Dig deep...it's good to hear your opinion, I respect and trust what you say. Is terex totally out of the MTL game now?
I think the machines will pretty much out perform and outwork most other machines in their class but the build quality is just terrible. I have a pt-30 and had been thinking of a 60 but this makes me second guess that. They really aren't commercial quality. It's more like a Home Depot lawn mower quality. Too bad but really no surprise, I guess.
In my opinion Terex is out of the entire construction industry in North America and not just CTLs. Based on what I've heard I'd be shocked if Terex dealers took delivery of 100 ASV built CTLs in 2015.
It's almost sad, because I'm like you. I have really liked the performance of the ASV machine. Unfortunately, they haven't kept up with the competition and their current ownership situation isn't good for their long term survival. Neither Terex (49%) or Manitex (51%) is a really healthy company, nor are they willing to inject any capital into ASV for R&D or marketing so ASV is going to sink or swim on their own.
Unfortunately, they need volume to survive and I just don't see it happening in today's really crowded market. Sadly, I think they'll end up like Thomas--a company that made a decent product with a loyal following, but not enough of a following to keep the doors open.