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In the 1950s, brothers Cyril Keller (April 8, 1922 – October 28, 2020) and Louis Keller (May 9, 1923 – July 11, 2010) ran a small machine shop together. in Minnesota, building and repairing machinery for local farmers. In particular, a farmer approached them with a request to create a self-propelled loader - light enough to be lifted up to the second floor of a turkey barn and small enough to clean around the uprights of the barn.
In 1957, the two brothers created a three-wheel loader with two driven wheels at the front and one wheel at the back (predecessor to the modern mini skid-steer loader).
The machine caught the attention of the Melroe Manufacturing Company (now Bobcat), which invited the Kellers to demonstrate their invention at their booth at the 1958 Minnesota State Fair.
After a successful demonstration at the fair, the Melroe Manufacturing Company purchased exclusivity, acquiring the rights to manufacture the machine. At the invitation of the company, the Keller Brothers continue to participate in the improvement and design of the machine and its production.
In 1960, a second set of drive wheels was added to the rear of the loader, greatly improving the loader's design. With this four-wheel drive, the M400 becomes the world's first true skid steer.
"Skid-steer" describes the unique steering system that allows the machine to turn within its own length. Later, the Bobcat brand name was established because of the durability, speed and agility of the machine.
„Bobcat Loader positively affected the lives of thousands of employees who worked for the company, on the dealers who sell the machines and all the customers who use the equipment on a daily basis to make a living. Although we may not always be aware of the loader's influence, it has become an integral part of our daily lives – from a farm helper who puts food on our table, to a helper in transporting construction materials to the job sites that in turn become our homes and offices,” says Joe Keller, son of Louis Keller.
