Head to head
Takeuchi TL11R3 against Takeuchi TL12R2
The Takeuchi TL12R2 saves $4,000; the Takeuchi TL12R2 carries 282 lb more once both are rated the same way; the Takeuchi TL12R2 moves 0.2 GPM more through the auxiliary circuit.
| Spec | Takeuchi TL11R3 | Takeuchi TL12R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $92,000 | $88,000 |
| Rated capacity, as advertised | 2,735 lbs | 2,975 lbs |
| Rated at | 35% of tipping load | 34% of tipping load |
| Tipping load | 7,825 lbs | 8,630 lbs |
| Capacity at its class convention | 2,739 lbs | 3,021 lbs |
| Engine power | 107 hp | 111 hp |
| Engine | Kubota V3800-TIE5B | Kubota V3800-TIEF4B |
| Auxiliary flow | 23.1 GPM | 23.3 GPM |
| Lift height | 126 in | 126 in |
| Operating weight | 11,980 lbs | 12,590 lbs |
| Lift path | Radial Lift | Radial Lift |
| Rubber tracks | Yes | Yes |
| High flow available | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab available | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed travel available | Yes | Yes |
| Self-levelling available | Yes | Yes |
| A/C and heat available | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2,000 hr | 2 yr / 2,000 hr |
What owners say about each
Takeuchi TL11R3
- Takeuchi's first EH-controlled loader lets operators switch ISO/H patterns, set arm height limits for low doors, and tune boom, bucket, and travel sensitivity individually.
- The 107.3 hp Kubota and up-to-40 GPM high-flow circuit run mulching heads and cold planers that mid-frame CTLs choke on.
- The radial boom is tuned for breakout force, and early operators praise how hard it digs compared to vertical-lift machines of similar weight.
- The 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and standard 270-degree rearview camera bring the cab tech up to par with Cat and Deere flagships.
- Takeuchi Fleet Management telematics is included free for five years - longer than most competitors' standard subscriptions.
- As a first-year, first-of-series machine, the TL11R3's EH system has little long-term field history - early adopters carry the debugging risk.
- The 40.5 GPM high-flow circuit is an option, not standard - a base machine leaves the factory with 23.1 GPM, so the mulching-carrier headline needs the box ticked.
- The 107 hp Kubota uses DOC, DPF, and SCR aftertreatment, so unlike smaller Takeuchis this one requires DEF and its added upkeep.
- At nearly 12,000 lbs with a cab it demands a heavy trailer and at least a one-ton truck to move legally.
- Priced in flagship territory where it fights the Cat 275, Bobcat T76, and Deere 331 P-Tier, all with larger dealer networks.
- The 2,735 lb rated capacity is modest for the weight class - vertical-lift competitors at this size carry 3,000+ lbs.
- Takeuchi's dealer coverage is still thin in parts of the Midwest and Mountain West, a real consideration for warranty-era support.
Takeuchi TL12R2
- The 111.3 hp Kubota V3800 and available 40.4 GPM high-flow circuit make it a legitimate dedicated mulcher carrier straight from the factory.
- Over 8,200 lbs of bucket breakout force lets it rip roots and hardpan that stall lighter machines.
- The simple radial boom has fewer pivots than vertical-lift linkages - less to grease, less to wear, and less to flex under mulcher loads.
- Takeuchi's heavy undercarriage with sealed rollers is a proven long-life design, and owners regularly exceed 1,500 hours on original tracks.
- At 12,590 lbs it is stable on slopes and resists getting pushed around by big attachments the way mid-frames do.
- The pressurized cab seals out mulching dust well, and the high-back suspension seat keeps operators fresh through long clearing days.
- Strong resale and a loyal owner base - used large-frame Takeuchis command premium prices in land-clearing markets.
- Radial lift means less reach at full height - loading tall dump trucks is noticeably clumsier than with the TL12V2 or other vertical-lift machines.
- The 111 hp Kubota requires DEF plus a DPF, adding fluid costs and regen management that smaller Takeuchis avoid.
- At 12,590 lbs plus attachment weight it is a one-ton-truck-and-gooseneck proposition - transport is a real cost of ownership.
- The 2,975 lb rated capacity trails the vertical-lift TL12V2 by over 1,100 lbs, so pallet-heavy contractors are in the wrong spec.
- Fuel burn under mulcher load is substantial - owners report 5+ gallons per hour in heavy vegetation.
- Takeuchi's dealer network is thinner than Cat or Bobcat in much of the country, which matters when a mulching operation is down.