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Gehl, a company widely known for its construction machinery, including skid steers and telehandlers, has a long-standing reputation in the equipment manufacturing industry. However, one question often arises from both enthusiasts and industry professionals alike: Does Gehl still produce excavators?
Gehl’s History and Excavator Production
Gehl was founded in 1859 and has grown from a small agricultural company to one of the leading manufacturers in the construction equipment sector. Initially, Gehl focused on making farming machinery, such as forage harvesters and grain handling equipment. Over time, it expanded into the production of construction equipment, including skid steer loaders, articulated loaders, and telehandlers.
While Gehl did produce compact and mini excavators for a period, these machines were relatively niche products compared to their skid steers. Their excavators were typically in the range of 1.5 to 5 tons, designed for smaller projects or for use in tight spaces where larger equipment couldn't fit. These excavators were well-regarded for their reliability and maneuverability, which made them suitable for residential and light commercial applications.
Transition and Product Discontinuation
Despite their initial success in the excavator market, Gehl gradually shifted its focus to other equipment categories, particularly skid steer loaders and telehandlers, which became the backbone of their product offerings. By the early 2000s, Gehl ceased production of their own excavators.
A significant change occurred in 2008 when Gehl entered into a strategic partnership with the multinational company Manitou Group, a French manufacturer specializing in handling equipment. As a result of this partnership, Gehl began distributing Manitou’s range of mini-excavators, which was an attempt to meet the demand in the compact equipment sector without the need to continue producing their own excavators. The company’s focus on its core products like skid steers and telehandlers continued to grow as it saw greater profitability in these areas.
Current Offerings from Gehl
Although Gehl no longer manufactures its own line of excavators, it is still involved in the mini-excavator market through its partnership with Manitou. The company offers a variety of equipment types, including telehandlers, articulated loaders, and compact track loaders. Gehl machines remain well-regarded for their robust design and versatility, particularly in small-scale construction, landscaping, and agriculture applications.
Manitou’s mini-excavators, which are now sold under the Gehl brand, are designed for precision and adaptability. These excavators are typically available in various sizes, ranging from 1.5 tons to around 5 tons, which aligns with the demands of the smaller, more nimble machines Gehl once offered. These machines boast high hydraulic power, impressive lift capabilities, and a compact design that makes them ideal for confined spaces.
Key Features of Modern Gehl Mini-Excavators
While Gehl no longer produces its own mini-excavators, those sold under the Gehl brand still provide exceptional value for operators seeking a balance of power and portability. Some of the key features of these machines include:
Manitou Group’s influence has been pivotal in keeping Gehl's presence in the mini-excavator market. Manitou has a long history of producing high-quality handling and lifting machinery, and its entry into the mini-excavator market allowed Gehl to offer a broader range of machines without needing to develop a completely new line of excavators.
Manitou's compact excavators under the Gehl name are part of a broader strategy by the company to offer diverse equipment solutions. This partnership highlights how companies in the heavy equipment industry can leverage strategic alliances to expand product offerings and improve market presence.
The Impact on the Industry
The cessation of Gehl’s own excavator production had a significant impact on the market, particularly in the compact construction equipment segment. While many contractors and operators still have fond memories of the Gehl mini-excavators, the brand’s pivot to other equipment types was a natural response to market demands and profitability considerations. This transition was also influenced by the growth of larger companies producing more specialized excavators, including brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, and Kubota, which dominate the compact excavator market today.
Despite this shift, the partnership between Gehl and Manitou Group allowed Gehl to continue meeting the needs of those who still require compact excavators, though now with a different product source behind the name.
Conclusion
Gehl no longer produces its own line of excavators, but through its partnership with Manitou Group, the brand remains active in the compact excavator market. While Gehl’s original excavators are no longer in production, the company’s strategic shift to distribute Manitou's mini-excavators under its own name provides customers with high-quality alternatives. As the industry evolves, the emphasis on versatility, compactness, and hydraulic power continues to be crucial for construction professionals, and Gehl continues to play a part in meeting these needs, albeit in a different form than before.
