The demand for compact and versatile construction equipment has risen greatly in the past few years. A multi-use vehicle that can do multiple tasks on the work site is essential for builders of all level and a Wisconsin manufacturing company is looking to jump into the market through crowdfunding.
Extend Manufacturing LLC, a construction equipment manufacturer based in Wisconsin, saw the need for having one machine that's able to perform multiple tasks. The company prides itself on being an innovator in the industry and took the idea to the drawing table. The result is the Pro-Handler, a skid steer that the company says does the work of 9 different machines.
The “Utility Handler” comes equipped with a patented extendable wheel base for stable foundation, an extendable boom, four-wheel hydraulic drive technology, and diesel engine. This unique build leads to a machine that can fulfill several capacities on the work site include:
- Skid Steer Loader;
- Compact Track Loader (with tracks installed instead of wheels)
- Rough Terrain Telehandler Forklift (Up to 14' height)
- Rough Terrain Straight Mast Forklift
- Aerial Work Platform (Up to 19')
- Small Wheel Loader
- Compact Tractor
- PTO Power Unit
- a Multi-Use Work Machine tool carrier
The company has also included innovations to reduce safety risks that coincide with similar vehicles. Issues such as tipping, reach and climbing steep hills have been addressed in the Pro-Handler as part of the all-in-one design of this compact multi-tool.
Through their crowdfunding webpage, the company aims to release the Pro-Handler along with a patent-pending scissor lift, and a mini-excavator. With reduced costs for compact equipment pieces the company hopes they will be able to capture part of the emerging market for skid steers that include snow removal, landscaping and agricultural tasks as well as the construction market.
