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Origins of the Mel-Trac T660
The Mel-Trac T660 was a rare six-wheeled skid steer loader developed in the early 1980s by the Melroe Brothers, the same innovators behind the original Bobcat. While Bobcat had already become a household name in compact equipment, the T660 was an experimental offshoot that never reached mass production. Powered by an Isuzu diesel engine and equipped with mechanical drive systems rather than chains, the T660 was designed for enhanced traction, operator comfort, and versatility in uneven terrain.
Melroe Manufacturing, founded in 1947 in Gwinner, North Dakota, had a reputation for pushing boundaries. Their early success with the M60 loader led to the Bobcat brand, which dominated the compact loader market by the 1970s. The T660 was part of a limited run—fewer than 200 units were reportedly built—and was aimed at forestry, landfill, and off-road applications where traditional skid steers struggled.
Unique Design Features
The T660’s standout feature was its six-wheel configuration, supported by walking beam suspension. This allowed the machine to maintain ground contact across all wheels, improving stability and traction on rough terrain. Each wheel was driven through a differential connected by jack shafts, eliminating the need for chains and reducing maintenance.
Additional innovations included:
Why It Didn’t Catch On
Despite its technical advantages, the T660 faced several barriers:
Legacy and Collector Interest
Today, the Mel-Trac T660 is considered a collector’s item among equipment enthusiasts. Occasional listings appear in niche marketplaces, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on condition. A unit in Denver sold for under $3,000 in the mid-2000s, while another in the Midwest was listed at nearly $7,000.
At least one T660 reportedly remained at the Bobcat factory in Gwinner for years, used for snow clearing before being retired to the equipment graveyard. Former engineers from the experimental division recall testing various prototypes, including multi-wheel and articulated loaders that never made it to market.
Terminology Notes
The T660’s design philosophy lives on in today’s compact track loaders and specialized forestry machines. While the six-wheel concept didn’t survive commercially, its emphasis on terrain adaptability and operator ergonomics influenced later models. Manufacturers now integrate electronic traction control, joystick steering, and advanced suspension systems—echoes of what the T660 pioneered mechanically.
Final Thoughts
The Mel-Trac T660 was a bold experiment that challenged conventional skid steer design. Though it never achieved commercial success, its engineering innovations and rugged performance left a lasting impression. For those lucky enough to own or operate one, the T660 remains a testament to mechanical ingenuity and the spirit of off-road problem solving.
The Mel-Trac T660 was a rare six-wheeled skid steer loader developed in the early 1980s by the Melroe Brothers, the same innovators behind the original Bobcat. While Bobcat had already become a household name in compact equipment, the T660 was an experimental offshoot that never reached mass production. Powered by an Isuzu diesel engine and equipped with mechanical drive systems rather than chains, the T660 was designed for enhanced traction, operator comfort, and versatility in uneven terrain.
Melroe Manufacturing, founded in 1947 in Gwinner, North Dakota, had a reputation for pushing boundaries. Their early success with the M60 loader led to the Bobcat brand, which dominated the compact loader market by the 1970s. The T660 was part of a limited run—fewer than 200 units were reportedly built—and was aimed at forestry, landfill, and off-road applications where traditional skid steers struggled.
Unique Design Features
The T660’s standout feature was its six-wheel configuration, supported by walking beam suspension. This allowed the machine to maintain ground contact across all wheels, improving stability and traction on rough terrain. Each wheel was driven through a differential connected by jack shafts, eliminating the need for chains and reducing maintenance.
Additional innovations included:
- Wobble Stick Controls: Dual joystick-style levers for drive and bucket functions, offering smoother control than the foot pedals common at the time.
- Ejector Bucket: A foot-controlled mechanism that pushed material out of the bucket, ideal for sticky loads like clay or mulch.
- Mechanical Drive System: Each wheel had its own drive path, improving torque distribution and reducing slippage.
Why It Didn’t Catch On
Despite its technical advantages, the T660 faced several barriers:
- Cost: The complex drivetrain and suspension system made it expensive to produce. Units were priced well above standard Bobcats, limiting their appeal to niche buyers.
- Market Timing: By the late 1980s, rubber-tracked loaders began gaining traction, offering similar terrain capabilities without the mechanical complexity.
- Dealer Support: With limited production and no formal rollout, parts and service support were scarce. Owners often had to fabricate components or salvage parts from other machines.
Legacy and Collector Interest
Today, the Mel-Trac T660 is considered a collector’s item among equipment enthusiasts. Occasional listings appear in niche marketplaces, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on condition. A unit in Denver sold for under $3,000 in the mid-2000s, while another in the Midwest was listed at nearly $7,000.
At least one T660 reportedly remained at the Bobcat factory in Gwinner for years, used for snow clearing before being retired to the equipment graveyard. Former engineers from the experimental division recall testing various prototypes, including multi-wheel and articulated loaders that never made it to market.
Terminology Notes
- Walking Beam Suspension: A pivoting axle system that allows multiple wheels to maintain contact with uneven ground.
- Jack Shaft: A rotating shaft used to transfer power between differentials or drive components.
- Ejector Bucket: A bucket with a mechanical push plate to discharge material without tipping.
The T660’s design philosophy lives on in today’s compact track loaders and specialized forestry machines. While the six-wheel concept didn’t survive commercially, its emphasis on terrain adaptability and operator ergonomics influenced later models. Manufacturers now integrate electronic traction control, joystick steering, and advanced suspension systems—echoes of what the T660 pioneered mechanically.
Final Thoughts
The Mel-Trac T660 was a bold experiment that challenged conventional skid steer design. Though it never achieved commercial success, its engineering innovations and rugged performance left a lasting impression. For those lucky enough to own or operate one, the T660 remains a testament to mechanical ingenuity and the spirit of off-road problem solving.
