Forestry compact track loader
More power without compromise’ with new ASV MAX-Series RT-135 Forestry unit.
Sources at ASV Holdings Inc. report that it has launched the industry’s most powerful compact track loader: the MAX-Series RT-135 Forestry Posi-Track loader. Featuring 10 perccent more horsepower than the ASV RT-120 it replaces, the 12,990-pound RT-135F gives operators the ability to maintain best-in-class machine performance while operating high-flow attachments.
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| ASV’s new MAX-Series RT-135 Forestry features 10% more horsepower than its predecessor, the RT-120, and includes all the comfort and ease-of-use features of the MAX-Series line. |
That maximum power is paired with a completely upgraded loader as part of the new MAX-Series lineup that offers superior comfort and ease-of-use features as standard equipment. Outfitted with forestry-rated guarding and safety features, the new machine is ideal for brushcutting, mulching, land clearing and other high-flow applications.
“Operators have been clamoring for a MAX-Series version of the RT-120, but we’re giving them something even better,” says Buck Storlie, ASV Holdings Inc. product manager. “The MAX-Series RT-135F is a premium machine right out of the gate. We took all the comforts of the MAX-Series and combined them with a machine that’s ready to go to battle. It’s faster, stronger, more productive, and is capable of keeping up with the ever-growing list of high-flow attachments used on today’s toughest jobs.”
Power and productivity
The RT-135F is powered by a 132 horsepower Cummins engine that, combined with an industry’s highest 50-gpm maximum auxiliary flow with an oversized auxiliary pump capable of 66 gpm, allows the RT-135F to transfer more engine power to the attachment with no sacrifices to machine performance. The extra 16 gpm within the pump means operators can run high-flow attachments such as mulchers at full speed while moving the loader without slowing down the tool.
That directly translates to more productivity from the 50 gpm mulching head that is sold with the RT-135F. The attachment was developed with and is optimized for the machine.
Contractors can use the powerful machine longer with its new 52-gallon fuel tank — 22 gallons more than the RT-120. The extra fuel means operators have an increased ability to work all day without refueling.
Operators can lift more and be more productive with the RT-135F with its up to 4,150-pound rated operating capacity, 10-mph top speed and 10.4-foot lift height. Contractors can further boost the operating capacity and reinforce the back of the machine with an optional rear bumper kit that extends over the tracks.
Premium in-cab experience
The RT-135F brings the hallmark MAX-Series benefits to forestry applications to provide the best possible operator experience. The new machine features the lineup’s premium 360-degree visibility. Standard LED lighting, optional side lighting and new taillights make it even easier to see around the outside of the machine.
Operators benefit from a roomier cab accessible to virtually all body types, a one-sided lap bar making exit and entry easier, and the industry’s most customizable seat and arm rests. Additionally, dusty, debris-ridden forestry work is cleaner, quieter and more temperature stable with the RT-135F’s highly pressurized, all-weather cab.
A state-of-the-art 7-inch touch-screen display provides vital monitoring tools, displays the view from the backup camera, and integrates with service history and schedules. It also allows for service scheduling, job management, passcode operator lockout, idle time tracking and more. The in-cab experience is also enhanced through Bluetooth radio allowing operators to listen to music and take calls wirelessly.
Intuitive operator controls benefit operators of all skill levels and a dual throttle option — a MAX-Series feature — allows operation at a set speed with the joystick controls and the ability to increase the speed with the foot throttle without the need to adjust the dial.
Contractors can match the RT-135F to his or her skill level and needs with advanced operator control customization. An upgraded drive control system provides smoother, more responsive controls that can be adjusted to speed modes matching the operator’s experience level and preference. Operators can further optimize the machine for their attachment with adjustable high-flow and flow-sharing options.
Operator safety
ASV built the frameless door with 3/4-inch polycarbonate with enough strength to allow the elimination of the cross beam — improving visibility over the RT-120. The rugged side panels are manufactured with 1/2-inch polycarbonate. A limb riser is also built in for additional guarding. Because of the reinforced cab and high-strength polycarbonate, the RT-135F is the only compact track loader in the industry to meet the same safety standards as dedicated forestry equipment. These include operator protective structure, impact, falling object, and rollover ISO standards. In addition, the inclusion of a roof escape hatch helps to improve safety.
Maximum serviceability and reliability
ASV custom-built the RT-135F for harsh forestry work. Guarding around the lights and radiator improves durability. The hoods are now built from heavy-gauge steel, offering maximum protection to the engine area. An optional back screen adds additional protection.
Debris has fewer places to get in due to a fuel tank that intersects with the cab for a tighter seal. ASV designed the entire RT-135F to reduce debris ingestion, manufacturing the machine with limited openings and foam seals blocking exposed areas for a cleaner undercarriage and engine compartment. Sealed fuse panels keep vital components clean.
Swing-out door and cooling systems provide access to filters and other daily checkpoints. A larger top hood with a flat screened opening improves over the previous ribbed design for simple cleaning. Ease-of-cleaning and maintenance is increased with prop rods on the hoods and hinge-up air conditioning condenser. Tilting belly pans below the machine makes clearing out debris an easy task compared to some designs that either don’t include belly pans or include ones that are difficult to clean.
Upgraded undercarriage
The RT-135F’s undercarriage is upgraded for maximum performance under the additional weight. Redesigned torsion axles are 20 percent stronger than its predecessors, bearing the weight of the machine while allowing the track to flex over obstacles and reduce impact to the operator and attachment. Reinforced wheel hubs and bearings enhance durability.
The stronger undercarriage retains its patented Posi-Track benefits. The RT-135F’s dedicated frame includes 15 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to travel over obstacles with less risk of getting caught. ASV’s Posi-Track system features a flexible track and an open-rail and internal positive drive-sprocket undercarriage, for more traction, longer wear life and faster, more convenient undercarriage cleaning. The loaders’ large number of ground contact points combine with the RT-135F’s 20-inch-wide tracks to spread the machine’s weight for a 4.6 psi ground pressure. The low ground pressure allows more flotation and traction on steep, slippery and wet ground, and enhanced control and pushing capabilities. The wide, flexible track also maintains more contact with the ground than other designs, helping to virtually eliminate the risk of track derailment.
The non-Forestry version of the RT-135F, the RT-135, will also be available. The RT-135 is ideal for high intensity applications and high-flow attachments in a variety of industries, including dirt work, general construction, landscaping, snow clearing, and more.
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