5 Tips to Optimize RT-120 Forestry Attachment Performance

High intensity applications like mulching and brushcutting require a machine that allows for optimal performance. ASV designs the RT-120 Forestry Posi-Track to allow for 100% load, 100% of the time, at outdoor temps up to 118° F ambient. The machine’s incredible horsepower and flow allows it to run almost any attachment at full flow and still leave enormous power to rip through trees & brush.

However, as most operators know, the machine used in these applications is only half the equation. The correct machine AND attachment combination is critical in getting optimal performance in the field. So here are 5 tips from ASV on how to choose the right attachment and get the most out of your RT-120 Forestry.

1. Spec Check:Ensure the attachment chosen is designed for the maximum specs of the RT-120 Forestry – 45 GPM and 4060 PSI and are the two key specs.

• GPM: GPM determines the speed of the head and is a measure of hydraulic flow.
• PSI: Determines the maximum allowable power of the head/the maximum amount of pressure the attachment can handle.
• Heads designed for less than these amounts will leave machine performance on the table.

2. Head Settings:Assure the attachment has the correct pulley configuration to optimize flow (GPM) and power (PSI).

• Heads may not come from the manufacturer set at the optimal GPM for your RT-120F. You or your dealer will need to re-pulley the attachment to get you the optimum tip speed for 45 GPM.
• ASV also recommends attachments include a 2-speed drive motor.  Properly set up attachments will have the 2-speed motor shift point pre-set for the machine’s specific pressure range. This assures optimum tip speed, maximum power, and the quickest recovery time.
• These adjustments will allow you to benefit from the added flow and power of the RT-120F.

3. Reduce Flow if Necessary:If your head does not meet 45 GPM specs, reduce your machine flow to optimize attachment longevity and performance.

• Reduce machine flow via the operator display to your attachment’s optimal flow rating.
• You cannot achieve 100% of the RT-120F’s available performance doing this, but you can run any attachment at its designed maximum.
• Not reducing the flow will wear out the attachment faster and reduce performance. For example, if your machine is set at 45 GPM and you are using a head designed for 40 GPM, you will overspeed mulching head tips and rob power.  This can lead to engine bogging, excessive heat, and reduce productivity.

4. Coupler & Hose Size:Ensure you are using ¾ inch coupler and hose sizes.

• Using the right size couplers and hoses maximizes flow between your machine and attachment.
• While adapters can be used to accommodate smaller couplers and hoses, you will restrict the hydraulic flow and lose performance. For example, a ½ inch coupler used with the ASV RT-120F high flow will cause you to lose about 4 horsepower.

5. Operator Preferences:The RT-120F has a variety of adjustments that can be made based on operator preference. You can find out how to make these adjustments within the machine display by viewing your operator’s manual.

• Loader Arm Speed: Adjust the arm speed if you feel it’s too fast or slow when moving the arms up/down or when tilting/curling the attachment.
• Creep mode: The RT-120F travels at a max speed of 6 mph in low. You may want to adjust this down depending on the conditions you’re working in or the amount of precision required.  Once set to desired speed, creep mode can be quickly turned on and off by pressing the 2 center buttons of the display simultaneously.  It is also be conveniently disabled when shifted into 2-speed, allowing quick travel when required.
• Flow Sharing: The RT-120F has a 52.8 GPM auxiliary pump, which is 7.8 GPM more than the maximum flow of 45 GPM. This unique feature allows the loader to move with no reduction in attachment speed.  Default factory settings prioritize the head speed so it never slows down as you work. But if you desire more loader speed than 7.8 gpm can provide, you can adjust the flow sharing (up to 200%) increasing loader speed. Raising flow sharing beyond 100% will mean some reduction in attachment flow when raising at full speed.

While these are the basics of choosing the right attachment and setting up a wicked machine/attachment combination, there are still many other factors that come into play to get 100% performance out of the RT-120F. The attachment’s belt size, weight, center of gravity, and back pressure all affect the combination in addition to the specs, head settings, and parts mentioned above. The best way to ensure an optimal performance combination is to use an attachment that has been created specifically for the RT-120F. Ask your local ASV dealer about options that have been fully designed, tested, and configured to optimize the machine’s flow and horsepower. These come straight from the factory engineered to give you maximum performance on the job.

To learn more about the ASV RT-120F, you can download the spec sheet, or schedule a demo with your nearest dealer. Tear it down in the field!