Gehl
Gehl RT215
The Gehl RT215 is a large-frame radial-lift compact track loader built by Manitou Group and also sold as the Manitou 2150 RT. A 72 hp turbocharged Yanmar, a 2,150 lb rated capacity, 18-inch tracks, and standard Hydraglide ride control make it a work-focused alternative to the Bobcat T740 and Cat 265 at a friendlier price.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓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.
Cons
- ✗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.
Compare the Gehl RT215
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