Mustang Multi Terrain Loaders
Three Rubber Track Loaders from the Major Compact Equipment Manufacturer
History
Mustang’s manufacturing roots date back to 1865 when the company began producing agricultural equipment. Today, Mustang is best known for its line of compact equipment — especially skid steers. In fact, the company is celebrating its 40th anniversary of making skid steers in 2005. Since 1965, Mustang has designed, manufactured and sold more than 40 different models of Mustang skid steer loaders throughout the world. Today, it offers skid steers with engines from 36 to 115 hp. Its model 2109 offers the largest lift capacity and highest lift height of any skid steer in the market. Mustang also has one of the broadest lines of compact equipment on the market, including track loaders, excavators, telehandlers and all-wheel-steer loaders. Mustang supplies its products and services to more than 39 countries worldwide.
Products
Mustang introduced the Multi Terrain Loader (MTL) series to the market in early 2002. Today that product line boasts three models — the MTL16, MTL20 and MTL25.
All three of these compact track loaders are built through an OEM agreement with Takeuchi Mfg. Co. — the Japanese pioneer of compact track loader technology.
Ranging from 66 to 97 hp and 2,315- to 3,528-lbs rated operating load capacity (at 50 percent of tip capacity), Mustang’s track loaders are popular with landscape
contractors who are in search of a powerful machine with good flotation on sensitive jobsites. Site prep contractors
in charge of leveling and dirt work are also big buyers
for Mustang.
All three of Mustang’s MTL units were built by Takeuchi, which means a tailor-made undercarriage. These MTLs were engineered with a heavy-duty undercarriage and track system vs. a skid steer bolt-on or add-on undercarriage. Mustang’s MTLs use a dedicated, steel-on-steel design on its undercarriage. Compared to competing units with roller-ball mechanisms, the Mustang units boast steel-on-steel rollers and bearings in an oil bath that ride on the steel mandrills built directly into the rubber tracks. When compared with competing units that have cogs inside the rubber and a roller ball mechanism instead of a sprocket
system, the Mustang comes out as the more durable
undercarriage, say Mustang officials.
The undercarriage is an integral part of the main loader chassis. The design of the Mustang units is based on
engineering developed 20 years ago utilizing technology from Takeuchi excavator carriages. The steel carriage has a front and rear steel idler and a high-drive sprocket system that drives the track via steel lugs embedded in the rubber track. Major components are the carriage system itself, the front and rear steel idlers and the roller idlers on the
bottom of each carriage. All Mustang MTLs come with a set of rubber tracks created from steel belting and embedded steel mandrills.
Both the MTL16 and MTL25 have Yanmar diesel engines, while the MTL20 has an Isuzu diesel. Mustang works with these engines for their high performance and torque, which provide optimal performance — especially in dozing and digging applications. Auxiliary hydraulics are available on each of the units and range in gpm from 18 to 23.4 gpm. High-flow of 39.6 gpm is an option on the MTL25.
When considering maintenance, Mustangs MTLs are easy machines to maintain. A single lever opens both the engine cover and rear door, giving owners easy access to all general maintenance points. It’s fairly simple to check and change oil and air filters, inspect rear coolers and access the battery. Additionally, the tipping canopy allows easy access for servicing and cleaning the machine. Service for the undercarriage is on the sides of the machine, including
an inspection of the track rollers and drive sprocket for proper tension. For track adjustment, owners simply use a small wrench and a greased gun in the cylinder area.
Standard equipment on Mustang’s MTLs includes hydraulic leveling, two-speed drive, backup alarm, horn and mirrors. Each of the MTL units also comes standard with a deluxe six-way suspension seat and full hydraulic pilot joystick control system. Popular options include the cab enclosure featuring sliding windows for improved ventilation and heating and air conditioning.
Advice to Buyers
“The main thing for customers to keep in mind is that the track loader, although rugged, has its limits like any other piece of equipment,” says Randy Vargason, general manager of Mustang Mfg. Co. “It’s important for customers to first do their research to be sure that a track loader is suited to the application in which they are hoping to put it to work. Rubber tracks, like tires, are susceptible to damage. So, it’s vital that they are used in the right application and that particular attention be paid to the maintenance that a rough job will require of the machine. Rocks, debris and excessive turning are three problems that can significantly reduce the life of the tracks.”
Contact Info:
Mustang Mfg. Co.
1880 Austin Rd.
Owatonna, MN 55060
Ph: (800) 562-5870
Fax: (507) 451-8209
E-mail: info@mustangmfg.com
Web: www.mustangmfg.com
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