Innovative Iron Award Winner: ASV VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry Posi-Track Loaders

The Top Construction, Landscape and Rental Equipment Launched in 2023

The world of off-highway machinery is evolving — battery-powered units, hydrogen engines, luxury and economy tiering, machine control automation — but maybe the biggest evolution is that everyone wants a compact machine. Small, tool-carrying construction equipment now make up about 50 percent of the U.S. machinery market with mini excavators and compact track loaders being the two most popular categories in America. To meet this enormous demand, machine makers released some pretty awesome machines in the past 12 months: advanced skid steers, electric asphalt pavers, entry-level grade control attachments and so much more. The 2023 Innovative Iron Awards celebrate the best of these compact equipment launches. Scouring tradeshows, visiting manufacturers, operating units, interviewing experts, this annual compilation represents the best equipment we’ve seen and experienced all year, including…

ASV’s VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry Track Loaders

ASV’s RT-135 and RT-135F Forestry compact track loaders are some of the gnarliest, most powerful track loaders on the market. We awarded them an Innovative Iron Award in 2022, but we’re maybe loving the new downsized VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry Posi-Track compact track loaders even more — as they elevate comfort, visibility and performance in a smaller package (kind of our thing). The vertical-lift machines excel in loading and grading in landscaping and construction, and they are packed with features. This pair of CTLs were launched at CONEXPO-CON/AGG in March, topping our list as one of the coolest tool carriers released at the biggest construction show in America, which only happens every three years.

Let’s get into the specs. Like the RT135, ASV’s VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry products produce a lot of power. Both come equipped with a 103.5 hp Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine. Fun fact: Yanmar acquired ASV back in 2019. The loaders’ large line sizes, hydraulic coolers and direct-drive pumps accommodate 41 gpm of auxiliary flow to the attachment, which is a serious amount of fluid power. This is a load-sensing hydraulic system, regulating the 41-gpm hydraulic pump to only produce what’s necessary to complete the work rather than using maximum flow all the time.

The VT-100 features a 10,345-lb operating weight, 3,500-lb rated operating capacity, 10,000-lb tipping load rating and a ground pressure of 4 psi. The VT-100 Forestry features an 11,570-lb operating weight, 4,100-lb rated operating capacity, 10,571-lb tipping load rating and ground pressure of 4.1 psi. Additionally, these compact track loaders boost travel speeds up to 9.3 mph, which is pretty fast.

Boss Performance Technology

These new models include several optional efficiency-enhancing features to improve the operator experience and overall productivity. Let’s take the work-tool positioner, which allows operators to create a preset for the angle of the attachment based on the task at hand, allowing return to position at the push of a button. Similarly, return-to-position technology complements the work tool positioner by allowing operators to set a designated height for the loader arms. The features can be paired together or used independently to adjust to the needs of the jobsite.

There’s also self-leveling and ride-control features. ASV notes its self-leveling technology uses dual-direction capabilities to automatically level the load both while raising the loader arms and — unlike many other CTLs — while lowering them. The company is also quick to point out that its speed-sensitive ride control offers operators the convenience of enhanced material retention at higher speeds without needing to actively switch the feature off while switching to more slow-moving applications — such as grading.

There’s also a feature called Auto 2-speed, which allows the compact track loader to shift automatically between low and high-speed modes. This creates a more seamless transition between the two modes, providing operators improved control while working in tight places, grading or in other applications that require finite control.

The VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry will also include optional remote-control capabilities. The remote is available as a factory or field-installed option and allows operators to control the loader from a distance with a harness-mounted control box. The new feature improves operator safety in potentially dangerous situations such as on steep slopes.

Comfort and Operator Safety

Ever since ASV released its Max-Series loaders way back in 2020, the company has shown a big commitment to comfort in the operator station. The new VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry both feature a wide operator station with 360-degree visibility and a fully adjustable suspended seat. The units’ control console is a state-of-the-art 7-in. color display, providing vital monitoring tools, showing views from the backup camera and integrating with service schedules for added convenience. There’s also a removable roof hatch on both models to easily allow for exiting the operator station if the front door is somehow blocked.

When it comes to comfort, we must always applaud the smooth ride of ASV’s Posi-Track undercarriage. The VT-100 and TV-100 Forestry models utilize ASV’s patented rubber track dual-level suspension, featuring both suspended wheels and axles, allowing both units to manage nearly every type of terrain at faster speeds. The suspended wheels and fully flexible track conform to the ground, assuring maximum ground contact and traction.

The VT-100 Forestry also features forestry-rated guarding around the light and radiator as well as a built-in limb riser. Operator safety is a priority with the machine featuring forestry-level operator protective structures, impact falling object and rollover ISO standards.

Serviceability

ASV stands behind the reliability of its Posi-Track loaders with an industry-leading two-year, 2,000-hour warranty. The warranty includes the industry’s first and only no-derailment guarantee and covers the tracks for the entire warranty period.

Ease of serviceability will also stand out to operators with convenient features such as easily accessible daily checkpoints and removable skid plates for quick cleaning when needed. The VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry include three-panel engine access plus a swing-out radiator that requires no tools to open for simple access to daily check points.

Just as the two new compact track loaders feature a Yanmar Tier-4 Final engine, the new compact track loader also incorporates Yanmar’s optional SmartAssist telematics system. SmartAssist features range from error detection and notification to real-time operational status updates and daily work reports. The telematics system also includes integrated theft protection, allowing the machine’s owner to set a range from a specific location and trigger an alert if that range is exceeded.

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