Burly Mustang Skid-Steer Enters Market in 1965

In 1965, Owatonna Manufacturing, now known as Mustang Manufacturing, introduced its first skid-steer loader. But the term "skid-steer" had not developed at this point, so the machine was simply called a "self-propelled four-wheel drive unit." It also was designated as the Owatonna

While skid-steer loaders have grown in size over the years, the Series 1000 was pretty large, even by today's standards. Designed to do the work of much larger machines, it was powered by a 30-hp Wisconsin air-cooled engine and was one of the most powerful compact machines available on the market in the 1960s. With a rated lift capacity up to 1,200 pounds and a turning radius of 45 inches, Series 1000 was used on farms, construction sites, parks and landscaping projects.

Features included a multi-disc transmission and drive system that provided smooth operation. The multi-disc clutches had nine working surfaces with heavy-duty separator springs. The entire transmission and drive system was enclosed in an oil reservoir for cooler and cleaner operation.

The hydraulic system used a 10-gpm pump with a full system relief valve at 2,000 psi. The engine featured stellite valves and positive valve rotators. A dry-type air cleaner and oil filter were standard equipment. In addition, Series 1000 operated with a 12-volt electrical system and had an enclosed starter and industrial alternator.

Although the machine was designed without a cab, it nevertheless had a bucket seat and convenient controls.

Old machine restored

In the summer of 2001, a Missouri contractor traded in an original Mustang Series 1000 for a new Mustang skid-steer loader. It was decided to restore the old machine, with Mustang employees painstakingly restoring it component by component. They dismantled, assembled, welded and tweaked until every component was completely restored, right down to the original body paint. With the exception of a new hour meter and seat belt lockout system, everything on the machine is original.

Mustang displays the restored machine at trade shows and elsewhere, with one of its most recent appearances being at Conexpo-Con/Agg last March.

If you are interested in historical construction equipment, consider a membership in the Historical Construction Equipment Association.