Oshkosh Corporation Heavy Equipment History

[MikePhua]

Company Origin
Oshkosh Corporation was founded in 1917 by William R. Besserdich and Bernhard A. Mosling, initially named Wisconsin Duplex Auto Company. Their early breakthrough was patenting an innovative four-wheel-drive system designed for severe-duty trucks. After unsuccessful attempts to collaborate with established automakers, they started their own company.
Early Developments
In late 1917, they relocated to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and renamed the company Oshkosh Motor Truck Manufacturing Company. The first product was the Model A, a two-ton four-wheel-drive truck priced around $3,500. Subsequent models increased haul capacity to 3.5 and then 5 tons, rapidly gaining recognition for superior off-road capabilities.
Growth Through the 20th Century

• Post World War I, despite market challenges, Oshkosh expanded with models tailored for municipal uses, such as snow plowing and road construction with the Model H series.
  
• The 1930s saw the company introduce the Model TR, the first rubber-tired earthmover, cementing leadership in construction equipment.
  
• In the post-WWII boom, Oshkosh developed the Model 50-50 concrete mixer truck with four-wheel drive and the later diesel Model 45-55, addressing growing construction demands.
  

Diversification and Military Contracts

• Through the 1950s and 60s, Oshkosh innovated with models meeting evolving federal regulations, including the tandem-axle ready-mix trucks and the F-Series with multiple drive configurations.
  
• Military contracts became a significant growth driver, notably in the 1980s with production of the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT), Logistics Vehicle Systems (LVS), and Air Force firefighting vehicles.
  
• These contracts greatly increased revenues and cemented Oshkosh's reputation for rugged, reliable heavy trucks tailored to demanding environments.
  

Modern Era

• Oshkosh expanded product offerings to include specialized municipal vehicles, industrial loaders, and airport rescue fire fighting trucks.
  
• The company maintains advanced manufacturing facilities, including chassis production in South Carolina and assembly plants in Wisconsin and Florida.
  
• Oshkosh went public on NASDAQ and continues to innovate in mobility, safety, and efficiency for heavy-duty truck markets.
  

Glossary

• Four-Wheel Drive: A drivetrain powering all four wheels, improving traction off-road or on uneven surfaces.
  
• Ready-Mix Truck: A vehicle specially designed to transport and mix concrete on site.
  
• HEMTT: Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, a military logistics vehicle with high mobility and payload capacity.
  
• Rubber-Tired Earthmover: Construction equipment using rubber tires instead of tracks for mobility and flexibility.
  
• Logistics Vehicle System: Military vehicles designed for modular cargo handling and multi-role transport.
  

Summary
Oshkosh Corporation has evolved from a small innovator in four-wheel-drive trucks to a global leader in specialized heavy equipment and tactical vehicles. Its history reflects a legacy of engineering breakthroughs, strategic diversification into municipal and military markets, and steadfast commitment to durability and performance under extreme conditions. Oshkosh vehicles continue to be trusted assets for construction, defense, and municipal clients around the world.