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Компактные Гусеничные Погрузчики    или мини-погрузчики повышенной проходимости. Как и колесные мини погрузчики с бортовым разворотом, гусеничные мини погрузчики обладают исключительной маневреностью. В тоже время гусеничная ходовая часть делает мини-погрузчик			проходимым при, практически, любых грунтовых условиях. Высокие тягово-сцепные характеристики гусеничной ходовой части обеспечивают высокое усилие копания даже на мягких грунтах.
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CMO  issue#3 January - February 2005 TAKEUCHI   Compact Track Loaders
		TL130  Компактный Гусеничный Погрузчик Гусеницы 320мм шириной обеспечивает высокую проходимость и тяговое усилие. Резиновые гусеницы. Дизельный двигатель с турбонаддувом. Система автоматического выключения двигателя при повышении температуры масла двигателя. Планетарный привод ходовой части
		Технические данные
		Грузоподъемность (35% от опрокидывающего усилия)	734,8кг
		Высота подъема	3030мм
		Ширина (без ковша)	1580мм
		Нагрузка на грунт	0,34кг/см2
		Мощность двигателя	67 л.с.
		Рабочий вес	3400кг
		Транспортная скорость	7,2/ 10,1км/час
		TL140  Компактный Гусеничный Погрузчик TL140 оснащен гусеничной цепью 460мм шириной. Резиновые гусеницы. Дизельный двигатель с турбонаддувом. Две ступени оборотов двигателя для регулировки транспортной скорости. Система автоматического выключения двигателя при повышении температуры масла двигателя. Планетарный привод ходовой части. Упрощенный доступ к двигателю и гидравлической системе. Ориентировочная цена $51,150 ТД140 включен в список 100 лучших моделей журнала Construction Equipment
		Технические данные
		Грузоподъемность (35% от опрокидывающего усилия)	944,8кг
		Высота подъема	3122мм
		Ширина (без ковша)	1770мм
		Нагрузка на грунт	0,28кг/см2
		Мощность двигателя	81 л.с.
		Рабочий вес	4350кг
		Транспортная скорость	7,2/ 10,1км/час
		TL150  Компактный Гусеничный Погрузчик TL150 оснащен гусеничной цепью 460мм шириной. Резиновые гусеницы. Дизельный двигатель с турбонаддувом. Система автоматического выключения двигателя при повышении температуры масла двигателя. Планетарный привод ходовой части Упрощенный доступ к двигателю и гидравлической системе
		Технические данные
		Грузоподъемность (35% от опрокидывающего усилия)	1120кг
		Высота подъема	3203мм
		Ширина (без ковша)	1859мм
		Нагрузка на грунт	0,30кг/см2
		Мощность двигателя	97 л.с.
		Рабочий вес	4850кг
		Транспортная скорость	8,0/ 11,1км/час
		Takeuchi Mfg. Co. Ltd., - японская компания. которая в 1991 году  представила компактные гусеничные погрузчики на американском рынке строительной техники. Takeuchi U.S. - американский филиал, который обеспечивает техобслуживание, подготовку операторов и доставку запчастей, расположен в Бафорд, Джоржия, США
		Все материалы опубликованы с разрешения Takeuchi Mfg. Co. Ltd.
		Data and images are reprinted with official permission of Takeuchi Mfg. Co. Ltd.
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Powered by an 81-hp Isuzu diesel engine, the TL140 rubber track loader features a two-speed travel system. The machine uses a hydrostatic drive system directly coupled with planetary final drives for efficient power transfer. It has an operating weight of 9,590 pounds, tipping load of 5,952 pounds, and bucket breakout force of 7,403 pounds. With 18-inch-wide tracks and an undercarriage with floatation capabilities, the unit can operate on a variety of ground conditions. It also has a universal quick-attach mounting bracket.

