For Chad Jones, an experienced operator with the City of Springfield, IL, efficiency isn’t just a goal — it’s a necessity. In a city where crews juggle everything from sidewalks and drive approaches to full street repairs, getting from one job to the next quickly and safely is key. That’s why the addition of the Takeuchi TB395W Wheeled Excavator to their fleet has been nothing short of a game changer.
Mobility that Saves Time
“The TB395W is a key machine for what we do on a day-to-day basis,” said Jones, a proud member of Local 965 for over 18 years. “It allows us to get from jobsite to jobsite without having to trailer, chain down, or waste time. We can move freely across town.”
With the TB395W, the city’s crews can navigate across Springfield without worrying about setting up trailers or coordinating haul trucks, making tight timelines and multiple projects in one day much more manageable.
Comfort Built for Operators
For Chad, operator comfort isn’t just a luxury — it’s vital. “I’m 6’7”, and a lot of equipment feels like a sardine can. But with the TB395W, it’s roomy and comfortable enough for an 8- or even 10-hour shift,” he shared. Takeuchi’s thoughtful cab design and adjustable controls help reduce operator fatigue while maximizing productivity.
Stability and Safety in Tight Spaces
With infrastructure projects often taking place in busy areas, stability and safety are essential. Jones highlighted the excavator’s standout stability when working off to the side. “When we’re working in hot lanes, where we can’t close both lanes, the TB395W lets us stay out of traffic. It’s got zero tail swing and a rock-solid chassis, so you’re safe, stable, and not in harm’s way,” he said.
The machine’s dual stabilizers, front blade, and self-leveling capabilities on uneven ground ensure that whether crews are loading trucks, digging ditches, or handling concrete, they’re doing it securely.
Reach, Power, and Versatility
Whether extending to load trucks from the front or back, or using attachments like tilt buckets for ditch work, the TB395W delivers. “You can fully extend it to the side, and there’s no chassis tip or cab rock,” Jones said. “It’s smooth and stable — as good as anything out there.”
Quality and Serviceability Make the Difference
Like many municipal fleets, Springfield values machines that are built to last and easy to maintain. “There’s steel everywhere — not much plastic. You can see the quality. And the serviceability? Takeuchi has highlighted every grease zerk — there are a lot of them, but they’re all labeled, and that makes a huge difference,” Jones noted.
Supported by Luby Equipment
Backing up the machine is Luby Equipment, Springfield’s local dealer, who provided the city with the TB395W and ongoing support. “Luby has been great to work with,” Jones added. “Having a local partner who understands our needs makes it easier to keep these machines running and on the job.”
A True Game Changer
For Chad and the Springfield crews, the Takeuchi TB395W Wheeled Excavator isn’t just another machine — it’s transforming how they work. “It’s definitely a game changer,” Jones concluded. “It lets us do more with fewer people and move from job to job faster.”
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