Gehl RT185 vs Gehl RT215
Quick take: The Gehl RT185 costs $6,000 less; the Gehl RT215 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,150 vs 1,850 lbs); the Gehl RT215 has more engine power (72 vs 70 hp).
| Spec | Gehl RT185 | Gehl RT215 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64,000 | $70,000 |
| Rating | 4.2★ (105) | 4.3★ (95) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Radial Lift |
| ROC | 1850 lbs | 2150 lbs |
| Engine HP | 70 hp | 72 hp |
| Operating Weight | 9160 lbs | 9899 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 5286 lbs | 6144 lbs |
| Lift Height | 128 in | 128 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 18.5 GPM | 22 GPM |
| Engine | Yanmar 4TNV98C | Yanmar 4TNV98CT |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | No | No |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 2 yr / 2000 hr |
Pros & cons
Gehl RT185
- ✓The 127.5-inch hinge pin height is exceptional for a radial-lift machine - it clears high-sided dump trucks that force competitors into pricier vertical-lift models.
- ✓Pilot-operated joystick controls with proportional response are the heart of the Pilot Series, and operators praise how smooth and predictable the hydraulics feel compared to older Gehl T-bar machines.
- ✓IdealTrax automatic track tensioning sets itself at startup, extending track life and eliminating one of the most-neglected maintenance chores on any CTL.
- ✓The 69.9 hp Yanmar diesel stays under the 75 hp threshold, so there's no DEF tank to fill and Tier 4 compliance stays simple for owner-operators.
- ✓An 1,850 lb rated capacity at a conservative 35% of tipping load means real-world stability - the same machine rated the Bobcat way would advertise over 2,600 lbs.
- ✓The optional 34 GPM high-flow package runs cold planers, stump grinders, and snow blowers that choke on standard-flow competitors.
- ✓Self-leveling lift action comes standard and keeps pallet forks level automatically through the lift, with a selectable disable for bucket work.
- ✓New RT185s consistently price thousands below equivalently-specced Bobcat T66 and Cat 255 machines, and the 2-year/2,000-hour warranty sweetens the math.
- ✗Gehl's dealer footprint is thin outside the Midwest and South, and owners report parts backorders that would be same-day pickups for Bobcat or Cat.
- ✗Resale values lag the major brands, so the purchase discount partially evaporates when it's time to trade.
- ✗The radial lift path pulls the load back toward the machine at full height, making precise placement over truck sides trickier than a vertical-lift design.
- ✗The rigid-mounted undercarriage transmits rough ground straight to the operator, a noticeable step down from ASV or Cat's suspended systems.
- ✗Top speed of 8.9 mph trails the 10-11 mph two-speed competitors, which adds up on big pads and long ground moves.
- ✗At 9,160 lbs plus trailer, it demands a serious tow rig - a three-quarter-ton truck is marginal and a one-ton is realistic.
- ✗Cab, A/C, and high-flow are all extra-cost options, and a loaded machine narrows the value gap that makes Gehl attractive on paper.
- ✗The same loader is sold as the Manitou 1850 RT, and buyers worry Gehl-badged machines could see reduced brand support as Manitou Group consolidates its lineup.
Gehl RT215
- ✓The 2,150 lb rating is taken at a conservative 35% of the 6,144 lb tipping load, so the machine feels planted with a full bucket where 50%-rated rivals get light in the rear.
- ✓Standard 18-inch tracks with five rollers per side give excellent flotation in mud and sand, and the 13 inches of ground clearance clears ruts that hang up lower machines.
- ✓Hydraglide ride control and lift-arm float come standard, smoothing high-speed carries and back-dragging - features that cost extra on most competitors.
- ✓The turbocharged 72 hp Yanmar 4TNV98CT stays under the DEF threshold, delivering 217 ft-lbs of torque with simple Stage V/Tier 4 compliance.
- ✓A 128-inch hinge pin and 98-inch dump height let the radial boom clear tri-axle dump trucks, unusual reach for a non-vertical-lift machine.
- ✓The 22 GPM standard auxiliary circuit is stronger than most standard-flow competitors, and the optional high-flow package pushes toward 37 GPM for mulchers and planers.
- ✓IdealTrax automatic track tensioning and maintenance-free rollers cut daily undercarriage upkeep to a walk-around and a wash.
- ✓Priced well below the Bobcat T740/Cat 265 class and backed by a 2-year/2,000-hour full-machine warranty, the total cost of ownership math favors the Gehl.
- ✗Gehl's dealer network is sparse in many regions, and owners report longer waits for parts and warranty service than the big-three brands.
- ✗Resale value trails Bobcat and Cat significantly, which eats into the purchase savings for owners who trade every few years.
- ✗The radial lift path loses reach as the boom rises, so placing loads at full height over high truck sides takes more repositioning than a vertical-lift machine.
- ✗The enclosed cab with heat and A/C is optional rather than standard, and adding it plus Power-A-Tach narrows the price advantage.
- ✗The rigid undercarriage rides harsher on frozen or chunked-up ground than ASV's suspended track system, fatiguing operators over long days.
- ✗At nearly 9,900 lbs it needs a one-ton truck and heavy trailer to move, which stretches smaller operations' hauling setups.
- ✗Aftermarket and rental support lag the majors - fewer shops stock Gehl-specific filters, tracks, and wear parts on the shelf.
- ✗The same machine is sold as the Manitou 2150 RT, and Manitou Group's brand consolidation leaves some buyers uncertain about the Gehl badge's long-term future.