Thoughts on this used Takeuchi TB135

New member here, but have used the forum for reviews over the years. Looking for a mini x in the 4 ton range to replace the backhoe on my Kubota tractor. Main use will be running it on my property, lots of digging / trenching projects, running a log splitter in the winter, and running a flail mower in the summer to maintain my many banks. I don't need anything fancy, as I won't be earning a living with it. That said, I obviously don't want a POS, I'd rather spend a couple extra grand to get a good machine that could potentially last me a lifetime given my use.

I came across this Tak TB135 on Facebook Marketplace. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/631230981241788/ The model has good reviews on here and other forums. Any red flags I might be missing? I'm guessing that hammer attachment could mean the machine has a good bit of wear on it, assuming it was used to hammer a lot.

The other place I have been looking is a used equipment dealer, with good Google reviews. I talked to the owner and he seems stand up, machines are gone over, and subsequently cost more. https://www.rkenergyservicesinc.com...category/1031?etid=1&pcid=3340265&dlr=1&sfc=0

Not much out there these days in the way of deals, and prices continue to climb. I greatly appreciate any insight.

Taki mini excavators are good gear. If those are actual hours, I wouldn't be concerned about the hammer usage. The machine looks clean, and well taken care of visually. My only thought would be running a flail mower. These machines don't make a great deal of gpm, but like you said, your not making a living with it. It might take you a while but its just your time. Given the low hours, and current pricing, it looks like the start of a decent deal.

Yeah, I need to see if I can somehow verify those hours. Seems really low for a machine that’s 13 years old, but it’s certainly possible. I’m set to call the seller tomorrow.
Regarding running a flail, the spec sheet I found online for the TB135 shows an aid flow of 15.6gpm at 3,000 psi. Assuming this is correct, the Lipa brand flail I am looking at calls for 14-16gpm at 3,000 https://store.needhamag.com/product/lipa-tlbe-90/

If your making 15 gpm that is good for that size machine. My 6 ton TB153's prior to 2012 made about the same gpm and it sucked for running a flail mower, but I was doing it commercially. As far as the psi, your thumb runs off the aux. it is turned down to allow for the thumb to give against the bucket. So unless you adjust the psi for the mower, you wont be making 3K psi using the mower. The lower psi causes the mower to stall, which for me was very irritating. If the material is lighter it will work better. If you can verify the hours are correct, I think you would be hard pressed to find a cleaner machine of that age.

Good info on the psi being turned down die the thumb. That is a concern, as I’m sure a flail wouldn’t run well with lower than spec psi. Any idea what the adjustment would be to increase psi on the aux circuit? Are they mostly likely using a dedicated relief valve on that circuit?

I don't know how to make the adjustment.

I use to own a TB135 for my business. I still own three takeuchi mini excavators. I like the machines. The 135 was a great machine capability wise, but the one I bought used (with 2000 hours on it) was not in great shape and I learned a lot. Check a few things, although from the images I'm sure it's not an issue with this machine. Check that the air filter cover clip locations have not broken off. The air filter covers are not great, and if any of the plastic housing is cracked, the clips and cover may fall off or let dust in. I would also check the pins and bushings for play. On mine, I broke a few thumb pins. If the dust cover is good, and the machine starts fast and strong without heat, and the pins are tight, then I think you have a good machine. Great that it has three buckets!

good info PeterG, thanks!