Gehl celebrates 40 years of skid steers

Manitou Americas has celebrated the 40^th anniversary of production of the Gehl brand of skid loaders.

Gehl went into manufacture in Madison, South Dakota, in July 1973, and since then has evolved into a line of seven radial and three vertical lift models, including the V400, the world’s largest skid loader.

Gehl was acquired by Manitou in 2008, although the two companies began cooperating in 2004. The company's origins go back to 1859, when a small foundry was established in West Bend, Wisconsin, to make agricultural equipment. John Gehl bought the business in 1902.

“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.”

Recent innovations to the product line include hands-only control system, the T-Bar; the Powerview lift arm; and the adjustable, side-anchored operator restraint bar.