Gehl RT185 vs Gehl V270

Gehl

Gehl RT185

$64,000

4.2★ (105)

Gehl

$64,000

4.3★ (80)

Quick take: The Gehl V270 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,700 vs 1,850 lbs); the Gehl V270 has more engine power (72 vs 70 hp).

✓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.

✓The 130.3-inch hinge pin height is among the tallest in the wheeled skid steer class, so it clears high-sided grain trucks and mixer hoppers that shorter machines can't reach.
✓At 2,700 lbs rated capacity with a 5,400 lb tipping load, it handles full pallets of block or seed with a comfortable stability margin.
✓Gehl consistently prices the V270 thousands below a comparable Bobcat S86 or Cat 272, making it a strong dollars-per-pound value.
✓The Yanmar turbo diesel meets emissions without complex aftertreatment drama, and owners report it as a dependable, easy-to-service engine.
✓An optional 35 GPM high-flow package runs demanding attachments like cold planers and mulchers that mid-frame machines struggle with.
✓The vertical lift path keeps the load moving straight up, and the optional self-leveling keeps pallet forks flat without operator input.
✓Big 12x16.5 tires and a long wheelbase give it a planted, stable ride when carrying heavy loads at speed across a yard.
✓Shared components with the Manitou 2700 V mean parts flow through two dealer networks, a quiet advantage for uptime.

✗Gehl's dealer footprint is sparse compared to Bobcat, Cat, and Deere, so warranty work and parts can require significant travel in some states.
✗Resale values lag the major brands, and used V270s take longer to sell, eating into the up-front purchase savings.
✗At roughly 8,000 lbs it needs a heavy trailer and 3/4-ton-or-larger truck to move, which surprises buyers stepping up from mid-frames.
✗The cab, while roomy, feels a generation behind the touchscreen-equipped competition in displays, camera options, and tech features.
✗The 72 hp Gen:2 engine is a step down on paper from the older 84 hp version, and some owners feel it works harder under high-flow attachments.
✗Its large frame and wide stance limit access to tight residential jobs where a mid-frame machine slips through gates.
✗Vertical-lift linkage has more pivot points to grease and wear than a simple radial boom, adding maintenance touchpoints.
✗Brand awareness is low outside ag country, so financing promos and rental support are less common than with the big four brands.