 Gehl Co.
Products
Gehl’s compact excavator line was first introduced in 1987 and has evolved through three generations of compact construction equipment. The main compact excavator line today is the company’s 3-ton lineup, which is made up of the Gehl 303, 353, 373 and the new Gehl 383Z. The 303 is a 3- metric-ton unit with a focus on performance and price. The 353 is an overachieving 3.5-metric-ton unit that has more power and performance than some of the competition’s 4-metric-ton units, making it Gehl’s most popular model.
The 373 is essentially the same unit as the 353 model, but with the added industry exclusive house leveling feature. This technology allows the upper structure of the unit to be tilted up to 15 degrees to allow the unit to dig a vertical trench on slopes for more productivity and operator comfort. The new 383Z is a 3.6-metric-ton unit that offers a compact zero tail swing design similar to the bigger 503Z model.
Gehl also markets its 153 and 223 units, both of which have an expandable undercarriage. Both units expand from 3 ft, 3 in. to 4 ft, 3 in. Keeping small in mind, the 503Z zero tail swing excavator rotates its housing entirely within the tracks without overhang. The machine can be operated in tight confines, close to walls and other obstructions without compromising site lines. The 603 is a short tail swing excavator that packs a bigger punch with increased horsepower, state-of-the-art hydraulics, superior operator comfort and short tail swing maneuverability, providing best-in-class serviceability, say company officials.
All Gehl units employ a combination of variable displacement pumps and gear pumps for maximum hydraulic efficiency and all units have two-speed transmissions. The 153, 223, 303, 353 and 373 have selectable high- or low-speed switches with momentary switches to change from low to high speed. All units have a cab option. The 153, 223, 303, 353, 373, 383Z and 503Z also have a canopy version available. Other available options include long dipper arms, counter weights, steel tracks, roof-mounted work lights, rear view mirrors, tinted glass, 3-in. seat belts, travel motion alarms and radios. The 383Z, 503Z and 603 also have cabs with A/C available. Gehl’s units utilize Yanmar diesel engines (three- and four-cylinder diesels that are Tier II certified).
What’s Unique and Interesting?
The company’s most popular model is the 353. This model is an overachiever in the 3-metric-ton class with an oversized engine, advanced hydraulics and consistent power across the entire range of motion. These three things in conjunction with the smooth controls, reliability and serviceability make the 353 a tough excavator to beat.
The 383Z units have the Auto2Speed drive motors. The units have a low-speed and high-speed setting but the drive motors automatically sense the load on the machine and select high or low speed depending on the application. This means that if an operator is pushing a pile of dirt with the dozer blade with the unit set in high speed, the drive motors will sense the load and automatically downshift into low speed while pushing.
All of the company’s units have an auxiliary balance control that allows the excavator to travel in a straight line during operation of other hydraulic functions. Triple circuit control also allows for multiple functions to be performed simultaneously.
Insights and Advice
“Purchase a unit with the eye on the future and your current tasks. In most cases, excavators are very similar and it is the performance and comfort that separate the brands,” explains Brian Rabe, product specialist with Gehl excavators. “The future is bright as the market has been growing steadily and we see this trend continuing. We most certainly have new models coming out and new technology and innovation will be part of these designs.”
Contact Info
Gehl Co.
143 Water St.
West Bend, WI 53095
Ph: (262) 334-9461
Fax: (262) 338-7517
www.gehl.com
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