Watch this BEFORE BUYING an ASV!!! RT-135 Review: Part 1
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- čas přidán 28. 04. 2023
- This is an in-depth review of the ASV (FECON) RT-135 with 140 hours on the clock. This is my full, unbiased review (no compensation was given).
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I have been through 2 ASV’s and they’re literally the worst option on the market. They will not stay running and then their sales and service is subbed out. They are only a manufacturer. The sales and service is separate and dealers are privately held and you can’t hold them accountable. My dealer usually took 7-10 days to even look at the problem and then would hardly ever fix the problem. Dealer has 1 tech for the entire market and he’s brain dead and lazy. You can tell he doesn’t like the small stuff and does not like getting dirty and is full of excuses. The managers are absolutely clueless on customer service. The reps are awful at sales and communication. Steer clear of the Asv. Cat 299 is the best option. Definitely not as much power but it’ll stay running and the sales and service is in house and corporate.
If you bought two you must like them
I got a 299d3xe and tbh I e also got a 289d3 xps and that's better than the 299d3xe
Couldn’t disagree more.
@@chriss7930you’re gonna tell me 74 horse and 32GPM recovers better than 110 horse and 40GPM?
Not buying it, head needs to be tuned to the machine or have system pressure checked and flow tested on the 299 if that’s the case.
@ChaseLandMgmt I do planing not mulching and yes you may be right as the new cat planers are only good for filling hole in a hedge and making rust. They are junk but cat do not care. Both machines been tested and now cat have basically fobbed me off after admitting they are not right. And believe me I know my stuff been doing it for about 25 years. Will never but another 299 even if it was given to me
Man I'm glad I watched this video! I am trying to decide what machine to get, needless to say ASV is no longer on my short list.
Always happy to help prevent another victim
Thank you for your extremely honest feedback. We ourselves are looking at purchasing one of these units. I will certainly use your notes here and consider our options. God bless you sir for this post.
You haven't seen half of it yet. I'm just biding my time till warranty is up before I really speak my mind... CAT 299 is the way to go.
There is price gouging going on all over the place. Prices went up when supply was low during and after covid and they have not come back down. Greed is exactly what it is.
Another great video, i really like ur honesty on these reviews. Look forward to the next video. Week done.
Cheers
Awesome video! I really hope ASV listens to your feedback!
I really hope ASV sees this video and makes improvements. For the price, they better watch this video.
lol I love the fact that on ASVs website they say that the Bobcat T870 doesn’t have SJC controls. What a flat out lie 😂
100% thank you for making this. Helped me a lot.
Well, this is a very credible review. ASV will lose a ton of sales from this 1 video. Very thorough, GREAT JOB!
Just wait till I post the follow-up... it gets so much worse.
On the bright side, this thing is a snow moving beast!
The manufacturers need to really start listening to the consumer. We make or break them.
I looked after a pt100g forestry machine here in australia for 7yrs. The only good thing i found with it was that it kept me employed.
Great review. I have ~ 400 on mine running 90% Mastodon Mulcher. Fortunately no AC issues. You could hang meat in my cab even on a warm day. You hit several of my big issues. Diesel fill tube. I hear they have a warranty fix for this an will check out. DEF Tank cap. ARGHH. Easiest thing in the world for them to fix - use same style cap as the diesel cap. the stock locking one is cheap and tough to get back on tight. Get one with ears to lock if you want, but not required. And the biggest pain for me is checking hydraulic fluid. My eyes aren't what they used to be, and even using red hydraulic dye in my oil I still can't read it easily. I loved the one on my old 75HD that was mounted on the rear firewall. Easy to see level.
All that said, the machine is a beast. You can run all day in the TN summer and it won't overheat. Just as you said it's important to blow out at the end of the day, but that's true on all mulching machines.
I will add that the emergency hatch is multiuse. No need to replace any gaskets. That wire you show is a retaining wire. It keeps the hatch from falling to the ground when you exit. Much better to go out through top than over hot engine with rear window hatch. I have done it a couple times when stuck. No big deal to get it and out, aside from getting dirt or mud on your armrests and seat. I like this design.
