Takeuchi TL8 vs Takeuchi TL12V2
Quick take: The Takeuchi TL8 costs $27,000 less; the Takeuchi TL12V2 has a higher rated operating capacity (4,107 vs 2,105 lbs); the Takeuchi TL12V2 has more engine power (111 vs 74 hp).
| Spec | Takeuchi TL8 | Takeuchi TL12V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $68,000 | $95,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (400) | 4.6★ (420) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 2105 lbs | 4107 lbs |
| Engine HP | 74 hp | 111 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8455 lbs | 13040 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 6020 lbs | 11734 lbs |
| Lift Height | 121 in | 134 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 22.5 GPM | 22.5 GPM |
| Engine | Kubota | Kubota V3800-CR |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | No | Yes |
| 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 TL8
- ✓Takeuchi invented the compact track loader, and owners consistently praise the TL8's rugged undercarriage and long track life as best-in-class.
- ✓The Kubota engine is a proven, reliable powerplant, and owner-operators report years of dependable service with basic maintenance.
- ✓Radial lift with strong breakout force makes it a genuine digging and grading machine, which operators doing site prep specifically choose it for.
- ✓Takeuchi's build quality and durability have a loyal following, and owners say the machine holds up to hard commercial use better than expected.
- ✓The double-reduction planetary drives deliver over 9,100 lb of traction, so it pushes and climbs strongly for its size.
- ✓The cab is comfortable with good visibility, and the standard-flow-plus-high-flow options give solid attachment versatility.
- ✓Resale value is strong because Takeuchi's reputation for durability keeps used demand high among owner-operators.
- ✓Owners appreciate that Takeuchi isn't tied to a single giant dealer network, so independent dealers often give more personal service.
- ✗Takeuchi's dealer network is smaller and more regional than Bobcat or Cat, so parts and service access varies a lot by location.
- ✗Radial lift limits dump height and reach, making high-sided truck loading harder than with a vertical-lift CTL.
- ✗At 2,105 lb capacity it's a mid-compact machine, and some contractors find it undersized for heavier production work.
- ✗The TL8 has been superseded by the TL8R2/TL8-2, so buyers of a new-old-stock or used TL8 should confirm the latest support.
- ✗Undercarriage and track parts, while durable, still represent a meaningful ongoing cost on abrasive ground.
- ✗The attachment ecosystem is smaller than Bobcat's, so sourcing used implements locally can be harder.
- ✗Some owners note the cab and controls, while functional, feel less refined than the latest Cat and Bobcat interiors.
- ✗Because dealers are independent, warranty and service experience can be inconsistent depending on the specific dealer.
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.