Takeuchi TB240 vs. TB260: Which One is Better?

The Takeuchi has two very popular small excavators —TB240 and TB260. These two types are particularly smooth, whether they are used for landscaping, repairing public facilities, doing construction work, or digging ditches and pits daily. The functions of the two of them are not too bad, but they each have their own advantages in different working scenarios. Let’s compare their main performance below to help you quickly pick the one that is best for your project.

Overview of the Takeuchi TB240

The key specs of the Takeuchi TB240 are as follows. This 4-ton small excavator is particularly popular. It is powerful, small and very suitable for narrow field work.

• Operating Weight: 8,570 lbs (3,890 kg)
  
• Engine Power: 35.8 horsepower
  
• Maximum Digging Depth: 11 feet 4.8 inches
  
• Maximum Digging Radius (Ground Level): 18 feet 3.4 inches
  

The biggest advantage of TB240 is that it is all-around and easy to use. The compact size makes it easy to move around crowded construction sites, residential areas and urban areas. Whether it is a landscaping team, a municipal engineering team, or a house construction party, as long as they often work in narrow places, it is the right choice. The space in the cab is designed and the operator is comfortable. The field of view is good, the control device is also ergonomic, and it is not easy to get tired after working for a long time. It is easy to maintain and service, just replace the wear parts with quality Takeuchi parts on schedule, and it’ll keep running steadily and efficiently.

Overview of the Takeuchi TB260

The Takeuchi TB260 is a 6-ton mini excavator with a larger head and more power. It is obviously easier to get work done than in small models. No matter whether it is digging deeper or focusing on the key points, you will have more confidence. Although it has stronger performance, it is still a small excavator and the site requirements are not high. This machine is perfect for contractors who feel that ordinary small excavators are not enough and don’t want to go straight to the large excavators.

•  Operating weight: Approximately 12,645 lbs (5,735 kg)
  
•  Engine power: 47.6 hp
  
•  Maximum excavation depth: 12 feet 9.4 inches
  
•  Maximum operating radius (ground): 20 feet 3.9 inches
  

Compared to the TB240, the TB260 has nearly 12 more horsepower and weighs over 4,000 pounds more. This makes it more stable when doing heavy work. Higher weight and stability are very important in jobs like lifting pipes and concrete formwork.

Digging deeper also makes the TB260 more suitable for larger projects. For example, commercial building foundation construction or deeper municipal engineering. Despite the larger size, the operating comfort is not discounted. The cab is more spacious, the configuration is very similar to that of TB240, and it is not easy to get tired after working for a long time.

TB240 vs. TB260: What’s the Difference?

Now that we’ve gone over the TB240 and TB260 one by one, let’s pit them directly against each other. Those spec differences will show up loud and clear on the job site.

Power and Performance

The biggest gap is in power. The TB260 has a 47.6 HP engine, while the TB240 only has 35.8 HP. The difference is plain to see.

That extra power means a stronger digging force and faster cycle times. The TB240 is totally up to snuff for most regular digging work. But when you hit hard soil, gravel, or packed clay, the TB260 makes it way easier. It’s also a better fit for running hydraulic attachments that need more juice.

Size, Weight, and Transport

When it comes to transport and maneuverability, the TB240 is the winner. It’s lighter and more compact. In most areas, you can haul it with a regular truck and standard trailer—no CDL required. That saves small crews a ton of hassle and money.

The TB260 weighs over 12,000 lbs. It usually needs a bigger truck and trailer. In some places, you’ll even need a CDL, so transport gets more costly and complicated.

On the job site, the TB240 is more agile, too. It can easily squeeze into tight spots like backyard jobs or gaps between buildings.

Digging Depth and Reach

The TB260 digs over a foot deeper. The TB260 digs deeper and reaches further. The depth is more than 1 foot higher and the operating radius is about 2 feet higher. It doesn’t look like a big gap, but it’s very practical on the construction site. When laying sewers, water pipes or digging deep foundations, you can move the machine a few times less, work faster and more efficiently.

Attachments and Versatility

Both machines work with all kinds of attachments. Things like buckets, augers, hydraulic breakers, and grapples.

But the TB260 has a more powerful hydraulic system and better stability. It can handle bigger breakers or heavier attachments with no problem.

Which One is Better for You?

After comparing the two, which excavator is right for your crew? It all boils down to the kind of work you do most.

Go for the Takeuchi TB240 if:

• Main jobs are landscaping, residential builds, or utility work in built-up areas.
  
• Always working in tight spots—like backyards, narrow alleys, or between existing buildings.
  
• Easy transport is a must, and you want to skip the hassle of getting a CDL.
  
• Projects are light to medium digging jobs, and you rarely need to dig deeper than 11 feet.
  

Go for the Takeuchi TB260 if:

• Focused on commercial site prep, roadwork, or big excavation projects.
  
• Need maximum power and digging depth to tackle hard ground or install deep utilities.
  
• Often lift heavy stuff—like large pipes, concrete barriers, or trench boxes.
  
• Got the gear to transport a heavier machine, and your job sites have plenty of room to move around.
  

Conclusion

The TB240’s all about being agile and efficient in tight spots. The TB260 is the workhorse—built for jobs that need more strength and reach. Just take a good look at your usual projects, how you’ll transport the machine, and your budget. Then you can pick the right model with confidence—one that’ll be a useful, money-making tool for your business.