At the 2002 World of Concrete, Gehl introduced what was then the largest skid-steers on the market. Two years later, it retains that claim with two larger models marketed separately under the Gehl and Mustang nameplates. Both machines are manufactured at the Gehl/Mustang Manufacturing facility in Madison, S.D. The machines are fully manufactured and assembled on a common production line.
"Since this largest size of loaders is a somewhat limited, but growing size class, it makes sense for Gehl to build and sell these two sizes of loaders under both the Gehl and Mustang brand names and sold worldwide through the respective brand names," says Kelly Moore, Gehl's product manager, skid-steers.
Gehl Models 7610 and 7810 and Mustang's 2099 and 2109 feature the largest engines in the category, 86 and 115 horsepower, respectively. For the first time, Perkins engines are used. Perkins offered a Tier 2 engine that provided the power and performance necessary for these large machines.
Mustang's 2099 and the Gehl 7610 offer increased torque, says Randy Vargason, Mustang's general manager. "We dropped horsepower, but torque increased to give us equal or better performance," he says. "We're able to put more power to the wheels."
With a 3,300-psi hydraulic system, the machines deliver bucket breakout force of nearly 7,900 pounds. An optional 40-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics system on the larger machine enhances attachment performance.
Two-speed drive offers ground speeds up to 13 mph, and the extended 55-inch wheelbase combines with the floating lift arm action of the optional Hydraglide ride-control system for a smooth ride.
Gehl's 7000 Series offers true vertical-lift linkage, which provides consistent forward reach throughout the lift cycle. As the load arms raise from ground level to the 142-inch pin height, the movement of the load arm is close to straight upward, Moore says. This allows the large load capacities to be easily loaded from ground to high lift with good stability.
"We still maintain the very good reach at the highest lifting height to dump over the large tri-axle trucks being utilized today," he says. "Being able to dump high, and in centers of trucks or trailers, means more capacity in the trucks for hauling more material."
These newest skid-steers can more closely compete with the low-side compact wheel loaders, says Mustang's Vargason. "The opportunity is with our higher lift height, higher operating capacity and maneuverability," he says. "We're better able to load a truck."
