Bobcat and Mini Excavators History: 65+ Years of Innovation in Earthmoving
The history of Bobcat begins in 1958 with a revolutionary idea that transformed the earthmoving industry. From the world's first compact loader to modern mini excavators, Bobcat has defined the standards for the compact and versatile machines we know today.
The Origins: A Practical Problem Becomes a Revolution
In 1947, Edward Gideon "E.G." Melroe founded Melroe Manufacturing Company in Gwinner, North Dakota, initially specializing in agricultural equipment. The real breakthrough came ten years later thanks to an apparently trivial problem. Eddie Velo, a turkey farmer from Minnesota, needed a machine small enough to maneuver between the poles of his two-story barns and light enough to operate on the upper floor.
The Keller brothers, Louis and Cyril, who ran a repair shop near Rothsay, designed an ingenious solution: a three-wheeled loader with belt transmission. The first prototype was delivered to Velo on February 4, 1957. After understanding the limitations of belt transmission, the Kellers developed a more robust clutch-based transmission system, patented in 1958. This innovation became the basis of the Melroe M60 loader and revolutionized the entire sector.
The Birth of the Iconic Brand
The name "Bobcat" was born in 1962 from the creativity of Lynn Bickett of the Gould, Brown and Bickett advertising agency in Minneapolis. Bickett found the word "bobcat" in the dictionary and noticed it described a North American mammal that was "tough, quick, and agile". These characteristics perfectly described the Melroe loader, giving birth to the famous slogan "Tough, quick, and agile".
From the first M60 of 1958, they quickly arrived at the M400 of 1960, the world's first true four-wheel drive compact loader, followed by the M440 of 1962, the first loader with the Bobcat brand. The numbers speak for themselves: from the seven loaders built by the Keller brothers in 1957-58, they went to thousands of units in a few years, up to the millionth loader celebrated in 2014.
Evolution Towards Mini Excavators
Bobcat has been able to evolve beyond compact loaders, also becoming a world leader in mini excavators. In 2015 the company opened a European engineering center in Dobříš, Czech Republic, dedicated to research and development, focusing mainly on mini excavators under 3 tons.
Today Bobcat's mini excavator range covers all market needs. The 1-2 ton models like E08, E10, E17, E19 and E20z are also available in electric version, perfect for urban areas that require low noise and emission levels. The 2-3 ton models offer the right balance between transportability and performance, while the 3-9 ton machines guarantee exceptional digging force in compact format.
Technical Innovations That Make the Difference
Modern Bobcat mini excavators incorporate advanced technologies such as variable track undercarriage for working in tight spaces, the CIB (Cylinder Inside Boom) system to protect components from accidental damage, and soft-grip controls that allow precise control without fatigue. ROPS, TOPS and FOGS certified structures guarantee maximum operational safety.
Operational versatility remains the strong point: Bobcat excavators allow perfect control of cab, boom, arm and bucket even in the most difficult environments, thanks to control valve systems and piston pumps that adapt force to demand.
Bobcat Today: Consolidated Global Leadership
After the acquisition by South Korean Doosan in 2007, Bobcat has maintained world leadership. One in two compact loaders sold bears the Bobcat brand, testifying to the trust built over six decades. The production average is impressive: a Bobcat loader is built every thirty minutes, every day, all year round.
The European presence has been consolidated with the Dobříš plant, which produces most of the machinery sold in the EMEA territory, guaranteeing fast delivery times and local assistance.
PowerTrack Tracks: The Perfect Ally for Bobcat Mini Excavators
Bobcat mini excavators deserve components worthy of their reputation. PowerTrack rubber tracks are designed to guarantee perfect compatibility with the entire Bobcat range, from the 1-ton E08 series up to the 9-ton models.
Our experience in producing superior quality tracks translates into perfect fit, superior durability thanks to natural rubber and reinforced steel cables, optimal performance on every type of terrain and specialized technical assistance for choosing the correct track.
By choosing PowerTrack tracks for your Bobcat mini excavators you maintain the original performance of the machine, reduce downtime thanks to superior quality and protect your investment with extended durability.
The Future of Continuous Innovation
From solving a practical problem in a Minnesota turkey farm to world leadership in earthmoving, Bobcat continues to innovate. Modern electric mini excavators and advanced technologies demonstrate the continued commitment to technological evolution.
Component quality remains fundamental to maintaining the reliability that has made Bobcat a world icon. Choose PowerTrack to guarantee your Bobcat mini excavators the quality they deserve, continuing a tradition of excellence that began over 65 years ago.
Sources
Smithsonian Institution – Historical Documents Archive Section