Compact track loaders aren't new on the compact construction scene. But they are becoming more popular among contractors engaged in site prep, landscaping and general construction. In large part, this popularity has been spurred by the acceptance and indispensability of skid-steer loaders on North American jobsites, which proved once and for all that compact equipment could handle the rigors of punishing work.

Many contractors have found that compact track loaders are mandatory on their jobsites, and wonder how they ever got along without them. Accordingly, some compact track loader manufacturers claim these machines will soon usurp skid steers as the preeminent compact construction machine. Other OEMs, who sell large volumes of skid steers and track loaders alike, aren't so sure.

"The compact track loader has really come into its own in the past several years," says Brad Lemke, president, ASV Loaders. "They are ideal not only for muddy, sloppy working conditions, but in areas where turf or surface damage is an issue for contractors."

That's because these machines have higher flotation than skid-steer loaders, which means they exert less ground pressure as they move across the ground - as low as 3.1 psi of pressure for some models. Skid-steer loaders not only have less flotation than compact track loaders, the nature of skidding to turn the machine is inherently harmful to sensitive surfaces.

"Compact track loaders are also gaining popularity because contractors are finding that they can help to extend their working season," notes Christopher Wolf, product manager, Caterpillar. "These machines are perfectly suited for working in wet, muddy conditions, as well as snow, due to their superior traction and flotation."

Mike Fitzgerald, product manager, Bobcat, agrees. He says they are the only machines he's taken out to beta test contractors and then been told, "You can't have it back," when the test is over. "Contractors immediately recognize the benefits these machines offer," he says.

So do some contractors' workers, although a few of them have a decidedly different point of view about compact track loaders. "We were visiting one contractor," Fitzgerald recalls, "when his laborer walked up to me and said, 'I hate that machine. Last summer, when it rained, we got a day off. But now, I haven't had a day off in ages.'"

That particular contractor, Fitzgerald notes, had clearly gained several working days over the previous summer. "And that really showcases the potential of compact track loaders," he says. "This contractor not only gained additional working days, the compact track loader allowed him to extend his entire working season. And more days on the job translates into more money in his pocket."

Expect to pay a premium for extra production

It's important to note that contractors can expect to pay a premium for compact track loaders. "Generally speaking, if you look at track machines versus skid-steer loaders in the Bobcat product line, you're going to pay approximately a 40 percent premium to purchase a compact track loader," Fitzgerald says. And that premium is likely to remain constant for the foreseeable future, since compact track loaders cost more to build. "Tracks are more expensive than tires due to the steel framework, the rollers and sprockets," he says. "And they have more complex drive systems. As sales volumes go up, economies of scale will come into play, and we might see some lower prices for these units. But I don't see significant price decreases."

It also costs more to maintain a compact track loader, Fitzgerald says, compared to a skid-steer loader. Generally speaking, you can expect the tires on a skid steer (engaged in general construction applications) to last between 600 to 800 hours. "I've seen some guys who can get 1,400 or 1,500 hours out of their tires," he notes. "But others may burn their tires up at 400 hours. It costs about $600 to $800 for a set of four tires. So you can figure that it costs a dollar an hour to run a skid-steer loader for the tires only." Tracks, on the other hand, are going to run you anywhere from $2,400 to $2,500 for a small track loader, while some larger models can set you back as much as $4,000.

If your operator is good - and depending on how you use the machine - Fitzgerald says you can expect a set of tracks to last from 1,000 to 1,200 hours. Again, that figure is generic. Fitzgerald says he's seen some contractors put 2,000 hours on a set of tracks, while others get 600 hours. But using those base figures, you're looking at $3 to $4 an hour to run the machine, just to replace the track.

If those figures seem sobering, ASV's Lemke isn't worried. "The bottom line is that compact track loaders are more productive in many applications than a skid-steer loader is," he says. "And that is because of the specialized undercarriage and the rubber tracks. Will you have to adjust your pricing if you bring a compact track loader onto a client's jobsite? Absolutely. But you will get more quality work done in a shorter period of time. It's a specialized machine. And that justifies what is a minimal additional cost for your client."

