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TB 260 Maintenance and Grease Fitting Locations
#1
Introduction
The TB 260 is a compact track loader designed for heavy-duty applications, offering excellent maneuverability and lifting capabilities in tight spaces. Manufactured by Takeuchi, the TB 260 has become a popular choice among operators who need a reliable and powerful machine for construction, landscaping, and other heavy equipment operations.
One of the key aspects of maintaining the TB 260’s performance is ensuring its hydraulic systems, tracks, and other moving components are well-lubricated. Regular greasing prevents wear and tear, reduces friction, and extends the life of the machine. This guide will explore the key grease fitting locations on the TB 260, common maintenance tips, and the importance of lubrication in preventing premature breakdowns.
Why Regular Greasing is Essential
Lubrication plays a critical role in the longevity and functionality of a machine like the TB 260. Without proper greasing, moving parts like joints, bushings, and bearings can wear out much quicker due to friction. Greasing helps to:
  • Reduce friction: Prevents excessive heat buildup, which can damage seals and other components.
  • Extend component lifespan: Proper lubrication protects high-wear areas from excessive wear.
  • Prevent corrosion: Helps keep water and contaminants out of joints, preventing rust and corrosion.
  • Increase efficiency: Well-lubricated systems operate smoothly, improving overall machine performance.
The TB 260 is equipped with several grease fittings strategically placed on the machine to ensure critical components receive regular lubrication.
Key Grease Fitting Locations on the TB 260
Regular inspection and maintenance of the grease fittings are essential for the optimal operation of the TB 260. The following are the major grease fitting locations to focus on:
  1. Boom and Arm Joints
    • Location: These are located where the boom and arm meet, and the hydraulic cylinders connect to the machine frame.
    • Importance: These joints are under constant stress from lifting and lowering operations, making them highly susceptible to wear. Greasing these points ensures smooth articulation and prevents excessive wear of the bushings.
  2. Bucket Linkage
    • Location: Grease fittings are located at the points where the bucket attaches to the loader’s lift arms.
    • Importance: This area is subjected to frequent motion and stress as the bucket raises, lowers, and tilts. Proper lubrication reduces the risk of breakdowns due to worn-out pins and bushings.
  3. Hydraulic Cylinders
    • Location: The hydraulic cylinders used for the boom and bucket movements also have grease fittings located at the pivot points.
    • Importance: These pivot points are highly stressed during operation, and proper greasing prevents excessive wear and extends the life of both the cylinders and the machine.
  4. Track Rollers and Idlers
    • Location: The track rollers and idlers are equipped with grease fittings along the undercarriage.
    • Importance: The track system, which bears the weight of the machine, requires proper lubrication to prevent wear and reduce track failure. Regular greasing helps the tracks operate smoothly, preventing the wear of track rollers and extending their lifespan.
  5. Swivel and Tilt Components
    • Location: The swivel joint, which allows the upper frame to rotate relative to the lower undercarriage, and tilt components are typically equipped with grease fittings.
    • Importance: These parts bear the dynamic load and allow the operator to move and rotate the machine effectively. Greasing helps prevent rust, reduces friction, and ensures smooth rotational movement.
  6. Bucket Cylinder Pins
    • Location: Grease fittings on the bucket cylinder pins ensure that the connection between the cylinder and bucket remains well-lubricated.
    • Importance: These pins undergo constant stress, especially when the bucket is used for digging or lifting heavy materials. Keeping them greased ensures their smooth operation and prevents premature wear or seizing.
  7. Wheel Bearings (If Applicable)
    • Location: If the TB 260 has wheels instead of tracks, there are grease fittings on the wheel bearings.
    • Importance: Wheel bearings help support the weight of the machine and allow for smooth rotation. Regular lubrication is essential to prevent bearing failure and reduce the chance of overheating and breakdowns.
  8. Track Tensioners
    • Location: The track tensioners are equipped with grease fittings to help maintain the proper tension on the tracks.
    • Importance: The right track tension is crucial for optimal performance and preventing excessive wear on both the tracks and the undercarriage. Greasing the tensioners helps maintain the correct tension and prolongs the life of the tracks.
Recommended Lubricants for the TB 260
While the TB 260 comes with a built-in lubrication system, operators need to ensure the use of the right grease and lubricants. The recommended lubricants for the TB 260 are typically:
  • Lithium-based grease: This is a versatile and widely used grease, suitable for most moving parts on the machine. It is effective in high-temperature conditions and provides excellent protection against corrosion.
  • High-pressure grease: For parts under heavy load and pressure, such as the bucket linkage and pivot points, a high-pressure grease formulation ensures better performance under stress.
Always consult the manufacturer’s manual for specific grease recommendations to ensure compatibility with the machine’s systems.
Maintenance Best Practices for the TB 260
To ensure the TB 260 remains in top condition, operators should adhere to these best practices:
  1. Regular Greasing Schedule
    • The frequency of greasing depends on the machine's usage. For general operations, a monthly greasing schedule should suffice. However, for more demanding tasks, such as digging or lifting heavy materials, greasing should be performed more frequently (every 50 hours of operation).
  2. Inspection and Cleaning
    • Before applying grease, inspect the fittings for any blockages, dirt, or debris that might hinder the grease from flowing properly. Clean the fittings with a rag to remove any contaminants that could affect the lubrication process.
  3. Monitor Hydraulic Fluid Levels
    • Keep track of the hydraulic fluid levels and check for leaks regularly. Low hydraulic fluid can affect the machine’s performance, particularly the auxiliary systems and cylinders.
  4. Check for Wear
    • As part of routine maintenance, inspect the components that receive grease. Check for any unusual wear, noise, or movement that could indicate a problem. Early detection of worn-out parts can help prevent more significant issues down the road.
  5. Use OEM Parts
    • Whenever possible, use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for replacement. These parts are designed specifically for the TB 260 and ensure compatibility, reliability, and optimal performance.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance, especially when it comes to greasing, is essential to the long-term performance of the TB 260. By focusing on the key grease fitting locations and following the recommended maintenance practices, operators can maximize the machine’s efficiency, reduce downtime, and prolong its lifespan. Regular lubrication ensures smooth operation and minimizes the risk of costly repairs, keeping the TB 260 performing at its best on every job site.
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