Melroe M-400 '1960–61

In 1960, wanting to give the loader more traction, they added a rear drive axle and created the four-wheel-drive M400, which could now be called a skid-steer loader (ironically, the term “skid-steer” wasn’t widely used until the 1970s). The M400 only slightly resembled the machine we know today, but it did get noticed. Contractors were intrigued. Bulk fertilizer handling was a hot market. But despite the enthusiasm of the early adopters, the M400’s exposed drive system was plagued with issues. Dust and debris clogged drive chains and fertilizer corroded clutches and bearings.

Disappointed, in the spring of 1961 the Melroe brothers decided to end production and walk away from the fledgling skid-steer loader business (after building some 200 M400s).

https://blog.bobcat.com/2016/03/m440-was-first-bobcat-loader-in-1962/

1960 - M400 is the world’s first skid-steer loader. For a time, it was also distributed through the Farmhand dealer organization, based in Hopkins, Minnesota.

https://www.bobcat.com/company-info/about/story

Melroe Company continued to improve and change the design and color. The third model loader introduced in 1960 was the Melroe M400, the first four-wheel drive skid-steer. The change from three to four wheels improved maneuverability on rough terrain. M400 had a decal featuring both the Melroe oval and the Farmhand brand to broaden its Midwest distribution network.

https://ironsolutions.com/agriculture-equipment-value-guides/the-first-skid-steer/

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