Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CagC_qa37OM (6 min)

Mike gives a quick overview of the Powston PE650, the next-generation mini skid steer, with Ethan from Powston helping. The machine in the video is a yellow prototype, and a gray earlier version also exists.

WHAT HE LIKES

- The bucket sits perfectly level on the floor from tip to back, and the bucket is larger than on some competing machines.

- Analog gauges instead of a screen, which Mike asked Powston to keep.

CHANGES HE HAS REQUESTED FROM THE FACTORY

- Move the hydraulic lines toward the back, out of the way.

- Put tie-down points low instead of high.

- Add a USB-C port, a cup holder if possible, and a temperature gauge for the hydraulic oil cooler.

He invites viewers to send suggestions he can pass along to the factory.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz0Nmy3wSnw (4 min)

Mike tests the lift strength of a prototype Powston PE650 mini skid steer with a new vertical-lift design, instead of the radial lift used on many mini skid steers.

THE TEST

- The loader arms are carrying plates weighing about 965 kg, over 2,000 lb, with no operator on the machine.

- The machine rocks forward at that load. With Mike standing on the back for counterweight, it sits right at the tipping point, and about 50 more pounds would tip it.

- His conclusion: the lift mechanism is stronger than the machine's own weight can use. With another 400 to 500 pounds of weight on the back, he estimates it could lift roughly 375 to 500 lb more.

Part 2 compares the result with an older-style machine without the new lift mechanism. For comparison, he previously tested an RS06-1 with 2,000 lb off the ground.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-48wcKMWu8 (2 min)

In part two, Mike repeats the lift test on a different Powston mini skid steer, an older style without the new lift mechanism, with a coworker standing on the platform for counterweight. The loaded forks go up, but he stops short of full height because the load clearly exceeds what the machine's weight can balance.

His takeaways: the machine has no counterweights at all, and adding about 500 lb of counterweight would make the lift easy without anyone standing on it. It is a really strong machine, and the only change he asked for is more bucket (or pallet fork) tilt so the load can be curled back further at maximum weight.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.