Takeuchi's first wheeled excavator for North America

Takeuchi-US' first wheeled excavator for North America, the TB395W, is now available. Previewed at CONEXPO 2023 and formerly available only in select global regions, the TB395W is a versatile new introduction for the North American market where there is increased interest in wheeled machines that deliver digging power, diverse attachment capability, and the manoeverability to navigate densifying urban centres.

"Wheeled excavators have become increasingly common in Europe over the years, and they're gaining popularity in other regions as well," says Lee Padgett, product manager for Takeuchi. "That's one reason we're introducing the TB395W to North America. It's a high-performing excavator that provides all the unique benefits of a wheeled unit, including higher travel speeds and the ability to handle both on- and off-road applications."

We had the opportunity to check out the TB395W at CONEXPO 2023, where Takeuchi's David Caldwell noted that there is particular demand for this machine in the northeast of the U.S., as well as Toronto and Quebec, where higher-density urban centres need machines that have more manoeverability. The TB395W is ideal for road and bridge work, tasks on space-constricted job sites, and municipal applications that may require the machine to travel quickly between job sites and do roadside maintenance work.

"The mobility of this machine is really what sells it because we can get from Point A to Point B much quicker. This has a top speed of about 18 and a half miles per hour, so we don't have to get a truck and transport it to another spot on the job. We can actually drive this," said Caldwell.

The TB395W excavator weighs 23,424 pounds when equipped with outriggers and a blade. It is powered by a Tier 4 Final diesel engine delivering 114 hp at 2,200 rpm and up to 339 foot-pounds of torque. A closed-loop, load-sensing hydraulic system delivers smooth control of the work equipment and powers a range of hydraulic attachments.

Operators can navigate obstacles with excellent reach and manoeuvrability

The TB395W features two steering modes – 2WS (two-wheel steering) and 4WSC (four-wheel with crab steering). A two-piece boom with a long arm provides more clearance between the bucket and dozer blade due to the arm-mount position, allowing the operator to pull the bucket back to the dozer blade, which is ideal when working in narrow spaces or moving an obstacle out of the way. An auto cruise feature enables operators to set and adjust the machine's travel speeds with a toggle switch. Auto cruise is also ideal when using attachments that require a consistent, repeatable travel speed, such as a mulcher, mower, or trencher.

Multiple hydraulic circuits maximize attachment versatility

The excavator's 13-foot 5.2-inch digging depth and 27-foot cutting height make it particularly useful on construction sites. The TB395W offers a maximum bucket breakout force of 13,241 pounds, a maximum arm digging force of 8,925 pounds, and a traction force of 12,994 pounds. Three auxiliary circuits cater to different hydraulic requirements. The primary circuit delivers 32 gpm, ensuring ample power for use with hydraulic attachments. The secondary circuit provides 14.5 gpm. Additionally, the third auxiliary circuit is specifically designed for use with a hydraulic quick coupler.

"You may see [the TB395W] being used with a mulcher on it or a mower where they can go along the side of the road and mow the right of way," Caldwell said at CONEXPO.

He added that a tiltrotator will be desirable for contractors who want to use the TB395W with a variety of attachments, including grabs.

Cab is a comfortable mobile office for operators

The TB395W's cab features an eight-inch colour touchscreen monitor with integrated air conditioning and DAB radio functions. Using the machine's intuitive jog dial, operators can easily navigate and control the monitor, including its HVAC and DAB radio functions. The TB395W includes a 270-degree camera to provide operators with a bird's-eye view for increased safety.

One-touch control switches operate other machine functions, such as work lights; Standard, and ECO working modes; primary auxiliary detent; low- and high-speed gearboxes; swing boom/second boom select; differential lock; manual regen/regen inhibit; and lift overload alarm. A high-back, air-ride suspension seat, adjustable armrests, pilot controls, a large flat floor area, and integrated footrests help operators remain comfortable.

Designed for proper and efficient maintenance

The TB395W has a lockable, wide-opening rear engine service door and a right-side cover, both of which open overhead.

"We know from experience that machine owners are more likely to properly service and maintain their machines at the correct intervals when those tasks are simpler to perform," Padgett says. "That's why the TB395W's design ensures easy access to key daily inspection points like the engine oil dipstick, engine oil filter, engine oil fill, and more."

Takeuchi's Fleet Management (TFM) telematics system comes standard on the TB395W.

"As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, excavator owners and operators must frequently work on projects near city streets and other developed areas," Padgett says. "The new TB395W provides the power of a tracked excavator but with less disruption to existing infrastructure and the ability to travel efficiently from Point A to Point B."