Evaluating the Mustang MTL16 Compact Track Loader

[MikePhua]

Mustang’s Track Loader Lineage and Market Position
Mustang Manufacturing, founded in 1865 and later integrated into the Manitou Group, has built a reputation for producing durable compact equipment tailored for landscaping, construction, and agricultural use. The MTL16 was part of Mustang’s push into the compact track loader segment in the early 2000s, leveraging joint development with Takeuchi to deliver a machine that combined Japanese hydraulic precision with American ruggedness.
The MTL16 was designed to compete with Bobcat’s T190 and Caterpillar’s 247B, offering similar lift capacity and footprint but with a distinctive undercarriage and operator layout. Though production numbers were modest compared to mainstream brands, the MTL16 gained a loyal following among contractors who valued its simplicity and performance in soft terrain.
Terminology Notes

• Compact Track Loader (CTL): A skid-steer-style machine with rubber tracks instead of wheels, offering better traction and flotation.
  
• Radial Lift: A loader arm design that arcs outward during lift, ideal for digging and grading.
  
• Hydraulic Flow Rate: The volume of hydraulic fluid delivered per minute, affecting attachment performance.
  
• Undercarriage: The track system including rollers, sprockets, and idlers that supports and propels the machine.
  

Core Specifications and Operating Profile

• Operating weight: ~7,800 lbs
  
• Engine: 60 hp Yanmar diesel
  
• Rated operating capacity: ~2,000 lbs
  
• Hydraulic flow: ~16 gpm standard
  
• Track width: ~12.6 inches
  
• Ground pressure: ~4.5 psi
  

The MTL16 features a radial lift path, mechanical hand and foot controls, and a fixed-track undercarriage with steel-embedded rubber tracks. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for residential grading, utility trenching, and material handling in muddy or sandy conditions.
Performance Strengths and Field Behavior
Operators have praised the MTL16 for:

• Excellent traction on wet or loose surfaces
  
• Smooth hydraulic response for bucket and lift functions
  
• Low ground pressure, reducing turf damage
  
• Simple mechanical layout for field repairs
  
• Comfortable cab with good visibility and intuitive control placement
  

In one case, a landscaping crew in North Carolina used the MTL16 to grade a steep backyard slope after heavy rain. While wheeled loaders struggled with slippage, the MTL16 maintained grip and completed the job without rutting the lawn.
Common Issues and Maintenance Considerations
Like many compact track loaders, the MTL16 has a few known quirks:

• Track tensioning system can be prone to over-tightening, leading to premature roller wear
  
• Hydraulic couplers may leak if not properly seated or maintained
  
• Engine compartment access is tight, making filter changes more time-consuming
  
• Electrical connectors near the rear panel are vulnerable to corrosion in humid climates
  
• Drive motors can overheat if operated continuously on high-speed travel in hot weather
  

Solutions and recommendations include:

• Check track tension weekly and follow manufacturer specs for slack measurement
  
• Use dielectric grease on exposed connectors and inspect wiring harnesses quarterly
  
• Flush hydraulic fluid annually and replace filters every 500 hours
  
• Install auxiliary cooling fans for drive motors in high-temperature regions
  
• Keep a spare set of couplers and seals for quick field replacement
  

Attachment Compatibility and Hydraulic Strategy
The MTL16 supports a wide range of attachments:

• Standard and 4-in-1 buckets
  
• Augers and trenchers
  
• Brush cutters and mulchers
  
• Pallet forks and grapples
  

Its hydraulic flow is sufficient for most standard tools, but high-flow attachments may require modification or reduced performance. For contractors using hydraulic hammers or snow blowers, upgrading to a higher-capacity pump or using a flow divider can improve efficiency.
Design Simplicity and Operator Experience
The MTL16’s cab layout is straightforward, with analog gauges, mechanical levers, and a suspension seat. While it lacks the digital diagnostics and joystick controls of newer models, many operators prefer the tactile feedback and repairability of its design.
Visibility is strong from the cab, especially to the bucket corners, and the machine’s low center of gravity enhances stability on slopes. The loader arms are robust, and the pins are easy to grease and inspect.
Conclusion
The Mustang MTL16 compact track loader offers a solid blend of traction, simplicity, and versatility for small to mid-scale contractors. While it may not match the refinement of newer machines, its mechanical reliability and field adaptability make it a smart choice for those who value performance over bells and whistles. With proper maintenance and thoughtful operation, the MTL16 can deliver years of dependable service across a wide range of terrain and tasks.