ASV'S POSI-TRACK PULLING ITS WEIGHT ON THE FARM

Versatile loader handles wide variety of agricultural tasks

GRAND RAPIDS, MN (July 29, 2000) --  The Posi-Track^TM all-purpose crawler (4810 and 2800), which has traditionally been associated with providing exceptional performance for a wide range of conditions and applications in the construction and landscape industries, is also proving itself to be a workhorse in many agricultural applications. A variety of farmers are using it either as a general utility tool around the farm, or as a valuable aid out in the field.

The Posi-Track is built by ASV, an affiliate of Caterpillar Inc., which owns approximately 9 percent of the Minnesota firm. The machine, available at most Caterpillar dealerships in North America as well as independent ASV dealers, is distinguished from all other equipment by its patent-pending rubber-tracked undercarriage. The Maximum Traction and Support System^TMgives the machine the unusual combination of power, traction and durability with a light touch and low compaction.

"Whether it's hauling feed to the livestock, digging postholes for fences, or working in the field, farms need machinery that can do it all," said Brad Lemke, director of product development for ASV. "With terrain that ranges from muddy slop to rutted paths to thick snow, farms need a machine that can traverse the most difficult terrain quickly and smoothly, and also be gentle to sensitive root systems in the field. The Posi-Track does that, and a whole lot more."

Some of the agricultural applications ideally suited for the Posi-Track include:

• Working in the fields. Whether it is working in vineyards, alfalfa farms, rice farms, tomato farms, tree nurseries, or pecan and almond orchards, the Posi-Track exerts ground pressure much less that of an average adult (as low as 2.5 psi), meaning the machine does not cause compaction or harm sensitive root systems. Where steel track and rubber-tired machines would do extensive damage, the rubber track undercarriage of the Posi-Track prevents costly damage.
• Putting up fences. In difficult areas like mud or steep terrain, the Posi-Track digs postholes with ease. Earth augers, plus a variety of other dedicated attachments, are available.
• Feeding and cleaning livestock. In snow or rain, livestock need to be fed and their quarters need to be cleaned. The Posi-Track is being used to plow out access ways to barns and feedlots, and then to carry feed and to clean.
• Getting in the fields when it's wet. For a farmer, nothing can be more frustrating than bad weather. The Posi-Track was designed to work and excel in all conditions.

"There's really no limit to what the Posi-Track can do on a farm," continued Lemke. "Every farm has its own unique characteristics, needs and terrain, which calls for flexible and versatile machinery. The Posi-Track's exceptional stability and traction make it the ideal platform from which you can operate a wide variety of work tools."

The secret behind the Posi-Track and its abilities on the farm is how the MTSS works. The undercarriage maximizes effectiveness by transferring the weight of the machine to the ground through 48 wheeled contact points. This distributes the machine weight evenly throughout the track. Plus, the entire undercarriage is suspended from the machine frame by two rubber torsion axles. Additionally, six articulating wheel carriages are suspended using similar rubber torsion axles. As a result:

• Traction is increased dramatically in all ground conditions;
• Minimal shock to the undercarriage over rough conditions; less load loss; smoother travel at high speeds; and a comfortable ride for the operator.
• Low-profile grousers provide excellent traction without the need for deep grousers — important in preventing surface damage;
• Track life is increased and track guiding is improved for long, hassle-free operation;
• Ground pressure on an 8,500 lb machine (4810) is reduced to 3.0 psi;
• Operator drives machine in smooth comfort;
• The power of the machine is transferred to the ground with the highest efficiency, giving the Posi-Track incredible power in digging, grading or snow removal.

ASV designs, manufactures and sells all-season, track-drive vehicles and related accessories and attachments. With its patent-pending Maximum Traction and Support System^TM undercarriage, ASV leads all rubber-tracked, all-purpose crawlers in technology and innovation. ASV's line of rubber-tracked machines traverse nearly any terrain with minimal damage to the ground, making it effective in industries such as construction, landscaping and agriculture. It also has the ability to operate both high flow and low flow attachments with its unique dual auxiliary hydraulics. ASV vehicles are supported by the world's best dealer network, backed up by seven-day-a-week parts and service support at the factory. To learn more about ASV, Inc. and its line of rubber-tracked machines, visit the Company's web site at www.posi-track.com.

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