Takeuchi TB260 vs. Takeuchi TB335R — Which Compact Excavator Should You Rent?
Both the Takeuchi TB260 and the TB335R are in our fleet at Flex Equipment Rental — but they are built for very different jobs. The TB260 is a powerful 6-ton excavator with deep reach and serious breakout force, while the TB335R is a nimble short-tail-swing machine that thrives in tight spaces. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which machine to request for your next project. Call us at 814.883.9444 if you want to discuss your job details and get a recommendation right away.
Quick Spec Comparison: TB260 vs. TB335R
| Specification | Takeuchi TB260 | Takeuchi TB335R |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 12,125–12,645 lb | 8,310 lb |
| Horsepower | 47.6 hp (Yanmar) | 24.4 hp (Kubota) |
| Max Dig Depth | 12 ft 9.4 in | 10 ft 6 in |
| Max Reach | 20 ft 6.9 in | — |
| Bucket Breakout Force | 12,756 lb | 9,127 lb |
| Tail Swing | Conventional (reduced overhang) | Short tail — only 3.1 in over tracks |
| Aux Hydraulics | 1st & 2nd standard | Dedicated coupler circuit (cab) |
| Telematics | — | Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) standard |
When the TB260 Is the Right Call
The Takeuchi TB260 is the machine you want when the job demands power, reach, and depth. At nearly 48 horsepower and over 12,600 pounds of operating weight, the TB260 handles larger commercial excavation, deep utility trenching, and full site preparation with confidence. Its 12-foot-9-inch dig depth and 20-foot reach make it ideal for loading trucks, digging foundation footers, and moving serious material.
Choose the TB260 when you are working on open job sites where tail swing clearance is not a major concern. Its conventional tail design delivers maximum counterweight stability, which translates into smoother, stronger digging cycles. This is the excavator for contractors who need production speed and do not want to compromise on capability.
When the TB335R Is the Better Fit
The Takeuchi TB335R was purpose-built for tight-access residential and urban work. Its short tail swing design keeps the counterweight within just 3.1 inches of the track width, which means you can rotate the cab next to foundations, fences, parked vehicles, and existing structures without worrying about striking anything behind you.
At 8,310 pounds, the TB335R is also significantly lighter than the TB260, making it easier to transport on a standard equipment trailer. It still delivers impressive performance — 10 feet 6 inches of dig depth and over 9,100 pounds of bucket breakout force — so it handles sewer lateral replacements, backyard utilities, and landscaping excavation with ease.
The TB335R also comes standard with Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) telematics, giving fleet operators real-time visibility into machine location, hours, and maintenance alerts.
Real-World Job Scenarios
Scenario A: Digging a basement foundation in a new subdivision.
The open site gives you room to swing, and the job demands deep, fast digging. Go with the TB260.
Its superior dig depth and breakout force will keep production moving.
Scenario B: Replacing a sewer lateral in a backyard with fences on both sides.
Tight access and obstacles on every side mean you need a short tail swing machine. The TB335R is built for exactly this.
You will dig confidently without damaging the homeowner's property.
Scenario C: Mixed utility work on a commercial site.
Some areas are wide open while others are tight along buildings and parking areas. Rent both machines.
Use the TB335R for close-quarters work and the TB260 for open-area production digging. Call us at 814.883.9444
and we can set up a package rental for both machines.
Rental Pricing & Availability
Flex Equipment Rental offers both the Takeuchi TB260 and TB335R on daily, weekly, and monthly rental terms. Pricing depends on rental duration, delivery distance, and any attachments you need. We are happy to provide a quote tailored to your specific project.
We also deliver and pick up equipment across central Pennsylvania, including State College, Bellefonte, Altoona, Lock Haven, and surrounding areas. Call 814.883.9444 or fill out our rental request form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short tail swing excavator?
A short tail swing (also called zero tail swing or minimal tail swing) excavator is designed so that the counterweight and rear of the cab stay within or very close to the width of the tracks when the machine rotates. The Takeuchi TB335R has only 3.1 inches of overhang, making it ideal for working in confined areas where a conventional machine's tail could hit walls, fences, or vehicles.
Can I tow the TB335R with a pickup truck?
At 8,310 pounds, the TB335R can be towed on a properly rated equipment trailer with a 3/4-ton or 1-ton pickup truck. Always check your truck's towing capacity and ensure your trailer is rated for the combined weight. The heavier TB260 (over 12,000 lb) typically requires a larger towing setup or delivery service. Flex Equipment Rental offers delivery for both machines — call 814.883.9444 for details.
Which Takeuchi excavator is better for landscaping?
For most residential landscaping work — grading, trenching, planting large trees, installing drainage — the TB335R is the better choice. Its lighter weight causes less damage to existing turf, and the short tail swing lets you work close to homes and hardscaping without risk. For large-scale commercial landscaping that involves deep excavation or heavy material handling, the TB260's extra power and reach may be worth the trade-off.
Does Flex Equipment Rental deliver excavators?
Yes. We deliver and pick up equipment throughout central Pennsylvania, including the State College, Bellefonte, Altoona, and Lock Haven areas. Delivery fees depend on distance from our location. Contact us for a delivery quote or call 814.883.9444.
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Our team can help you pick the right machine for your job. Call us today or request a quote online.
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