When it comes to compact track loaders (CTLs), two different types of undercarriage designs exist: the steel-embedded design and the all-rubber track and wheel design. The former is utilized by Yanmar's CTL, while the latter is used in ASV's Posi-Track undercarriage. Both undercarriage designs appeal to different markets and industries, and this article aims to compare and contrast them to help you make an informed decision.
Yanmar's CTL features a unique steel-embedded undercarriage design that appeals to the construction market. It excels in hard ground conditions and rocky terrain, thanks to its low weight and lifting capacity. The steel-embedded undercarriage is built with a traditional steel wheel and steel cable, an internal cord track, and a rubber-coated surface. It is all-new and unique to the Yanmar product, which makes it stand out from the competition.
On the other hand, ASV's Posi-Track undercarriage is designed for high speed and low ground pressure. It is known for its excellent ground pressure capabilities, making it the go-to choice for forestry mulching and other extreme terrain applications. The suspended undercarriage wheels allow it to accelerate quickly in harsh conditions. However, because of the all-rubber track and wheel design, it is less suitable for rugged and rocky terrain compared to Yanmar's CTL.
Buck Storlie, Product Line Manager at Yanmar, noted that "it gives great opportunity for Yanmar and ASV to, again, not be competing for business, but to have two different products that accelerate in two different markets and two different buyer types." It allows customers to weigh different factors and choose the product that best suits their needs.
In terms of performance characteristics, Yanmar's CTL boasts a suspended undercarriage that offers better ride quality, traction, and durability. The torsion axles and fully suspended design allow the undercarriage to flex and conform to uneven terrain, keeping it in contact with the ground and improving traction. It absorbs shock and vibration, preventing damage to the machine chassis and increasing reliability.
The operator cabin is another differentiating factor for Yanmar's CTL. It is unlike anything else on the market, incorporating technology pioneered by ASV to create a unique and innovative design. Buck Storlie noted that "our operator cabin is really a differentiating product. It's different than anything else you're going to see out there."
The choice between Yanmar's CTL and ASV's Posi-Track undercarriage depends on your specific needs and applications. Both products have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to the customer to decide which factors are most important to them. Yanmar's CTL stands out for its steel-embedded undercarriage, suspended design, and unique operator cabin, while ASV's Posi-Track undercarriage offers high speed and low ground pressure capabilities.
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