In 1973, Gehl Company (today Manitou Americas Inc.), a leading manufacturer of compact earthmoving and material handling equipment, began designing and manufacturing its own line of skid loaders. Working side by side with its customers, the line has constantly evolved over the last 40 years. Today, a complete line of seven radial and three vertical lift models, including the V400, the world’s largest skid loader, are offered under the Gehl brand name

“The Gehl brand is dedicated to its roots of designing and producing durable, easy-to-use skid loaders,” said Dan Miller, CEO of Manitou Americas and president of the Manitou Group CE — compact equipment division. “Our task for the future is incorporating innovation and technology into our loaders, yet still maintaining the ease of use our customers have come to expect.”

To carry the success of the skid loader line into the future, Manitou Americas Inc. continues the tradition of developing equipment to match the demands of our core customers in agriculture, construction and rental applications. The investment in a modern research and design facility in West Bend, Wisc., in 2009 paved the way for future innovation and durability testing.

“Look for Gehl branded skid loaders to deliver new customer focused models without abandoning our heritage,” said Brian Rabe, manager of product development. “This measured approach has worked for Gehl skid loaders for 40 years, and for the Gehl brand for over 150 years. You can’t argue with history.”

By leveraging its long history in the skid loader market with the addition of features like the original hands-only control system, the T-Bar; the Powerview lift arm; and the adjustable, side-anchored operator restraint bar Manitou Americas looks to entice new skid loader users while maintaining its core customer base, according to the manufacturer.