Lastly I am 6'3" and haven't had an issue with in cab light. Frankly forgot it was there. Agree on winch issue. Way too much money and should be mfg optioin.
Appreciate the time and effort you put into this. While sorry to hear about your AC issues. Hope your dealer can fix under warranty promptly, and once and for all. I am very happy with mine overall, but you hit on some of the small issues that have been bugging me. I hope they fix them all on future builds.
People are not really willing to pay the prices, there is actually no choice but to pay to their demands. Good honest video. Thankyou.
Cant wait for the next videos , was fixing to pull the trigger on this machine , im pumping the brakes a little now , thanks
In the past 70 machine hours, I think we've gotten the major problems all pinpointed. I'll be releasing a follow-up vid on said fixes as soon as the last replacement gets installed and verified.
Thanks for your input. I’ve been looking for a true review.
I think within the next 2 months, I'll have things all adjusted and running correctly. The 3 broken hi-flow connectors were caused by too short of hyd. hose from Loftness. Just a hair too short. But the hose was trying to rip the connector out at full tilt. I'll be making a future vid about all warranty issues, culprits, and the fixes.
It’s never been on my radar but there’s so much hype surrounding this thing it’s really valuable to here some honest real world feedback from a guy living with it day in day out. Hope you get it all dialed in and enjoy it.
I really enjoy this channel maybe you could pump out more videos thanks again for sharing
Got tons and tons in the works. Could really use a camera guy/editor to be honest.
Im in Nebraska too and was really thinking about an ASV to shred trees. Thank you for this video. I'll go with the Cat 299 instead. I really appreciate your review.
Asv rated. A number one of the top ten. They are a jewel compared to most.
Boy that is a good looking machine. All the drawback and inconveniences you’ve experienced make it a tough call to justify the price in my opinion. I hope it serves you well enough for a long time. Thanks for sharing your experience and great video! 💪🏽🤠👌🏽
It's gotten better. I'm planning a "Part 1.5" Review as soon as the weather will cooperate
Highly useful detailed and useful review based on real life experience. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to providing this review. I have been considering the RT-135 for about 6 months as I prepare to clear. Most of the issues you highlight can and should be addressed as part of updated design. Strategically they need to embrace the RT-135 as a multi-purpose CTL. It’s too expensive for small operations to require yet another expensive piece of machinery to pick up the slack that the RT-135 is perfectly capable of performing.
At this point, I'm sold on the CAT 299. I just want to make it thru these last ~150 acres and get rid of this damn thing before anything more breaks. The FB group Mulcher Mafia has enough negative testimonials about the 135 machine and ASV/dealer support that my case actually looks mild compared to many others.
I have an ASV 120 and both drive motors and tandem pump went out around 1000 hours with 477 miles on it. Warranty had expired so $25,000 to repair. The drives and pump should last a lot longer. They have plastic pieces in the drives underneath the plungers that disintegrate. The quality is horrible especially for how much you pay for these machines.. The visibility is also horrible so its easy to hit stumps while mulching because you can't see. From hitting a stump it tweaked the frame a little. Now the bucket doesn't sit level. My last ASV was a PT100 and was 100 times more reliable than the 120 but the undercarriage parts didnt last long and were expensive to replace. I'm done buying ASV skidsteers.
Case just quoted me a tv620b for $116k. 115hp. Don't know how it compares to that size wise. I have tr340b and am happy so far
I do foresty mastication/ mulching and love takeuchi tl12 high flow. Same weight . No problems and very comfortable to run all day. Fuel up at end of day.
They have some high reviews. But zero support/dealers in Nebraska that I'm aware of
@@doomsdaydieselgo kubota. It’s the same thing. Plenty of dealers in Nebraska for them. Or case.
Cut a old tire iner-tube and stick in the frame to protect the hoses .
I’m learning about skid steers. Thx!😃
Same here, our Rt-120, hurry up and get something done before it breaks again! When it runs, it’s pretty darn good but,,,, that dealer screwed you, poor customer service.
On the hydraulic oil light, pull the hose off of the fan box and you’ll be able to see it easily. But yes I agree it’s not in a good spot.
They need to fire their marketing team and just hire some actual users to tell them what is wrong with their machine. 160 grand and all they got right was a cup holder.
