New mid-frame models from ASV include VT65, VT75 and the VT80, which have a higher lift capacity compared to previous versions
Three new models of compact track loaders have been introduced by ASV this year. Headquartered in Minnesota and now owned by Japanese industrial giant Yanmar, the company is offering updated models in the mid-size frame range.
In early August, ASV unveiled its latest model, the VT75, which has a 127-inch (3.17 metre) lift height combined with a 2,300 pound (1,043 kilogram) rated operating capacity and 6,571 lb. (2,980 kg) tipping load.
“The VT75 is the newest model, but we also launched the RT65 and the VT80,” says Peter Ovrebo, director of product management.
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“This year we’re launching three new models into our product lineup. Both the VT75 and VT80 are 75 horsepower machines but the VT80 has a slightly higher capacity rating.”
It also has more lift capacity than the model it replaces, despite having a lighter chassis.
“Really, the reason we went to the 80 was to get a more compact footprint in that mid-frame size class rather than having a larger machine,” says Ovrebo.
ASV has been a long-time supplier of undercarriage components to Caterpillar for its line of compact track loaders.
“When it comes to the undercarriage, that’s kind of what ASV is renowned for,” Ovrebo says.
“ASV actually stands for ‘all season vehicle.’ The history of that track system kind of goes back to snowmobiles. Our founders were actually in the snowmobile industry.
“Our track system is really different than our competition out there that use a steel-embedded track. Our track is proprietary and it uses poly cords in the track. That helps prevent stretch and cracking and conforms better to the ground.
“Because of the track material we use at ASV, our undercarriage has to be different too. So, the undercarriage is designed specifically for that track.”
Now that Yanmar owns the ASV brand, the company is converting all its machines to Yanmar diesel engines.
“With the (Yanmar) acquisition back in 2019, that’s been a big push,” says Ovrebo. “We’re really excited to offer the Yanmar engine into the new mid-frame size class. And we’re working through other existing models to convert those over to Yanmar engines.”
All three mid-frame models use programmable electric-hydraulic joysticks for machine control.
“It gives the operator the choice to choose their configuration,” says Ovrebo. “So, if they want to use the ISO configuration or are coming from a competitive piece of equipment that utilizes the H-pattern style, they have the ability to use that. So it helps reduce the learning curve.”
The ASV machines offer about 13 inches of ground clearance, making them less likely to bog down in soft ground conditions like corrals.
To further improve flotation, the VT80 is also available with 17.5-inch-wide tracks. Though it weighs almost 9,000 pounds, that allows it to put only about four pounds per square inch of pressure onto the ground.
All ASV machines come standard with hydraulic quick-attach couplers.
According to Ovrebo, they can run hydraulically powered attachments with high loads and cool the hydraulic system without need for aftermarket, add-on cooling systems.Â
