SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/391471
www.stma.org October 2014 | SportsTurf 39 1960 — Invented the first true skid- steer loader. 1962 — The name "Bobcat" is used for the first time on the new and improved model M-440. 1970 — The exclusive Bob-Tach mounting system is introduced, allowing fast and easy attachment changes for Bobcat loaders. 1981 — The 743 loader is introduced. 1999 — Introduced the first compact track loader with a solid- mounted undercarriage manufactured in the United States. 2009 — Launched M-Series compact loader line. 2011 — The M-Series loader models S850 and T870 became the largest and most powerful in the Bobcat lineup. 2013 — The M-Series 500 frame- size loaders replaced the popular S185 and T190. This loader size is the most popular in the world and has been for two decades. 2014 — Produced the millionth Bobcat loader. — Information and photos provided by Bobcat Company. Timeline the original loader, perfected the design, brought it to market and created the brand five decades ago. Past organizational leaders and hundreds of others who have been part of the Bobcat success story were also present at the event. e ceremony was held at the Gwinner factory, and featured remarks from Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat and Doosan (parent company of Bobcat) for North America; Gwinner Mayor Dan McKeever; North Dakota Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley; North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven; and North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer. Sylvan Melroe, one of the organization's first marketing managers, talked about the perseverance of the Melroe family, who owned Melroe Manufacturing, and built the first Bobcat loaders. He reflected upon the early days of the loader — as it transitioned from the original three-wheeled version to the skid-steer loader we know today — and how Melroe Manufacturing improved the design that became increasingly tested by challenging jobs the more the machine grew in popularity. Cyril Keller, one of the brothers who invented the original three- wheeled loader and soon after partnered with Melroe Manufacturing, was on-hand as well. e ceremony culminated with a product line roll-off of a Special Edition One-Millionth Bobcat Loader, which Bobcat is selling in limited quantities through authorized dealers. "is entire celebration is about much more than a single loader, the actual millionth machine," said Goldsbury. "It represents everything Bobcat has accomplished as an organization over six decades, and it signifies our vision for the future. We embrace and honor our history, so it was particularly special to have some of the company's pioneers and early leaders here. But we wanted to bring them together with those who are moving us forward into the new era — those who will help us build the next million loaders." A dAy filled with events e general public was invited to an assortment of Bobcat-sponsored events, including a 5K run/walk in Gwinner, Bobcat factory tours, carnival-type festivities in the Gwinner Park and a "Bobcat square dance" loader performance by four brothers who have 130 years of combined service at Bobcat Company. e Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) also made the Gwinner event a stop on its "I Make America" nationwide tour, which advocates for pro-manufacturing policies to create more jobs in the United States and keep the economy competitive with other countries. Attendees over the age of 18 could enter to win a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King featuring a custom "I Make America" paint job. "It was particularly special to host the 'I Make America' tour," said Goldsbury. "Bobcat is a great manufacturing success story for