Track loaders have grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reasons. These heavy-duty vehicles are mainly used on construction sites for a variety of tasks, including bulldozing, lifting, etc.
They are often mistaken for skid steers as both have similar construction. However, unlike skid steers that run on wheels, track loaders feature two parallel tracks. This makes them a preferred option for working on rough terrains.
With that out of the way, if the aforementioned benefits have sparked an interest in your mind and you want to buy a track loader, you may face a dilemma. Hundreds of brands offer this equipment, and it seems that the track loader market has never been more competitive.
Takeuchi is a well-reputed company specializing in manufacturing top-quality machinery for farming and construction. Based in Japan, the company came into being in 1963.
Today, it is one of the leaders in the industry and enjoys a great reputation. Its track loaders are known for their powerful features and superior construction.
Having said that, just like every other piece of machinery, track loaders manufactured by Takeuchi can also develop problems over time. However, most of those problems have easy fixes that you can try at home without any professional assistance.
In this article, we intend to share some common problems you will likely face while using Takeuchi track loaders, along with their simple solutions. Let’s get started!
Takeuchi Track Loader Problems
Below mentioned are some common problems associated with the Takeuchi track loaders.
- Expensive Parts
Takeuchi uses premium-quality components in its track loaders. You won’t need to replace them often, but when you do, their high prices may leave you scratching your head. To worsen the situation, genuine Takeuchi accessories may not be available in your area.
It’s no secret that genuine spare parts perform better than aftermarket parts. The reason is obvious- they are designed by the track loader’s manufacturer and undergo various tests to meet their performance standards.
If you cannot find spare parts at your nearby store, consider going online. Apart from the company’s official website, you will find many online stores that offer these spare parts.
And yes, it would be a good idea to do some market research before purchasing any parts. This way, you can compare their prices and find the best deal.
- Door Gets Heavy
Another problem that you may face while using the Takeuchi track loader is that its door gets too heavy after some time. As a result, it gets stuck sometimes. Of course, this situation can be pretty frustrating for the user as they cannot get inside the can and operate the Takeuchi track loader.
This problem usually arises when users keep using the Takeuchi track loader without performing maintenance. The screws can go loose over time, which can also lead to this problem.
If the door of your Takeuchi track loader is not opening, try jiggling it a bit. And yes, consider taking a look at its screws. If they have loosened, tighten them using a screwdriver to fix this problem.
It is advised to get your Takeuchi track loader services regularly to avoid this issue in the first place. Your mechanic will check all the components of your Takeuchi track loader during maintenance.
This will keep your track loader in tip-top condition and prolong its lifespan. When problems are detected beforehand, you can get them fixed timely and avoid costly repairs.
- Lawn Damage
Takeuchi track loaders are not recommended for lawn care. This is because they run on tracks that can leave marks on the grass. Using these track loaders in your yard can damage your grass, ruining the look of your lawn.
Takeuchi track loaders are great for working on rough and soft terrains, but their tracks can cause problems. Sadly, there is nothing you can do about it. Consider using some other equipment that is meant to be used on lawns.
- Gets Stuck On Certain Surfaces
This problem is not limited to the Takeuchi track loaders only and is found in almost every track loader. These track loaders are not suitable for some terrains, muddy surfaces in particular.
Their speed also takes a hit when working on these terrains. There is no solution for this problem, as track loaders are built that way. Just be careful while driving and try avoiding such terrains.
- Engine Issues
There have been some complaints regarding engines in Takeuchi track loaders. It goes without saying that an engine is the most important part of any vehicle.
It is the main source of power as it burns the fuel to run your Takeuchi track loader. If there is some problem with your engine, your Takeuchi track loader will also feel the heat.
Start by inspecting the fuel system of your Takeuchi track loader, as it is the culprit in most cases. This system consists of fuel lines, filters, and a fuel pump.
The fuel filters hold a key role in the proper functioning of your Takeuchi track loader’s engine. They protect the engine from dust, debris, and other impurities.
Just like you need clean water, your track loader engine also needs clean fuel for its optimal performance. Like other components of your track loader, it can also go bad over time.
If the fuel filter of your Takeuchi track loader is clogged, foreign particles can reach the engine. This situation will ultimately lead to suboptimal engine performance and high fuel consumption. Furthermore, it will likely damage other engine parts as well, such as pistons.
A hard start is a common symptom of a clogged fuel filter. If the engine of your Takeuchi track loader is not engaging properly, it could be due to a blocked fuel filter. You may still be able to start your track loader, but it won’t go very far since a blocked filter will restrict fuel flow.
Apart from that, if you notice that your track loader is consuming more fuel than it normally does, it might be time to replace the fuel filter.
The location of the fuel filter can differ depending on the model of your Takeuchi track loader. So, it would be better to consult the user manual. Furthermore, it will also tell you how often you need to replace it. The older your track loader is, the more frequently you should replace the fuel filter.
Faulty fuel lines are another common reason for engine issues. These lines carry fuel from the storage tank to the combustion chamber. So, if there is something wrong with fuel lines, the fuel won’t be transferred to the combustion chamber, and your track loader won’t start properly.
If that’s the case, consider visually checking the fuel lines of your Takeuchi track loader. If they appear clogged, you will have to replace them to restore the proper functioning of your engine.
The Bottom Line
Takeuchi track loaders are the go-to choice for many construction workers, thanks to their solid construction and ultimate performance. However, they may also run into issues over time.
Since they are equipped with tracks, they are not suitable for landscaping. Furthermore, their doors may get heavy after some time, or their engines may not perform up to the mark. Consider trying workarounds mentioned in this article to fix these problems.