Qualified dealers will soon offer Takeuchi’s TB20e, the first compact battery-powered excavator designed and built by the manufacturer for sale and rental at locations throughout North America.
In February 2022, Takeuchi, which has U.S. offices near Atlanta, partnered with United Rentals, Stamford, Connecticut, to introduce the first 100 units as a pilot program to gauge customer reaction and feedback.
“The TB20e exemplifies Takeuchi’s enduring legacy of innovation in the compact equipment market,” says David Caldwell, National Product Manager, Takeuchi-US. “We are committed to environmental stewardship, and this new battery-powered excavator is designed to help our customers achieve their own sustainability goals without sacrificing the performance and reliability they deserve and expect from Takeuchi.”
Similar in performance to Takeuchi’s TB216 compact diesel excavator, the TB20e is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides a continuous working range of four to eight hours, depending on the application and environment. The excavator includes an on-board charger with single-phase power from 95 to 265 volts. When operators require additional runtime, they can plug the TB20e into the built-in charger and continue operating. An optional faster outboard charger can charge the TB20e in two to four hours using three-phase 408-552 volt power.
The TB20e has an operating weight of 4,255 pounds and features a standard long arm with an integrated thumb rest. It has a maximum digging depth of 7 feet, 10 inches and a maximum reach of 13 feet, 4 inches. A primary hydraulic circuit connected to the center arm delivers 9 gallons per minute to operate a hydraulic breaker or other hydraulically driven attachments. Because the TB20e has no engine, there are fewer moving parts, no fuel filters, engine oil, oil filters or coolant, simplifying maintenance.
Inside the cab, operators will find a 4.3-inch high-definition color multifunction monitor, electro-hydraulic joystick controls, keyless entry, suspension seat, traditional travel and leaf control levers, and an electronic dial throttle . This dial throttle increases engine speed incrementally; however, unlike a diesel engine that gets louder and louder as its RPMs increase, the TB20e’s only sounds come from its engine and pumps.
The Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) telematics system comes as standard on the TB20e with free access during the machine’s standard two-year warranty period. TFM reduces downtime and controls costs by providing remote diagnostics and scheduled maintenance reminders along with customizable alert settings. It also provides owners and operators with information on machine status, run time in hours and location. Owners can geolocate their machines, protecting and securing their investments. Additional TFM coverage can be purchased separately and is included in Takeuchi’s P3 extended warranty plans.
“The TB20e is an exciting addition to our ever-evolving product line,” says Caldwell. “We designed the TB20e to help our dealers offer customers an excavator that offers outstanding features, unmatched performance, excellent service and great value, along with all the unique benefits of a battery-powered machine” .