ASV does not manufacture a skid-steer loader and, naturally, Lemke feels compact track loaders are the wave of the future in small machine applications. "Our patented technology is different from many of the other manufacturers of compact tracked loaders," he says. "As a result, we feel ASV's undercarriages excel on hard surfaces like pavement, where other manufactures discourage use on pavement."

Lemke also takes issue with compact track loader maintenance costs. "Those costs are relative to terrain," he says. "Since tracked machines can work in harsher terrains than wheeled machines, a little more maintenance is expected; much like a motor-cross motorcycle will have more maintenance than a street motorcycle. And since there is no possibility for flat tires, actual down time is often less for a compact tracked loader. I have customers who owned skid steers, but rarely used them who are now getting 1,000 hours a year on their compact track loaders. Since we don't build skid steers we don't have to make excuses why in some applications you should still buy a skid steer. I flat-out believe because of advances in compact tracked loader design and lower prices, that there is no good reason to own a skid steer today."

Hours, application and environment key indicators for adding compact track loaders to your fleet

Considering the numbers, and taking into account that skid steers remain extremely cost-effective machines for construction applications, how can you decide if moving to a compact track loader is a good business decision for you? Start with machine usage practices, Fitzgerald says. "Our studies show that the average skid-steer loader works between four and six hours a day," he observes. "The average compact track loader works between eight and 10 hours on an average day."

Over the course of a year, Fitzgerald says, this averages out to 600 to 800 hours a year for skid steers, and more than 1,000 hours a year for compact track loaders. "If you're using your skid steer 800 hours a year, you can probably step up and justify a tracked machine for your jobs," he explains. "You're already using the skid steer to its maximum potential, and you could really benefit from the extra productivity a tracked machine can give you."

But if you're only putting 500 hours a year on your skid steers, Fitzgerald says a compact track loader isn't a wise choice. "Odds are a skid steer with low hours like that is not a primary production machine for you," he notes. It sits more than it's used, so it's more cost-effective as a support machine. You'd definitely get a production boost from a tracked machine, but its extra costs won't help you make any more money."

Another important consideration if you're looking at adding compact track loaders to your fleet are your applications. "Are you using a lot of different attachments?" Fitzgerald asks. "Or are you strictly moving dirt or have strictly defined duties for the machine? If your applications are more defined - say the machine's main purpose in life is to move dirt - then a track machine fits you very well. Compact track loaders can run attachments very well. But if you want a machine primarily as a tool carrier, then a skid steer will probably suit you just fine."

Finally, says Mike Ross, product manager, Takeuchi, you need to examine your typical work environment. "If you're working on harsh surfaces - demolition work, for example - then a track loader probably isn't going to be right for you," he says. "But what if you're working in extremely muddy or wet clay conditions, or a state like Florida that has extremely sandy soil? Well, tired machines don't work well in those applications, and you should probably consider trying a compact track machine out."

Another crucial point to remember, according to Kelly Moore, product manager, Gehl, is that compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders complement each other quite well on many jobsites. "Many contractors are supplementing their fleets of skid steers with compact track loaders," he says. "In many cases, the track loader acts as a dedicated digging machine, while the skid steers can be used to haul spoil away, or clean the jobsite up or prep the next area the track loader will move into. In each case, the smart contractor puts each machine type to work where they can utilize their abilities to the fullest."

Good track care crucial for optimum performance

Regardless of how you ultimately decide to use a compact track loader, you need to be aware that the rubber tracks are a high-cost wear item, and run the machine accordingly. "Certain abrasive applications will accelerate the wear of undercarriage components," Cat's Wolf warns. "As with all rubber tracked machines, sharp material such as broken concrete, shale or rebar has the potential to cut the track, so extra precautions are needed when operating in environments where such items are found."

