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Introduction to Gehl Skid Steers
Gehl skid steers have long held a place in the compact equipment market, offering a range of models suited for construction, landscaping, agriculture, and snow removal. Known for their simplicity and mechanical robustness, Gehl machines appeal to operators who prefer straightforward, no-frills functionality over high-tech complexity. However, user experiences vary widely depending on model, application, and maintenance practices.
Terminology Clarification
- Skid Steer Loader: A compact, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of tools or attachments.
- CTL (Compact Track Loader): A skid steer with tracks instead of wheels, offering better traction and flotation on soft ground.
- Lift Arm Slack: Excessive play or movement in the loader arms, often due to worn bushings or loose pins.
- Hydraulic Horsepower: A measure of the power available from the hydraulic system, critical for running attachments like brush cutters or snow pushers.
Model Highlights and Performance Feedback
Operators have reported strong performance from mid-range models like the Gehl 4635, 4640, and 5635. These machines are praised for their mechanical simplicity, ease of maintenance, and durability under typical job site conditions. The 7810 and 7810E, Gehl’s high-horsepower models, offer impressive specs on paper—such as a Cummins 4-cylinder engine rated at 115 hp—but have drawn mixed reviews in practice.
Positive attributes:
A contractor operating three Gehl 7810s for snow removal and brush clearing reported persistent mechanical issues. Despite routine maintenance, the machines developed slack in the lift arms, cracked frames, and malfunctioning safety switches. The red bracket used to lock the lift arms during service broke off on all units, damaging hydraulic hoses. Additionally, the air conditioning systems failed to perform, and accelerator pedals frequently stuck in the throttle position.
In contrast, a separate operator using a Mustang 2109 (a mechanically similar machine) reported no issues after 400 hours of use, suggesting that application intensity and maintenance discipline play a significant role in machine longevity.
Maintenance Recommendations and Upgrade Suggestions
To improve reliability and reduce downtime:
Gehl’s compact track loaders, such as the CTL80, are manufactured by Takeuchi and share design elements with Mustang machines. These CTLs are favored for their responsive hydraulic controls and solid undercarriage design, though some users note slightly lower power output compared to ASV models. In regions like Northern Virginia, Gehl CTLs maintain higher resale value than competitors due to undercarriage durability and dealer support.
Field Anecdote: Brush Cutting in Virginia
An operator using a CTL80 for heavy brush cutting reported over 1,500 hours of trouble-free operation. The machine handled dense vegetation and uneven terrain with minimal wear, outperforming expectations. The only maintenance required was routine hydraulic filter changes and track tension adjustments. This contrasted sharply with another operator’s experience in wooded terrain, where the same model suffered frequent breakdowns—highlighting the importance of terrain-specific suitability.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Frequent problems in high-hour Gehl machines include:
Gehl skid steers offer a compelling mix of mechanical simplicity and raw performance, especially in mid-range models. However, the 7810 series reveals the limits of design when pushed into extreme-duty roles without adequate reinforcement. Operators who understand the machine’s strengths—and proactively address its weaknesses—can extract years of reliable service. In the end, Gehl’s legacy in the compact equipment world is shaped not just by engineering, but by the hands that operate and maintain these machines in the field.
Gehl skid steers have long held a place in the compact equipment market, offering a range of models suited for construction, landscaping, agriculture, and snow removal. Known for their simplicity and mechanical robustness, Gehl machines appeal to operators who prefer straightforward, no-frills functionality over high-tech complexity. However, user experiences vary widely depending on model, application, and maintenance practices.
Terminology Clarification
- Skid Steer Loader: A compact, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of tools or attachments.
- CTL (Compact Track Loader): A skid steer with tracks instead of wheels, offering better traction and flotation on soft ground.
- Lift Arm Slack: Excessive play or movement in the loader arms, often due to worn bushings or loose pins.
- Hydraulic Horsepower: A measure of the power available from the hydraulic system, critical for running attachments like brush cutters or snow pushers.
Model Highlights and Performance Feedback
Operators have reported strong performance from mid-range models like the Gehl 4635, 4640, and 5635. These machines are praised for their mechanical simplicity, ease of maintenance, and durability under typical job site conditions. The 7810 and 7810E, Gehl’s high-horsepower models, offer impressive specs on paper—such as a Cummins 4-cylinder engine rated at 115 hp—but have drawn mixed reviews in practice.
Positive attributes:
- Strong hydraulic response and lift capacity
- Simple mechanical layout with fewer electronic components
- Good visibility and operator ergonomics in mid-range models
- Difficult starter replacement in some models
- Overheating issues in the 7810 series during heavy-duty applications
- Lift arm slack leading to hose wear and cab interference
- Fuel tank fitting defects causing blockages
- Frame cracking under prolonged stress
A contractor operating three Gehl 7810s for snow removal and brush clearing reported persistent mechanical issues. Despite routine maintenance, the machines developed slack in the lift arms, cracked frames, and malfunctioning safety switches. The red bracket used to lock the lift arms during service broke off on all units, damaging hydraulic hoses. Additionally, the air conditioning systems failed to perform, and accelerator pedals frequently stuck in the throttle position.
In contrast, a separate operator using a Mustang 2109 (a mechanically similar machine) reported no issues after 400 hours of use, suggesting that application intensity and maintenance discipline play a significant role in machine longevity.
Maintenance Recommendations and Upgrade Suggestions
To improve reliability and reduce downtime:
- Inspect lift arm bushings and pins every 250 hours
- Use thread-locking compound on bumper and lift arm bolts
- Replace fuel tank fittings with reinforced aftermarket components
- Install auxiliary cooling fans for high-demand hydraulic attachments
- Upgrade door latches and window tracks with vibration-resistant hardware
- Retrofit pilot-operated check valves to prevent hydraulic drift
- Use synthetic hydraulic fluid to reduce operating temperatures
- Add external screens or guards to protect engine compartments from debris
- Replace OEM throttle linkages with heavy-duty aftermarket kits
Gehl’s compact track loaders, such as the CTL80, are manufactured by Takeuchi and share design elements with Mustang machines. These CTLs are favored for their responsive hydraulic controls and solid undercarriage design, though some users note slightly lower power output compared to ASV models. In regions like Northern Virginia, Gehl CTLs maintain higher resale value than competitors due to undercarriage durability and dealer support.
Field Anecdote: Brush Cutting in Virginia
An operator using a CTL80 for heavy brush cutting reported over 1,500 hours of trouble-free operation. The machine handled dense vegetation and uneven terrain with minimal wear, outperforming expectations. The only maintenance required was routine hydraulic filter changes and track tension adjustments. This contrasted sharply with another operator’s experience in wooded terrain, where the same model suffered frequent breakdowns—highlighting the importance of terrain-specific suitability.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Frequent problems in high-hour Gehl machines include:
- Overheating: Clean radiator and hydraulic coolers regularly; inspect fan belts and shrouds
- Frame cracking: Reinforce stress points with weld-on gussets; avoid overloading
- Safety switch failure: Replace with sealed, vibration-resistant switches
- Tire interference: Use offset rims or narrower attachments to prevent rubbing
Gehl skid steers offer a compelling mix of mechanical simplicity and raw performance, especially in mid-range models. However, the 7810 series reveals the limits of design when pushed into extreme-duty roles without adequate reinforcement. Operators who understand the machine’s strengths—and proactively address its weaknesses—can extract years of reliable service. In the end, Gehl’s legacy in the compact equipment world is shaped not just by engineering, but by the hands that operate and maintain these machines in the field.
