New skid steer loaders from Gehl

Gehl Company has launched two skid loaders, the 1640E and the V270. The new machines lie at both ends of the US company's skid steer loader range and expand it to nine models.

The 1640E extends Gehl's E series at the lower end. Dubbed a "super compact", it is 91 cm wide -- 32 cm narrower than the next larger model, the 123 cm-wide 3640E.

The 1300 kg 1640E is rated at 390 kg lift capacity, 86 kg less than the 476 kg of the 3640 model. The new machine offers 2.4 m of lift height, which is approximately 1 m less than the bigger machine's.

An 18 kW Yanmar engine drives its hydrostatic pump, which has a self-neutralising feature and requires no maintenance, said Gehl. Auxiliary hydraulic flow of 41 l/min is available for attachments, which connect with a universal quick-attachment mechanism.

Operator/safety features include: a standard deluxe, high-back seat or optional high-back suspension seat; the Hydraloc system, which locks machine movements when the operator leaves the seat; and a ROPS/FOPS with safety glass side, top and rear windows to enhance safety and reduce sound levels within the cab.

A large engine cover and the tilt-back ROPS/FOPS allow maintenance access, but the machine's heavy-duty, 5 cm-diameter axles are factory lubed and sealed and do not require any maintenance, said the company.

At the other end of Gehl's skid steer loader range is the new vertical-lift V270, similar in capability to Gehl's 7810E, but having a totally different configuration. It is rated at 1230 kg of lift capacity and offers 3.3 m of lift height, both the best in its class, said Gehl.

The machine, also offered through the Gehl's Mustang brand dealer network as the 2700V skid steer loader, has a 62.6 kW turbocharged Yanmar engine with electronic control. It powers an auxiliary hydraulics system, optionally available at 168 l/min capacity, with infinitely adjustable flow control.

A pressurised, sealed cab and air-ride seat are options on the machine, but a side-folding restraint bar is standard and can be adjusted to suit the operator. Operator controls positions are also adjustable, and an optional wide-view front glass door contributes to the operator's visibility of tires and the bucket cutting edge.

Gas springs assist lifting the V270's engine cover and hold it in place, and a rear door provides access to all the regular service points, said Gehl. Also, the entire ROPS/FOPS tips on a hydraulic lift for other access.

Both machines enter production in March and will be available worldwide.