08-21-2025, 03:10 PM
Early Beginnings and Formation
The Mustang brand traces its roots back to 1888 with the Owatonna Manufacturing Company (OMC) in Minnesota, initially focused on producing agricultural implements such as grain drills, seeders, and balers, recognizable by their distinctive lime green and red paint. In 1965, OMC pioneered one of the first skid steer loaders, known as the Owatonna Mustang Series 1000, effectively a "self-propelled, four-wheel-drive unit." Featuring a robust 30-horsepower air-cooled Wisconsin engine and a multi-disc transmission encased in oil for durability, the Series 1000 set the foundation for modern skid steer development.
Growth and Product Evolution
By combining powerful engines, hydraulic systems delivering 10 gallons per minute at 2,000 psi, and advanced mechanical designs, Mustang quickly became known for durable, efficient skid steers. Throughout the decades, Mustang expanded its product line to include radial and vertical lift skid steers, compact zero-tail-swing excavators, and track loaders, continually updating features with more powerful engines, better lift heights, and ergonomics aligned with industry demands.
Corporate Changes
In 1997, Mustang was acquired by Gehl Company, which consolidated manufacturing in South Dakota. This transition enabled Mustang to leverage Gehl’s resources and technology innovations, such as patented lift arms, enhancing product capabilities and market reach.
In 2008, Gehl became a part of Manitou BF, a French multinational leader in material handling and compact equipment. By 2015, Mustang celebrated 50 years of skid steer manufacturing, underscoring a half-century of innovation, reliability, and customer loyalty. Transitioning to the Manitou brand in various markets by 2018-2019 unified Mustang’s legacy under a recognized global name while maintaining the quality and durability customers expect.
Terminology
Mustang’s long-standing reputation is built on durable, reliable machines that have empowered agriculture, construction, and landscaping industries for generations. Early brand recognition from agricultural equipment evolved into construction machinery leadership. Their skid steers became synonymous with power, versatility, and ease of use, contributing significantly to industry productivity.
Notable Anecdotes
One historical narrative recalls the Series 1000’s usage on farms and parks, performing heavy-duty tasks previously requiring larger machines but with the advantage of compact size and maneuverability. Such equipment helped revolutionize earth-moving and material handling in constrained or urban environments.
Summary
The Mustang brand embodies a rich heritage of innovation beginning with Owatonna Manufacturing Company in 1888. Its evolution from agricultural implements to cutting-edge skid steer loaders reflects adaptability and customer-focused development. Strategic acquisitions and technological advancements have ensured Mustang’s continued presence in the global compact equipment market, delivering robust machines tailored to diverse industries and applications for nearly six decades.
The Mustang brand traces its roots back to 1888 with the Owatonna Manufacturing Company (OMC) in Minnesota, initially focused on producing agricultural implements such as grain drills, seeders, and balers, recognizable by their distinctive lime green and red paint. In 1965, OMC pioneered one of the first skid steer loaders, known as the Owatonna Mustang Series 1000, effectively a "self-propelled, four-wheel-drive unit." Featuring a robust 30-horsepower air-cooled Wisconsin engine and a multi-disc transmission encased in oil for durability, the Series 1000 set the foundation for modern skid steer development.
Growth and Product Evolution
By combining powerful engines, hydraulic systems delivering 10 gallons per minute at 2,000 psi, and advanced mechanical designs, Mustang quickly became known for durable, efficient skid steers. Throughout the decades, Mustang expanded its product line to include radial and vertical lift skid steers, compact zero-tail-swing excavators, and track loaders, continually updating features with more powerful engines, better lift heights, and ergonomics aligned with industry demands.
Corporate Changes
In 1997, Mustang was acquired by Gehl Company, which consolidated manufacturing in South Dakota. This transition enabled Mustang to leverage Gehl’s resources and technology innovations, such as patented lift arms, enhancing product capabilities and market reach.
In 2008, Gehl became a part of Manitou BF, a French multinational leader in material handling and compact equipment. By 2015, Mustang celebrated 50 years of skid steer manufacturing, underscoring a half-century of innovation, reliability, and customer loyalty. Transitioning to the Manitou brand in various markets by 2018-2019 unified Mustang’s legacy under a recognized global name while maintaining the quality and durability customers expect.
Terminology
- Skid Steer Loader: Compact, maneuverable construction equipment featuring lift arms for attachments, relying on differential steering via skidding wheels or tracks.
- Radial Lift: A lift pattern where the loader arms pivot in an arc from the rear, typically providing greater reach at mid-height.
- Vertical Lift: Loader arms that move in a more vertical trajectory, offering increased lift height and reach at maximum height.
- Multi-Disc Transmission: Transmission using multiple friction discs to transfer power smoothly within the drivetrain.
- Zero Tail Swing: Equipment design minimizing rear overhang to operate in tight spaces safely.
Mustang’s long-standing reputation is built on durable, reliable machines that have empowered agriculture, construction, and landscaping industries for generations. Early brand recognition from agricultural equipment evolved into construction machinery leadership. Their skid steers became synonymous with power, versatility, and ease of use, contributing significantly to industry productivity.
Notable Anecdotes
One historical narrative recalls the Series 1000’s usage on farms and parks, performing heavy-duty tasks previously requiring larger machines but with the advantage of compact size and maneuverability. Such equipment helped revolutionize earth-moving and material handling in constrained or urban environments.
Summary
The Mustang brand embodies a rich heritage of innovation beginning with Owatonna Manufacturing Company in 1888. Its evolution from agricultural implements to cutting-edge skid steer loaders reflects adaptability and customer-focused development. Strategic acquisitions and technological advancements have ensured Mustang’s continued presence in the global compact equipment market, delivering robust machines tailored to diverse industries and applications for nearly six decades.