Nice Vid!
I would love to hear what you would say about the JCB Teleskid
Whats the fuel consumption like with that attachment? Bought one and curious what to expect
Bummed at 5four you are hitting your head? Im a foot taller. Thanks for a honest review,
Love my little RT40.. no way compares, but gosh durn, it will climb a wall. I live in the middle of a forest, and it's perfect for me. can lift and move a 25' 25" diameter tree trunk. Weighs only 4300. Never threw a track.. Engine is a Kubota 3 cyl with a Tiny Turbo.l. 1.5L I believe. No Complaints..
Thanks for the review! I placed an order for one just about a year ago. They wouldn't lock the price, so I refused to put down a deposit. Glad I did. I will probably pass on the machine (if it ever actually arrives). Way too long to wait (I've already bought and received 4 other machines in the interim) and their business practices seem to be pretty crappy.
They've had a 135 sitting here for sale for over a month now. So, they're out there. I don't think people are dumb enough to drop 160k for something that was just 86k. Bad news is it looks like all skidsteer manufacturers are doing it, though.
@aroncrowell440 11% and a couple more bucks for steel isn't $70k. You're crazy if you think the manufacturing cost doubled. It's all about greed and nothing more.
Sorry for all of the pain you’ve been through. No excuse for that kind of performance.
Good luck to you. Think I’ll stick with my Deeres
My dang nozzle clicks off constantly on my truck and tractor. I carry a screwdriver and shove under handle. No more clicks off. Just have to watch when getting close to full
So does the positive out weighs the negative? The asv forestry escaped roof is a great feature. It has backup camera, a full view of your surrounding with all around glas view. Thats a winner in my books.
Not if you want to have a profitable business
In the first minute of the video you said something about government grant being messed up. Can you go in to details it?
I'll never be able to afford one of these, but I would say they sell you on the power and tell you to go have a nice day on quality or ergonomics. I'll be watching your video on the problems next.
I own two 135s I haven’t had much trouble with it
You're either extremely lucky or don't use them enough
Thanks for reviewing I see these ASV's in use a lot here in Alabama (CAT's and JD are more prevalent). I've used a Cat machine with forestry head on it (drum style). They are very expensive. I have a John Deere 320E wheeled skid steer for my property with foot controls, I am an amateur and I look for reliability and serviceability above all else. I love machinery but when the bean counters and engineers go crazy, you end up with the problems you are having.
Not sure if CAT 299 is better, but that'd be what I try next. Everything else in comparison is even worse.
@@doomsdaydiesel Just the fact you had to have it in the shop for so long is very sad.
I had my Kubota tractor hood replaced under insurance claim, it took a month. The supply chain is permanently changed from the pandemic. I don't have a business that relies on my equipment so it was not bad. I learned dealer support is everything.
@@iamthemoss absolutely. That's what many people don't realize, is the machine is only as good as the local dealer's support. But it's hard to know what that will be like till you've needed their service on something.
I use a bobcat 763 and it’s been great
That is what asv mowers do they spend more time in the shop most guys have tool truck to go around with you
Wow this company basically told you, you’re buying this machine. I’ve walked of auto dealerships when they talk to me the way they talked to you! There are many brand skid steers out there that are as good as asv!
Ah interesting here angle can operate on is 30, yea an inclinometer could be handy, you could get a analouge ball type mounted somewhere ?
Idk. Sure be nice if they'd display the damned inclinometer. I've run it so tilted the hydraulics shut off, though, as the fluid falls under the fluid level sensor when you really get it vertical.
Precision armor is the best option for a winch and bumper. The extra weight eliminates a lot of the front end diving.
Why does your display name keep changing?
Buenas tardes amigo me encanta este mini cargador forestal como lo ago para comprar quiero para Bolivia muchas gracias.
what was the problem with ac?
great video, where is part 2??
A/C quit again at 200 hrs. Waiting for ASV to make things right before I say how I really feel. Dealer has also completely ruined this entire experience with horrible everything.
I would not keep a new CTL with so many problems early on. My lawyer would make ASV buy it back. I have a Case DL550 with a Fecon head and I’ve had zero problems. I previously had a 333G which I liked a lot but when the Case TV620B came out it destroyed Deere specs in every way. When I ordered the 620, my dealer told me about the DL so I went that way.
