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Takeuchi TB135 and Its Hydraulic System
The Takeuchi TB135 is a compact excavator introduced in the early 2000s, designed for precision digging and maneuverability in tight spaces. With an operating weight around 7,000 lbs and a hydraulic flow rate of approximately 16.9 GPM, the TB135 relies heavily on a well-maintained hydraulic system to power its boom, arm, bucket, and auxiliary attachments. Takeuchi, founded in 1963 in Japan, pioneered the compact excavator category and has sold hundreds of thousands of units globally. The TB135 remains popular for its reliability and ease of service.
Its hydraulic system uses a variable displacement piston pump and multiple control valves, all of which depend on clean, properly specified hydraulic fluid to function efficiently. Choosing the correct oil is essential to prevent pump wear, valve sticking, and seal degradation.
Manufacturer Specifications and Viscosity Grades
Takeuchi’s official recommendation for hydraulic oil in the TB135 is based on ambient temperature ranges:
AW vs TO4 vs Engine Oil Debate
Some operators use AW46 hydraulic oil, which stands for Anti-Wear ISO VG46. It contains additives to reduce metal-to-metal contact and is widely available. AW46 is suitable for most compact excavators and meets the basic requirements for wear protection and oxidation resistance.
Others prefer TO-4 spec 10W oil, originally developed for Caterpillar transmissions and hydraulic systems. TO-4 oils have enhanced frictional properties and are designed for wet clutch and brake systems. While TO-4 10W can work in hydraulic systems, it is thicker than VG46 and may reduce efficiency in colder climates.
A few users have experimented with 15W-40 engine oil, citing its availability and detergent content. However, engine oils are not optimized for hydraulic systems. They may cause foaming, reduced lubrication under pressure, and incompatibility with seals. Mixing engine oil with hydraulic fluid is strongly discouraged unless specified by the manufacturer.
Climate Considerations and Regional Practices
In colder regions like Pennsylvania, operators often use TO-4 10W year-round, citing long-term reliability and pump longevity. In warmer climates like Florida or Georgia, AW46 or VG68 is preferred to maintain viscosity under heat. The choice should reflect not just temperature but also workload intensity and service intervals.
Service Culture and Longevity
Machine longevity often correlates with service discipline. Operators who change filters regularly, monitor fluid levels, and avoid contamination can achieve 10,000+ hours on original pumps and motors. Neglecting oil changes or using incompatible fluids can lead to premature failure, especially in high-pressure systems like the TB135.
A technician once categorized users into three types:
Recommendations for TB135 Owners
The Takeuchi TB135 performs best when paired with the correct hydraulic oil for its climate and workload. ISO VG46 AW oil remains the safest and most widely accepted choice. While alternative oils like TO-4 10W may work in specific cases, they should be used with caution and only after confirming compatibility. Proper fluid selection, combined with disciplined maintenance, ensures the TB135 continues to deliver reliable performance for years to come.
The Takeuchi TB135 is a compact excavator introduced in the early 2000s, designed for precision digging and maneuverability in tight spaces. With an operating weight around 7,000 lbs and a hydraulic flow rate of approximately 16.9 GPM, the TB135 relies heavily on a well-maintained hydraulic system to power its boom, arm, bucket, and auxiliary attachments. Takeuchi, founded in 1963 in Japan, pioneered the compact excavator category and has sold hundreds of thousands of units globally. The TB135 remains popular for its reliability and ease of service.
Its hydraulic system uses a variable displacement piston pump and multiple control valves, all of which depend on clean, properly specified hydraulic fluid to function efficiently. Choosing the correct oil is essential to prevent pump wear, valve sticking, and seal degradation.
Manufacturer Specifications and Viscosity Grades
Takeuchi’s official recommendation for hydraulic oil in the TB135 is based on ambient temperature ranges:
- VG32 for temperatures between -4°F and 86°F
- VG46 for 15°F to 104°F
- VG68 for 40°F to 150°F
AW vs TO4 vs Engine Oil Debate
Some operators use AW46 hydraulic oil, which stands for Anti-Wear ISO VG46. It contains additives to reduce metal-to-metal contact and is widely available. AW46 is suitable for most compact excavators and meets the basic requirements for wear protection and oxidation resistance.
Others prefer TO-4 spec 10W oil, originally developed for Caterpillar transmissions and hydraulic systems. TO-4 oils have enhanced frictional properties and are designed for wet clutch and brake systems. While TO-4 10W can work in hydraulic systems, it is thicker than VG46 and may reduce efficiency in colder climates.
A few users have experimented with 15W-40 engine oil, citing its availability and detergent content. However, engine oils are not optimized for hydraulic systems. They may cause foaming, reduced lubrication under pressure, and incompatibility with seals. Mixing engine oil with hydraulic fluid is strongly discouraged unless specified by the manufacturer.
Climate Considerations and Regional Practices
In colder regions like Pennsylvania, operators often use TO-4 10W year-round, citing long-term reliability and pump longevity. In warmer climates like Florida or Georgia, AW46 or VG68 is preferred to maintain viscosity under heat. The choice should reflect not just temperature but also workload intensity and service intervals.
Service Culture and Longevity
Machine longevity often correlates with service discipline. Operators who change filters regularly, monitor fluid levels, and avoid contamination can achieve 10,000+ hours on original pumps and motors. Neglecting oil changes or using incompatible fluids can lead to premature failure, especially in high-pressure systems like the TB135.
A technician once categorized users into three types:
- Bob: Uses machines aggressively and ignores maintenance until failure.
- Cliff: Intends to follow service schedules but delays them.
- Clark: Obsesses over cleanliness and precision, often exceeding manufacturer expectations.
Recommendations for TB135 Owners
- Use ISO VG46 AW hydraulic oil for most conditions unless operating in extreme temperatures.
- Avoid mixing engine oil with hydraulic fluid.
- Change hydraulic filters every 500 hours or annually.
- Flush the system if switching oil types to prevent additive incompatibility.
- Monitor fluid temperature during heavy use to avoid overheating.
The Takeuchi TB135 performs best when paired with the correct hydraulic oil for its climate and workload. ISO VG46 AW oil remains the safest and most widely accepted choice. While alternative oils like TO-4 10W may work in specific cases, they should be used with caution and only after confirming compatibility. Proper fluid selection, combined with disciplined maintenance, ensures the TB135 continues to deliver reliable performance for years to come.
