Celebrating Small Machines

To thrive in business for 150 years it takes product innovation, sound business decisions, strong leadership and first-class customer service. But most of all it takes dedicated employees and dealers. The Gehl Co. history began in 1859 in a blacksmith shop in the small community of West Bend, Wis. Since then, Gehl has been led by three generations of Gehl family members and still operates in the same Midwestern town where it began 150 years ago, manufacturing farming and compact machinery.

Beginning with the development of agricultural implements for small farms, a best seller was created in 1880 called the Hexelbank Ensilage Cutter, a predecessor to the modern forage harvester. John W. Gehl acquired the business in 1902, becoming the first Gehl family member to lead the implement company. A second generation of Gehl brothers took control of the business in the 1930s. In the 1940’s the Gehl brothers developed innovative new agricultural products, including field forage harvesters, self-propelled forage harvesters, multiple-row crop attachments and portable feedmakers.

In 1973, Gehl began manufacturing skid steers for agricultural customers, necessitating a second manufacturing plant, in Madison, S.D. The popularity of these machines grew quickly into the expanding construction markets, as well as the European market. Gehl Co. has established a reputation of having one of the highest quality skid steers in the market.

Today Gehl is well-known globally for providing one of the most extensive lines of compact equipment in the marketplace. Products Gehl manufactures and distributes include telescopic handlers, skid steers, track loaders, compact excavators, all-wheel-steer loaders, articulated loaders and asphalt pavers.