Takeuchi TL130: Problems, Durability, Repairs

There was only a short window for the production of the Takeuchi TL130 rubber track loader, which only ran from 2005 to 2009. Despite this, the vehicle has made a name for itself in the construction industry due to its powerful and reliable features partnered with a comfortable cabin for the operator.

With its direct injection engine, the Takeuchi TL130 offers up to 67 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. It has a dry weight of 850 lbs. and a lifting capacity of 1,620 lbs. Meanwhile, its bucket capacity is pegged at 28.9 cu-ft. to optimize its working capabilities and ensure its productivity on the project site. Among these are other conventional features that make it fit for heavy-duty tasks.

Durability of the Takeuchi TL130

Being from a Japanese brand, the TL130 skid steer loader rides on high expectations from owners and users. If given proper care by ensuring that it is always topped with its recommended fluids, its filters are changed regularly, and other parts are kept in good state via periodic maintenance, the longevity of the Takeuchi TL130 can go between 4,000 and 4,500 operating hours before requiring uneconomical repairs arising from the breakage of its crucial parts that have taken a toll from regular wear and tear.

At present, the TL130 is already between 13 to 17 years old. However, we still see a lot of them on construction sites and in the market. Most of them already have more than 2,000 to 2,500 hours on their meters, which serve as testaments of how far this tough machine can go.

Most Common Problems Experienced by Operators with the Takeuchi TL130 and Their Possible Solutions

There's no doubt that the Takeuchi TL130 is one hell of a machine. As time catches up with it though, some of its parts tend to require more maintenance or repairs than usual. So, if you want to ensure the longevity of your skid steer loader, you should always watch out for any potential issues in its system that could cause more trouble later on.

In this particular product, it helps if you know where some of its problems tend to happen so you will not be caught off guard when their symptoms suddenly start manifesting. With that, here are the most common causes of issues in the TL130:

1. The Left Side Drive Won't Move

We have been hearing a lot of complaints about the left side drive of the loader not engaging until the machine has reached certain temperatures in 10 to 20 minutes. In this instance, the right track still works in going forward or reverse.

According to mechanics, owners, and operators familiar with the issue, this primarily happens when the hydraulic fluid has become stale. However, possible parts failure shouldn't be discounted in this situation, too.

The primary parts that often fail in this situation are the solenoid valve and differential motor. Both of which can be replaced.

If the machine is not hot enough to engage its left track, then the solenoid valve may need replacing as it could be clogged with sediment or dirt. Also, the differential motor could have gone bad due to wear and tear. In either case, these parts can easily be replaced by a qualified mechanic.

Additionally, owners should consider changing out their hydraulic fluid if they are experiencing this issue on a regular basis as stale hydraulic fluid is a common culprit in machines such as loaders.

Hydraulic oil should be changed every 1,000 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first. If the problem is more persistent and the left side drive won't engage even when it's hot, then the steering motor could be faulty. The steering motor should be replaced if this is the case as it controls the hydraulic pressure that is necessary for the forward and reverse movements of the tracks on either side.

Finally, owners should check for any kinks in the hoses leading to the differential motor or solenoid valve as these could inhibit fluid flow, causing the left track to not engage properly. It would also be beneficial to take a look at both wheel motors and make sure they're not clogged with dirt or debris, or else, they may need thorough cleaning or replacements as well.

2. Damaged Loader Valves

The loader valve of the Takeuchi TL130 tends to get damaged around the 2,000 to 3,000-hour mark. This is an important component of a skid steer loader and its malfunction can cause several problems. Understanding the causes of this problem can help you identify it earlier and prevent it from happening in the first place.

The common symptoms of this issue include decreased performance when operating with attachments, intermittent operation, or even complete failure. This can be caused by several factors including dirt and debris build-up, wear on internal seals and o-rings, overheating due to lack of cooling airflow, improper lubrication levels, or inadequate maintenance. In some cases, the incorrect installation or defective parts can also lead to premature damage to the valve.

To fix the problem, it is important to identify the original cause and take appropriate steps. Make sure to inspect for dirt and debris buildup around the loader valve, its internal components, and the cooling fan. If you find any dirt or residue, clean it off using a soft brush or compressed air. Also check for signs of wear on internal seals, o-rings, and gaskets. Replace them if necessary. Additionally, ensure that all lubrication points are adequately filled with grease before running the machine again. Lastly, make sure that all parts were properly installed following the manufacturer's instructions, otherwise, they may need to be replaced as well.

Likewise, with regular inspections and maintenance of your loader valve, you can avoid premature damage and ensure optimal performance of your skid steer loader to boost its productivity.

3. De-tracking Problems

The rubber tracks of the Takeuchi TL130 make it suitable for different terrains, be it a soft or rugged surface. They are also responsible for the loader's smoother riding experience when working on even grounds. However, probably due to age, we have been hearing a lot about de-tracking problems in this skid steer.

A de-tracking issue can be recognized by the uncontrolled movements of the loader, either to the left or right. This situation is caused mainly byworn-outt rubber tracks or rust on sprockets and rollers. It might also be triggered by loose tension in idler arms and track adjuster assemblies. If any of these parts becomes too damaged, they can cause not only de-tracking problems but several other issues with the loader's performance as well.

This problem is quite common and easy to fix in capable hands. However, before starting a repair process it is important to assess all possible causes for the de-tracking issue.

First of all, check that both sides are equally tight and that none of the sprockets have too much rust. If everything is fine, move the machine forward and backward in a straight line to inspect if there's an unusual sound or movement. Also, it might be necessary to check up on the track adjuster assemblies, idlers, and bearings for any sign of damage or wear.

In the case of worn-out rubber tracks, it is important to replace them as soon as possible with new ones that fit tightly around the sprockets and rollers. The same goes for the rollers, which should be replaced when badly rusted or broken. All these parts are easily replaceable, although they might require special tools depending on how tight they have been installed originally.

Once all components have been inspected and/or replaced, make sure to tighten the tension on both sides of the loader, so that tracks remain aligned when moving. This should fix any de-tracking issues.

It is very important to inspect all parts that could be causing de-tracking problems in the Takeuchi TL130 to determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. The rubber tracks, sprockets, and rollers tend to fail more often with age, and they need to be checked up regularly. When repairing these parts, make sure everything is properly tightened and aligned so that the machine can perform as usual without any further issues.

Should you find yourself having trouble fixing the problem, do not hesitate to reach out to your trusted mechanic along the way.

Conclusion

There are many other problems that may occur in an aging machine such as the Takeuchi TL130. The ones shown here are only the most common based on a number of complaints about them. These should give you an idea of the parts that you should pay special attention to and where you can start to look should you start encountering any of the symptoms relating to them.

Every part of the Takeuchi TL130 matters because each one contributes to the various factors that contribute to the vehicle's quality, performance, reliability, safety, and durability. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance along with replacing faulty parts in time can help you avoid damage and ensure proper functionality and good working condition of your machine in more years to come.