Takeuchi TL12V2 vs JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid
Quick take: The JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid costs $3,000 less; the Takeuchi TL12V2 has a higher rated operating capacity (4,107 vs 3,695 lbs); the Takeuchi TL12V2 has more engine power (111 vs 74 hp).
| Spec | Takeuchi TL12V2 | JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $95,000 | $92,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (420) | 4.3★ (190) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Radial Lift |
| ROC | 4107 lbs | 3695 lbs |
| Engine HP | 111 hp | 74 hp |
| Operating Weight | 13040 lbs | 12615 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 11734 lbs | 10557 lbs |
| Lift Height | 134 in | 159 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 22.5 GPM | 24 GPM |
| Engine | Kubota V3800-CR | JCB EcoMAX |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | Yes | No |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 2 yr / 2000 hr |
Pros & cons
Takeuchi TL12V2
- ✓At 4,107 lb capacity the TL12V2 is one of the highest-lifting CTLs on the market, and heavy operators say it out-muscles machines that cost more.
- ✓The 111 hp Kubota V3800 engine delivers strong, reliable power, and owners praise it for pulling hard through the toughest dirt and material work.
- ✓Takeuchi invented the compact track loader, and the TL12V2's rugged undercarriage has a reputation for durability and long track life under commercial use.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 134-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers effortless, a real advantage for aggregate work.
- ✓Takeuchi pricing typically undercuts a comparably-spec'd Cat 299D3 or Bobcat T86, so value-focused buyers get flagship capability for less.
- ✓The cab is comfortable with good visibility, and owners appreciate the straightforward, durable controls over long production days.
- ✓Resale value is strong because Takeuchi's durability reputation keeps used demand high among owner-operators and contractors.
- ✓The high-flow option and strong hydraulics let it run demanding attachments, adding versatility to its heavy-lift capability.
- ✗Takeuchi's dealer network is smaller and more regional than Bobcat or Cat, so parts and service access varies a lot by location.
- ✗At over 13,000 lb it's a heavy machine that requires a serious truck and trailer, limiting mobility for smaller operators.
- ✗Undercarriage and track costs on a machine this size are significant, especially on abrasive ground.
- ✗Because dealers are independent, warranty and service experience can be inconsistent depending on the specific dealer.
- ✗The attachment and used-implement ecosystem is smaller than Bobcat's, so sourcing tools locally can be harder.
- ✗Some operators note the cab and controls, while durable, feel less refined than the latest Cat and Bobcat interiors.
- ✗Its size and weight make it overkill and less nimble for tight residential work versus a medium-frame CTL.
- ✗The premium price for a flagship machine, while lower than Cat, is still a major investment that tests smaller-operator budgets.
JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid
- ✓The telescopic boom is genuinely unique — 13'3" of lift height and 8 feet of forward reach let it stack bales two-high, load feed mixers, and reach across trailers in ways no conventional skid steer can.
- ✓The side-entry door means operators never crawl over the attachment or under a raised boom, and owners call it a game-changing safety and convenience feature after living with front-entry machines.
- ✓It can dig 3 feet below grade with the boom extended, letting it backfill from one side of a trench or unload from a single trailer side — party tricks that replace a second machine on some jobs.
- ✓The JCB EcoMAX engine hits 74 hp without a DPF or DEF, so there are no regen interruptions or fluid top-offs, which owners burned by emissions headaches specifically appreciate.
- ✓The single-arm PowerBoom is made of high-tensile steel with a huge cross-section, and JCB's decades of backhoe and telehandler experience show in the boom's rigidity.
- ✓Visibility is exceptional — with no right-side boom arm and a big glass area, operators report a 60% better view than conventional twin-arm skid steers.
- ✓The US Marine Corps selected the Teleskid for its Multi-Terrain Loader program, a durability endorsement owners like to cite.
- ✓For farms and ranches it can replace both a skid steer and a small telehandler, and multi-machine owners say the consolidation justifies the premium.
- ✗Capacity at full extension drops to around 1,600 lb, and buyers expecting to lift heavy pallets at maximum reach are consistently disappointed — the big rated number only applies with the boom retracted.
- ✗At around $92,000 it costs flagship-CTL money, and forum users repeatedly question whether the reach justifies the price unless you truly need it weekly.
- ✗The single-side boom concentrates weight on one side, and operators cutting grades report the machine leaning toward the boom side until they adapt.
- ✗JCB's compact-equipment dealer network is thin in much of the US, and owners report parts waits and inconsistent service experience by region.
- ✗The telescoping boom adds wear points, and JCB has revised the boom design over the years to address slop and wear at the extension points.
- ✗Some owners report quality-control irritations like A/C and sensor faults that took multiple dealer visits to resolve.
- ✗Resale is a question mark because the used market for such a specialized machine is small, and trade-in offers reflect that uncertainty.
- ✗At over 12,600 lb it's the heaviest machine in its class, requiring a serious truck and trailer to move between jobs.