DL is what I want
@@boomerang379 it’s a beast but I wish Case would offer the dozer mount with a tooth bucket or root rake…The DL would make an awesome mini crawler loader.
1922 weld a lip on those knife edges. Use pipe. One minute gasket is amazing.
como what?
@@doomsdaydiesel the edges on loader. You said they can cut hyd lines. Weld a pipe at the edge to protect the lines
Dude… I have one more payment left on my 120. I really enjoyed your complaints and they are the same I have. I really would like to give a handful of words to the ASV engineers. I have 1350 hours on mine and it’s been a OK machine. I wouldn’t buy a 120 or 135. If I continue mulching I would highly consider a lamtrac or a 299. However… the ASV 75 is not bad to have to push dirt and bushhogg.
Are you just clearing your own ground? Or making a business out of it?
@aroncrowell440 John Deere quit being good in the 90's. I wouldn't buy anything at all from them.
@aroncrowell440 Nebraska Deere dealers suck. It's a monopoly now. But I don't agree at all the JD is the best - it's not even in the top 2 that I've seen. The CAT 299 is what the consensus is in the forestry world. It's what I'll try after I give up on this RT135. The CAT labor rates are beyond outrageous though, so that warranty is again critical.
I’ve had good luck with the 75, and it’ll outwork larger machines from other makers
How is the pushing power? Can you push thru a full pile of gravel or dirt without stalling the tracks?
It's an army tank
Bruh no way id spend 135k when i was planning on spending 80k, thats freakin crazy.
Big New Holland Boys only way to go , bloody ASV is built like a caravan out of parts from multiple manufacturers, never know who you have to deal with, and as for that track system more moving parts than the coke canning plant and it’s all in the dirt what do you reckon is going to happen , any how back to the video
By the way good luck with it but if it was me I would unload it and buy something solid before you start
Cheers from Aus
Hey, Not a fan of ASV the undercarriage in that sidebar for tension I do not like one bit I know people that have been. Just going over a curb on the street it's it's built mainly just for brush cutting it's not even even it's not designed to do dirt work I've been looking at the Hyundai the new TCL unit and it looks pretty good so far I would probably stick with either cat or the case or the Hyundai the Hyundai excavators aren't bad at all
I have no idea what you just said
There's a reason why Kubota still dominates this market segment is I imagine the lesson. John Deere making noise now too and who isn't these days at these prices. The bad news is the US tractor market is so over-retailed now being forced to compete on price now. Doesn't sound like there is any good news here..
Prices have come down dramatically since the posting of runs video. Perhaps even thanks in part to this video. Crap dipped in gold can't sell for the price of gold forever, unless people are just dumb enough to keep buying it.
You mentioned a grant. We there assistance to help Buy this unit?
Negative
Does your fuel usage work on the job clock screen?
No, it's strictly just hours
You can set up profiles, which you must log into with a 4 digit code to be able to turn the machine on. And with those, I believe you can track everything. But the hassle of entering a code turned me off. I reach in and toggle the key all the time, so forcing myself to sit inside and enter a code was a definite NO. Would be nice to be able to toggle between profiles, having it remember which one you're on, so I could log hours with the cutter vs grapple for sure though. Paper and pen is still serving me just fine there, though.
I like the code for the security aspect - but even with a profile - I have never seen the fuel usage work with the job clock… I have reached out to dealer to discover further. Mine is a 2023 and it’s set up a little different than yours… as far as buttons in the cab
@@CatfishHunter81 the screen's buttons are different? Or the physical buttons?
@@doomsdaydiesel - I don’t have any pictures but I don’t think I have that auto level button on mine - I’ll have to check it again when I return home
Did you ever try a Takeuchi?
No nebraska dealers
3 weeks ago still no info on actual problems with the machine
?
@@doomsdaydiesel part2 the details with the specifics
@@joeykunz still working with manufacturers/dealer on warranties. Gotta give them the opportunity to make things right first. People who jump straight to bashing someone for having a part that failed, etc. instead of giving them the chance to fix it are the worst!