Wolf also recommends periodic inspection and adjustment of the rubber track, and frequent inspection of the undercarriage system. "Proper operation is important in maximizing the value of the machine," he says. "And remember that improper operating practices - unnecessary spinning of tracks, or excessive counter-rotation - will minimize the life of the track and undercarriage components."

And when the day comes when you have to replace the rubber tracks on your compact loader, Ross stresses the importance of spec'ing OEM-approved replacement tracks for the machine. "Tracks are expensive," he admits. "And many contractors are seduced by the lower prices of will-fit replacement tracks. But will-fit tracks are not as precisely engineered as OEM-spec versions are. You might save money up front, but that replacement track's poor fit means that the undercarriage itself will begin to inflict wear as you run the machine. In most cases, Takeuchi predicts you'll get around half the service life from will-fit tracks than you would from OEM-approved versions. And any money you saved initially will be lost. "In fact," Ross says, "you'll spend more buying another set of tracks sooner than you should have."

First introduced several years ago by Takeuchi and ASV Inc., today rubber-track loaders also are offered by Bobcat, Gehl, and Caterpillar. And New Holland says it is testing and reviewing types of tracks.

"Compact track loaders are fairly common in Europe, and they're becoming more popular in the United States," says Industry Analyst Frank Manfredi of Manfredi & Associates. "Takeuchi was one of the original companies to sell a tracked loader, and then about 10 years ago ASV was formed. They developed a rubber-track undercarriage and supply it to both Caterpillar and Polaris."

At Takeuchi, Mike Ross says track loaders are a very big growth market in the US. "I think the rubber-track-loader market has grown by 35 a year for the past four years. A lot of people who have been running skid-steers are going to these machines. They're finding out that a track machine is a lot more productive." One equipment dealer notes that a compact track loader can replace a small dozer - and is smaller to transport in the bargain. Takeuchi offers three models of rubber-track loaders that range up to 81 hp with a turbocharger.

It's true that track machines are more expensive than skid-steers, says Ross - about $8,000ñ$10,000 more for the same-size machine. "But most operators find that [track-loader] productivity is about double that of a skid-steer. And these track machines are a lot more versatile."

For example, a track loader offers flotation; it can work in muddy areas where a skid-steer can't go, says Bobcat's Lance Schulz. Plus, a track loader extends the work season. In northern climates, you can work earlier in a wet spring and later in the fall. "A track loader grades better and has more pushing power than a skid-steer [does]," says Schulz. Today, Bobcat offers four rubber-track models - two with radial-style lifting linkages and two with vertical-lift linkages. Two of the machines are rated at 56 hp, and two have 81 hp.

Gehl buys rubber-track loaders from Takeuchi. "We have an agreement for them to build machines for us," says Gehl's Kelly Moore. The company offers two track models, one with 66 hp and the other with 97 hp. Both feature radial-style lift arms and were introduced in March 2002.

At the same time, Caterpillar introduced its 247 and 257 Multi Terrain Loaders, which feature a rubber-track undercarriage from ASV, a Caterpillar affiliate. Both of these machines use the upper portions of Cat skid-steer loaders. The two machines have operating capacities, respectively, of 1,354 lb. (the 247) and 1,614 lb. (the 257).

The company says the new rubber-track undercarriage transfers weight to the ground through 24 wheeled contact points. The rubber track is lightweight and pliable yet is reinforced with high-tensile-strength cords for extra durability. Its edges are beveled to prevent scuffing or damage when used on lawns or turf.

Caterpillar also offers two larger models - the 267 and 277 rubber-track loaders. Like the 247 and 257, these models combine a skid-steer upper portion with an undercarriage from ASV. The 267 and 277 have operating capacities of 2,030 lb. and 2,065 lb. The Society of Automotive Engineers defines operating capacity for a track loader as 35% of its maximum tipping load. Wheeled loaders are rated at 50% of the tipping load.

ASV recently introduced the RC-100, its newest rubber-track machine. The machine boasts a 99.5-hp Cat engine, a 7,600-lb. tipping load, and a lift height of 125 in. ASV says the Posi-Power Control system makes it virtually impossible to stall the engine because the system automatically shifts the hydrostatic drive to match available horsepower.

