ASV LLC, an industry-leading manufacturer of all-purpose and all-season compact track loaders and skidsteers, offers the Posi-Track RT-30 compact track loader as a heavy-duty commercial machine in a small package. The radial lift loader is the industry’s smallest sit-on model yet features the same productivity-enhancing qualities as larger ASV machines. This includes highly efficient hydraulics and cooling systems as well as best-in-class low ground pressure. In addition, the RT-30 provides a safer, more productive alternative to walk-behind and sit-on mini skidsteer loaders. The ASV unit’s small size makes it ideal for contractors, rental centers and homeowners looking for a commercial-quality, compact machine for work in tight spaces for applications such as landscaping, snow removal and construction.
ASV featured the RT-30 March 7–11 in the Manitex International both during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 in Las Vegas.
“This is not an entry-level machine. We designed it to our standards of maximum performance with no compromises,” says Jim DiBiagio, ASV General Manager. “We built the RT-30 as a tough piece of equipment that’s ready to be used every day, all day. This unit provides contractors and rental centers an addition to their fleet for work that requires small size but serious quality.”
The 3,600-lb. RT-30 is 48 in. wide and has an 8.4-ft. lift height. Its compact size and 10 in. of ground clearance minimize risk of property damage or damage to the machine while working in hard-to-reach areas, whether clearing snow on sidewalks and through alleys or while completing landscaping or construction work in high-density housing areas.
The machine’s size also optimizes it for the rental market as the compact track loader is easy to transport on a trailer pulled by a pick-up truck. It is simple to operate, making rental customer training easy, including homeowners who can use it in backyards and eliminate manual labor. In addition, the RT-30 features easy serviceability as a result of a single-door system that allows fast access to the engine, filters and other daily checkpoints. This means faster rental turnaround and less downtime for contractors.
The RT-30 offers a safe alternative to similarly sized walk-behind and stand-on skidsteer loaders. The ASV unit’s cab provides rollover protection and protects the operator from outside elements. The cab’s seat also eliminates the fatigue that comes from standing. In addition, the compact track loader also features more ground clearance and lower ground pressure than similarly sized machines on the market.
The RT-30’s industrial diesel engine provides more torque than smaller gas or diesel engines common in mini skidsteer loaders.
“The RT-30 is safer, less tiresome and more productive than mini skidsteer loaders,” says Bill Wake, ASV Director of Product Development. “The unit features all of these benefits while being similarly priced to premium walk-behind and stand-on options.”
ASV builds the RT-30 from the ground up. The innovative undercarriage features ASV’s patented Posi-Track rubber track suspension. The single-level suspension is made up of two independent torsion axles per undercarriage, allowing for a smooth ride over every type of terrain at speeds as fast as 5.7 mph. In addition, the multiple wheel contact points and central drive lug virtually eliminate track derailment and facilitate maximum performance on steep slopes. The RT-30 comes standard with 11-inch-wide tracks, resulting in the industry’s lowest compact track loader ground pressure of only 3 psi. This means minimal risk of damage on delicate surfaces such as turf and allows for extra flotation and traction over surfaces such as ice, mud, snow and brush.
The RT-30 features an open-rail and drive-sprocket design, resulting in longer sprocket and bogie life along with easier and faster undercarriage cleaning than with competitive steel-embedded undercarriages. ASV manufactures rollers with mechanical face seals that don’t require maintenance for the life of the machine. The tracks are produced using a single-cure process, eliminating cure-point weaknesses that can lead to premature breakage. In addition, the tracks are strengthened with embedded co-polymer cords. This allows for a 1,500- to 2,000-hour track life — 30% more than steel-embedded track units. ASV backs the track life with an industry-leading two-year, 1,500-hour track warranty.
The RT-30 features a 32.7 hp Perkins 1.5 L diesel engine that produces 64.39 ft.-lbs. of torque. Planetary drive motors transfer the torque to the patented internal-drive sprockets. Internal rollers prevent friction loss in the undercarriage, resulting in all power being transferred to the track regardless of drive speed.
ASV built the RT-30’s auxiliary hydraulic system to operate efficiently with a 10 gpm pump capacity and 3,000 psi. The machine includes large line sizes, hydraulic coolers and direct-drive pumps — rather than belt-driven pumps — transferring more flow and pressure directly to the attachment and preventing power loss.
The RT-30 features a rated operating capacity of 665 lbs. and a tipping load of 1,900 lbs. Standard joystick controls make operation easy and intuitive. Operators can choose from a full line of attachments built for the RT-30 and its quick-attach plate, such as buckets, snow blades, snow blowers, augers, trenchers and pallet forks. In addition, buyers can fit the unit with an adaptor plate to accept standard skidsteer attachments. An optional turf track allows for operation on highly manicured surfaces, such as golf course greens, with minimal risk of damage.