ASV Receives Patent for MTSS Undercarriage

    GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.--Nov. 29, 2001--ASV, Inc. announced today its Maximum Traction and Support System(TM) (MTSS) undercarriage has been awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The revolutionary rubber-tracked technology contained in the MTSS undercarriage is found on ASV's Posi-Tracks(TM) and Caterpillar Inc.'s new Multi-Terrain Loaders.
    "This is a wonderful affirmation to what we've known for some time - the MTSS undercarriage is truly unique in the compact construction equipment arena," said Brad Lemke, director of new product development at ASV. "The MTSS is fostering a change from the old reliance on wheeled equipment to the realization that with the MTSS, work can be done easier, quicker and more efficiently. We believe the benefits of the MTSS undercarriage is the reason it is being used on Caterpillar's new Multi-Terrain Loaders."
    The MTSS undercarriage, which provides more traction, power and reliability, efficiently transfers the weight of the machine to the ground through numerous wheeled contact points within a rugged reinforced rubber track. Combined with multiple levels of suspension, the MTSS gives operators the ability to significantly increase efficiency by reducing their reliance on hand labor. With the ability to move quickly and smoothly in many conditions, as well as dig with greater force, operators see quicker cycle times and increased profits.
    Additional benefits of the MTSS include unmatched traction and stability for grading, backfilling and digging; minimal ground disturbance for work on improved surfaces; smoother travel at higher speeds for work on unleveled sites; low center of gravity for work on side hills; and longer track life combined with low maintenance. The MTSS also gives equipment extremely low ground pressure, allowing machinery to work in environmentally sensitive terrain without causing harm.
    "We believe the MTSS gives machinery the best of both worlds - the durability and power needed on conventional construction sites, along with the traction and low ground pressure for work in extreme or sensitive conditions," said Lemke.
    ASV designs, manufactures and sells all-season, track-driven vehicles and related accessories and attachments. With its patented Maximum Traction and Support System(TM) undercarriage, ASV leads all rubber-tracked, all-purpose crawlers in technology and innovation. ASV's products traverse nearly any terrain with minimal damage to the ground, making them effective in industries such as construction, landscaping and agriculture.
    To learn more about ASV Inc. and its unique rubber-tracked products, visit the Company's web site at www.asvi.com.