Even when the world shut down this year, construction equipment continued to roll. Since the beginning of the pandemic, crews and projects have been considered essential. Key machinery markets like housing are actually bucking the trend and growing in our new Covid economy. Somehow, I was able to attend two important machine tradeshows in February and March (The Rental Show and CONEXPO-CON/AGG) before all the chaos, and equipment manufacturers continued to release awesome, industry-changing products throughout 2020 despite the incredible challenges. The persistence, dedication and innovation of both equipment makers and the equipment trades (construction, rental, ag, landscape and beyond) blew me away this year. They helped build a clearer path in our radically changed world, and I’d like to honor all of them by highlighting what I consider the best compact, off-highway machines, technologies and OEM systems released for sale or concept in 2020. Congrats to all the companies included, and thanks to all the men and women behind these brands. They are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.
Power Meets Comfort
The TB370 is the first in Takeuchi’s new 300 Series compact excavator line, and it’s a doozy. A bigger machine in the 6- to 7-ton class, customers in general contracting, landscaping, utility construction and rental can enjoy a productive blend of power and comfort. The TB370 has an operating weight of 14,850 lbs, dig depth of 13 ft, 4.7 in. and max reach of 21 ft, 11.4 in. It has an impressive bucket breakout force of 14,613 lbs and a high-flow auxiliary circuit up to 31.7 gpm. That’s all powered by a Kubota turbocharged diesel engine, delivering 56.9 hp and 168.1 ft-lbs of torque. The TB370 cab includes an 8-in. touchscreen color monitor, integrated air conditioning and Bluetooth radio. For more info, visit takeuchi-us.com or check out the video below.
