When looking for the best compact equipment for land clearing, you won’t get far without seeing the ASV RT-120 Forestry in your searches. For good reason. ASV designed this beast to be ready to hit the woods for even your most high demand jobs. The RT-120 isn’t just your typical compact track loader. This CTL was created to handle it all with proper cooling and protection built in. Let’s take a look at the considerations that make this model a stand out among land clearing options.
Choosing the right skid steer or compact track loader for a job means considering a variety of factors. What will your primary uses include? What will your potential jobsite requirements look like? If you’ll be doing a lot a land clearing you’ll want a machine that can handle rough conditions and can adequately operate the right attachments for the operation. A forestry ready machine will be key to your overall maximum performance and return on your investment. For these reasons, the RT-120 does not disappoint.
1. Horsepower & High Flow.
Higher HP equals more productivity equals more money.
2. Cooling Capabilities.
High performing, high power attachments are heat intense. The cooling package is key to performing well in extreme conditions.
3. Max Hydraulic Flow.
Matched capabilities between machine and attachments equate to best performance.
4. Safety.
Protection from debris and thrown objects is imperative when performing clearing work.
So, how does it all relate to the RT-120 and forestry/ clearing operations? Here’s the low down.
The RT-120 is purpose built for the job. Thick brush and overgrown property can be addressed with heavy duty attachments that are no problem for this high horsepower model. Even in high temps and harsh conditions, it’s got the cooling capabilities to keep performing. The cooling package includes a standard reversing fan and wider fin spacing, and is built to handle 100% of the load, 100% of the time in up to 118 degree ambient temperatures.
The cooling package was of special importance when creating this option in CTL. Clearing and mulching creates significant debris and dust which can clog the coolers. Allowing more space in the design of the cooler can help to reduce the risk of issues created when attempting to clean. Pressure washing can pose cooling issues when attempting to clean out the coolers and get back to work. Once the dust is sucked back into the wet conditions, it will harden and become difficult to remove, in turn hindering the machine’s cooling capacity. The RT-120 is built with some cushion to help keep the machine performing at its best. With a purpose-built machine like this one, you have some more open engine compartments that allow for a little more forgiveness that the standard CTL or skid steer.
When planning use of attachments for your machine, remember that your specs should be compatible in order to perform at max potential. Max hydraulic flow and system pressure should always be factored into your decision.
As always, when working with heavy and compact equipment in various environments, safety should be your highest concern. Due to the nature of land clearing, special considerations are key. A dedicated, well equipped CTL or skid steer for this type of operation must include features that maximize operator safety. This includes metal guarding around key areas, enhanced durability, rollover and falling object protection and reinforced windows to protect from projectiles.
If you find your projects to be heavy in clearing and forestry, the best thing you can do is invest in a dedicated piece of equipment to handle that specific need. This will ensure overall productivity and safety for you and your operators.
Highway Equipment & Supply Co. has the RT-120 available. Contact any of our locations for more information about rentals and sales.
**ASV has since kicked it up a notch, introducing the RT-135 as the replacement for the 120 so if you’re in the market for the latest and greatest model, get ready to be impressed! Contact us to learn more!
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