As an alternative to walk-behind and stand-on mini skid-steer loaders, ASV Holdings Inc. has developed the RT-40 Posi-Track loader.
The machine is ideal for the rental market or contractors working in tight spaces for anything from urban snow clearing to landscaping.
“The industry has never seen power like this in a machine the size of the RT-40. It’s a powerhouse,” said Justin Rupar, ASV Holdings Inc. vice president of sales and marketing. “The machine features remarkable performance for its 4-foot width. This means our customers can complete work faster, better and more comfortably in restricted areas.”
The RT-40 includes a turbocharged 37.5 hp Kubota diesel engine. The 1.8-litre displacement engine produces 84.5 foot-pounds of torque. As well, the Tier 4 Final engine requires no regeneration, exhaust sensors or diesel exhaust fluid.
As a result of ASV’s Posi-Power system, the RT-40 also provides high tractive effort, which boosts pushing and digging power. The 1,894 kg RT-40 features a rated operating capacity of 422 kg and a tipping load of 1,206 kg. The loader is 123 cm wide, has a 2.5 metre lift height and features a speed as fast as 11.5 km/h.
Variable auxiliary hydraulic flow is standard on the Posi-Track loader. The system operates at a high auxiliary circuit flow rate with a 50 litre per minute pump capacity and 3,000 psi system pressure. Plus, the use of a direct drive pump eliminates the labour-intensive belt servicing that comes with belt-driven pumps. The direct-drive pumps, along with the machine’s large line sizes and hydraulic coolers, transfer more flow and pressure directly to the attachment and prevent power loss.
ASV builds the RT-40 with the same highly efficient cooling system as its larger models. This allows operators to use the machine at full load 100 per cent of the time in ambient temperatures up to 48 C. The combination also means contractors can use the RT-40 with heavy-duty attachments.
The large rear-tilting hood provides easy access to all maintenance points, including filters, oil and fuel tanks and reservoirs, hydraulic and water separator drains, and the battery.
As ASV designed the Posi-Track loader with the fuel tank in the engine compartment — rather than under the seat — operators have easy access to the drive pump. Servicing improvements within the cab include placing the fuse panel there for quick access, as well as making the seat removable with just two bolts. The RT-40 also includes standard metal-face seals on the front and back to ensure the drive hubs don’t require maintenance for the life of the machine.
The RT-40 also includes a heavy-duty frame, drive table and axles. Innovative drive hose routing and chassis sealing result in reduced rubbing, fewer line leaks and boosted hose longevity.
ASV designed the RT-40’s cab with large windows, a bright rear light and adjustable front pedestal lighting to improve safety in low light conditions. The cab comes standard with a rearview mirror, or equipped with an optional backup camera.
The cab is also pressurized for a clean operator environment, and optional all-weather or cold weather cabs include heat and air-conditioning. For convenience, the operator station features a cup holder, phone mount and DC outlet. Standard hydraulic joystick controls make operation easy and intuitive.
ASV designs its Posi-Track and skid-steer loader frames independently to provide customers with the highest performance from each machine. The result of the dedicated frame for the RT-40 is a 27 cm ground clearance, higher than any walk-behind or stand-on loader, plus many larger machines.
This allows the unit to easily travel over logs, stumps, rocks and other obstructions with less risk of getting hung up. The purpose-built chassis also provides a 44-degree departure angle, decreasing the risk of the machine getting stuck when starting to climb a steep hill.
The Posi-Track system features a flexible rubber track with internal positive drive sprockets to extend traction and track life. The open-rail and drive-sprocket design, rather than a enclosed tub system, results in increased sprocket and bogie life along with easier and faster undercarriage cleaning.
All of the wheels are exposed in the undercarriage, allowing material to spill out and reduce the risk of abrasive material getting trapped and wearing away at components. In addition, Posi-Track loaders feature as many as four times more ground contact points in their tracks than steel embedded models.
This spreads the unit’s weight evenly for lower psi and extra flotation on delicate surfaces. The result for the RT-40, which contains 12 contact points, is a ground pressure of 3.5 psi. This means more flotation and traction on steep, slippery and wet ground, giving contractors greater control and better pushing capabilities.
The RT-40’s large number of contact points and guide lugs also virtually eliminate the risk of track derailment.