Clay Eubanks, President, Takeuchi-US
As you all know, CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 took place recently in Las Vegas, Nevada. Held every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is one of the largest equipment expos in the world, so we knew that we had to do something special. What many of you may not know is that 2014 is the 35th anniversary of Takeuchi-US. With Takeuchi Japan having just observed its 50th anniversary last year, we wanted to do something that not only celebrated our history of innovation, but also our commitment to the future of compact equipment technology.
Looking back
Mr. Akio Takeuchi—founder, acting president and board chairman of Takeuchi Mfg.—joined our team in Las Vegas, and we were all honored that he made the long trip from Japan to spend the week with us.
In our booth, we had several displays that illustrated Takeuchi’s years of innovation and its impact on the global construction market. Did you know that Takeuchi introduced the world’s first compact excavator in 1971? Since then, the demand for compact equipment has continued to grow all across the globe. As innovation leaders in this market, we know how important it is to listen to our customers, and to stay ahead of the latest trends in technology. We have continuously shown our commitment to our customers throughout the years by constantly improving our existing line of compact equipment, as well as introducing new and innovative pieces of machinery to meet the ever-changing needs of contractors around the world.
Looking forward
We introduced six new Tier 4 Final machines at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014—a new track loader, a new wheel loader, and 4 new excavators. The new TL8 track loader is an 8,000 pound radial-lift loader that is in an operating class just above our successful TL230 Series 2 which it replaces. Upgraded with a powerful Tier 4 engine, bucket breakout forces over 6,800 pounds, ROC of 2,105 pounds and standard 15.7 inch tracks for increasing flotation and decreasing ground pressure.
The TW80 Series 2 is an updated Tier 4 version of our TW80 wheel loader. With an operating weight of 12,698 pounds, tipping load of over 10,000 pounds, high-flow auxiliary hydraulics (26 gpm) and impressive 24.8 mph travel speed, this powerful wheel loader is a viable lower-maintenance alternative to a tracked machine.
Our new excavators—the TB216, TB240, TB260 and TB290—all feature new Tier 4 engines, redesigned sleek body profiles for improved visibility and service access, improved bucket breakout forces and hydraulic performance, precision pilot controls, the most comfortable cabs on the market, and many other innovative features.
We look at each new piece of equipment as a sign of our dedication to our dealers’—and their customers’—success. We have always been at the forefront of the compact equipment space, and will continue to provide the industries we serve with the best compact equipment on the market.
Thank you all for allowing Takeuchi to be a part of your success.