July 29, 2011 8:35 AM CDT
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders feature the industry-exclusive HydraTrac™ Automatic Track Tensioning System. “According to track and undercarriage manufacturers, one of the biggest causes of premature track and undercarriage component failures is improper track tensioning,” says Bob Claas, Gehl Design Engineering Manager. “Different types of premature component wear or failure can occur if the tracks are too tight or too loose.”
The patented HydraTrac™ Automatic Track Tensioning System eliminates the need for manually tensioning the tracks on the loader before operation. When the machine is started, the hydraulic system automatically pressurizes a load device that provides the ideal tension for the track system. The HydraTrac™ System uses this excess hydraulic pressure to maintain proper track tension during use. The HydraTrac™ System not only saves precious time on the jobsite, but also increases the life of the tracks and bearings by ensuring the proper tension immediately upon start-up and tension release when the machine is shut down. View the HydraTrac™ Automatic Track Tensioning System in action at www.gehl.com/groundup/Video.html.
“Over tensioned tracks not only increase wear, but also require more horsepower to drive and turn the loader,” says Brian Rabe, Track Loader Product Manager. “Our exclusive HydraTrac™ System ensures that all hydraulic horsepower is efficiently utilized resulting in high performance with reduced owning and operating costs.”
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders also include powerful turbo-diesel engines which feature increased torque. The model RT175 engine produces up to 179 ft.lbs. (242.3 Nm) of torque resulting in 11,840 lbs. (5371 kg) of tractive effort. The model RT210 engine produces 206 ft.lbs. (279.3 Nm) of torque resulting in up to 12,359 lbs. (5606 kg) of tractive effort. These high-torque engines provide remarkable bottom-end power resulting in better traction and stronger digging forces.
The high-torque engines on the RT Series also feature AntiStall technology which senses machine load electronically and continuously monitors and adjusts the hydrostatic drive pump displacements to manage available engine horsepower and torque. This optimizes machine performance during heavy-duty cycles, but does not allow the engine to stall. This results in faster cycle times and less wear and tear on the engine, battery and starter.
The extra-large, state-of-the art operator’s station on the new RT Series track loaders is designed for optimal operator comfort resulting in more productivity. The joystick controls are mounted directly to the suspension seat frame, allowing them to move with the operator as the machine travels. This significantly reduces operator fatigue, enhances comfort in even the most adverse conditions and allows precise control for performing delicate tasks. Controls, armrests, restraint bar and foot pod depth are adjustable to accommodate any size operator.
The standard Electro-Hydraulic “5x5” Drive Control System gives the operator the option to choose from five drivability settings that change five control settings (joystick sensitivity, position reaction, engine response, anti-stall and pump swash plate position) to provide an active system that matches application and operator preference. This results in a perfectly matched performance to operator preference ratio. An ISO drive pattern with 2-speed is standard. An optional ISO/dual-hand drive pattern button and adjustable speed control are easily access through the single-button multi-function display.
Complicated gauges and cluttered dash readouts are eliminated with a customizable, easy-to-use multi-function display that incorporates all warning/operation lights. With the use of a single button operators can page through the various screens that show all the machine’s vitals, from engine and transmission performance to controller communication faults. This display also provides access to the configuration screen to gain access to the standard “5x5” Drive Control System settings and other optional performance settings.
The new RT Series compact track loaders feature a welded, dedicated track loader chassis instead of a skid loader chassis with bolt-on track assemblies found on most competitor’s machines. The single chassis weldment design has been a standard feature in Gehl track loaders and will remain an important part of the new RT Series design. Years of market experience has proven that a dedicated track system outperforms any other design.
The lift arm on the RT Series Track Loaders has been designed for optimal visibility, strength and capacity. The simple “in-line” design increases structural integrity by eliminating the complex geometry and welding found on many competitive “offset” lift arm designs. Additional reach and increased dump height result in more efficient load placement and overall performance.
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders were designed with serviceability in mind. A large rear hood and swing-out door provides easy access to the engine service points. The ROPS/FOPS easily tilts back on gas-spring assist cylinders providing best-in-class access to the hydraulic components and electronics on the machine. Additionally, the patented foot pod tilts forward out of the way for quick and easy cleanout and access to the fuel tank and hydraulic components. Service performed on the undercarriage track system has been made virtually tool-free with the HydraTrac™ system. With the flip of a switch and removal of a simple lock-plate the tracks de-tension and can be easily removed to allow access to the undercarriage track system.
The RT Series incorporates many other standard and optional features owners have come to expect from Gehl compact track loaders such as the All-Tach® and Power-a-Tach® attachment mounting systems, HydraGlideTM Ride Control System, high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, hydraulic self-leveling, complete pressurized enclosed cab with heat and air-conditioning, air-suspension seat, front/ rear work lights, and anti-vandalism protection.
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders were designed and tested the state-of-the-art Research and Design facility located in West Bend, Wisconsin and are manufactured in Yankton, South Dakota.
