Tutt Bryant’s new range of Yanmar Compact Track Loaders are yet another chapter in a five-decade long relationship between the two companies. Roads & Infrastructure learns what these new models will bring to the infrastructure and construction sectors.
Tutt Bryant and Yanmar Equipment share much more than just a machinery and equipment portfolio.
The 46-year partnership between the two is a testament to quality, collaborative product development and responsiveness to market demands, all aspects that have contributed to the growth of the shared excavator, wheeled loader, and carrier product lines.
Mark Ewan, Business Development Manager – Tutt Bryant Equipment says beyond sharing similar product lines, both businesses also see eye to eye when it comes to values and vision.
“The Yanmar range is our number one portfolio in our range of equipment,” he says. “We’ve got a long-shared history. I think that’s the strength of the relationship, that it’s been based upon the quality of the product, from a parts backup and warranty side, as well as the willingness to listen to what the market is looking for.”
A key milestone of this partnership came in 2019, when Yanmar finalised its acquisition of ASV, further increasing the former’s variety of solutions for the compact equipment segment of the sector.
This acquisition paved the way for the latest line of compact track loaders.
A specialised range
Yanmar’s compact track loader range comprises four key models: the TL65RS, TL75VS, TL80VS and TL100Vs.
As Ewan explains, the 80 and 100 models have been designed and optimised for larger projects, such as infrastructure works.
“For works on major projects, the 100 really stands on its own,” Ewan says. “It can cover all applications, whether It’s your road broom, grading or profiling jobs. You can even fit it with rippers.
“Whereas the 80 is better suited to your local works, like patching on highways or a pothole here and there. It’s really geared towards those jobs where you don’t need – or it’s better to not have – a big machine.”
A key feature that supports this is high-flow auxiliary hydraulic power, enabling increased lift capacity, as well as the use of demanding hydraulic-powered attachments for high-production applications.
As such, the sustained performance of high flow was a major consideration during development, as Ewan explains.
“What we’ve found over the years, during our experience with skid steers, is the importance of the heat balance of the machine,” he says.
“When you’re running a high flow, you’ve got a lot of heat running through the machine, partly because it’s running right at its limit. That’s where the heat balance is so important.”
Ewan adds that the unique design of the 80 and 100 allows both units to “outperform” conventional models on the market.
“The oil cooler and air conditioner are separated, as is the radiator, which is really beneficial for preventing overheating and supporting consistent performance,” he says.
Additionally, both units are powered by a four-cylinder, intercooled turbo Yanmar engine that’s also Tier Four emission compliant, ensuring that operators can satisfy project and regulatory requirements for years to come.
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It’s changes like this that have been guided by industry feedback, an aspect Ewan believes is a key strength of Yanmar and Tutt Bryant’s partnership.
“Australia has long been a research and development testing ground for both of us, where we’ve gone out to customers, asked what we could improve, what’s missing, or how else we could help them on the job site,” he says.
“It’s these recommendations that have resulted in new features being implemented into the machines.”
Extended warranties (from one to two years), improved auxiliary piping, as well as the installation of a construction-grade undercarriage are just a few further examples of this feedback and implementation in action.
Operator comforts
Internal and operational qualities of the units were a keen focus during design and development of the 80 and 100 models – specifically, comfort.
Among improvements are increased legroom, an enhanced ergonomic layout featuring easy entry and exit, as well as the integration of touchpad controls and camera systems for better usability and visibility. Design changes also help to better protect operators from external obstacles and debris.
“The feedback has been that the cab is nice and quiet, as well as a very smooth ride with stability,” Ewan says. “That stable ride is complemented by great traction force going into a stockpile, which is due to the 50 per cent weight distribution across these units.”
This weight recalibration, the result of an improved balance between the front and rear axles, helps to decrease the chances of tip-over when traversing challenging terrain. It also provides several performance benefits, such as the ability to achieve optimal traction.
“Others have adopted a skid steer design and made it into a compact track loader,” Ewan says. “That straight away makes the design tail-end-heavy. Because of the weight distribution on a Yanmar, operators can navigate uneven ground far more easily.
“With a Yanmar, you’re getting some of the most advanced technology and designs that are currently available in the marketplace.”
This article was originally published in the February edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
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