1947
Humble Beginnings
Edward Gideon "E.G." Melroe and his four sons established Melroe Manufacturing Company and opened a small Gwinner, North Dakota, factory to manufacture a new windrow pickup design.
1958
A Decade Defined in Innovation
Brothers Louis and Cyril Keller designed the first compact loader for Minnesota turkey farmer Eddie Velo. The Melroe Manufacturing Company invited the Kellers to demonstrate their three-wheel loader at their farm equipment exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. The loader's compact size and maneuverability in confined workspaces made it an instant hit. Before the fair concluded, the Melroe Manufacturing Company was awarded exclusive manufacturing rights to the machine on a royalty basis. They hired the Keller brothers to refine the design and put the machine into production.
1960
Introducing the World’s First Skid-Steer Loader
The M400 was adapted from the second self-propelled loader designed by Melroe Manufacturing Company, the M200, by adding a rear axle. The skid-steer loader's unique use of two independent transmissions allowed it to turn within its own length, creating a new way of working. With the introduction of the world’s first true skid-steer loader, the M400 launched the compact equipment industry as we know it today.
1962
The Birth of Bobcat
The Melroe Manufacturing Company redesigned and rebranded its skid-steer loader, introduced as the M440 “Melroe Bobcat” with today's familiar white and orange color scheme. The new design allowed the operator to enter the loader from the front.
1970
The ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of Construction Equipment
The revolutionary Bob-Tach® attachment mounting system was introduced and remains today's global industry standard. It was a defining moment that changed the attachment industry and made the skid-steer loader what some call the Swiss Army Knife of construction equipment.
1989
Three Decades of Excavator Dominance
The Bobcat® excavator is introduced. At the time and in the 25 years that followed, it was the only compact excavator manufactured in the U.S. Over the next three decades, Bobcat would bring multiple models of compact excavators to market.
2000
The Bobcat Name Becomes Official
The Melroe Manufacturing Company officially changes to Bobcat Company, paving the way for future brand launches and recognition as a global brand leader.
2002
A Mini-Yet-Mighty Beast Is Born
The Bobcat MT50 marked the company’s entry into the mini track loader product category. Unlike loaders with a cab, the operator could now walk behind the loader for ultimate maneuverability. The MT50 could fit through gates and narrow side yards, giving operators an efficient replacement to a wheelbarrow and shovel.
2003
A New Era in Utility Machines
Designed for the grounds maintenance market, the 5600 Toolcat™ utility work machine was the industry’s first hydrostatic utility machine with an all-wheel steer for extreme tight-quarters operation. Able to transport two people, the 5600 featured an air-conditioned and heated cab, hydraulic dump cargo box, joystick-controlled lift arm, Bob-Tach attachment mounting system, and nearly 50 approved attachments.
2019
Compact Tractors Added to Product Lineup
With 15 new models ranging from 21 to 58 horsepower across four transmission types, Bobcat tractors are perfectly designed to tackle the daily challenges and chores faced by homeowners with acreage and agriculture producers.
2020
Bobcat Brings Toughness to Turf
The addition of zero-turn mowers gives landscapers and homeowners another solution to enhance efficiency and precision in turf and lawn care.
2022
The World’s First All-Electric Compact Track Loader
Bobcat unveiled its new, all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader at the CES® 2022 technology exhibition. The T7X is the first machine of its kind to be fully electric, offering the full benefits of eliminating hydraulic systems, components, emissions and vibrations – all while providing a cleaner, quieter machine ... offering all the benefits of electric power without sacrificing performance.
2023 & 2024
RogueX and RogueX2 Make Their Debut
RogueX and RogueX2 are cabless, all-electric and autonomous concept machines from Bobcat that enable an entirely new work experience. These machines were built to advance the Bobcat innovation roadmap, evaluate customer perceptions, and challenge the paradigms of traditional kinematics and machine functionality.
2024
Bobcat Introduces Utility Tractors
Bobcat enhances its tractor lineup by launching three utility tractors: the Bobcat UT6066, UT6566 and UT6573. Bobcat utility tractors are built for heavy-duty work, making it easier for operators of all experience levels to accomplish more on their acreage.
2024
Bobcat Expands Lineup With Backhoe Loader
Bobcat introduces the B760 backhoe loader. Designed with legendary Bobcat performance and versatility, the B760 offers the most digging depth in its size class.
2024
Bobcat Enters the Autonomous Tractor Era
Bobcat unveiled the future of advanced agricultural operations with the AT450X articulating tractor, designed to maximize farmers’ productivity and precision by autonomously or remotely carrying out labor- and time-intensive tasks. The all-electric autonomous machine is enabled by Agtonomy technology and leverages AI to learn and respond to its environment continuously.
Future
Celebrating our Past; Creating the Future
As a global leader in innovative jobsite solutions, we’re proud of our storied past, but we’ve never been the type to rest on our laurels. In our eyes, we’re only getting started. We vow to continue to transform how the world works, build cities and support communities for a better tomorrow.