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ASV pulled the wraps (literally) off of their newest model, the VT-70 High Output compact track loader. With its four-cylinder turbocharged Deutz diesel providing 207 ft-lb of torque, brand marketers claim that gives this model the highest torque specs in its class.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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ASV’s Buck Storlie points out the lowered frame at the entrance to the VT-70 High Output, which makes entry and exit a little easier. This improved design will eventually be incorporated into all of the models ASV builds.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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Another of the features ASV proudly showed was the under-body clearance on its compact track loaders. The VT-70 High Output boasts 13 inches (330 millimetres) between the body and ground to help keep it from bogging down in soft conditions, like those inside a corral.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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With the unique suspension design built into the track modules, An ASV track system can clear debris, such as this piece of pipe to simulate a rock or other obstruction, that might get trapped in it and go under the bogie wheels or between the track belt and the drive gear, without damage. The tracks don’t use steel cords, therefore they have some stretch to them, which will allow an obstruction to pass through without causing damage. This also helps prevent track derailment.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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ASV has been an OEM supplier of track modules to Caterpillar, which uses them on one of its CTL model lines. These tracks in the ASV factory in Minnesota await shipping.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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By leaving the interior of the track modules open, the ASV tracks don’t accumulate material under wet conditions. This photo and the next show the build up of mud in a competitive brand while the ASV machine working in the same conditions remains clear.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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By leaving the interior of the track modules open, the ASV tracks don’t accumulate material in wet conditions. This photo shows how the ASV loader working in the same conditions remains clear of debris.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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These two drive gears show the difference in wear between a new gear from another competitive brand compared to one with only 300 hours of use at the proving grounds. The abrasive conditions crated by accumulation in a closed track module accelerated the wear rate.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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CTL and skid steer loaders are assembled on the same line at the ASV plant in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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Loader arm sub assemblies arrive at the plant from a supplier and wait their turn to head to the assembly line.
Photo: Scott Garvey
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At the end of the assembly line, machines get a run-up, where they are checked for fitment and to assure there are no problems before heading to the final quality control check point and onto the shipping area.
Photo: Scott Garvey
In late May, Grainews machinery editor Scott Garvey and online editor Greg Berg headed south to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to attend the official launch of ASV’s newest compact track loader (CTL), the VT-70 High Output. Grand Rapids is home to the brand’s assembly plant and proving grounds. While they were there, the Grainews team also took a look at the company’s assembly line process before going out to the test track to put several of the brand’s models—along with some competitive brands for comparison—through their paces.
Watch for a full account of our review of the ASV loaders in a future edition of Grainews, including a pair of videos soon to be available online. But for now, here’s an inside view at the company’s facility and some of the testing we were involved in.
