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In 1956, Louis and Cyril were challenged to build a lightweight machine that could clean out tight corners in turkey barns. The Kellers created an ingenious, three-wheeled loader with a hydraulic scoop fork that could turn a complete circle on its own. That same year, the loader was shown at the Minnesota State Fair by Melroe Manufacturing, which later bought the rights, hired the Keller brothers and provided the capital needed to develop a new loader for the construction industry. The Keller brothers worked tirelessly to refine their invention and to pioneer the Melroe Bobcat -- the first, true, four-wheel-drive skid-steer loader. Louis went on to invent other products, including the steel tracks for skid-steer loaders now made by Loegering Manufacturing.

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