From Snowmobiles to CTLs: ASV Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Compact track loader and skid steer manufacturer ASV is celebrating its 40^th anniversary, marking the date in 1983 when Edgar Hetteen and Gary Lemke—both pioneers in the snowmobile industry – started the company.

The duo initially set out to build a pickup-sized rubber-tracked vehicle for snowmobile trail grooming and quickly realized the technology could be used for compact track loaders as well.

The first Posi-Track rubber-tracked compact track loader was created in 1990, providing operators with exceptional traction on soft, wet, slippery, rough or hilly terrain. Over the years, the Posi-Track loaders’ undercarriages improved with innovations like a single-rail design, metal-face sealed wheels and internal drive-sprockets.

Here’s a look at what has happened since the company entered the compact equipment market:

[Watch: Yanmar vs. ASV CTLs – What’s the Difference?]

ASV celebrated its 40th anniversary during an event featuring tours of the factory, food and refreshments and various family activities and giveaways.ASVASV celebrated the milestone with an open house event at its Grand Rapids, Minn. facility earlier this month. The event featured a full lineup of legacy and new ASV models, tours of the factory, and various family activities and giveaways.