More Than Just a Finance Deal
A great finance deal might sound tempting, but in the long run, it’s not the deciding factor. The real test of equipment comes down to performance, reliability, and return on investment.
For Matt Peters of Truck N Track Excavations, the choice was clear. “When you’re digging for a living, what matters most is keeping customers happy and making sure there’s money in the bank,” he says. For him, the answer has always been robust engineering.
From Mechanic to Business Owner
Matt started his own business after years as a mechanic for a major earthmoving supplier. With hands-on experience across many brands, he knew exactly what kind of machine would hold up under pressure.
Choosing a Proven Excavator
“I looked at a lot of machines, but only Takeuchi gave me the performance and comfort I needed,” Matt recalls. He chose a Takeuchi TB250 five-tonne excavator that already had 5,000 hours on the clock.
“I didn’t hesitate because I knew the major components would last well beyond that. When the time comes, replacement costs are minimal. The cab is spacious, air-conditioned, and quiet. Controls are precise, and the track width of 1,840 mm makes it perfect for tight but powerful jobs. On the Newcastle Light Rail project, it performed faultlessly.”
Built Tough with Robust Engineering
Matt says Takeuchi’s design is “virtually bulletproof.” The machines are easy to service, safe to enter, and quieter inside the cab than many competitors. Controls allow for delicate work around utilities like gas lines and power cables—jobs where accuracy is critical.
Some colleagues questioned why he bought a used machine instead of chasing flashy finance deals on new gear. His answer? “For the performance and reliability I get, the difference was less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day.”
Upgrading to the TL10V2 Track Loader
Not long after, Matt decided to upgrade his track loader. He applied the same careful assessment and once again landed on Takeuchi.
“The robust engineering of the TL10V2 loader really stood out. Its visibility, tilt cab for easy servicing, and swing-out rear panel made maintenance simple. No other brand matched the strength of its hydraulics, the thoughtful layout of controls, or the spacious cabin.”
He also praised the safety-focused slide-up front door, the ability to enter and exit with attachments connected, and storage space for essentials like pre-start books and helmets.
Smart Features That Save Time
Matt pointed out practical features many overlook:
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Direct current wiring for the reverse alarm, avoiding extra costs.
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A high-flow hydraulic system with simple bleed-off valves.
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A lighting package and built-in reverse camera for safer operation.
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Smooth drive across all surfaces, even where other machines struggle.
“These small details show the difference in engineering,” Matt explained. “It’s why the machine drives effortlessly and works hard without complaint.”
The Bottom Line
For Matt Peters, the lesson is simple: don’t let finance deals dictate your decision. Look at the whole-of-life value.
“Takeuchi machines last longer, suffer less downtime, and give you more money in your pocket at the end of the day. With robust engineering, you get reliability that far outlives the finance contract,” he concludes.
