I feel left out, so today I’m officially introducing my own line of Frankast™ mini track loaders.

They’re heavy duty, in that heavy people can stand on them, and they use attachments for state-of-the-art versatility while still being able to creep through backyard gates unnoticed like a stealth but robust Swiss Army Knife…

But seriously, if you didn’t see the trend at Conexpo (Cat TUL100, Case TL100 EV), you’re seeing it now at the Equip Expo in Louisville – OEMs are hopping on the mini track loader bandwagon. There is no hotter category.

Mini track loaders may be destined to join compact excavators as a darn-near commodity with 18 or so manufacturers offering pretty similar machines.

That's at least until the Chinese OEMs start introducing them; then we'll break the 20 mark for sure.

Here are the latest developments.

Wacker Neuson is producing two models for John Deere. New Holland has launched one. And now Manitou and Gehl are joining the rush.

One red, one yellow

The Manitou 1050 SRT and Gehl SRT105 are designed for landscapers, tree care services, and equipment rental customers.

The chassis of the 1050 SRT and SRT105 integrates the IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system, exclusive to Manitou and Gehl RT and VT Series compact track loaders. This feature allows proper tension to be automatically applied to the stand-on loader at all times, from start up to shut down.

IdealTrax is said to extend track life by 15%, eliminate manual grease-gun tension adjustments in the field, and provide more stability while operating.

Each unit is powered by a 23.2-horsepower Yanmar turbo diesel engine, with top travel speeds up to 5.3 mph to move across jobsites and acheive fast cycle times. 

The radial lift arm design is meant to deliver exceptional breakout forces, with lift up to 3,802 pounds and tilt up to 2,711 pounds, with low ground pressure needed for heavy-duty digging, grading, backfilling, dumping, and prying power.

Rated operating capacities for the SRT loaders are 1,050 pounds at 35% tipping load and 1,500 pounds at 50% tipping load with a height to hinge pin at 86.1 inches for low-sided trailer loading. The machine operating weight is only 3,430 pounds, allowing for easy transportation on a trailer.

Attachments and selectable flow

Manitou Group offers an impressive group of mini track loader attachments to pair with the Manitou 1050 SRT and Gehl SRT105. 

The attachment lineup includes:

• Heavy-duty log grapples
• Root rakes
• Power rakes
• High-torque stump grinders
• Mowers
• Trenchers
• Augers
• Brooms
• Breakers
• Snowblowers
• Buckets
• Blades.

The machines feature a CII attachment plate compatible with most mini loader attachments and there is also a skid/CTL adapter plate available to utilize skid/track loader attachments that are already on the jobsite. 

A unique feature on the SRTs is the selectable auxiliary hydraulic max flow. This allows operators to select the exact hydraulic flow required by the attachment, from 25% to 100%, in just a few clicks within the machine’s display menu.

Other exclusives and a creep-y mode

The new models come standard with a few other exclusive innovations focusing on uptime and safety. Trailer loading and steep ramps are among the highest-risk moments on a jobsite. An exclusive fold-up platform allows the operator to flip up the platform floor and guide the machine on foot at a reduced speed when loading onto trailers.

This means operators no longer have to stand on the equipment at steep angles while loading onto a truck bed. They can walk comfortably behind the unit at a capped speed of 1.2 mph while maintaining full joystick control over steering and boom lift.

A look back at Wacker Neuson entering the mini track market

Another Manitou Group exclusive is creep mode with a selectable power boost. Creep mode delivers full auxiliary hydraulic horsepower while allowing precise, millimeter-level ground speed control when powering high demand attachments, such as stump grinders, snowblowers, trenchers, and more. 

This helps the operator adjust ground speed to the application, ground slope, or jobsite terrain, while maintaining full power to the attachment. Once the ground speed is locked in, a boost can be selected to momentarily increase speed when needed.

Tool-carrying magic

The loaders also feature multiple integrated solutions to carry tools, accessories, and gear. This includes a standard integrated toolbox built on the left side of the machine chassis, creating the ability to haul larger tools, hammers, and grease guns inside the machine.

Coming in 2027 will be optional side storage bins large enough to carry diesel cans, oil, tools, bags, and other accessories. And, taking it a step further, there is even a chainsaw mount that fits into a cup holder compartment to safely carry a chainsaw. 

Other customizable options are long tool holders to carry shovels and rakes, and a protective operators shield to add extra protection while working with high-powered attachments.

The loaders' operator control station features ergonomic knee padding to reduce fatigue on long trips, and responsive joysticks with grip bars for operator comfort and precise control. A high-visibility 5-inch color screen displays all machines functions, including, hour meter, fuel, selected flow auxiliary hydraulics, and creep mode. Even IdealTrax can be controlled within the display menu. 

See an electric mini track loader

The platform is integrated with a full operator presence system, which triggers auto idle and auto stop on the machine for increased fuel efficiency. There is also a 12V power port to charge and utilize power tools along with 2 cup holders within the work station.

The loaders will be offered in two packages, a “Classic” package and a “Platinum” package. The main additions on the platinum packages include HydraGlide comfort ride suspension system on the Gehl SRT105 or the Comfort Ride Control for Manitou 1050 SRT.

Comfort Ride Control is an exclusive feature designed for a smoother ride, which works by absorbing shocks for the operator and preventing the lift arm from bouncing to minimize bucket spillage. The platinum package includes a 14-pin connection for customers needing comprehensive attachment compatibility.

No, the Frankast™ mini track loader doesn't have ride control, but with our patent-pending Big Boy Balance System, the heavier the operator, the more stable the machine will perform. Talk about ground pressure! Dealer inquiries are welcome.