ASV Holdings Inc. has unveiled its new VT-70 High Output compact track loader, featuring higher torque, an efficient hydraulic system and ASV’s most comfortable cab to date.
The new mid-frame, vertical lift Posi-Track machine was introduced at a recent media event at ASV’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
“Fitting more power into our machines is a never-ending mission at ASV,” said Justin Rupar, vice president of sales and marketing for ASV. “The impressively powerful VT-70 High Output will allow our customers to complete tough jobs quickly and efficiently.”
The VT-70 High Output features 207 foot-pounds of torque. Higher torque allows for maximum performance, high speeds and minimal engine bog down in all applications.
“It’s got an exceptionally good torque curve. It makes 74.3 hp clear down at 2,200 rpm, you can work that engine, and it’s not just getting horsepower out of spinning fast, it’s getting it by making torque,” said Buck Storlie, ASV product line manager. “Torque is what does the work in the end.”
Drive motors transfer the torque to ASV’s patented internal-drive sprockets. Internal rollers reduce friction loss in the undercarriage, resulting in more power being transferred to the track regardless of drive speed.
As well, ASV built the machine with a turbocharged 74.3-hp Deutz 2.2-litre diesel engine.
“It’s almost an additional 10 hp from our VT-70 standard machine,” Storlie said. “It’s been an extremely reliable engine for us in testing.”
The engine meets EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards utilizing a DOC-only exhaust after-treatment without a DPF or SCR. This eliminates downtime risks, maintenance and the costs associated with regeneration and diesel exhaust fluid.
The VT-70 High Output’s hydraulic system feature direct drive pumps, which boost performance for even the most demanding attachments. The compact track loader’s hydraulic system includes 3,300 psi of auxiliary pressure and 84 litres per minute standard flow.
An optional 103.7 litres per minute high-flow system is available for greater performance with demanding attachments. The system features large line sizes, hydraulic coolers and direct-drive pumps, transferring more flow and pressure directly to the attachment.
The VT-70 High Output includes a rated operating capacity of 1,056 kg and a tipping load of 3,016 kg. The machine is 1.67-metre-wide and has a 3.21 metre lift height. The machine features speeds as fast as 18 km per hour. A self-levelling system allows attachments to stay at a set position while lifting. Operators can use the unit with all standard attachments.
ASV’s purpose-built Posi-Track undercarriage allows customers to use the VT-70 High Output as an all-terrain, all-season machine with maximum control, flotation, traction and pushing power in steep, wet, muddy and slippery conditions.
The result for the VT-70 High Output, which contains 12 contact points per track and 38-cm-wide tracks, is a ground pressure of 4.6 psi. Numerous contact points and guide lugs also virtually eliminate the risk of track derailment.
A flexible rubber track with internal positive drive sprockets provides superior traction and track life. The open-rail and drive-sprocket design, rather than the enclosed tub system seen on many competitive undercarriages, results in increased sprocket and bogie wheel life along with easier and faster undercarriage cleaning.
All of the wheels are exposed in the undercarriage, allowing material to spill out, reducing the risk of abrasive material getting trapped and wearing away at components.
ASV designs its Posi-Trackand skid-steer loader frames separately to provide customers with the highest performance from each machine.
The dedicated frame for the VT-70 High Output results in ground clearance of 33 cm. This allows the unit to easily travel over logs, stumps, rocks and other obstructions with less risk of getting hung up. ASV’s purpose-built chassis also provides a 37-degree departure angle, decreasing the risk of the machine getting stuck when starting to climb a steep hill.
The VT-70 High Output includes time-saving serviceability features that offer access to all sides of the engine compartment and daily checkpoints. ASV used advanced engineering solutions to design the machine with a swing-out radiator, top hood and side doors. The machine’s cooler swings out with the door, allowing total access for cleaning and improved machine performance due to the cleaner cooler.
ASV built the VT-70 High Output with a direct-drive pump, eliminating the labour-intensive belt servicing that comes with belt-driven pumps. The compact track loader includes convenient drain plugs on all service items to speed the draining process. Operators can easily reach the plugs without removing the tracks. Rather than hose clamp-mounted filters, the VT-70 High Output features easy-to-access spin-on, frame-mounted filters for simple, single-wrench service. Greasing is simple thanks to Zerk fittings on the end of all pins.
ASV’s patented Posi-Track undercarriage also contributes to operator comfort. An included suspension system made up of two independent torsion axles per undercarriage allows for a smooth ride over every type of terrain.
The new machine also features ASV’s most comfortable cab to date. ASV designed it to allow easier entry and exit and to boost visibility. It features standard joystick controls to make operation easy and intuitive.
Ride control is available to dampen the load in the bucket, limiting material loss and improving operator comfort. An optional bucket positioning system keeps the bucket level while lifting, reducing spillage. In addition, a suspended air ride seat contributes to additional comfort and a rearview camera and monitor boosts safety and visibility.
“The operator experience is improved greatly by what may sound like small features, but when you add those things up it makes for a nicer seated position,” Storlie said.