I just got this old TB25. It's not so clean so I could really use any books or .pdf manuals. On the other hand, I only paid $4k for it. Like the OP, it took me awhile to figure out that although the data plate says "TB250", most people refer to it as "TB25", like the decal on it says, to differentiate it from newer and completely different TB250s. My data plate:
Takeuchi TB250
Serial number ppp00921d
3T84HLE-TBS
Engine # A5764
Working rate 2.5 ton
It's a smoker but the smoke isn't so bad once it warms up. The ring blow-by that's going out the crankcase breather hose is worse! I've got a makeshift air / oil separator on the breather hose to catch the oil, but it's going to need a top-end overhaul soon (at least). Anybody have recommendations for parts? I'd rather not buy Chinese but Yanmar parts might be out of sight expensive. I read somewhere that John Deere used this engine too.
The Hobbs meter says 3200-something hours and it's still recording time and looks original so maybe correct and no need to do bottom end work. It's my first piece of equipment but I've spend a lifetime of my spare time overhauling cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks and airplanes (and build a homebuilt airplane too) so now I've bought an old smoker and joined this forum to broaden my horizons.
I took the stick cylinder to a shop to have it re-sealed. It was pumping fluid overboard. The other cylinders seems to be pretty good with only minor wetness, at worst. Next time I'll attempt the cylinder tear down myself, but I wanted to get up and running with it ASAP so I gave the local shop $350 (yikes).
It has a USA Attachments thumb on it. It took me a while to grasp how to make it grasp! (Diverter control toggle lever is next to the travel speed left foot heel pedal and then right foot left/right boom swing pedal controls the thumb.) The only control I don't understand is a momentary pushbutton switch on the top of the right (bucket/dipper stick) stick. It looks like an add-on. Oh well--can't be too important. I got the rest of the controls figured out.
I apologize if the terms I'm using here aren't quite correct. I'm just learning.
Thanks for any advice or tips. I'll need 'em!
Here's a pre-purchase photo at the seller's place.
-Cal
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