Gehl Introduces Innovative Track Loaders
The most innovative track loaders on the market today
RT Series Track Loader
Gehl, a leading manufacturer of compact equipment for agriculture and construction markets, presents the RT Series Compact Track Loaders—the most innovative track loaders in the market today. The all-new RT Series Compact Track Loaders includes two models manufactured in Yankton, South Dakota, the RT175 and RT210, which have industry-exclusive features that result from more than ten-years of market research and product development.The RT Series Compact Track Loaders feature the industry-exclusive HydraTrac™ Automatic Track Tensioning System. “According to track and undercarriage manufacturers, one of the biggest causes of premature track and undercarriage component failures is improper track tensioning,” says Bob Claas, Gehl Design Engineering Manager. “Different types of premature component wear or failure can occur if the tracks are too tight or too loose.”
The patented HydraTrac™ Automatic Track Tensioning System eliminates the need for manually tensioning the tracks on the loader before operation. When the machine is started, the hydraulic system automatically pressurizes a load device that provides the ideal tension for the track system. The HydraTrac™ System uses this excess hydraulic pressure to maintain proper track tension during use. The HydraTrac™ System not only saves precious time on the jobsite, but also increases the life of the tracks and bearings by ensuring the proper tension immediately upon start-up and tension release when the machine is shut down. View the HydraTrac™ Automatic Track Tensioning System in action at www.gehl.com/groundup/Video.html.
“Over tensioned tracks not only increase wear, but also require more horsepower to drive and turn the loader,” says Brian Rabe, Track Loader Product Manager. “Our exclusive HydraTrac™ System ensures that all hydraulic horsepower is efficiently utilized resulting in high performance with reduced owning and operating costs.”
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders also include powerful turbo-diesel engines which feature increased torque. The model RT175 engine produces up to 179 ft.lbs. (242.3 Nm) of torque resulting in 11,840 lbs. (5371 kg) of tractive effort. The model RT210 engine produces 206 ft.lbs. (279.3 Nm) of torque resulting in up to 12,359 lbs. (5606 kg) of tractive effort. These high-torque engines provide remarkable bottom-end power resulting in better traction and stronger digging forces.
The high-torque engines on the RT Series also feature AntiStall technology which senses machine load electronically and continuously monitors and adjusts the hydrostatic drive pump displacements to manage available engine horsepower and torque. This optimizes machine performance during heavy-duty cycles, but does not allow the engine to stall. This results in faster cycle times and less wear and tear on the engine, battery and starter.
The extra-large, state-of-the art operator’s station on the new RT Series track loaders is designed for optimal operator comfort resulting in more productivity. The joystick controls are mounted directly to the suspension seat frame, allowing them to move with the operator as the machine travels. This significantly reduces operator fatigue, enhances comfort in even the most adverse conditions and allows precise control for performing delicate tasks. Controls, armrests, restraint bar and foot pod depth are adjustable to accommodate any size operator.
The standard Electro-Hydraulic “5x5” Drive Control System gives the operator the option to choose from five drivability settings that change five control settings (joystick sensitivity, position reaction, engine response, anti-stall and pump swash plate position) to provide an active system that matches application and operator preference. This results in a perfectly matched performance to operator preference ratio. An ISO drive pattern with 2-speed is standard. An optional ISO/dual-hand drive pattern button and adjustable speed control are easily access through the single-button multi-function display.
Complicated gauges and cluttered dash readouts are eliminated with a customizable, easy-to-use multi-function display that incorporates all warning/operation lights. With the use of a single button operators can page through the various screens that show all the machine’s vitals, from engine and transmission performance to controller communication faults. This display also provides access to the configuration screen to gain access to the standard “5x5” Drive Control System settings and other optional performance settings.
The new RT Series compact track loaders feature a welded, dedicated track loader chassis instead of a skid loader chassis with bolt-on track assemblies found on most competitor’s machines. The single chassis weldment design has been a standard feature in Gehl track loaders and will remain an important part of the new RT Series design. Years of market experience has proven that a dedicated track system outperforms any other design.
The lift arm on the RT Series Track Loaders has been designed for optimal visibility, strength and capacity. The simple “in-line” design increases structural integrity by eliminating the complex geometry and welding found on many competitive “offset” lift arm designs. Additional reach and increased dump height result in more efficient load placement and overall performance.
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders were designed with serviceability in mind. A large rear hood and swing-out door provides easy access to the engine service points. The ROPS/FOPS easily tilts back on gas-spring assist cylinders providing best-in-class access to the hydraulic components and electronics on the machine. Additionally, the patented foot pod tilts forward out of the way for quick and easy cleanout and access to the fuel tank and hydraulic components. Service performed on the undercarriage track system has been made virtually tool-free with the HydraTrac™ system. With the flip of a switch and removal of a simple lock-plate the tracks de-tension and can be easily removed to allow access to the undercarriage track system.
The RT Series incorporates many other standard and optional features owners have come to expect from Gehl compact track loaders such as the All-Tach® and Power-a-Tach® attachment mounting systems, HydraGlideTM Ride Control System, high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, hydraulic self-leveling, complete pressurized enclosed cab with heat and air-conditioning, air-suspension seat, front/ rear work lights, and anti-vandalism protection.
The RT Series Compact Track Loaders were designed and tested the state-of-the-art Research and Design facility located in West Bend, Wisconsin and are manufactured in Yankton, South Dakota.
About the Author
Lori A. Heidecker is the Marketing Services Manager for Gehl Company.
