End of an era for Mustang

Gehl skid steers to continue legacy of Mustang loaders in Australia

From 2020, Mustang skid steers will no longer be offered Down Under, with parent company Manitou deciding to phase out the range in the Asia Pacific region.

However, the legacy of the iconic workhorses will live on in another reputable name in the construction equipment industry – Gehl, which is also owned by the Manitou Group.

For Australian distributor, Tutt Bryant Equipment, the transition has not been without some bumps along the way. However, with plenty of help from Manitou, Tutt Bryant Equipment has successfully worked out a plan to phase out the Mustang brand and introduce the Gehl skid steers into the Australian market this year.

“They (Manitou) have come to the table very strongly and solidly supporting us all the way, working with us on how we can improve the product,” said Tutt Bryant Equipment National Business Development Manager for Gehl, John Glossat.

“We want to make Gehl just as good, if not better than Mustang in the years to come.

“I can personally see big changes with the new Gehl range, especially in the fit out, hydraulics and operator comfort and safety,” he said.

For its initial release, Tutt Bryant Equipment will be offering Gehl’s R135, R165 and R220 in the wheeled skid steer range, but is still finalising the compact tracked loader offerings. Glossat said the confirmed models in the tracked range include the RT165, RT255 and VT320 with the possibility of adding the RT215 into the mix, as well as either the RT105 or RT135.

“The big points of difference with Gehl’s machines are the good operator vision out of the cabin, ground stability and easy servicing access,” Glossat said.

“But above all, it’s the good support not only from the OEM, but also from the local dealership,” he added.

“That is why we are always revising our recommended parts listings to make sure that we have the parts we need on hand to service our clients because if the machine breaks down, the operator might lose a day's earning.”

Existing Mustang skid steer customers will continue receiving parts and servicing from Tutt Bryant Equipment due to Mustang and Gehl loaders sharing the same DNA, Glossat said.

“Everything will be the same as the Mustang parts are identical with the Gehl units,” he said.

“Customers will still have all their warranties for machines purchased prior to the change, it will be business as usual.”

Tutt Bryant Equipment had grand plans to launch the new Gehl range in Australia at the National Diesel Dirt and Turf show this year, but had to hold off on it when the show was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If the show does go ahead as scheduled this October, Tutt Bryant Equipment said customers can expect to see the brand new Gehl line-up at its stand, and the company will be offering show specials for visitors interested in doing a deal at the event.

Tutt Bryant Equipment is currently running a promotion whereby customers who purchase a Gehl or Mustang skid steer between now and November 30, 2020, will go in the draw to win one of five tickets to the United States next year. Winners will also receive entry tickets to a Road America motor race, as well as visit a number of factories in the US including Harley Davidson’s as well as Gehl/Mustang/Manitou facilities.

Visit tuttbryant.com.au for more information.