Gehl’s History and Excavator Production
Gehl was founded in 1859 and has grown from a small agricultural company to one of the leading manufacturers in the construction equipment sector. Initially, Gehl focused on making farming machinery, such as forage harvesters and grain handling equipment. Over time, it expanded into the production of construction equipment, including skid steer loaders, articulated loaders, and telehandlers.
While Gehl did produce compact and mini excavators for a period, these machines were relatively niche products compared to their skid steers. Their excavators were typically in the range of 1.5 to 5 tons, designed for smaller projects or for use in tight spaces where larger equipment couldn't fit. These excavators were well-regarded for their reliability and maneuverability, which made them suitable for residential and light commercial applications.
Transition and Product Discontinuation
Despite their initial success in the excavator market, Gehl gradually shifted its focus to other equipment categories, particularly skid steer loaders and telehandlers, which became the backbone of their product offerings. By the early 2000s, Gehl ceased production of their own excavators.
A significant change occurred in 2008 when Gehl entered into a strategic partnership with the multinational company Manitou Group, a French manufacturer specializing in handling equipment. As a result of this partnership, Gehl began distributing Manitou’s range of mini-excavators, which was an attempt to meet the demand in the compact equipment sector without the need to continue producing their own excavators. The company’s focus on its core products like skid steers and telehandlers continued to grow as it saw greater profitability in these areas.
Current Offerings from Gehl
Although Gehl no longer manufactures its own line of excavators, it is still involved in the mini-excavator market through its partnership with Manitou. The company offers a variety of equipment types, including telehandlers, articulated loaders, and compact track loaders. Gehl machines remain well-regarded for their robust design and versatility, particularly in small-scale construction, landscaping, and agriculture applications.
Manitou’s mini-excavators, which are now sold under the Gehl brand, are designed for precision and adaptability. These excavators are typically available in various sizes, ranging from 1.5 tons to around 5 tons, which aligns with the demands of the smaller, more nimble machines Gehl once offered. These machines boast high hydraulic power, impressive lift capabilities, and a compact design that makes them ideal for confined spaces.
Key Features of Modern Gehl Mini-Excavators
While Gehl no longer produces its own mini-excavators, those sold under the Gehl brand still provide exceptional value for operators seeking a balance of power and portability. Some of the key features of these machines include:
- Compact Design: Gehl’s mini-excavators are designed to work in confined spaces without compromising on performance.
- Hydraulic Power: These machines offer strong hydraulic systems that enhance digging, lifting, and material handling tasks.
- Ease of Operation: Operators can enjoy a user-friendly interface, with joystick controls and intuitive design.
- Fuel Efficiency: Gehl continues to prioritize fuel-efficient engines that help reduce operating costs and increase machine uptime.
- Versatility: These machines are designed for a variety of applications, including landscaping, utility work, and trenching.
Manitou Group’s influence has been pivotal in keeping Gehl's presence in the mini-excavator market. Manitou has a long history of producing high-quality handling and lifting machinery, and its entry into the mini-excavator market allowed Gehl to offer a broader range of machines without needing to develop a completely new line of excavators.
Manitou's compact excavators under the Gehl name are part of a broader strategy by the company to offer diverse equipment solutions. This partnership highlights how companies in the heavy equipment industry can leverage strategic alliances to expand product offerings and improve market presence.
The Impact on the Industry
The cessation of Gehl’s own excavator production had a significant impact on the market, particularly in the compact construction equipment segment. While many contractors and operators still have fond memories of the Gehl mini-excavators, the brand’s pivot to other equipment types was a natural response to market demands and profitability considerations. This transition was also influenced by the growth of larger companies producing more specialized excavators, including brands like Bobcat, Caterpillar, and Kubota, which dominate the compact excavator market today.
Despite this shift, the partnership between Gehl and Manitou Group allowed Gehl to continue meeting the needs of those who still require compact excavators, though now with a different product source behind the name.
Conclusion
Gehl no longer produces its own line of excavators, but through its partnership with Manitou Group, the brand remains active in the compact excavator market. While Gehl’s original excavators are no longer in production, the company’s strategic shift to distribute Manitou's mini-excavators under its own name provides customers with high-quality alternatives. As the industry evolves, the emphasis on versatility, compactness, and hydraulic power continues to be crucial for construction professionals, and Gehl continues to play a part in meeting these needs, albeit in a different form than before.
