Gehl

Gehl is another well known manufacturer of compact equipment, including skid loaders, track loaders, articulated loaders, compact excavators (mini excavators), asphalt pavers, and telescopic handlers. Like many equipment manufacturers, Gehl had its beginnings in a blacksmith shop. This particular blacksmith shop evolved into a foundry owned by Louis Lucas in 1859 West Bend, Wisconsin. The original focus of the Lucas Foundary was on equipment needed by local farmers.

Next, the company was purchased by Charles Siberzahn and then in 1902 it was purchased by John Gehl. Gehl Bros. Manufacturing produced several innovative machines for farmers, including silo fillers, an auto-steering manure spreader, and a forage harvester. By 1967 the company’s name was simply changed to Gehl.

Gehl manufactured their first skid steer loader in 1973 and purchased the Mustang Manufacturing Company in 1997. The purchase of Mustang greatly increased their presence in the skid steer market, and both their line of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders have remained extremely popular in the compact equipment market. Gehl became a subsidiary of Manitou in 2008, after partnering with Manitou to sell Gehl telescopic loaders under their name in 2004.

Gehl’s headquarters are still in West Bend, Wisconsin, where they still make innovative, quality compact equipment for the construction industry.