BUILDING ON OUR HERITAGE

Bobcat Product Timeline

  • For those interested in statistics, the Keller brothers built seven loaders in 1957-58. In 1958-59, some 18 M60 Melroe loaders were built. Another 400 M200 Melroe loaders were built in 1959-60.
  • And of the world’s first skid-steer loader, the M400, there were 200 built from 1960 to 1962.
  • 1962 marks the introduction of the M440 -- the first Bobcat-branded loader, white with red trim -- and two years later celebrates its 1000th loader. By 1969 the company builds its 10,000th loader.
  • Another decade later (1980) the company reaches its 100,000th loader milestone. In two more decades (2001), it hits the 500,000-loader mark. The growth was skyrocketing, and by 2008 the company celebrated number 750,000. Then in 2014 it hits the 1,000,000 loader milestone. Whew!
  • Over the course of six decades, from the first three-wheeled loader to today, there has been -- on average -- one Bobcat loader built every thirty minutes, every day, every week, every year.
  • However, since the 50th anniversary and 750,000th loader celebration in 2008, the pace is even more impressive: one loader built every 12.5 minutes!

Three-Wheeled Loaders

Skid-Steer Loaders: Early Years

Skid-Steer Loaders: New Breed

Skid-Steer Loaders: G-Series

Skid-Steer Loaders: M-Series

Skid-Steer Loaders: M2 Series

Compact (and Mini) Track Loaders

Compact Track Loaders: M-Series

Compact Track Loaders: M2-Series

Compact Excavators

Compact Excavators: M-Series

Compact Excavators: R-Series

Bobcat Compact Telehanders Timeline

Explore More About Bobcat's History

Corporate Timeline

Corporate Timeline

See how the company grew, how product lines came and went, and the results of three ownership changes. Watch film clips that show how the products were marketed.

Product Timeline

Product Timeline

Follow the development of the three major product groups: skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders and compact excavators. Timelines cover major model launches and the innovations tied to each.

Branding and Trade Dress Timeline

Branding and Trade Dress Timeline

While the Bobcat brand hasn’t changed since its introduction in 1962, trade dress -- what appears on the product -- has changed dramatically.