Innovative Iron Award: Vermeer’s ML180 Mini Skid Steer Concept Boasts EH Controls and an Air-Ride Operator Platform

Compact Equipment’s annual Innovative Iron Awards spotlight the year’s most game-changing compact machines, attachments and technologies. The 2025 class showcases major leaps in electrification, smarter control systems, automation, telematics and operator comfort. From battery-powered loaders and ultra-efficient mini excavators to intelligent hydraulic systems, self-leveling booms and climate-controlled cabs, these award winners reflect how innovation is reshaping performance, safety and sustainability across jobsites. Each honoree delivers measurable improvements — longer runtimes, faster cycles, lower emissions and better visibility — proving that compact equipment is evolving faster than ever. The future of earthmoving is here, and it’s smarter, cleaner and more connected. Here’s one of our 2025 Innovative Iron Award winners. Congrats!

Mini skid steers have always asked a lot of their operators. Long hours on a stand-on platform. Constant vibration. Precise control in tight spaces. In 2025, Vermeer signaled it’s ready to rethink those tradeoffs. The prototype ML180 mini skid steer puts comfort, control and endurance at the center of the design — not as nice-to-have features, but as core performance drivers. Built as a technology showcase for where Vermeer’s compact tool carriers may be headed next, the ML180 introduces electric-over-hydraulic controls, a suspended undercarriage and an air-ride operator platform. The goal is simple: reduce fatigue, increase precision and help operators stay productive longer, even in demanding conditions.

“We kept hearing the same thing from operators running mini loaders four, five, eight hours a day: ‘I’m tired at the end of the day. I’m hitting bumps all day. It’s rough terrain,'” says Cole Chesnut, product manager at Vermeer. “They wanted to increase comfort without sacrificing productivity. They wanted to feel less fatigued at the end of the day. That feedback pushed us to take a first principles design approach. Not just make a short-term improvement, but design this machine from the ground up. The ML180 is the result of that effort.”

Where the ML180 Fits in Vermeer’s Lineup

The ML180 joins Vermeer’s well-established line of mini skid steers, which currently spans seven models from 24.8 to 40 hp. The CTX160 sits at the top of the production range today, offering 1,600 lbs of rated operating capacity and 16.7 gpm of hydraulic flow. Here’s a rundown of all Vermeer’s other models. We don’t have any specs yet on this unit, but the ML180 builds on the lineup as a technology platform — a preview of what Vermeer’s future loaders may deliver. Vermeer is showcasing the ML180 at select trade shows to gather contractor feedback before finalizing production specifications. Its focus on ride comfort, precision and speed hints at a major shift toward higher-end, more ergonomic mini loaders.

“Contractors consistently commented on the smooth travel and ease of operating the joysticks and attachment functions,” says Chesnut. “Many noted the operator station was more comfortable and stable than expected for a machine this size. The 1,800 lbs lift capacity drew significant attention. Contractors told us they frequently encounter situations where they need to lift a pallet of pavers but lack a machine capable of handling it. The increased versatility, coupled with industry-leading lift-to-weight ratio, appealed to them.”

EH Controls Deliver Smooth, Customizable Operation

Electric-over-hydraulic systems are transforming compact equipment, and the ML180 brings that technology into Vermeer’s mini loader line. EH controls replace traditional mechanical linkages, giving operators better modulation, faster response and programmable sensitivity. These systems also open the door for automation features — like return-to-dig and preset speed settings — while reducing fatigue from repetitive movements. Across the industry, more OEMs are adopting EH controls to improve control accuracy, integrate telematics and make machines adaptable to both novice and expert operators.

“Operators get fast travel speeds when they need to cover ground, fine motor control when precision matters and greater lift capacity on demand,” notes Chesnut. “The electric-over-hydraulic system allows dynamic speed adjustment on the fly, depending on the machine’s current load and application, which traditional pilot-controlled systems can’t. We also improved the line of sight to the attachment plate by moving the tilt curl cylinder off to the right. And all the auxiliary hookups are now inside the boom with high and low flow, electrical hookup and a decompression switch to relieve pressure in the lines. So, operators spend less time dealing with hoses and connections.”

Suspension Brings Comfort to Stand-On Loaders

Traditional stand-on loaders can transfer every bump directly to the operator. Vermeer’s air-ride chariot and floating track suspension isolate vibration and absorb shock from uneven ground. The result is a steadier stance, smoother ride and longer operating endurance. Noise reduction is another design focus. Quieter operation improves communication on jobsites and cuts down on fatigue from constant exposure to engine sound.

“Operators get a softer ride throughout the day because the air-ride chariot and floating track suspension move freely over obstructions and rough terrain,” says Chesnut. “The suspended tracks have dual preloaded axles that prevent the machine from lurching forward when picking up heavy loads, which adds stability during material handling. That softer ride combined with increased travel speed still gives operators incredible controllability. They can cover more ground without getting beat up in the process.”

Vermeer Expands into Electric-Powered Equipment

In addition to the ML180 debut, Vermeer recently announced a limited-release lineup of electric-powered tree care machines — including a new compact loader that will catch the attention of Compact Equipment readers.

The lineup includes:

• S450TX Electric Mini Skid Steer
• BX1000XL Electric Brush Chipper (North America)
• BC200 Electric Brush Chipper (Europe)
• SC30TX Electric Stump Cutter

These models are being field tested globally through a validation program designed to collect performance data and customer feedback before wider release.

Innovation Driven by Operator Feedback

Both the ML180 and S450TX Electric show Vermeer’s design direction — machines that emphasize comfort, controllability and sustainability without sacrificing performance. The company continues to refine these platforms through direct engagement with operators and field testing. As the compact equipment market evolves, Vermeer’s mix of advanced EH control systems, suspended ride platforms and electric drive technology positions it firmly at the forefront of operator-focused innovation.

“Both machines reflect the same philosophy: practical innovation driven by the needs of our customers,” says Chesnut. “The ML180 addresses comfort and control challenges that operators have been dealing with for years. The electric S450TX addresses a growing demand for quieter, zero-emission equipment that can work in noise-sensitive areas and meet stricter environmental standards. In both cases, we’re working directly with professionals in the field to understand real-world performance and refine these machines to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s jobsites. We’re focused on helping customers do more in a day with machines that are reliable and comfortable, whether through advanced suspension and controls or electric power.”

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.

Let’s take a look at six brands of mini skid steers or compact tool carriers.