Takeuchi TB175 Midi Excavator: A Comprehensive Overview of Performance, Issues, and Utility

[MikePhua]

Takeuchi TB175: Design & Engineering Legacy
The Takeuchi TB175 is a 7.2–7.5 ton midi‑excavator (7 400–7 500 kg), produced roughly between 2005 and 2011. It features a conventional tail swing and a Yanmar 4‑cylinder 4TNV98 engine delivering about 58 horsepower and 185 lb‑ft torque, driving a hydrostatic system and a robust hydraulic circuit . Designed for versatility across deliver, demotion, groundworks, and quarry uses, it balances compactness with mid‑size digging capability .
Key Specifications & Performance Profile

• Operating weight: ~17 230 lb
  
• Dig depth: ~15 ft (4.6 m)
  
• Reach: ~23.8 ft (7.3 m) along ground; ~17 ft loading height
  
• Hydraulic flow: ~37 gpm (140 lpm); system pressure ~3 989 psi
  
• Ground pressure: ~4.6 psi; travel speed ~3.4 mph
  

Operator Comfort & Cab Features
TB175 cabs are suspension‑mounted and spacious, offering heater, defrost, air conditioning, wiper/washer, deluxe radio with MP3 input, retractable front windows, and fully adjustable operator stations with headrests . The independent boom swing and two-speed tracking assist boost productivity in tight or rough terrain.
Common Issues Encountered in the Field
Despite its strong build, field reports and service data reveal several recurrent problems operators and technicians should watch for:

• Overheating during intense hydraulic use: Dust and debris often clog the radiator and hydraulic cooler fins, reducing airflow. Faulty thermostat or cooling fan malfunction may exacerbate the issue .
  
• Stalling and shutdowns after a few minutes of operation: Machines may sputter or die suddenly, often restarting only to repeat the behavior within minutes. Suspected causes include fuel solenoid malfunctions—either overheating coil or dirty wiring—and voltage drop in the solenoid circuit .
  
• Electrical failures affecting auxiliary outputs and track speed functions: Users report thumb-controlled hydraulics and two-speed gear shifts failing due to voltage inconsistency at fuse blocks—some circuits may only read ~5 V instead of the expected ~25 V .
  

Troubleshooting Approaches
To diagnose these issues, technicians commonly follow a structured approach:

1. Inspect cooling systems: Use compressed air to clean radiator and hydraulic cooler fins. Test thermostat operation and coolant circulation, especially under load.
   
2. Check fuel solenoid and electrical continuity: Measure voltage at the solenoid during run commands; consider bypass testing with a jumper to isolate wiring or pump issues.
   
3. Measure fuse block voltages: Identify low-voltage circuits affecting accessories and auxiliary hydraulics. Cleaning contacts or replacing faulty relays/fuses may restore operation.
   
4. Observe running behavior: Note whether the engine stutters before dying like a blown shutdown solenoid, or slows gradually, which might indicate fuel starvation or air intrusion.
   

Anecdotal Insights from Operators
One heavy‑equipment owner recounted his TB175 dying after a couple of minutes even though battery and alternator tested fine. Upon inspecting, he discovered the fuel solenoid was failing intermittently under heat load. After bypassing the circuit temporarily and confirming solenoid failure, replacing it returned reliable runtime. On another unit, low voltage to auxiliary circuits meant the thumb control didn't respond—cleaning the fuse block terminals restored full function .
Maintenance & Preventive Tips

• Regularly flush coolant and clean cooling fins to prevent thermals.
  
• Inspect and clean fuse blocks and harness connections to avoid low-voltage faults.
  
• Replace throttle solenoid and wiring when transient engine shutdown or stuttering occurs.
  
• Run auxiliary hydraulics and test two-speed function periodically to detect faults before they stall work.
  

Performance Summary
Takeuchi designed the TB175 to deliver efficient digging power and stable performance in a mid-size platform. With a comfortable cab, solid hydraulic capability, and strong traction design, it suits applications from utility work to demolition. However, users must stay vigilant regarding cooling maintenance, electrical integrity, and fuel solenoid reliability to avoid downtime.
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TB175 remains a commendable excavator in its class—well-balanced, comfortable, and built with thoughtful hydraulics. When maintained properly and monitored for common failure modes, it continues to perform reliably. From clean cooling to solid electric power, the key to uptime lies in preventive maintenance and attention to detail.