Skid-Steers Increase Wheelbases

The recent trend in skid-steer loaders is toward larger machines and those with longer wheelbases, according to manufacturers. Longer wheelbases offer a smoother ride, increased stability, and a greater load-carrying capacity. "We've heard customers say they like the longer wheelbase," says Rusty Schaefer at Case Construction Equipment.

With all other things being equal, a longer wheelbase will scuff the tires more in a turn. Traditionally, longer wheelbases produce more tire wear, but now, says Schaefer, manufacturers are building tires that last longer. "That allows us to increase the wheelbase without significantly decreasing tire life."

If you hold the width of a skid-steer loader constant, though, there's a limit to the length of the wheelbase, says Bobcat's Lynn Roesler. "A machine with a longer wheelbase can require a wider width between the tires if you want to turn it very easily." Bobcat engineers look at the tread width of the loader - the distance between the centerlines of the right and left tires. Then the engineers consider the tread-widthñto-wheelbase ratio.

"If that tread-widthñto-wheelbase ratio were 1.0, the machine would turn hard; your wheelbase would be much too long," explains Roesler. "It would be doggy in turning and would require a lot of horsepower to turn the machine." He says many Bobcat skid-steer loaders have a tread-widthñto-wheelbase ratio of around 1.40. The company's top-selling skid-steer loaders, the S175 and S185, have a 1.38 ratio of tread width to wheelbase. "The lower that ratio is, the more power it will require to turn."

Skid-steers have the ability to counter-rotate or spin about the center of the machine, says John Deere's Larry Foster. "Thus, the wheelbase can be longer or shorter, but the key dimensions that affect maneuverability are length and width."

"It is worthy to note that from the mid-'80s only John Deere and New Holland had long-wheelbase machines," says Foster. "Today, however, every manufacturer has long-wheelbase machines. In fact, from the 1,500-lb.-rated operating capacity and up, all of the competitor machines have increased their wheelbases to longer wheelbases like the Deere and New Holland models [have].

"John Deere has an exceptionally low center of gravity because we keep all of the heavy components and fluids low in the frame," continues Foster. "The benefit is superior stability and balance for enhanced load carrying, increased traction, and more stable and safe operation on unlevel terrain." For the record, the wheelbases on John Deere skid-steers range from 42.3 to 48.6 in.

While noting the advantages of a longer wheelbase, Caterpillar points out that a longer wheelbase can cause accelerated tire wear and require more horsepower to turn. Wheelbases on Caterpillar skid-steers range from 39 to 48 in.

Pilot Controls?

If Caterpillar and John Deere now offer pilot-actuated controls on their backhoe loaders, is that feature available for skid-steer loaders? It's not a black-and-white issue, but such hand controls generally provide low effort and low travel. It turns out that all 10 Cat skid-steers and all five Multi Terrain Loaders have pilot-operated controls for drive and loader functions. And Takeuchi skid-steers have hand pilot controls (joysticks) for all models of tracked loaders.

Not all manufacturers, however, think pilot controls are necessary on skid-steer loaders. "Our control geometry has a very low effort on lever functions," says Schaefer. "So there's less value in having pilot controls on our skid-steers because our mechanical controls have low effort."

Bobcat's skid-steers don't have pilot controls, but Schulz says the company instead sells a selectable joystick control option. With that, two joysticks feed information to a software program, and the software tells the hydraulic pumps what to do. With the flip of a switch, Bobcat users can change the controls from the International Organization for Standardization pattern (left joystick drives; right joystick is work group) to an H-pattern, with which two joysticks work drive and functions in combination.

At John Deere, Foster says all models come standard with foot controls (Bobcat's standard), and Deere offers hand controls as a factory-installed option on all models. The company's models 240 through 270 have manual controls, and the Model 280 uses servo controls.

