1 hour ago
Machine Background
The Takeuchi TL120 is a compact track loader made by Takeuchi, a company with origins in Japan that has built a strong reputation for durable, reliable construction machinery for decades. The TL120 in particular blends good lifting power with a light footprint, making it useful in landscapes, general construction, and tighter work sites.
Specifications and Performance
Key performance specs for the TL120 include:
Based on owner experiences and maintained machine data:
To maximize the life and performance of a TL120:
Here are some relevant replacement parts for the TL120:
A landscaper once purchased a used TL120 from a rental fleet. The unit had about 2,000 hours but had not received consistent undercarriage maintenance. After a few months of using it to move soil, mulch, and other materials, the operator noted excessive vibration and track slippage when fully loaded. A service tech discovered that the track rollers were worn unevenly, the track tension needed adjustment, and the hydraulic fluid was slightly contaminated. After addressing those issues — replacing rollers, retensioning the tracks, and refreshing fluid — the machine felt much more stable, efficient, and reliable.
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TL120 is a solid, mid-powered compact track loader suitable for a variety of tasks. Its strength lies in its combination of maneuverability, hydraulic performance, and rugged undercarriage. While parts and maintenance are key to long-term reliability, many users find that with proper upkeep, a TL120 can serve as a dependable workhorse in both construction and landscaping environments.
The Takeuchi TL120 is a compact track loader made by Takeuchi, a company with origins in Japan that has built a strong reputation for durable, reliable construction machinery for decades. The TL120 in particular blends good lifting power with a light footprint, making it useful in landscapes, general construction, and tighter work sites.
Specifications and Performance
Key performance specs for the TL120 include:
- Engine: Yanmar 4TNV84T, producing 52 hp.
- Operating weight: ~ 5,952 lb (2,699 kg).
- Rated operating capacity: ~ 1,246 lb (565 kg) at 35% tipping, and ~ 1,774 lb (805 kg) at 50% tipping depending on spec source.
- Travel speeds: Low range ~ 4 mph; high range ~ 5.8 mph per Takeuchi spec sheet.
- Hydraulic pump flow: ~ 15.1 GPM / 57.2 LPM, with a relief pressure rating of ~ 3,000 psi.
- Lift cycle times: Raise full load ~ 3.6 seconds; lower no load ~ 2.4 sec; dump full load ~ 2.6 sec; curl no load ~ 1.7 sec.
- Hydraulic reservoir capacity: ~ 7.7 gallons (29 L).
- Undercarriage: 11.8‑inch wide rubber tracks provide traction while preserving ground surfaces.
- Transmission: Hydrostatic drive system coupled directly with double‑reduction planetary final drives, enabling robust and efficient power transfer.
- Brakes: Spring-applied, hydraulically released disc brakes on final drives.
- Operator Cab: Tilt-back ROPS/FOPS‑rated compartment, joystick control (pilot‑operated) for loader and auxiliary functions, seat with armrests, and proportional auxiliary control with detent.
- Safety: Automatic engine shutdown if low oil pressure or high coolant temperature is detected.
- Auxiliary Hydraulics: One- and two-way auxiliary flow control standard, with 3,000 psi system pressure.
- Power-to-Weight Balance: With its 52 hp engine and sub‑6,000 lb weight, the TL120 offers a good mix of power and maneuverability for its class.
- Hydraulic Performance: The ~15 GPM hydraulic flow supports a variety of attachments and allows decent cycle times for bucket operations.
- Versatility: The tracked undercarriage helps in soft ground conditions, and its compact form makes it usable in tighter job sites.
- Durability: Takeuchi’s design, including its planetary final drives and rugged undercarriage, has a reputation for reliability when properly maintained.
Based on owner experiences and maintained machine data:
- Some users report that under heavy use, the hydraulic system feels less responsive, particularly if maintenance is neglected.
- In older units, rubber track wear and undercarriage maintenance (rollers, track tension) can be significant cost items.
- A few long-term owners mention that starter or wiring issues can appear; for instance, on Reddit a user described replacing the starter and checking ground straps due to intermittent starting problems.
- Another operator noted that parts like final drives or rubber tracks can be expensive or harder to source on older machines; preventive maintenance and careful inspection before purchase are strongly recommended.
To maximize the life and performance of a TL120:
- Hydraulic Maintenance: Regularly check and swap hydraulic fluid and filters. Keep suction screens clean to avoid cavitation or performance loss.
- Undercarriage Care: Adjust track tension properly, inspect rollers regularly, and replace rubber tracks before severe wear develops.
- Engine Safeguards: Monitor coolant and oil levels, especially since overheating or low oil can trigger automatic shutdowns.
- Electrical Inspection: Check starter wiring, long ground straps, and switchgear periodically. Poor connections can lead to starting issues.
- Operator Training: Good operators respect low/high travel ranges, avoid aggressive turning, and understand attachment load limits — all of which reduce stress on machine components.
Here are some relevant replacement parts for the TL120:
- Takeuchi TL120 Rubber Track (Multi‑Bar): Ideal for general-range terrain and balanced wear.
- Takeuchi TL120 C‑Tread Rubber Track: Better for hard or abrasive surfaces.
- Takeuchi TL120 Maintenance Filter Kit: Convenient kit for periodic hydraulic and engine filter replacement.
A landscaper once purchased a used TL120 from a rental fleet. The unit had about 2,000 hours but had not received consistent undercarriage maintenance. After a few months of using it to move soil, mulch, and other materials, the operator noted excessive vibration and track slippage when fully loaded. A service tech discovered that the track rollers were worn unevenly, the track tension needed adjustment, and the hydraulic fluid was slightly contaminated. After addressing those issues — replacing rollers, retensioning the tracks, and refreshing fluid — the machine felt much more stable, efficient, and reliable.
Conclusion
The Takeuchi TL120 is a solid, mid-powered compact track loader suitable for a variety of tasks. Its strength lies in its combination of maneuverability, hydraulic performance, and rugged undercarriage. While parts and maintenance are key to long-term reliability, many users find that with proper upkeep, a TL120 can serve as a dependable workhorse in both construction and landscaping environments.
