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Terex Unveil New Compact Track Loader Range
The new compact track loaders from the Terex stable will certainly serve to strength the manufacturer’s market share, and will undoubtedly win over more from the skid steer sector. Plant & Civil Engineer’s Garfield Harrison was recently invited over to Warwick to put the machines through their paces…
 The three models in the new line-up – all with Perkins engines and Rexroth hydraulics - cover a comprehensive range of applications and are designed to operate in all sorts of conditions, from restricted building sites to bigger construction projects, and a whole lot of other areas in between.
The smoothness of the ride means that not only is the driver not shaken to bits, but the whole machine is not rattling itself apart, even on rough terrain or at high speeds. Noteworthy, too, is the fact that the track and undercarriage is built for a much longer life cycle than that of a conventional track loader.
So let’s take a closer look.
Operating the TerexPT-30, which is the company’s most compact rubber track loader, really is child’s play and will appeal to those working in confined spaces. Although at only 48 inches wide, the PT-30 is sufficiently productive to replace an entire crew of hand labor, offering exceptional traction and performance.
The 33.7 horsepower PT-30 uses an exclusive patented undercarriage technology with suspension that maximises traction and flotation while giving operators a comfortable ride. It employs 24 wheels in its undercarriage to spread the machine’s weight over the entire length and width of its tracks. As a result, the 1500kg machine’s operating weight is distributed down to only 2.8 pounds per square inch of ground pressure.
That is less ground pressure than that of a person on foot and means the PT-30 can work productively in soft or wet ground conditions where the likes of skid steer loaders and other larger track loaders cannot operate at all, and as such it is ideal for working on environmentally-sensitive surfaces such as landscaping, golf courses and wherever fragile underground systems need to be protected.
Indeed, during our test drive, and much to the horror of the green keepers, we spun it around on a fairway – and it didn’t leave a mark!
Another bonus is that it can easily be transported behind a jeep.
You can also fit out the PT-30 with a wide range of loader-mounted attachments, including buckets, rakes, a brushcutter, mowers, blades, a snowblower, backhoe, broom, land leveler and pallet forks.
 The PT-60
The PT-60 Compact Track Loader, meanwhile, is a mid-sized 60-horsepower machine that runs on a patented rubber track undercarriage. It is a quick and powerful loader that performs really well in a wide range of ground conditions – including wet, soft or slippery conditions where other equipment cannot work at all.
It includes a high-performance two-speed drive system that offers the choice of higher torque for digging in tough materials or higher top-end travel speed. In high speed, the PT-60’s performance makes it the ideal loader for any operation that seeks faster cycle times and maximum productivity.
In low speed, it can travel up to six mph; in high speed, it runs as fast as 11 mph. Indeed, only Terex’s largest, most powerful rubber track loader, the PT-100 - to be launched late 2009 - is rated faster with an 11.5 mph maximum speed.
The PT-60’s unique undercarriage suspension system uses rugged torsion axles to maximise the machine’s contact with the ground - even when traveling over objects or rough terrain.
Like the smaller PT-30, it uses 24 wheels in its undercarriage to spread the machine’s weight over the entire length and width of its tracks, so it’ll operate easily in soft or wet ground conditions, and that’s bound to be an attraction for contractors and companies that need to be productive all year around regardless of weather and ground conditions.
Perhaps, not surprisingly, Terex tell us that ‘thousands of former skid steer owners now prefer the performance advantages of compact track loaders.’
The machine’s standard track is a 15 inch-wide general purpose track, but also available is a special smooth Turf Track that is said to offer exceptionally low-impact performance when on the most sensitive or fragile surfaces and as such is ideal for landscape or golf course contractors.
When extra traction is needed, there is the option of a new Extreme Terrain Track that is 16.5-inches wide, so it offers even more flotation than the standard track. In addition, it offers extra deep treads for self-cleaning and added traction over the worst ground conditions.
A new heavy-gauge steel bonnet protects the engine compartment, while undercarriage enhancements include steel rear idler wheels that readily shed dirt and foreign materials while providing longer service life. Other wheels in the PT-60 are rubber-coated to maximise the cushion and protection of the rubber tracks. In addition, idler wheel bearings now use premium metal face seals, providing longer, more reliable protection of wheel bearings for years of trouble-free operation.
The PT-60 is highly maneuverable resulting in fast and easy turning and with its 66-inch overall width, it is clearly one of the most narrow and maneuverable machines in its class.
The PT-80
The third machine in the new range is the PT-80, which features an exclusive independent and multi-suspension undercarriage as well as a comfortable cab interior. It is equipped with an advanced and durable rubber track and features a patented multi-level suspension system, using 16 bogie wheels per track which flex independently to maximise ground contact.
Like the other two machines, the PT-80 has a low ground pressure, and can easily operate in soft or wet ground conditions.
Standard tracks on the PT-80 are 18 inches, which let you move faster and in more confined spaces, but it can also be outfitted with optional 20-inch wide tracks for even more flotation and is ideal for many construction, landscaping, utility and private-owner applications.
The PT-80 is outfitted with pilot-operated joystick controls that give precise control of all machine functions. Quick-connect hydraulic fittings are standard along with a supplemental electrical connection for attachments.
Its two-speed direct drive allows the operator to select low for maximum torque or high for faster travel speeds up to 11 mph.
The PT-80 includes conveniences like a standard 12-volt DC power port and multiple storage areas. It can be customized with a choice of cab enclosures, an adjustable suspension seat, hydraulic quick-attach, bucket positioning and more.
Verdict
This is undoubtedly an impressive machine. It’s fantastic speed and unique tracks will change the way we look at track loaders. It can move more material than your traditional skid steer. As one wit suggested, and we agree with him, like Star Trek it can boldly go where no skid steer or track loader has gone before, including very soft muddy ground where you normally have a burial service down to the axles!
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