Following are some recent product introductions and features from selected skid-steer loader manufacturers:

Bobcat

In September 2003, Bobcat introduced the T250 compact tracked loader, which has a rated operating capacity of 2,500 lb. To comply with new lean manufacturing initiatives, the company is using the mainframe design of the S220 skid-steer, which has a radius path lift arm configuration. The T250 offers 11% more power, with 81 hp, than the T200 does.

Bobcat also offers an all-wheel steer loader, the A300. Especially when used on pavements, the loader saves on tire wear when compared to a skid-steer loader. An example comes from Henry Evans, a construction site cleanup contractor based in Little River, SC. Evans estimates that he gets four to five times more life from the tires on his A300 than from a skid-steer loader's tires. Along with partner Robert Hughes, Evans owns E&H Site Management Inc. Using the A300, the company loads debris from construction sites into trucks that park on subdivision pavements.

Case Construction Equipment

Along with Bobcat and New Holland, Case is a market share leader in the North American skid-steer loader business. Case recently introduced three new skid-steers: the 40XT, the 60XT, and the 70XT. Those three replaced models 1840 and 1845, says Schaefer. The three new models range in power from 56 net hp to 79 net hp. With these new models, Case boosted the power and lifting capacity of the lower end of the skid-steer line. The upper end of the range encompasses the 75XT, the 85XT, the 90XT, and the 95XT. At the upper end, the 95XT has 85 hp and 3,650 lb. of lifting capacity with counterweight.

Because the three smaller machines have radial path lift arms, Case puts hydraulic self-leveling on the buckets to prevent spillage of material. Of the larger models, the 75XT, the 85XT, and the 95XT all have vertical-lift arm linkages so the arms extend outward at the top of the lift. "That's more important on larger models," says Schaefer.

What's more, Case offers ride control for skid-steers. Ride control consists of a hydraulic accumulator that cushions the lift cylinders and retains material in the bucket when the machine is traveling over rough terrain.

Caterpillar

Within the last year, Caterpillar introduced its 287 Multi Terrain Loader, a tracked machine with vertical-lift arms and a lifting capacity of 3,500 lb., says Chris J. Key of the company's Sanford, NC, office. The company also has introduced air conditioning as a factory option or as a dealer-installed kit on six models of skid-steers. On four models, rear auxiliary hydraulics have been introduced as a dealer-installed kit, and dedicated dual-directional controls have been introduced on the 236, 246, 252, and 262 models.

John Deere

The company's new Series II skid-steer loaders feature more than 100 improvements when compared to the 1999ñ2001 model 200 Series. Such improvements include the following:

* Increased operator comfort with factory-installed air conditioning and quick-tach for attachments

* Increased reliability through wet disk brakes, new steering linkage design, new instrumentation, and new hydraulic control-valve design

* Cushioned boom cylinders on models 260, 270, and 280

* New, enhanced boom design for superior visibility

* New standard and optional suspension seats

* Greater bucket breakout forces on models 270 and 280

New Holland Construction

The company's LS Series includes eight models ranging up to 83 gross hp and a 2,800-lb. lift capacity. New Holland was one of the first manufacturers to offer a vertical-lift configuration. "Because of the vertical-lift design, the operator has excellent visibility to both the front and rear of the machine," says Eric Kohout of New Holland. "The engine hood is low, and there are no towers to block an operator's view to the rear."

Adds the company's Jeff Clifford, "The super boom system moves in a vertical path until you get just above the operator's platform, and then the load moves away from the operator. This gives you excellent forward reach and allows you to dump in the center of a truck more efficiently. Many competitors do not have maximum forward reach until the end of the lift cycle. With our machines, you can load high-side 10-wheelers and low-side super-duty trucks.

So will rubber-track loaders eventually replace skid steers? "Not necessarily," says Moore. "They work along with the skid loaders. They're a supplement to skid loaders."

Author Daniel C. Brown is the owner of TechniComm, a communications business based in Des Plaines, IL.