Scouting Out the Possibilities

A.S.V. Inc. has gained a reputation for developing rubber track loaders about the size of typical skid-steer loaders (in the 30- to 100-hp range) over the past 25 years. That doesn't mean the company has limited its innovative designs to loaders. Always open to new ideas from within and customer and dealer suggestions, ASV last year launched the Scout ST-50 tracked utility vehicle.

"The ST-50 was developed to expand the use of our ASV patented undercarriage technology," Hannah Tanata, product marketing manager, explains. "The machine went through many stages during its development as a result of customer and dealer input and market needs assessment."

This research showed that, in several markets such as construction, utilities, and resource management, there was a need for a cost-effective vehicle to traverse extreme terrain. "The ST-50 is smaller and more agile than other vehicles of similar class, but can handle more work than a conventional side by side," she says.

The same, but different

The ST-50 shares the same ASV-patented undercarriage technology as the company's rubber track loaders. "We think this makes it the most agile and rugged utility vehicle on the market, with the lightest footprint, maximum flotation and traction," Tanata points out. "Its rubber tracks are hydrostatically driven by an internal drive sprocket. Just like the ASV proven rubber track loaders, these rollers engage lugs inside the track to drive the track forward and reverse with smooth, efficient and reliable power."

The utility vehicle runs off a 50-hp Perkins engine, and Perkins engines are in all ASV models. "The power management system helps the engine work in harmony with the machine's hydraulic system, reducing the chance of engine stall, even under extreme loads," she notes.

Yet ASV says the ST-50 is in a class of its own. "It has similar power and capacities to the construction crawler carrier, but it's more easily customized, can carry more than one passenger and is far more agile," Tanata explains. "Like the conventional side-by-side, the ST-50 can carry multiple passengers, but it far outperforms by hauling up to 4,000 lbs. and can tow up to 5,000 lbs. We like to say it is a high-torque, low-speed workhorse alone in its class. And, because of the onboard hydraulics, the ST-50 can also serve as a portable power unit."

Broad potential

Marketed as the most versatile tracked utility vehicle available, the ST-50 offers a wide variety of attachments, either directly from the company and its dealer network or from the attachment manufacturers. For customers, all are available through ASV dealers. All attachments are built to fit the current bolt pattern of the flat bed for easy conversion, making it useful in many markets and for various applications. Here are some:

• Construction — The ST-50's 1.3-cu.-yd. dump box allows users to haul and dump more than 3,200 lbs. of material without leaving the operator seat. There is also the ability to bolt on a hydraulic crane for material handling. The quick-connecting track trailer enables owners to haul an additional 4,000 lbs. Because of these capacities, the ST-50 can also handle other attachments such as a concrete mixer or aerial lift platform.
• Landscape — Like construction, the ST-50 has many of the same uses with landscapers. With the additional benefit of the light footprint (only 2.5 psi of ground pressure under the tracks) and the option of turf tracks, landscapers can work in most seasons, even on sensitive terrain.
• Public works/utilities — Because the ST-50 can function as a portable power unit, the vehicle is useful in the public works and utilities markets for using hydraulic hand tools. The bolt-on passenger carrier allows it to carry multiple passengers over rough terrain and carry the tools need to get the job done.
• Snow and ice management — There is a bolt-on salt spreader and snow blade. ASV offers an aggressive track option, which allows the ST-50 to work in extreme conditions. "This machine would be the ultimate cross-country ski trail groomer vehicle or used as a light snowmobile trail groomer power unit," Tanata says.
• Specialty agriculture and homeowners — "The ST-50 can replace compact tractors with the ability to soon connect many conventional farm implements," she explains. "With its capacities and ease of use, it is the ultimate acreage tool, we believe."
• Resource management and preservation — The ST-50's sprayer attachment can be set for fine spraying or for less-exact applications like right-of-ways. It can also be equipped with a fire suppression unit for controlled burning. It's easy to attach a tow mower to do rough-cut mowing in rugged applications. "And, you can hook up the logging trailer to carry logs through the woods in tighter spaces," Tanata points out. "ASV has worked with a company that will convert the ST-50 into a seismic drill package like no other. Other related applications that can be fitted are wood chippers, erosion-control attachments and soil samplers."