Earthmoving

Skid Steer Prototype Arrives at Inventors Museum

April 26, 2023

On site for Hall of Fame celebration

Joe Keller delivers a prototype 1958 skid steer loader to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Keller is the son of Louis Keller and the nephew of Cyril Keller, inventors of the skid steer. The pair will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame later this year.

Joe brought the loader to Alexandria, Virginia, where the prototype will be part of an exhibit at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum honoring the 2023 Class of Inductees. The Class will be recognized during NIHF’s 50th anniversary Induction Ceremony in October.

The Kellers partnered with Les Melroe and the Melroe Manufacturing Co. to product their skid steer in the late 1950s. Melroe was later renamed Bobcat Co.

Watch this short documentary on the skid steer, featuring Louis and Cyril.

About the Author

Rod Sutton

Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001.

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