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The Rise of Compact Excavators in Utility Work
Compact excavators have become indispensable in urban construction, landscaping, and utility trenching. Their ability to navigate tight spaces, minimize ground disturbance, and operate a wide range of attachments makes them ideal for small contractors and municipal crews. Among the most discussed models in the 3-ton class are the Takeuchi TB135 and the Bobcat 331—two machines that shaped the compact segment in the early 2000s.
Takeuchi, founded in Japan in 1963, was the first company to introduce compact excavators globally. Bobcat, with roots in North Dakota, built its reputation on skid steers before expanding into compact excavators in the late 1990s. Both brands have sold tens of thousands of units worldwide, and their machines remain active in rental fleets and private yards.
Terminology Notes
Takeuchi TB135:
A contractor in Alberta used a TB135 to trench along a foundation wall where the swing boom allowed precise placement without repositioning the machine. The Bobcat 331, while powerful, required more maneuvering in similar conditions.
Operator Comfort and Control Layout
The TB135 is known for its spacious cab, intuitive joystick controls, and smooth hydraulic response. Takeuchi’s pilot-operated controls offer fine modulation, especially useful for grading and finish work.
The Bobcat 331, while slightly more compact, has a simpler control layout and a more aggressive hydraulic feel. Some operators prefer its responsiveness for demolition or breakout tasks.
A technician in Georgia noted that the TB135’s cab allowed easier entry and better visibility, especially during long trenching jobs. The Bobcat’s tighter cab was manageable but less comfortable for extended shifts.
Maintenance and Reliability
Takeuchi machines are praised for their overbuilt components and long service intervals. The TB135 features steel panels, accessible filters, and robust undercarriage components. Bobcat’s 331 is easier to service in some areas due to its tilt cab and modular design.
Common issues:
Attachment Compatibility and Versatility
Both machines support a wide range of attachments:
A contractor in Texas retrofitted his TB135 with a tilt grading bucket and used it for finish work on a golf course. The hydraulic precision allowed him to shape contours with minimal rework.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a small excavation firm in Pennsylvania ran both a TB135 and a Bobcat 331 on a subdivision project. The TB135 handled trenching and grading, while the 331 focused on demolition and material handling. The crew appreciated the balance between finesse and brute force, noting that each machine had its place depending on the task.
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TB135 and Bobcat 331 represent two philosophies in compact excavation—precision versus power. The TB135 excels in hydraulic control, digging depth, and operator comfort, while the 331 offers raw horsepower and straightforward serviceability. For contractors choosing between them, the decision often comes down to job type, terrain, and attachment needs. In the hands of skilled operators, both machines deliver results that shape landscapes and build infrastructure with efficiency and control.
Compact excavators have become indispensable in urban construction, landscaping, and utility trenching. Their ability to navigate tight spaces, minimize ground disturbance, and operate a wide range of attachments makes them ideal for small contractors and municipal crews. Among the most discussed models in the 3-ton class are the Takeuchi TB135 and the Bobcat 331—two machines that shaped the compact segment in the early 2000s.
Takeuchi, founded in Japan in 1963, was the first company to introduce compact excavators globally. Bobcat, with roots in North Dakota, built its reputation on skid steers before expanding into compact excavators in the late 1990s. Both brands have sold tens of thousands of units worldwide, and their machines remain active in rental fleets and private yards.
Terminology Notes
- Zero Tail Swing: A design where the rear of the excavator stays within the track width during rotation, reducing the risk of collision.
- Auxiliary Hydraulics: Additional hydraulic circuits used to power attachments like thumbs, augers, or breakers.
- Track Width: The distance between the outer edges of the tracks, affecting stability and access.
- Swing Boom: A boom that can pivot left or right independently of the house, useful for offset digging.
Takeuchi TB135:
- Operating weight: ~7,000 lbs
- Engine: Yanmar 4TNV88, ~29 hp
- Dig depth: ~11 ft 2 in
- Track width: ~5 ft 9 in
- Auxiliary hydraulic flow: ~13.2 gpm
- Operating weight: ~7,200 lbs
- Engine: Kubota V2203, ~40 hp
- Dig depth: ~10 ft 2 in
- Track width: ~5 ft 1 in
- Auxiliary hydraulic flow: ~10.6 gpm
A contractor in Alberta used a TB135 to trench along a foundation wall where the swing boom allowed precise placement without repositioning the machine. The Bobcat 331, while powerful, required more maneuvering in similar conditions.
Operator Comfort and Control Layout
The TB135 is known for its spacious cab, intuitive joystick controls, and smooth hydraulic response. Takeuchi’s pilot-operated controls offer fine modulation, especially useful for grading and finish work.
The Bobcat 331, while slightly more compact, has a simpler control layout and a more aggressive hydraulic feel. Some operators prefer its responsiveness for demolition or breakout tasks.
A technician in Georgia noted that the TB135’s cab allowed easier entry and better visibility, especially during long trenching jobs. The Bobcat’s tighter cab was manageable but less comfortable for extended shifts.
Maintenance and Reliability
Takeuchi machines are praised for their overbuilt components and long service intervals. The TB135 features steel panels, accessible filters, and robust undercarriage components. Bobcat’s 331 is easier to service in some areas due to its tilt cab and modular design.
Common issues:
- TB135: Occasional swing motor seal leaks, throttle cable wear
- Bobcat 331: Hydraulic hose abrasion near boom pivot, starter solenoid failures
- Grease pivot points daily during use
- Change hydraulic filters every 500 hours
- Inspect track tension monthly
- Monitor engine coolant and air filters quarterly
Attachment Compatibility and Versatility
Both machines support a wide range of attachments:
- Hydraulic thumbs
- Augers
- Trenchers
- Plate compactors
- Grapples
A contractor in Texas retrofitted his TB135 with a tilt grading bucket and used it for finish work on a golf course. The hydraulic precision allowed him to shape contours with minimal rework.
Anecdote from the Field
In 2023, a small excavation firm in Pennsylvania ran both a TB135 and a Bobcat 331 on a subdivision project. The TB135 handled trenching and grading, while the 331 focused on demolition and material handling. The crew appreciated the balance between finesse and brute force, noting that each machine had its place depending on the task.
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TB135 and Bobcat 331 represent two philosophies in compact excavation—precision versus power. The TB135 excels in hydraulic control, digging depth, and operator comfort, while the 331 offers raw horsepower and straightforward serviceability. For contractors choosing between them, the decision often comes down to job type, terrain, and attachment needs. In the hands of skilled operators, both machines deliver results that shape landscapes and build infrastructure with efficiency and control.
