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The Takeuchi TB035 and Its Historical Significance
The Takeuchi TB035 mini excavator was introduced in the early 1990s by Takeuchi Manufacturing, a Japanese company that pioneered the compact excavator segment in 1971. The TB035 was part of a generation of machines that emphasized hydraulic precision, mechanical simplicity, and versatility for small contractors and agricultural users. With an operating weight of approximately 7,800 pounds and a digging depth of nearly 10 feet, the TB035 was well-suited for trenching, drainage installation, and light demolition.
Takeuchi sold thousands of TB035 units globally, and many remain in service today. Its reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance has made it a favorite among owners who value mechanical over electronic complexity.
Evaluating Longevity and Parts Availability
One of the primary concerns with older equipment is the availability of replacement parts, especially for critical components like final drives and travel motors. While some models from the same era—such as the TB15, TB25, and TB35 (without the “0” prefix)—are known to have limited support, the TB035 continues to benefit from aftermarket and OEM parts availability.
Specialty suppliers still stock final drives, filters, seals, and hydraulic components for the TB035. However, sourcing manuals and documentation may require contacting Takeuchi directly or searching for downloadable PDFs from third-party archives.
Terminology Explained
Despite its age, the TB035 remains a capable machine. Owners report strong digging power, especially with a 24-inch trenching bucket. The machine’s compact footprint allows it to navigate tight spaces, and its hydraulic system—though basic by modern standards—delivers consistent performance.
One operator used the TB035 to reclaim 500 yards of low ground and install over 3,000 feet of drainage tile. The machine handled tree roots, clay soil, and compost piles with ease. Compared to a backhoe, the TB035 offered better visibility and more precise control, especially in trenching applications.
Speed and Controls
The TB035 includes a two-speed travel function, engaged via a floor pedal. While the top speed is modest, it improves transport time across job sites. The control layout is intuitive, with levers for boom, arm, and bucket functions, and foot pedals for swing and auxiliary hydraulics. Some machines include a selector lever to switch pedal functions between hammer and boom swing.
Maintenance Recommendations
In Ohio, a retired toolmaker purchased a TB035 to install field drainage. Despite initial concerns about age, the machine performed flawlessly. He later used it to compost manure from seven retired Standardbred horses, mixing clay and organic material into usable loam. The TB035’s slow travel speed became a meditative part of his routine, earning it the nickname “Creepy.”
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TB035 may be decades old, but it remains a viable and productive excavator for small-scale projects. With proper maintenance and attention to final drive health, it can outperform newer machines in terms of cost-efficiency and mechanical reliability. For users who value simplicity and durability, the TB035 is far from obsolete—it’s a classic that still digs deep.
The Takeuchi TB035 mini excavator was introduced in the early 1990s by Takeuchi Manufacturing, a Japanese company that pioneered the compact excavator segment in 1971. The TB035 was part of a generation of machines that emphasized hydraulic precision, mechanical simplicity, and versatility for small contractors and agricultural users. With an operating weight of approximately 7,800 pounds and a digging depth of nearly 10 feet, the TB035 was well-suited for trenching, drainage installation, and light demolition.
Takeuchi sold thousands of TB035 units globally, and many remain in service today. Its reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance has made it a favorite among owners who value mechanical over electronic complexity.
Evaluating Longevity and Parts Availability
One of the primary concerns with older equipment is the availability of replacement parts, especially for critical components like final drives and travel motors. While some models from the same era—such as the TB15, TB25, and TB35 (without the “0” prefix)—are known to have limited support, the TB035 continues to benefit from aftermarket and OEM parts availability.
Specialty suppliers still stock final drives, filters, seals, and hydraulic components for the TB035. However, sourcing manuals and documentation may require contacting Takeuchi directly or searching for downloadable PDFs from third-party archives.
Terminology Explained
- Final Drive: The gearbox and motor assembly that powers each track independently.
- Auxiliary Hydraulics: Additional hydraulic lines used to power attachments like thumbs or hammers.
- Boom Swing: A feature allowing the boom to pivot left or right for offset digging.
Despite its age, the TB035 remains a capable machine. Owners report strong digging power, especially with a 24-inch trenching bucket. The machine’s compact footprint allows it to navigate tight spaces, and its hydraulic system—though basic by modern standards—delivers consistent performance.
One operator used the TB035 to reclaim 500 yards of low ground and install over 3,000 feet of drainage tile. The machine handled tree roots, clay soil, and compost piles with ease. Compared to a backhoe, the TB035 offered better visibility and more precise control, especially in trenching applications.
Speed and Controls
The TB035 includes a two-speed travel function, engaged via a floor pedal. While the top speed is modest, it improves transport time across job sites. The control layout is intuitive, with levers for boom, arm, and bucket functions, and foot pedals for swing and auxiliary hydraulics. Some machines include a selector lever to switch pedal functions between hammer and boom swing.
Maintenance Recommendations
- Change final drive oil every 250 hours
- Inspect track tension monthly
- Grease all pivot points weekly
- Flush hydraulic fluid annually
- Use synthetic gear oil for final drives to extend life
In Ohio, a retired toolmaker purchased a TB035 to install field drainage. Despite initial concerns about age, the machine performed flawlessly. He later used it to compost manure from seven retired Standardbred horses, mixing clay and organic material into usable loam. The TB035’s slow travel speed became a meditative part of his routine, earning it the nickname “Creepy.”
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TB035 may be decades old, but it remains a viable and productive excavator for small-scale projects. With proper maintenance and attention to final drive health, it can outperform newer machines in terms of cost-efficiency and mechanical reliability. For users who value simplicity and durability, the TB035 is far from obsolete—it’s a classic that still digs deep.
