Takeuchi TL150 Versus Bobcat T740: A Comparison

Brand competition is ultimately driven by consumers, who vote with their pocketbooks. Equipment manufacturers are keenly interested in what their customers need as they tweak their brand’s designs. This is as true for compact track loader (CTL) product lines as for any kind of equipment used in construction, agriculture, landscaping, forestry, and other industries.

Earlier we compared the Takeuchi TL140 to the Bobcat T650. The differences between their features and capabilities aren’t so much about being better or worse than the other – it’s more about what you, the end-user, want from your machine.

We expect that to be true for a similar comparison between the Takeuchi TL150 and the Bobcat T740, two models often compared head-to-head by potential buyers for similar applications. Let’s see what these two models offer you at a quick glance.

How Takeuchi TL150 & Bobcat T740 Stack Up

It’s worth mentioning again that while Takeuchi was first to introduce a CTL to the industry, the compact loader market can be said to have been created by Bobcat, inventor of the skid steer.

Both of their long histories assure you these companies know this market’s needs better than just about any other manufacturer and are continually giving their customers what they need to be successful.

Here are two of their top contenders in this class of compact track loader.

Product Support

After-purchase support is a strong selling point for both brands.

Takeuchi’s vast North American dealer network spans the U.S. and Canada coast-to-coast and features OEM-trained technicians. Parts availability is good, as the company supports its product lines at least six generations deep from right here in the U.S.

The Bobcat brand’s extensive dealer network represents every U.S. state and almost every Canadian province and territory. It’s supported through a parts distribution center in Chicago.

Dimensions & Weight

The Bobcat T740 is a slightly lighter unit with an operating weight listed as 10,127 lb. The Takeuchi TL150 is 775 lb. heavier at 10,902 lb.

As with any model of a compact track loader, its clearance through narrow accesses is generally dependent on its attachment. The TL150 is just 6.1 feet wide without attachment. The T740 is nearly 5 inches wider at 6.5 feet.

With their respective standard buckets attached, the Bobcat is slightly narrower. The standard Takeuchi bucket is 6 feet 4 inches wide; the T740, just 6 feet 2.

A few customers working with low accesses might wonder about cab height. Which CTL will pass through, say, a 7-foot-high garage door opening? The roomy cab of the TL150 is more than half a foot too tall at 7 feet 7.32 inches; the T740 will just squeak through with a cab height of only 6 feet 9.3 inches.

Engine & Hydraulics

Both models feature a Tier 4 Final diesel engine. The Bobcat T740 has a 74 hp diesel engine and offers a turbocharged diesel as an option. A turbocharged, 81 hp engine is standard on the Takeuchi TL150 at no extra cost.

The Bobcat has very similar hydraulic capabilities. Auxiliary standard flow and pressure of the T740 are 3,500 psi and up to 23 gpm. And Bobcat offers a 30.5 gpm high-flow option.

The TL150 CTL’s auxiliary standard flow is 2,986 psi at up to 23.5 gpm.

Both models allow operators to quickly change between various features like:

• Bucket designs
• Pallet forks
• Mowers
• Brooms
• Rakes
• Grapples
• Graders
• Breakers
• Saws
• Snow pushers
• Snow blowers
• Blades
• Plows
• Tillers
• Seeders
• Augers
• Tree spades
• And more   

Performance

Both have a maximum dump height of 10.3 feet and both have a similar reach at maximum dump height – 34 inches for the Takeuchi TL150 and 34.2 for the Bobcat T740.

How fast should a compact track loader be able to go? That varies by contractor need and operational philosophy. Some emphasize how speed contributes to increased productivity while others caution that it can take a higher toll on parts. Here how these two models compare by speed.

The Bobcat standard low-range T740 model can travel at up to 6.6 mph. Its optional two-speed model, however, can zip along at up to 10.7 mph.

The Takeuchi TL150 comes standard as a two-speed model. Its low-range travel speed is a little slower but is still a respectable 4.8 mph. In high-range, it reaches speeds of 6.9 mph.

Tracks

Length of track is similar on both units, with the Bobcat T740 having 63.7 inches of track on the ground; the Takeuchi TL150, 62.9 inches. This combined with a similar track width gives the models similar ground pressure. The TL150’s 18-inch-wide tracks exert just 4.3 psi on the ground. The standard 17.7-inch-wide tracks of the Bobcat T740 exert a ground pressure of just 4.1 psi.

For those who need extra traction, the T740 has a 12.6-inch-wide track option.

Dominion Equipment Parts keeps rubber tracks for both models in stock, each carrying a six month limited, non-prorated warranty from the date of the invoice against manufacturer’s defects. They feature Dominion Equipment’s Continuous Wrap Technology. A single coated-steel cord wrapped continuously around the rubber track belt ensures no weak points.

Dominion Takeuchi TL150, 450x100x50 tracks, and Bobcat T740, B450x86x55 replacement tracks feature a C-pattern tread for multi-surface use. They are manufactured under Dominion’s strict quality control procedures.

Takeuchi TL150 & Bobcat T740 Quality Dealers

Consult an authorized dealer for the most current information, since manufacturers can make changes to their specs that aren’t reflected in previously published materials.

Takeuchi and Bobcat both offer complete product support through their North American dealerships dedicated to your success with their CTL machines – no matter which generation or model you own. They will happily answer any questions you have. Give them a call! We can help keep your Bobcat or Takeuchi performing efficiently with rubber tracks and undercarriage parts. For more information, contact Dominion Equipment Parts online or call 866-363-7265.