ASV has officially announced the launch of its brand-new RT-65 Posi-Track loader. Powered by Yanmar, this particular vehicle is designed for contractors and owner-operators across landscaping and construction markets. Talk about the whole value proposition on a slightly deeper level, though, we begin from how ASV’s RT-65 is a brand-new radial-lift machine with new hydraulics, engine, controls, wiring, pumps, hoses, frame and more. Markedly enough, all these components are basically there to maximize power from the compact track loader’s 67.1-hp Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine, and optional 26.7 gpm high flow. The hydraulic system and direct drive pumps, in particular, bear the responsibility to transfer more flow and pressure directly to the attachment, resulting in a 2,000-lb. rated operating capacity and 5,714-lb. tipping load. On top of that, the cooling system and hydraulics, on their part, allow the compact track loader to operate at 100% load, 100% of the time up to 118°F. Moving on, the vehicle also comes decked up with an ability to leverage ASV’s flagship Posi-Track rubber track undercarriage, and therefore, conceive maximum traction and mobility. Complimenting that is the presence of a suspension system made with two independent torsion axles per undercarriage, allowing for traveling speeds of up to 9.1 mph. Alongside the same, we have torsion axles enabling the flexible track to maximize contact with the ground. This it does to increase pushing power and lower ground pressure to as low as 4.2 psi. As for the weight distribution, the track loader bears the means necessary for achieving optimal performance across steep, wet, muddy and slippery conditions. Such a feature also comes in handy when the agenda is to minimize the risk of damage on sensitive turf.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in the fact that RT-65 offers numerous optional technology features for jobsite performance, with every single feature meticulously designed to carry out repetitive tasks for new and experienced operators. Joining the said features is an auto two-speed functionality, which provides operators control in tight spaces or in other applications by creating a transition between low- and high-speed modes. In a similar capacity, the vehicle offers speed-sensitive ride control to improve material retention at higher speeds, and that too, without the need to switch off the feature when moving towards slower-moving applications. There is also a self-leveling technology which automatically levels the load both while raising the machine’s arms, as well as during the process of lowering them. Beyond that, we must get into how RT-65’s work-tool positioner provides the ability to create a button preset for the angle of attachment based on the application. Here, ASV has also integrated a return-to-position technology which enhances the given function using an ability to set preset for the height of vehicle’s loader arms. Markedly enough, these new features can be paired or used independently, depending on the task at hand.
Hold on, we still have a few bits left to unpack, considering we haven’t yet touched on how operators using RT-65 can see the attachment and their surroundings with 360-degree visibility. To build upon that, the vehicle has a 7-in. color display which provides access to vital monitoring tools, view from the backup camera, and integration with service schedules and history. Boasting a set of electronic controls as well, the loader further delivers at your disposal a fully adjustable suspended seat, and a roof escape hatch. Making the new development even more important is how the feature even has an optional Yanmar SmartAssist telematics system in place, a system which changes the way operators experience their machine. In this particular context, the promised service includes features ranging from error detection and notification to real-time operational status updates and daily work reports. Apart from it, operators can also set theft protection, and therefore, allow users to set a range from one specific location so to trigger an alert, if the machine moves outside of that range.