The Gehl R185 is a compact radial-lift skid steer with slightly more power and flow than the R165 — still standard-flow only, still a tight-site machine, but with expanded attachment reach. Here's the complete Canadian buyer's guide: specs, flow limits, what fits, and what to avoid.
The R185 is Gehl's mid-entry radial-lift skid steer — a step above the R165 in ROC, horsepower, and hydraulic flow, while maintaining the compact frame suited for landscaping, light construction, and tight Canadian work sites. At ~20 GPM standard flow and 1,850 lb ROC, it opens up a slightly wider attachment range than the R165 while staying in the standard-flow-only category.
If you're comparing the R185 to the R165, the differences are real but bounded by the fact that both are standard-flow-only machines. Here's where the R185 earns its place:
| Spec | Gehl R165 | Gehl R185 | Practical Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROC | 1,650 lbs | 1,850 lbs | Handles heavier pallets, larger bales, denser buckets loads more confidently |
| Engine HP | 52 hp | 67 hp | Meaningfully more torque for auger drives and trencher demands in hard soil |
| Std. Flow | ~17 GPM | ~20 GPM | Brings more attachments into spec; some trenchers and auger drives need 18–20 GPM |
| High Flow | Not available | Not available | No difference — both standard-flow only. Mulchers and snow blowers are out on both. |
| Frame size | Compact | Compact | Both fit through standard gates; similar footprint and site maneuverability |
The R185 versus R165 decision comes down to: how heavy are your loads, how hard is your soil, and what specific attachments do you plan to run? The extra 200 lbs ROC and 3 GPM flow on the R185 are meaningful for borderline use cases — heavy pallet work, auger drives in tougher conditions, standard-flow trenchers that need the full 20 GPM range.
If your use case is firmly within the R165's envelope, save the money. If you're regularly near the R165's limits, the R185 is worth it.
The Gehl R185 uses the industry-standard SSQA (Standard Skid Steer Quick Attach) coupler — the same plate geometry used across the majority of the market. Any attachment labelled "universal SSQA" or "standard skid steer fit" mounts directly without an adapter plate.
For Canadian buyers — especially in the used market — the Gehl–Mustang relationship is important context. Gehl and Mustang are the same machines. Both brands are owned by the Manitou Group and are produced on the same lines with shared engineering, hydraulics, and components. Only the decals and dealer networks differ.
The Mustang equivalent of the Gehl R185 is the Mustang 2050RT (approximately — verify by ROC and HP when comparing specific used units). Parts are interchangeable and attachment compatibility is identical.
Why this matters:
This matrix covers the full range of skid steer attachments against the R185's ~20 GPM standard hydraulic flow and 1,850 lb ROC. There is no high-flow option on this machine.
| Attachment | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GP Buckets (dirt, gravel) | ✅ YES | 60–66" optimal; 66" comfortable for light materials at 1,850 lb ROC |
| Pallet Forks | ✅ YES | 1,850 lb ROC; 48" forks standard; handles typical construction supply pallets |
| Bale Spears | ✅ YES | Single spear; mid-size rounds; verify wet bale weight against 1,850 lb ROC |
| Root Grapple / Bucket Grapple | ✅ YES | Standard aux flow; 48–66" widths appropriate for this frame |
| Auger Drive (6"–12" bit, std. conditions) | ✅ YES | Standard auger drives run 10–18 GPM; R185 flow handles well |
| Auger Drive (12"–16" bit, moderate conditions) | ✅ YES | 67 hp and ~20 GPM flow is adequate for mid-range auger demands in average soil |
| Snow Pusher / Box Blade | ✅ YES | Non-hydraulic; 8'–10' optimal; no flow requirement |
| Angle / Dozer Blade | ✅ YES | 72"–84" blade width; hydraulic angle function well within flow range |
| Landscape Rake / Power Rake | ✅ YES | Hydraulic rakes typically 12–20 GPM; R185 handles the full standard-flow range |
| Standard-Flow Trencher | ✅ YES | Standard trenchers that need up to 20 GPM work correctly on the R185; verify spec |
| Hydraulic Breaker (mid-size) | ✅ YES | Mid-size breakers (up to ~600 ft-lb class) run within 20 GPM range; verify spec sheet |
| Angle Broom / Sweeper | ✅ YES | Hydraulic brooms typically 12–18 GPM; 60–72" widths fit well |
| Box Blade / Land Plane | ✅ YES | Passive attachment; no flow required; 72"–84" blade width appropriate |
| Cement Mixer (drum) | ✅ YES | Drum mixers run 10–18 GPM; R185 handles comfortably with flow to spare |
| Post Driver (standard flow) | ✅ YES | Standard post drivers run within 20 GPM range; R185 adequate for farm and fencing work |
| Attachment | Compatibility | Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| Brush Mulchers / Forestry Heads | ✗ NO | Mulchers require 28–40+ GPM; R185 has no high-flow option and tops out at ~20 GPM |
| Commercial Snow Blowers (hydraulic) | ✗ NO | Snow blowers require 25–40 GPM; no high-flow available on R185 |
| Rotary Cutters / Brush Cutters (commercial) | ✗ NO | Commercial rotary cutters require 28–35+ GPM |
| Flail Mowers (commercial) | ✗ NO | Commercial flail mowers typically require 25–35 GPM |
| Soil Conditioners (full-size) | ✗ NO | Full-size conditioners run 25–38 GPM for full performance |
| Cold Planers | ✗ NO | Cold planers typically need 28–35+ GPM even for light models |
| Heavy-Duty Trenchers (high-flow) | ✗ NO | Heavy-duty rock chain trenchers require 30+ GPM; standard flow ceiling rules these out |
| Auger Drive (18"+ bit, hard soil) | ✗ MARGINAL | Hard rock or dense hardpan with large bits exceeds R185 flow and torque capacity; use larger machine |
| Attachment | Compatibility | Weight Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Large Round Bales (big round bale spear) | CHECK WEIGHT | Large 5×6 rounds can weigh 1,200–1,700 lbs wet. Verify bale weight against 1,850 lb ROC. The R185 handles more bale scenarios than the R165, but wet hay at max size may hit the limit. |
| Rock Buckets (heavy construction) | CHECK WEIGHT | Heavy rock buckets with AR400 plate can weigh 900–1,400 lbs empty. Add payload — confirm total is within ROC. R185 is better suited to light aggregate work than heavy rock hauling. |
| Heavy Trenchers | CHECK WEIGHT | Heavy trenchers can reach 1,500–2,500 lbs. Check attachment weight and confirm it's within 1,850 lb ROC. ROC constraint aside, heavy trenchers typically need more than 20 GPM anyway. |
The R185 is a compact machine similar in frame to the R165. These width recommendations reflect the R185's small-frame dimensions and 1,850 lb ROC.
