Takeuchi releases TB20e battery-powered compact excavator

Takeuchi reports that its TB20e battery-powered compact excavator will soon be available for sale and rental at dealers through North America. In February 2022, Takeuchi partnered with United Rentals to introduce the first 100 units as a pilot program to gauge customer reaction and feedback.

Similar in performance to Takeuchi’s diesel-powered TB216 compact excavator, the TB20e is powered by lithium-ion battery that’s designed to offer a continuous working range from four to eight hours (depending on application and environment). The excavator features an on-board charger with 95v to 265v single-phase power. When operators require additional runtime, they can tether the TB20e to the onboard charger and remain operational. A faster, optional off-board charger can charge the TB20e in just two to four hours using 408v to 552v three-phase power, the company notes.

“The TB20e is an example of Takeuchi’s enduring legacy of innovation in the compact equipment market,” says David Caldwell, national product manager for Takeuchi-US. “We’re committed to environmental stewardship, and this new battery-powered excavator is designed to help our customers meet their own sustainability goals without sacrificing the performance and reliability they deserve and expect from Takeuchi.”

Some features and specs on the TB20e:

• Operating weight of 4,255 lbs.; standard long arm with integrated thumb mount.
• Maximum dig depth of 7 ft., 10 in., and a maximum reach of 13 ft., 4 in.
• A primary hydraulic circuit plumbed to midarm delivers 9.0 GPM for running a hydraulic hammer or other hydraulically driven attachments.
• Inside the cab: a color, 4.3-in. high-definition, multifunction monitor; electrohydraulic joystick controls; key start; comfortable suspension seat; traditional travel and blade control levers.
• Electronic dial throttle to increase the motor speed incrementally; however, unlike a diesel engine that gets increasingly louder as its RPMs ramp up, the TB20e’s only sounds come from its motor and pumps.

The Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) telematics system comes standard on the TB20e with free access throughout the machine’s two-year standard warranty period. TFM reduces downtime and controls costs by providing remote diagnostics and scheduled maintenance reminders along with customizable alert settings; it also supplies owners and operators with valuable information about machine health, run time (hours) and location. Plus, owners can geofence their machines, protecting and securing their investments.

“The TB20e is an exciting addition to our constantly evolving line of products,” says Caldwell. “We designed the TB20e to help our dealers provide customers with an excavator that delivers outstanding features, unmatched performance, excellent serviceability and great value – along with all the unique benefits that a battery-powered machine has to offer.”