The skid steer and its sister machine, the compact track loader (CTL), have become common pieces of equipment in many large-farm fleets. They’re handy when it comes to any number of material handling chores, and they’re pretty nimble to boot.
In the past several months, a few brands have updated or added to their model lines, giving buyers even more choice when looking for that just-right machine. Here’s a look of some of what’s new in that segment.
Case
Back in September, Case introduced the TV620B compact track loader. With its 114-horsepower engine and 6,200-pound rated operating capacity (2,812 kilograms), the brand then declared it the largest and most powerful compact track loader on the market.
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It offers more standardized features than previously available on any Case CTL, including standard adjustable electro-hydraulic controls, high-flow hydraulics, auto ride control, one-way self-levelling, a hydraulic coupler, an auto-reversing fan, LED lights and a one-year subscription to the brand’s telematics system. It also comes with a new 84-inch (2.13 metres), 1.25-cubic-yard, heavy-duty bucket designed specifically for it.
The TV620B also includes all the advances introduced with the launch of the brand’s B series models, including a completely redesigned operator interface, 360-degree visibility and an eight-inch LCD multi-function display. It comes equipped with a rear-view camera visible in a split screen display with machine function data.
The CASE TV620B has a rated operating capacity of 6,200 pounds (2,812 kilograms), breakout force is 12,084 pounds (5,481 kilograms) at the bucket and a track length on the ground of 74 inches (1.88 metres). It rides on a new heavy-duty undercarriage and 17.7-inch (45 centimetres) rubber tracks that have a ground pressure of just 6.1 psi.
The TV620B offers a “hydraulic on demand” performance that allows the operator to easily select the percentage of auxiliary hydraulic flow to an attachment via the machine’s multi-function display. This allows operators to dial in attachment performance to suit their needs.
Another feature included as standard equipment is automatic ride control with adjustable speed settings. It engages when the machine hits a pre-specified speed. This feature can also be enabled or disabled through the multi-function display.
A new foot pedal serves one of three functions — as a traditional accelerator, to reduce drive speed but retain r.p.m. for loader arm functions and deceleration, based on operator preference.
New Holland
Following a familiar pattern for the CNH companies, in October Case’s sister brand, New Holland, debuted its version of Case’s new compact track loader, the C362. A look at the spec sheets for both machines show they are virtually twins.
However, back in April, New Holland also had a new model line of skid steer machines to show the world, the 300 series.
The 300 series machines will be available in 11 new models with either radial lift or Super Boom vertical lift systems. Horsepower ranges from 60 to 90, and rated operating capacity stretches from 1,600 to 4,500 pounds (725 to 2,041 kilograms). Lift height is improved, and dump reach ranges from 18.5 to 35.5 inches (47 to 90 centimetres), with the larger reach increased lift height allowing for easier filling of trucks or manure spreaders.
Inside the cab is a new eight-inch, multi-function LCD display with reverse camera. There are also straight-line tracking improvements built into the 300s along with a fully upgraded electrical harness.
For regular service or maintenance, the 300 series offers easy access to the engine. The cab can be tilted forward for access to components and easy cab cleanout.
In December, Minnesota-based ASV climbed to the top of the horsepower race in CTLs by replacing its existing RT-120 with the new RT-135, which has 132 ponies under its hood, thanks to a Cummins diesel. As far as we can tell, that probably makes it now the one to beat when it comes to power — at least for the moment.
It also gets a 50-gallon-per-minute (190 litres per minute) maximum auxiliary flow hydraulic system — a 66-gallon-per-minute (250 litres per minute) maximum auxiliary flow is also available — to easily power driven attachments. It has a lift rating of 4,150 pounds (1.882 kilograms), a 10.4-foot (2.5 metres) lift height and the operating capacity can be bumped up by installing a rear overhang bumper kit. And it has a top speed of 10 miles per hour (16 kilometres per hour).
The RT-135 has a roomier cab with a one-sided lap bar, making exit and entry easier, along with a customizable seat and arm rests. Additionally, the pressurized all-weather cab helps keep dust out.
The RT-135F’s advanced, customizable controls allow for a premium operator experience. A state-of-the-art, seven-inch, touch screen display provides vital monitoring tools, displays the view from the backup camera, and integrates with service history and schedules. It also allows for service scheduling, job management, passcode operator lockout, idle time tracking and more. The in-cab experience is also enhanced through Bluetooth radio, allowing operators to listen to music and take calls wirelessly.
ASV expects most of its sales of RT-135s to go to the forestry industry, but it would also be a capable corral-cleaning machine.
At the other end of the horsepower scale, ASV has also made some changes to its little RT-40 CTL, re-powering it with a 38.2-horsepower, three-cylinder, 1.6-litre Yanmar turbo diesel. (Yanmar recently purchased ASV.) The RT-40 has an operating capacity of 1,330 pounds (603 kilograms) at 50 per cent of tipping load and a maximum lift clearance height of 101 inches (2.56 metres).
