West Bend, Wis.-based Gehl Co. recently introduced its “chromed-out” Gehl model 7810E skid-steer loader to commemorate the company’s 150th anniversary. The 10,000-pound unit is covered in chrome, making it a one-of-a-kind skid loader.
The Gehl company history began in 1859 in a blacksmith shop located at the westerly bend of the Milwaukee River in a small farming community. Since then, Gehl Co. has been led by three generations of Gehl family members and still operates in the same Midwestern town where it began 150 years ago.
“We were looking for a unique way to celebrate our 150th anniversary,” said Dan Keyes, vice president of sales and marketing. “What better way to commemorate this milestone than with the most unique machine in our product line-up, all decked-out. There is truly nothing like this machine.”
The original concept for the machine was created by Form-I Design based in Waverly, Iowa. The design features a highly reflective gold and black finish and includes laser-cut Gehl logos in the ROPS side screens. Large decals on the lift arm display historical milestones of Gehl Co.
Milsco, a long-time Gehl supplier based in Milwaukee, contributed a customized seat for the project. Covered in leather, the seat is decorated with silver piping and an embroidered Gehl 150th anniversary logo.
The most challenging aspect of the design was the chrome-like reflective surface of the machine. To achieve this dynamic finish, Gehl contracted with XXX Chrome Plating in Brookfield, Wis. The machine’s exterior received chrome plating treatments in gold, black and mercury, using a highly specialized chroming process.
The interior cab components were sanded and chrome plated, and the headliner received a leather treatment to match the seat. Custom-made 3-D chrome plates with a laser-cut Gehl 150th anniversary logo adorn the sides of the bucket, the front of each lift arm and the steel mesh on the rear engine cover.
To commemorate its 150-year milestone, Gehl has published an illustrated hard cover book that details the events of the company’s evolution. Copies can be ordered on the Gehl website: www.gehl.com.
