Takeuchi UK launches TB3150 offset-boom 15-tonne excavator with first units bound for HS2

Takeuchi UK has launched the TB3150, an offset-boom excavator in the 15-tonne class, and said the first machines are about to start work on HS2 now that the model is available in the UK.

The launch completes a two-model 15-tonne line-up. The fixed-boom TB3150R arrived earlier in the summer, and Takeuchi UK said customers now have two distinct choices in the weight category.

The TB3150 runs a new Yanmar engine rated at 85 kW (114 hp). Takeuchi UK's announcement put the gain in hydraulic horsepower over the previous model at more than 14%, while its product page and product manager both give the figure as 14%.

Ryan Page, Takeuchi UK Product Manager, said: "A significant amount of engineering effort has gone into redesigning the cooling system architecture, resulting in a 14% increase in hydraulic power."

The offset boom

Takeuchi UK said the offset boom lets operators dig offset without repositioning the machine, which suits utility work and sites where space is restricted. The product page describes the TB3150 as a mono boom with an offset function on a conventional tail swing design, and says the feature is not available on conventional 15-tonne machines.

The specification table lists a boom swing angle of 53 degrees to the left and 77 degrees to the right, a maximum digging depth of 5,470 mm, reach at ground level of 8,570 mm and a maximum bucket digging force of 96.3 kN.

Page said operators had reported the machine feels more powerful in demanding applications. "It's particularly encouraging to hear this feedback directly from those using the machine day to day," he said.

The cab

Both 15-tonne machines carry Takeuchi's latest 3-Series cab, which the company said has been redesigned for comfort and ease of use. Features include automatic climate control, a heated air suspension seat, and keyless start with pin-code and RFID for access management.

An 8-inch touch screen, 270-degree camera views, a jog dial and a multi-switch control panel give access to common machine functions. Pilot-operated joysticks are combined with electro-hydraulic controls for travel, the dozer blade and boom offset.

Background

Takeuchi said it is best known for its mini excavator range but has offered 12 to 15-tonne models for more than 20 years. The 3-Series range now runs to nine machines from 2 to 16 tonnes, according to the company.

Takeuchi UK announced the TB3150 and TB3150R together ahead of Hillhead, where the two machines were the centrepiece of its stand. The company said the TB3150R, launched at the show, was already proving popular with sales across the UK.

Takeuchi describes the fixed-boom TB3150R as the largest excavator in its line-up.

Eagle Plant takes the first TB3150R

Hire company Eagle Plant said its TB3150R was the first of its kind in the UK and is available for hire from its Westbury branch. According to Takeuchi UK, Eagle Plant has more than 600 Takeuchi machines in its fleet.

Jason Periam, Head of Sales at Takeuchi UK, linked the delivery to Eagle Plant's 50 years of trading and Takeuchi's 30 years in the UK.

Takeuchi UK is marking 30 years in the UK, from October 1996 to October 2026, and said the Hillhead launch of its 15-tonne excavators formed part of its anniversary year.