Volvo Equipment

Prototype Information

Volvo Construction Equipment started in 1832. Johan Theofron Munktell opened an engineering workshop in Eskilstuna, Sweden. He built Sweden’s first steam locomotive in 1853 and its first tractor in 1913. Meanwhile, the Bolinder brothers founded an engine company in 1844. These two firms merged in 1932 to form Bolinder-Munktell. Volvo bought that company in 1950 to enter the heavy machinery market.

Volvo quickly became an industry leader. In 1954, it launched the H10, the world’s first wheel loader with a parallel lift arm. Volvo changed the industry again in 1966 with “Gravel Charlie.” This was the first mass-produced articulated hauler. The company eventually sold its tractor business to focus entirely on construction. In 1991, Volvo bought Åkerman to add world-class excavators to its lineup. Today, Volvo CE focuses on the future with electric machines and autonomous technology.