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How to increase LV lifespan with upgraded radiators for the Landcruiser – 70series VDJ/HZJ

July 2, 2025

If you’re running a fleet of Toyota 70 Series LandCruisers for underground mining operations, chances are you’re constantly dealing with radiator failures, overheating, or corrosion-related issues. OEM and most aftermarket radiators often can’t survive the extreme heat, stop-start cycles, mud fouling, or general wear and tear that comes with life underground. Ultimately, if the radiator stops sufficiently cooling the engine – you run the risk of total engine failure, and if that happens you’ve got much bigger problems than a broken radiator. That’s why we built a better solution – a LandCruiser radiator upgrade engineered specifically for underground mining conditions.

In this blog, we break down the reasons why Landcruiser radiators are more likely to fail underground, how we researched and developed a better solution, and ultimately how our new Takeo heavy-duty radiators can solve site specific problems that the industry is dealing with every day.

And if you’re not in the underground industry don’t worry, we’ve got something for you as well. We’ve designed a high-quality alloy alternative to the genuine radiator, perfectly suited to open-pit or civil LandCruiser fleets. This model was designed to last just as long as the genuine, without breaking the bank with additional features that aren’t necessary.

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Why LandCruiser Radiators Fail Underground

Underground mining is brutal on LVs – this isn’t breaking news. There’s multiple environmental factors that cause damage and even total failure of the radiator. We’ve been to nearly every underground mine site in the country, and radiators are a constant headache for the maintenance teams on site. Rather than ignoring the problem, we’ve really tried to understand it, with the intention to design a new product that combats these issues.

Here are the main reasons why radiators fail underground:

Ambient Temperatures

Underground mines can reach ambient temperatures far beyond what a standard LandCruiser radiator is designed to handle. These high-heat environments quickly expose the limitations of OEM and cheap aftermarket cooling systems.

The temperatures are typically higher than normal because of the limited airflow in underground portals. Pair this with the already extreme temperatures that the Australian climate throws up, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Many mine sites in places like the Pilbara and Northern Territory experience extreme heat year round, meaning the cooling system and engine never get a break. A durable, high-quality radiator is even more important in places like this.

Slow Speeds and Frequent Stopping – Limited Airflow

Vehicles operate at low speed or idle for extended periods underground, limiting airflow through the radiator. The radiator requires constant airflow through the core to effectively cool the engine. This is fine in regular driving conditions where the vehicle is moving at high speeds, but in underground tunnels with speed regulations and frequent stopping, airflow is limited. Without sufficient movement, radiators can’t cool efficiently — leading to regular overheating.

This requires a higher-performing radiator to sufficiently cool down the engine with limited airflow.

Mud and Fouling

Mud, dirt, dust and debris cling to the fins and tubes, reducing airflow and heat transfer. Most stock radiators clog fast and can’t be cleaned without damaging the core. Once the core starts to get clogged up, it’s just a matter of time before the whole unit needs replacing.

Corrosion and Rust

Underground tunnels are often filled with salt-water puddles and mud. Constant exposure to these conditions result in corrosion and rust, which is accelerated by mud caking onto the metal core and tank. Once rust and corrosion sets in, it’s only a matter of time before the radiator begins to leak, and the whole structural integrity starts wasting away.

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The Specs – Heavy Duty Alloy 70 series Landcruiser Radiator

The heavy-duty underground spec radiator obviously has higher specs than the genuine alternative. While the two variations look very similar, the PREMIUM+ model has noteworthy features which propel it to new heights. The below is a breakdown of those specs. At the bottom of the page is a visual breakdown to help distinguish between the two models.

Heavy-Duty Upgraded Alloy Radiator – Underground Spec (TAKEO PREMIUM+)

Upgraded Alloy Tank

• Upgraded tank is a primarily aluminum construction, increasing the strength and durability in comparison to other common materials.
• applies to both models

Pre-drilled Coolant Level Sensor Ports

• Plug and play installation of coolant level sensors – removes the need to drill. Ensure safety and longevity by easily fitting coolant sensors.
• applies to both models

Reinforced Header-to-Tank Welding

• Increased structural integrity reduces impacts of general wear and tear, drastically increasing strength and overall durability.
• applies to both models

30% Increased Fouling Tolerance

• ‘Hourglass high-frequency welded tube’ – this special design delivers exceptional cooling efficiency and ability to withstand mud build up.
• PREMIUM+ ONLY

Pressure-Washable Core

• As above – hourglass welding construction massively increases strength and durability, allowing for pressure washing to remove build up without damage.
• PREMIUM+ ONLY

Anti-Corrosion Coating

• A protective coating combats the impact of corrosion and helps improve heat dispersion, drastically increasing life span in corrosive environments. This feature is unique to our PREMIUM+ radiator and highly specific to underground mining where environmental conditions are extremely corrosive.
• PREMIUM+ ONLY

Which One’s Right for Your Fleet?

• TAKEO PREMIUM: Best for surface mining, exploration crews, and applications with less mud exposure. A high-quality alternative to the OEM radiator that won’t break the bank.
• TAKEO PREMIUM+: Built for underground mining, harsh environments, extreme driving conditions. If you want to extend the lifespan of your LVs underground, this is the radiator for you.

Both are direct-fit replacements for:

• HZJ LandCruiser – part number 16400-17400
• VDJ LandCruiser – part number 16400-51030

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We Didn’t Source a New Radiator – We Built it Ourselves

Clearly, the radiators our clients were currently using just weren’t up to scratch when it came to underground mining. Our clients were crying out for a custom made radiator with unique specs, that probably wouldn’t make sense in other automotive markets. After taking the time to understand the issues and the potential fixes, there was only one option – build one ourselves.

Boots-on-the-Ground Research

We worked directly with LV Fitter’s, Reliability Engineers and Maintenance Managers to understand exactly why radiators fail – and what a long-term solution should look like. Different sites reported different root causes, which meant multiple considerations had to be made when designing our upgraded radiator.

Developed with the Help of Fitters

We teamed up with experienced site fitters to refine the design and fitment. From the material construction of the core and tank itself, to the precise locations of ports and insertions. It was important to have the direct feedback from fitters who worked with these parts every day.

Two Variations Based on Application

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we built two models: one for surface driving or light-duty 4wd use, and another for harsh underground environments – which is where we can provide the greatest improvement.

We understand that not everybody wants the most heavy-duty, high-spec option available – as this comes with an added cost. In harsh underground conditions, the extended lifespan of the part more than makes up for the slightly higher unit cost, but we understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique.

So we also created a slightly lower-spec variation, which is designed to sit on the same level as the genuine Toyota radiator. This model has the same construction and reinforced welding specs as the “Premium+” model, but is a more cost effective solution for less extreme driving conditions. A full spec breakdown and comparison can be found at the bottom of the page.

Trialled on Sites

These aren’t concepts. Takeo radiators have been fitted and field-tested in active underground mining operations. This isn’t just a throw-away line either, we intend to continually tweak and improve the specs of this radiator, based on the feedback that comes back from site. Our objective is to have the best product for mining application, and we’ll do that with consistent feedback from real trials on real mine sites.

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Upgrade to a Mining-Proof Radiator Today

Radiator failure doesn’t just cost you parts – it can cost you an entire engine. If you’re interested in a custom built radiator to suit underground mining conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Be sure to mention the variation you’re interested in, as well as the vehicle fitment required.

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