Unrestricted transportability is among the top benefits of the Takeuchi TB1140 excavator, according to operator Littlewoods Civil in Canberra.
The excavator’s width of 2,490mm across the blade is under the maximum legal width for round-the-clock unrestricted transportability, Gerard Littlewood says, which allows the company “to float the excavator between jobs anytime without the need for permits or restrictions”.
Littlewoods Civil has been using Takeuchi excavators since about 2001. The TB1140 joins a fleet which includes the super-compact TB016, the TB235 and two new TB285s.
“This machine fills the niche between 8 tonne and 20 tonne machines,” Littlewood says, “and is ideal for our construction and infrastructure projects. “
Other features of the TB1140 excavator are a heavy-duty pivot boom, large dozer blade and rubber tracks.
“The rubber tracks mean we can track it on the road without damaging pavement surfaces, even while manoeuvring to worksites with tighter access,” Littlewood says.
This machine is the perfect capacity for urban renewal projects as worksites become more crowded, and existing buildings are demolished for apartments and higher-density living, he adds.
The power of the Takeuchi’s 62.2kW engine and a bucket breakout force of 10,064kg was a key factor in Littlewood’s purchasing decision: “It has the offset boom to dig either side; a big dozer blade, and the right reach. But mainly it has the muscle that we need.”
Littlewood’s operators are more than happy with the machine’s performance, he says.
“The controls are convenient and the cab has been designed with operator comfort in mind. If you live in a machine all day, it must be comfortable.”
Click here to find Takeuchi excavators for sale.