Tail Swing On An Excavator and What It Means

The tail swing of a machine is how far the machine extends beyond the tracks when rotating. Two common phrases in regards to tail swing are “zero tail swing” and “conventional tail swing”.

Zero tail swing – the machines counterweight does not go beyond the tracks
Conventional tail swing – the machine has a counterweight that extends beyond the tracks in the back of the machine.

Both options have their advantages and potential uses.

If you are working in tight quarters near light poles, houses, or even inside, a zero tail swing excavator may be the best fit to avoid damaging the surroundings.
On the other hand, if you are working in an open space and stability is the top priority, then a conventional tail swing excavator is the one for you.

The tail swing of a machine is not just one or the other. Takeuchi offers a variety of excavators. Some have conventional tail swing and others have zero tail swing, but there are models that are somewhere between those two options. Certain Takeuchi excavators have a higher center of gravity and a narrower profile. This design allows those machines to spin without hitting nearby objects.

The Takeuchi excavators built to perform the best in confined spaces are the TB210R, TB257FR, and TB280FR.

The excavator we recommend for most confined working environments is the TB210R due to its ultra-compact design and these great features:

A pattern change valve
Pilot controls
Retractable undercarriage
Minimum tail swing
A two-post ROPS foldable frame

If you have a little more space to work with, the recommended excavator would be the TB257FR due to the characteristics listed below:

A side-to-side (STS) offset boom
Tight tail swing for unmatched visibility
The ability to rotate fully with very little overhang

Need help selecting the best excavator for your working environment? Contact ACT Construction Equipment at 800.462.2447 with all of your Takeuchi excavator needs.

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Tail Swing On An Excavator and What It Means

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