Gehl CTL 60 Undercarriage Parts

[MikePhua]

The Gehl CTL 60 is a compact track loader widely used for utility work, landscaping, material handling, and general site cleanup. Gehl, a U.S.‑based manufacturer with roots dating to the mid‑20th century, became known for building compact loaders that balance power, stability, and maneuverability. The CTL 60, with an operating weight around 7,497 lbs (3,401 kg) and rubber tracks about 13 in (320 mm) wide, is designed for jobs that require higher flotation and traction than wheeled skid steers while remaining transportable and efficient.
In tracked machines like the CTL 60, the undercarriage is one of the most heavily stressed systems — subject to constant impact, abrasion, and load changes. Wear in this area directly affects traction, ride quality, and overall machine longevity. Understanding undercarriage parts, their function, and replacement strategies helps owners maintain performance and manage operating costs effectively.
Terminology Explained

• Undercarriage – The collective term for the track and support system of a compact track loader, including rollers, idlers, sprockets, tracks, and related bearings.
  
• Bottom Rollers (Track Rollers) – Rollers that support the weight of the machine and guide the track as it moves along the ground and frame. They often carry the greatest load and wear fastest.
  
• Idlers – Wheels at the front and rear of the undercarriage that help maintain track tension and guide the track.
  
• Sprocket (Drive Sprocket) – The toothed wheel that transfers drive power from the final drive to the track links, pulling the machine forward or backward.
  
• Rubber Tracks – Continuous belts made of rubber with embedded steel cords; they provide traction and flotation on soft or uneven surfaces.
  

Common Undercarriage Parts for CTL 60
Owners and parts catalogs list typical undercarriage components for the Gehl CTL 60, including both OEM and aftermarket options. Prices can vary widely between dealer and aftermarket suppliers; original dealers may charge significantly more.
Parts list for a typical CTL 60 undercarriage:

• Drive Sprocket – typically ~16 teeth, 9 bolt holes
  
• Bottom (Track) Rollers – about 4 per side
  
• Rear Idler – supports the track at the back
  
• Front Idler – guides track at the front
  
• Rubber Track – full length belt with pattern suited to soil type
  

Undercarriage Part Functions
Each undercarriage part plays a critical role:

• Drive Sprockets transfer engine torque through the final drive to the track chain. Worn sprocket teeth reduce engagement and cause accelerated track link wear.
  
• Bottom Rollers carry most of the machine’s weight and allow smooth forward movement. As they wear or fail, operators notice rough travel and increased vibration.
  
• Idlers maintain proper track tension and guide the track path. Misaligned idlers or worn bearings contribute to tracking problems or track derailment.
  
• Rubber Tracks provide ground contact. Their tread pattern and width affect traction, flotation, and surface impact. Choosing the right pattern (e.g., “C‑lug” for traction or straight bar for turf) influences performance.
  

Undercarriage wear on tracked loaders often occurs fastest on bottom rollers, followed by sprockets and idlers, since constant load and abrasive contact accelerate fatigue. This matches many field accounts where operators — after thousands of hours — seek replacements first for bottom rollers given their cost and wear frequency.
Cost Considerations and Aftermarket Options
Dealer pricing for a single bottom roller on a CTL 60 can exceed several hundred dollars each, leading many owners to explore aftermarket or compatible parts at lower cost. QuickTrax, an experienced operator, noted that the CTL 60 uses the same bottom rollers as the Takeuchi TL130, allowing substitution of less expensive parts from an undercarriage shop or online sources.
This cross‑compatibility significantly lowers acquisition cost, since aftermarket rollers can be less than half the dealer price. Likewise, rubber tracks and sprockets from third‑party manufacturers often offer similar performance at lower cost, though quality and durability can vary.
Maintenance and Replacement Strategies
Rather than waiting for undercarriage parts to fail completely, regular inspection and preventive action can extend service life:

• Track Tension – Proper tension reduces strain on rollers and sprockets. Too tight increases wear and power draw, while too loose risks derailing tracks. Consult the CTL 60 manual for recommended sag measurement (manufacturer guidelines vary by model).
  
• Visual Inspection – Look for cracks, pitting, or flat spots on rollers and idlers, and check for damage or excessive wear on sprocket teeth.
  
• Rubber Track Pattern Wear – Monitor the track’s tread depth; once lugs are worn to below recommended levels, traction and flotation deteriorate rapidly.
  
• Lubrication and Bearings – Though rubber tracks do not require greasing, idler and roller bearings on steel components should be greased as specified. A dry bearing leads to premature failure.
  

Field mechanics often emphasize that undercarriage maintenance ranks among the top cost drivers for compact track loaders. Anecdotal reports from operators align with this: inspections often catch early wear that, if addressed with timely bushing and roller replacement, can add hundreds of hours to part life. Regular undercarriage evaluation also parallels preventive maintenance guidance for compact track loaders, which advises routine tension checks, debris removal, and proper lubrication as part of daily or weekly service routines.
Aftermarket Part Examples and Pricing
Based on parts catalogs and online suppliers:

• Drive Sprocket – typically ranges $200–$350 aftermarket depending on quality
  
• Bottom Rollers – typically around $250–$470 each
  
• Front Idler – roughly $430–$600
  
• Rear Idler – around $600–$760
  
• Rubber Tracks – often $1,100+ per set
  

These figures illustrate why bottom roller replacement becomes a frequent topic among owners budgeting for midlife service.
Real‑World Owner Experience
A veteran machine operator once noted that his CTL 60, after approximately 3,700 hours of service, finally lost a bottom roller — a wear milestone common for track loaders that see a combination of abrasive soil and heavy duty cycles. Upgrading to quality aftermarket rollers and planning staged replacement for the remaining rollers spread repair costs over time, allowing continued use without the upfront expense of OEM parts. Frequent undercarriage inspection and comparison with compatible models like Takeuchi helped keep maintenance budgets manageable.
Choosing Parts Wisely
When selecting undercarriage parts:

• OEM vs Aftermarket – OEM parts match original specifications but cost more; reputable aftermarket parts can deliver similar life expectancy at lower cost.
  
• Compatibility – Confirm cross‑reference between CTL 60 and other models (e.g., Takeuchi TL130) before purchasing.
  
• Track Pattern and Width – Choose tracks suited to terrain: aggressive patterns for mud or loose soils; smoother patterns for turf or paved surfaces.
  

Conclusion
The Gehl CTL 60’s undercarriage is a pivotal system that directly impacts performance, ride quality, and operating costs. Knowing key components — sprockets, rollers, idlers, and tracks — and their roles helps owners make informed maintenance decisions. While dealer pricing for replacement parts can be steep, cross‑reference compatibility and aftermarket suppliers offer significant savings. Regular inspection, correct track tension, and proactive part replacement can add substantial service life to undercarriage components. With thoughtful parts selection and maintenance scheduling, the CTL 60 continues to serve reliably across varied applications.