edges.

Takeuchi plans to launch other machines in the coming year, including a new series of tracked loaders, also featuring roomier cabs and environmentally friendly engines to meet the latest legislation. •

01706 657722
www.takeuchi-mfg.co.uk