I’ve had a ASV PT50 since 2009, everything you touched on is exactly what I’ve experienced. I’m sure Buck isn’t happy about this video.
Is that the previous owner? Is he still involved despite selling to Yanmar?
@@doomsdaydiesel Buck Stoile was their front man who pointed out all the goodness about the ASV, haven’t seen or heard of where he fits in with Yanmar.
@@bluethunder1951 I talk to Tim Esler - a very knowledgeable guy who's been there since he got out of high school. Unfortunately, he doesn't have any say in the warranty claims, but he knows the machines like the back of his hand. Haven't spoken to anyone else there, yet, but that's coming soon. This whole situation is such a dumpster fire at this point that I wish I'd never have gotten into it and just farmed this work out.
I’ve followed the ASV line of products for a long time, what I’ve seen is they have issues in finance to keep their business going, hence all the partnerships, the product has lots of cutting edge stuff but not high quality, (options with no real value ) this keeps the price down compared to the big guys in the same market that have them on the machine. Like I’ve done over the years is to adapt and over come the operational problems, most of the parts are aftermarket off the shelf at most local parts suppliers. If I ever win the lotto I would probably buy another ASV RT-65 MAX, just because the track system is great, but hard to maintain.
@@bluethunder1951 I think I have the bugs all worked out of the system (skidsteer & shredder) at this point. Now it's just a matter of getting the warranty straightened out with everyone since everyone seems to think their broken parts they sold me are MY responsibility to pay for. This skidsteer was sold to us with broken A/C and it took THREE trips to the dealer to get it fixed. Works like a freakin charm now. But it's just stuff like that that really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I've got plenty of positive things to say and show, and plan to start posting some raw shredding footage.
Don't worry once you start getting hours you'll be rebuilding boggy wheels and new tracks
CASE TV620 is bigger and heavier btw
The Minotaur is a beast. I wish it had much better reviews.
Damn, do you have anything good to say about it? My father just picked this exact model up but haven’t put it to work yet. You make me feel like we’ve made a mistake lol
I was about to have everything running correctly. But now Loftness is fighting me on their mistake. This whole project is a HUGE headache bc of the manufacturers and dealer. The machine works great when it works.
@@doomsdaydiesel we had to put cylinder spacers on the tilt hydraulics because it tilts back too far with the bucket and hits the frame. Other than that havent got a chance to fool with it much. Excited to find a place for the manual though 😂. Had no idea that seat pocket existed
@@rugeryeti460 loftness is claiming it dumps too far, too
@@doomsdaydiesel I’ll keep an eye out for updates. Very informal and nobody else I’ve seen has an in depth.
You have
so, after a season of use, what's your opinion on the track system? I've read several reviews talking about the ASV's undercarriage. More negative than positive. I'm taking this with a grain of salt however, as more people tend to use the internet to bitch, not praise.. swaying the perceived 'poll results'.
Besides being more expensive to replace typical rollers, tracks and sprockets- My main concern is how it's handling the blizzard of wood shrapnel getting in the rollers/drive sprockets/lugs and tearing things up..Does it show any signs of issues at this time?
We've thrown each track within ~300 hrs. They wouldn't stayed tensioned. I think I solved the problem. They ride smooth and despite the loosening-up problem, I don't have anything negative to say about them. I have lots of negative things to say about ASV's way of wanting us to "fix" the problem tho. DIDNT want us to use loctite. Loctite solved the problem so far tho.
Looking at various traction bar add-on's
'supposed' to do a couple things besides the obvious increase in traction:
Some other forestry posters here claim it reduces the thrown track issue, and helps protect the rubber from stumps and coarse debris... possibly extending the life of a set of tracks.@@doomsdaydiesel
Double nut torsion rod, use additional jamb nut
That's what dealer wanted to do. ASV wouldn't let them and told me it's "customer neglect to maintain", even though I noted the problem while trying to maintain 🤡
@@doomsdaydiesel sad
Manufactured in. ??
You can Google it just as easily as I can
I heard Bobcat was #1. What do you pros think?
