Takeuchi TL8 vs Takeuchi TL6R
Quick take: The Takeuchi TL6R costs $12,000 less; the Takeuchi TL8 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,105 vs 1,841 lbs); the Takeuchi TL8 has more engine power (74 vs 65 hp).
| Spec | Takeuchi TL8 | Takeuchi TL6R |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $68,000 | $56,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (400) | 4.5★ (260) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Radial Lift |
| ROC | 2105 lbs | 1841 lbs |
| Engine HP | 74 hp | 65 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8455 lbs | 7780 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 6020 lbs | 5260 lbs |
| Lift Height | 121 in | 114 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 22.5 GPM | 17.8 GPM |
| Engine | Kubota | Kubota V2403-CR |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | No | 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 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- ✗The TL8 has been superseded by the TL8R2/TL8-2, so buyers of a new-old-stock or used TL8 should confirm the latest support.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 TL6R
- ✓At just over 5 feet wide and 6.5 feet tall, the TL6R squeezes through gates, doorways, and low canopies that stop every mid-frame CTL, which is exactly why backyard-access contractors buy it.
- ✓Takeuchi's trademark rugged undercarriage carries over from the bigger TLs, and owners praise the track life and durability as better than anything else in the small class.
- ✓The Kubota V2403 engine is a proven, widely-supported powerplant, and owner-operators report years of dependable service with basic maintenance.
- ✓The 5,930 lb bucket breakout force punches far above its weight class, and operators say it digs like a machine a size bigger.
- ✓The 27.8 GPM high-flow option is exceptional for a sub-8,000 lb machine, letting it run stump grinders and power rakes that surprise rental customers.
- ✓At around 7,800 lb it tows easily behind a 3/4-ton pickup with attachment on the trailer, keeping the whole rig legal and simple.
- ✓Takeuchi's independent dealers have a loyal following for personal service, and the 2-year/2,000-hour warranty matches the best in the industry.
- ✓Resale is strong because Takeuchi's durability reputation keeps small used TLs in constant demand among owner-operators.
- ✗The 1,841 lb rated capacity is genuinely small, and contractors doing heavier work quickly bump against its limits with full pallets or wet material.
- ✗The radial lift path limits dump height and reach, so loading tall dump trucks takes more care than with vertical-lift machines.
- ✗Takeuchi's dealer network is smaller and more regional than the big brands, so parts and warranty support vary by location.
- ✗The 114-inch hinge-pin height trails vertical-lift competitors, and loading over high trailer sides can require building a ramp of material.
- ✗The cab is snug for larger operators, a common trade-off in the compact class that taller users notice on long days.
- ✗Standard 17.8 GPM flow is modest, so serious attachment users need the high-flow version, adding cost.
- ✗The attachment ecosystem is smaller than Bobcat's, and finding used implements sized for a small-frame machine takes more hunting.
- ✗Ride quality at travel speed is bouncier than suspended-undercarriage machines because of the short, rigid track frame.