Bobcat Updates CTL Undercarriage System

Aug. 22, 2017

Bobcat 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage for compact track loaders, available first on the T870 CTL, incorporates a new drive motor with an outer bearing that receives continuous lubrication from oil within the loader’s hydraulic system. The drive shaft has been increases 15 percent in diameter. The inner gear box reservoir housed within the new drive motor is easier to flush and fill through the two service ports.

Dual flange front idlers are made with forged steel and guide and support the rubber tracks around the ends of the compact track loader’s undercarriage. An additional fifth link on the rear axle stabilizes the undercarriage to increase machine stability and performance when grading, and provides enhanced ride quality for operators.

Undercarriages have a solid cast spindle mount that eliminates welds and distributes stress across one seamless piece that has additional metal and strength. An inner bar in the axle system is heat-treated for maximum strength and surrounded by four rubber cords.

Rollers are wider to maximize their contact with the compact track loader’s rubber tracks, minimize wear, and deliver a smoother ride for operators. In addition, a larger rear idler positioned further back within the undercarriage provides more surface area for less wear per rotation, increasing overall component life, as well as supplying more down force to the cutting edge.

An automatic hydraulic track tensioning system automatically ensures the proper track tension, thereby increasing machine uptime protection.

Longer rubber tracks increase surface area and ground contact, which in turn provides better flotation and improving machine performance in soft ground conditions such as sand or mud.