@@user-no8wm3fi1g they're not in this class of skidsteer. The CAT 299 is currently the best setup and what I'll be going to next if this 135 dies before I've completed this contract
@@doomsdaydiesel OK. I don't know much about it But there's a guy on CZcams that said he wished he'd bought the Bobcat instead of that Cat. He went to the Bobcat dealer on the video. Why do you say it's not in that class?
@@user-no8wm3fi1g it's like comparing a half-ton pickup to a 3/4 ton
Well i will not buy a ASV !! Looking for a used Trac loader can't swing a new one for sure.
Tried a 135... Not worth the price because of breakdowns.
If you had to do it all over again what would you buy?
Same thing from a different dealer, because the dealer contract states they have to do warranty fixes on ANY machine, regardless of where it was purchased.
@@doomsdaydiesel Thanks for your honesty. Great review!
@@relentless1 most of the problems I've encountered thus far should have been caught during the 5-hour QA check that ASV makes their dealers do for them.
Sounds like more problem than use with this thing.
Normal people can not afford one and the company has no integrity. . Seems like for that much money, they would be perfect . I would be way beyond infuriated. What a shame. Disgusting. The price definitely relates to pure greed We the people coukd solve this problem but ruch bots with more money than they have sense refuse to boycot with us for several years until they come down about $30,000.which would at least allow someone other than the government and people in businesses that make $1,000 a day to buy one. Maybe Yanmar will solve these problems.
Law suite, send it back
Go with a different brand
Buy a Cat 299 D3 XE- Save money, time
Wrong, current gen 299 forestry is priced 155-160
299XE by itself without options is 176k add land management package, options and a mulcher brings it to 247k Mulcher is 52k of that. Just got a quote a couple months back. By far the most expensive unit on the market. They are dependable units, dealer support is awesome. Things I don’t like- Tracks come off fairly easy and cab visibility is terrible comparable to others. We demo ed a 135. Very impressive but can see these concerns.
Buy a 289d3 xps it's better than 299d3xe hands down ! I have both
70% of the cost of this machine was profit
Why ASV When There Are Better Brands Like BOBCAT CAT JCB VOLVO And KUBOTA And More ? If I Needed A Machine Like That I Would Choose VOLVO Just To Be Different And The People Using Them Really Like VOLVO !
Bobcat invented the skid steer they are the best
@@95ram-ql1uuAnd I think the most $$$$$$.
If you play in the trees you will tear the crap out of the machine
so you telling this machine is not perfect great sign me up for 2 of them....in all words nothing is perfect. if its man made its going have problems...I'm not auger back and forward. and like you said no machine out there is better than that machine.... I agree.
Thank you for the review. I was considering this unit, but I'll pass. What a pile of shit
I have one. It’s garbage compared to my cats.
you should have bought a John Deere 333 g.
I'd sooner be caught dead than be caught buying anything from Deere
Get a bobcat
Buy the new 335 deere
Gross
@@doomsdaydieselreal
Yikes! Your intro implies it's a piece of junk that is more a garage queen than a productive pece of equipment.
Sorry I stopped watching when you said it broke down "again" after 5 hours. Going back to FAEs and Prinoths
Everything has problems. This is just to give people the ability to compare the ASV to the other choices. Also, it's back at the dealer again with AC broken for 7th time. Supposedly ASV has an actual new AC system that's getting installed per a TSB, finally.
Buy a johndeere if you want a ctl
I'd rather buy something from Harbor Freight
@@doomsdaydiesel good luck with that 😂
Id rather a bobcat
So the take on this machine is rubbish and deserves a rubbish review.
My final thoughts will come soon
It’s bad enough for the contractor paying high prices buying/fixing equipment, it’s excruciatingly painful for the contractors customers because those costs have to be passed on, especially on small jobs. I’ve rented three different brands of small loaders and excavators for work on my property. All accomplished the tasks well but I’m glad I rented cause I found many quirks that would anger me if I had to buy. I laughed about refueling. It’s even more of a pain in the ass refueling from five gallon cans.
Wait till you change the tracks on that thing. Better have a lot of patience and a good back because its a total pain in the ass.
@@davidhoover8877 won't own it that long. Also, the tracks came off both sides already. I'll go over that detail in my part 2 review. It sucked.