A 60"–66" general-purpose bucket is the most common R185 pairing for landscaping, farmyard material handling, and light construction in Canada. The 1,850 lb ROC gives more confident performance with loaded buckets than the R165. A 66" GP bucket for mixed dirt and gravel work is the reliable standard choice.
At 1,850 lb ROC, the R185 handles a broader range of loaded pallets than the R165. Standard 48" pallet forks for lumber, landscaping supply, and construction material delivery are the most common pairing. This machine manages the common Canadian farmyard and contractor pallet loads without working at its limit.
Root grapples and brush grapples in the 48"–66" range suit the R185 well. The extra ROC and flow compared to the R165 means this machine manages grapple work in residential land clearing and light construction with more margin. Ontario woodlot cleanup, prairie shelterbelts, and acreage landscaping are natural applications.
Unlike the R165, the R185 reaches the upper end of the standard-flow range (~20 GPM), which brings standard trenchers into spec on this machine. Trench depth and chain size should still be matched to the compact frame — this is not a heavy-duty trenching machine — but residential utility work, irrigation lines, and cable trenching are all practical applications.
The R185's extra 15 hp over the R165 makes a real difference in auger performance in moderate soil conditions. Standard 6"–12" bits for fence posts, small tree planting, and light construction are squarely in spec. Mid-size bits up to 16" in average Prairie soil work well with the 67 hp engine.
An 8'–10' snow pusher on an R185 is a productive combination for residential and light commercial snow management across Prairie and Ontario markets. The R185's compact footprint and ~20 GPM flow make it practical for tight lot work, and the additional ROC over the R165 helps with heavier windrow clearing.
The R185 is a solid standard-flow machine. The purchasing mistakes to avoid are about overreaching its hydraulic ceiling and frame class.
The R185 cannot be configured for high-flow. Period. Mulchers, commercial snow blowers, rotary cutters, and flail mowers all require high-flow levels the R185 cannot deliver. If these attachments are part of your plan, the right machine is an R220 or larger with the high-flow package installed — not an R185.
Some standard trenchers top out their specs at exactly 20–22 GPM. The R185 is at the edge of this range. If a trencher calls for 22 GPM minimum, the R185 is marginal and will underperform. Stick to trenchers rated for 18–20 GPM maximum on this machine.
A 72" bucket or a 12' snow pusher is outside what the R185 frame and ROC class support well. These extend past the machine's wheel stance, create tipping risk with dense materials, and reduce the tight-site maneuverability that makes compact machines valuable. Size attachments to the machine, not to wishful thinking about payload.
While the R185 handles mid-range auger work better than the R165, 18"+ bits in hard clay or shale will overwhelm this machine's power-to-demand ratio. Move up to an R220 or larger for heavy-ground auger work.
Gehl's Canadian dealer network is meaningful for R185 owners to understand before purchase. The network runs through the Manitou Group's Canadian distribution.
Cervus Equipment is the primary Gehl dealer group in western Canada, with locations in Alberta and Saskatchewan. For operators in these provinces, Cervus is the standard service and parts resource for Gehl skid steers including the R185.
Outside Cervus coverage areas — including much of Ontario, BC, and Atlantic Canada — Gehl support runs through Manitou-authorized service centers. Since the Manitou Group sells both Gehl and Manitou telehandlers, many locations serving Manitou equipment also service Gehl skid steers. This is especially relevant for southern and eastern Ontario operators, where dedicated Gehl dealer density is lower.
Because Gehl and Mustang are the same machines with shared parts numbers, Mustang dealers can source parts for R185 machines. In markets where Mustang has dealer presence but Gehl does not, this is a practical alternative for parts sourcing. It's worth identifying both networks in your operating area before purchase.
The R185 is Gehl's larger mid-frame machine — it handles heavier buckets, larger grapples, and 10–12 foot snow pushers. High-flow tools require the optional HF package; confirm before purchasing mulchers or rotary cutters.