The innovative ASV VT-100F compact track loader has been making a mark in the forestry industry on a global scale since being released earlier this year, and recently Sydney-based STM Trucks & Machinery sold the first such model in Australia.
Running a business from the back of a Holden Astra to managing a large civil and development landscape management company within 15 years.
That’s not bad going by any measure, and exemplifies the commitment and dedication of Paul Munro, the Managing Director and founder of Sydney-homed ACL Landscape Management.
Paul took time to speak to Earthmoving Equipment Magazine about his operations and the sort of equipment he prioritises for his fleet.
“I started ACL Landscape Management in 2010,” he said.
“I was out of work and started mowing people’s lawns out the back of my Astra. I was so embarrassed I used to park around the corner from the client’s place.
“But I quickly grew the business over the coming years, specialising in land and asset management and vegetation management for developers and government bodies.
“We grew big enough to be able to employ staff and add more equipment, and today service some of NSW and Australia’s largest developers like Landcom and Mirvac homes.
“We have 12 staff, and a large fleet of machinery and trucks. It’s come a long way from the Astra days!”
The equipment used by ACL encompasses a wide range, from hand-held branch cutters to the large commercial ride-on mowers, as well as a Fecon forestry mulcher, multiple tipper trucks and landscape maintenance trucks, and small excavators.
Pride of place is the new ASV VT-100F, ASV’s new compact track loader specifically designed for the rigorous nature of forestry mulching and site preparation.
The VT-100s boast a vertical lift design, ideal for various loading and grading tasks in landscaping and construction.
Both the basic and forestry models prioritise enhanced comfort, visibility, and performance, solidifying their status as leaders in the compact track loader category.
“Forestry and mulching jobs are tough on machinery, running extremely high hydraulic flows and temperatures,” Paul said.
“The ASVs have large specific cooling and track systems that support this type of work.
“It can also be a very versatile machine with a 4-in-1 bucket attachment, while we use it as a tracked loader as well. Its power and low pressure ground distribution is an amazing asset in all conditions.
“The machine has many features we loved, including the ability to control hydraulic flow rates, its wide track, specific designed roll bars and protective glass windows for forestry mulching, as well as the large cooling fans for hydraulics and engine.”
In acquiring the VT-100F, ACL also became the first company to buy the model in Australia, highlighting the commitment of the business to use only the most innovative and best machines it can find.
The STM experience
It comes as no surprise that when Paul looked to buy the ASV unit, he went to STM Trucks and Machinery, the renowned one-stop shop for new and used trucks and construction equipment.
“We bought the machine from STM,” Paul said.
“I was referred to sales executive Christian Bono and the STM team from a highly respected colleague of mine in the landscape industry.
“From the start, I was really impressed by the level of service and professionalism from them. “STM looked after everything including the purchase of attachments.
“They liaised with my finance team to coordinate a smooth purchase and delivery experience.
“ASV will provide all warranty and service for machine.
“STM went out its way to fabricate a hydraulic hose guard for my machine to protect the hoses from damage while forestry mulching. Christian had the workshop team do this and I was very grateful for that level of service.
“This was my first purchase experience with STM, but I’ll be back for more after this. I highly recommend them to others.”
More on the VT-100
Equipped with a robust 103.5 horsepower Tier 4 Final Yanmar diesel engine and 150 litres-per- minute high-flow hydraulics, both the VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry deliver unmatched power.
Their advanced hydraulic systems ensure optimal flow and pressure distribution, translating to superior performance on the job. With impressive rated operating capacities and tipping loads, these loaders excel in handling demanding tasks with ease.
Both models feature ASV’s renowned Posi-Track undercarriage and suspension, renowned for its smooth ride and exceptional manoeuvrability across various terrains.
• Performance
The loaders boast optional efficiency- enhancing features that streamline operations and boost productivity. From load- sensing systems to attachment positioning and return-to-position technology, operators can work more efficiently with reduced fuel consumption and enhanced precision.
Additionally, self-levelling and ride-control features minimise material spillage and ensure stability, while auto two-speed functionality facilitates seamless transitions between low and high-speed modes.
• Comfort and operator experience
Prioritising operator comfort and convenience, the VT-100 and VT-100 Forestry models offer premium 360-degree visibility, a state-of-the-art seven-inch colour display, and fully adjustable suspended seats.
Safety features include a removable roof hatch and forestry-rated guarding, underscoring ASV’s commitment to operator well-being.
• Serviceability
Backed by an industry-leading warranty and a nationwide service network, ASV Posi-Track loaders guarantee reliability and minimal downtime.
With user-friendly service features and optional telematics systems, maintenance and monitoring are simplified, ensuring peak performance throughout the machine’s lifespan.
Both models also come with an optional SMARTASSIST telematics system, which offers a variety of functions, including error detection and alerts, real- time updates on operational status, and daily work reports.
• Attachments
The VT-100F can be connected to various attachments.
> Bucket attachments
• General purpose bucket: for general scooping and lifting of loose materials like soil, gravel, and mulch.
• 4-in-1 bucket: a multifunctional bucket withfeatures for dozing, clamping, and back- dragging.
• Grapple bucket: ideal for handling large materials like logs or demolition debris, the grapple bucket provides extra grip
> Landscaping attachments
• Auger: used for drilling holes, typically for fence posts or tree planting. Available with multiple auger bit sizes to accommodate different tasks.
• Land leveller: helps in levelling and grading the soil, making it useful for preparing landscapes.
• Power rake: used to prepare soil for seeding, this attachment can remove debris and rocks while creating an even surface.
>Material handling attachments
• Pallet forks: Allows the VT-100F to lift and move palletised materials like bags of fertiliser, bricks, or other bulky items on-site.
• Industrial grapple: This attachment offers additional gripping power for carrying irregular objects like tree stumps or rubble.
> Forestry and land clearing attachments
• Mulcher: a powerful attachment for clearing vegetation and underbrush, often used in land clearing or forestry applications.
• Brush cutter: ideal for cutting through thick brush, tall grass, or weeds.
• Stump grinder: this attachment is designed to grind down tree stumps, aiding in land preparation and making it easier to plant new trees.