The newly, redesigned robust DCPD hood allows 360° visibility, which enhances safety.

It all began in a small blacksmith shop in West Bend, Wisconsin.

From these humble beginnings, Gehl Company has grown to a major force in the compact equipment industry worldwide. Over the past 150 years, the small blacksmith shop has grown to a state-of-the-art research and design centre, but despite changes in technology and an ever-expanding product line, Gehl has always remained true to its reputation for ingenuity, innovation, and reliability, and this was evident even more so during the development of its all-new range of backhoe loaders.

Aimed at the African, Indian, Latin American, and Russian markets, the renamed GBL (Gehl backhoe loader) range features a new design with a completely revised cab and offers a wide range of equipment to suit a variety of applications. The new cab provides more operator comfort, which pays off in the form of improved efficiency and productivity. It has more space and is equipped with an adjustable suspension seat with armrest, a height-adjustable steering wheel and a radio.

Safety is also enhanced with 360° visibility thanks to the new cabin design and a redesigned, extremely robust DCPD (Dicyclopentadiene) hood. The hood can be fully opened and absorbs potential impacts during loading operations, preventing bumps and breakages. Its design facilitates servicing of the machine for better, quicker maintenance.

In order to meet the Indian market’s regulatory requirements, the range is equipped with a 55,6 kW (74,5 HP) BSIV Kirloskar engine. Rahat Uppal, Product Manager for the backhoe loader range, explains: “We are investing heavily in our product development and manufacturing facilities in order to meet the growing demands of our customers in these strategic areas. The introduction of the new backhoe loaders demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers with the best products and services to meet the requirements of their activities.”

With its robust and advanced features such as standard hydraulic piping, the GEHLGBL-X-900 can perform numerous operations, such as demolition, propulsion of equipment, excavation, and road construction.

ELB Equipment, the official supplier of GEHL Products in Southern Africa, offers a wide range of versatile attachments, such as backhoe and loader buckets of various sizes, including trenching buckets. Also available are factory fitted FRD Furukawa rock breakers for demolition. The advanced features increase productivity and reduce the total cost of ownership for the user.

To find out more about ELB’s product range and the wide variety of equipment that ELB offers, contact them at 011-306-0700 or send an e-mail to elb@elbquip.co.za. Also visit their website at www.elbequipment.co.za