Gauge the Progress of Today's CTLs - Part 2

Created: December 20, 2011

In part 2 of this series, suppliers of compact track loaders discuss the affect design changes have had on durability, longevity and serviceability.

Manufacturers such as Takeuchi will continue to optimize size offerings and refine specs and features on their compact track loaders to meet the need to do more with less.
Manufacturers such as Takeuchi will continue to optimize size offerings and refine specs and features on their compact track loaders to meet the need to do more with less.
To sustain hard work and heavy loads, Kubota compact track loaders feature a one-piece, welded mainframe and undercarriage.
To sustain hard work and heavy loads, Kubota compact track loaders feature a one-piece, welded mainframe and undercarriage.
The industry has seen a trend to very large compact track loaders, such as Bobcat's T870, that can push heavier loads.
The industry has seen a trend to very large compact track loaders, such as Bobcat's T870, that can push heavier loads.

As the market has matured, there have been better designs in rubber track production and manufacturers are putting extra effort into making them more durable. When Bobcat went to its newer design, it included the following:

increased operator comfort through minimized vibration by using suspended rollers and high-strength steel leaf springs;
raised track idlers on the roller suspension system that make the machine easier to turn (saving wear and tear on tracks);
drive motors and hydraulic lines on the roller suspension system that are fixed in position and hidden to prevent contact with debris and reduce damage to the machine;
no greasing or adjusting required.

Maintenance point improvements that were first available on the roller suspension system are now also available on the solid-mount undercarriage of the Bobcat T250, T300 and T320. These improvements include a larger drive sprocket area and an undercarriage design that sheds debris and has clean-out holes to allow pressure washing.

In addition, Bobcat has an exclusive C-pattern track. The compound solution is exclusive, as well. This track helps give a machine aggressive traction, but also provides a comfortable ride for the operator.

Erik Ouwersloot, product manager, Construction Equipment, Kubota: Kubota's SVL75 and SVL90 are designed with time-saving maintenance in mind, featuring an easy tilt-up cabin for convenient access. Daily maintenance checks for engine oil dipstick, fuel filter, water/fuel separator, air cleaner and coolant level are simple, and greasing the machine is also easy with all grease fittings accessible from ground level. A slide-and-tilt radiator and oil cooler are simple to reach because it requires the removal of only four bolts to be tilted for easy cleaning.

In addition, Kubota's compact track loaders were designed to sustain hard work and heavy loads. The mainframe and undercarriage are a one-piece, welded unit to provide uncompromised structural strength.

Designed to be a true track loader, Kubota's SVL75-90 was built with no structural conversions or compromises. For greater durability, the track loader's main frame and track are welded, resulting in a strong and integrated unit. The SVL operates on Kubota-designed rubber tracks, not only ensuring a long lifespan, but also providing strong traction for smooth and powerful performance. The machine's triple-flange lower track rollers help keep the tracks on point and running smoothly, minimizing the risk of de-tracking especially while working on sloped or uneven terrain.