Kramer Company
Kramer is a German manufacturer of compact construction machines, including wheel loaders, tele wheel loaders and telehandlers.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Kramer Company, legally associated with Kramer-Werke GmbH, is a German manufacturer of compact construction equipment headquartered in Pfullendorf, Baden-Württemberg. The business began in 1925 in Gutmadingen, where the Kramer brothers developed and produced mowing machines and tractors. Its early agricultural machinery activities made the company one of the pioneers of German tractor production. Over time, Kramer moved away from agricultural tractors and established a stronger identity in specialized construction machinery. The company moved its headquarters to Überlingen on Lake Constance in 1952. During the late 1950s, it created a dedicated department for industrial and construction machines, marking a strategic expansion beyond farm equipment. Kramer subsequently became associated with maneuverable machines designed for work in confined areas and with four-wheel steering. In 1968, it introduced what is described as Germany's first wheel loader with four-wheel drive and four equally sized tires. This technical direction became central to the brand's construction-equipment business. A decisive transformation occurred in 1973, when Kramer ended tractor production and concentrated on construction machines. The decision reflected broad changes in the European tractor industry, including consolidation among larger manufacturers, increasing average tractor horsepower and declining prospects for many smaller regional producers. Kramer continued developing compact loaders and related equipment rather than competing directly in the increasingly concentrated tractor market. In 1987, the company further emphasized four-wheel-steered machines. The Kramer 312 SL became the first wheel loader with four-wheel steering to be produced in series, reinforcing the company's positioning around maneuverability, stability and versatility. Its equipment has been intended for construction, municipal work, agriculture, landscaping, industrial handling and other applications where compact dimensions and multi-purpose operation are important. Kramer merged with Neuson Baumaschinen GmbH in 2000. The combined business became Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen GmbH and was based in Linz, Austria. From 2005, Kramer produced telehandlers for Claas under a cooperation arrangement, and Claas acquired a minority interest in Kramer as part of that relationship. In March 2007, the planned merger between Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG was announced. The resulting Wacker Neuson SE group became Kramer's corporate home. Also in 2007, construction began on a new production facility in Pfullendorf. The site was intended to consolidate production, administration and research and development while substantially increasing manufacturing capacity. Kramer is now presented within the Wacker Neuson portfolio as a specialist brand for compact wheel loaders, tele wheel loaders and telehandlers. Its current identity combines German engineering heritage, compact-machine specialization and equipment designed for high maneuverability across construction and agricultural use cases.
History
Kramer Company originated in 1925 in Gutmadingen, Germany, where the Kramer brothers developed and manufactured mowing machines and tractors. The company belonged to the early generation of German tractor makers and initially addressed agricultural mechanization. Its early products were associated with the modernization of farm work at a time when mechanized equipment was still expanding across European agriculture. The company transferred its headquarters to Überlingen in 1952. During 1957 and 1958, Kramer created a department dedicated to industrial and construction machinery. This move broadened the business beyond tractors and laid the groundwork for its later specialization. Kramer increasingly developed compact machines intended to combine lifting, loading and maneuverability in construction and industrial environments. In 1968, Kramer introduced a four-wheel-drive wheel loader with four equally sized tires, described in the company history as the first German machine of this type. The design direction distinguished Kramer from conventional loader concepts and supported operation on difficult terrain. Four-wheel steering subsequently became a recurring technical theme in the company's products. Kramer ended tractor production in 1973 and concentrated on construction equipment. The change occurred during a period in which large international manufacturers were gaining share, tractor horsepower was rising and many smaller European tractor producers were struggling to remain competitive. Rather than continue as a relatively small tractor manufacturer, Kramer focused its resources on compact construction machines, where its engineering experience in maneuverability could be applied more effectively. From 1987, the company's product strategy placed additional emphasis on four-wheel steering. The Kramer 312 SL became the first mass-produced wheel loader with four-wheel steering, an important product milestone for the brand's compact-equipment identity. The approach allowed loaders to work in tighter spaces and helped connect the brand with applications requiring agility rather than only maximum size or power. In 2000, Kramer-Werke GmbH merged with Neuson Baumaschinen GmbH. The combined company was renamed Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen GmbH and was situated in Linz. This corporate combination created a broader construction-equipment organization. From 2005, Kramer produced telehandlers for Claas, an agricultural machinery manufacturer, and Claas acquired a minority stake as part of the cooperation. In March 2007, Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG announced their merger. The transaction resulted in Wacker Neuson SE, and Kramer became part of the Wacker Neuson group. In April 2007, construction began on a new Pfullendorf facility. The site was planned to bring together production, administration and research and development and to increase annual capacity substantially. The company currently operates as a Wacker Neuson brand focused on compact wheel loaders, tele wheel loaders and telehandlers.
- 2007
Kramer joins the Wacker Neuson group
[1]The merger of Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG leads to Wacker Neuson SE.
- 2007
Pfullendorf facility construction begins
[1]A new production, administration and research facility begins construction in Pfullendorf.
- 2005
Telehandler cooperation with Claas
[1]Kramer begins producing telehandlers for Claas, with Claas taking a minority interest.
- 2000
Merger with Neuson Baumaschinen
[1]Kramer-Werke GmbH merges with Neuson Baumaschinen GmbH and becomes Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen GmbH.
- 1987
Greater focus on four-wheel steering
[1]The company's product strategy is adjusted toward four-wheel-steered machines.
- 1973
End of tractor production
[1]Kramer closes its tractor manufacturing division and focuses on construction machinery.
- 1968
Four-wheel-drive wheel-loader innovation
[1]Kramer introduces a German four-wheel-drive wheel loader with four equally sized tires.
- 1957
Industrial and construction machinery department established
[1]Kramer creates a specialized department for industrial and construction machines.
- 1952
Headquarters move to Überlingen
[1]The company's headquarters are moved to Überlingen on Lake Constance.
- 1925
Kramer brothers establish the machinery business
[1]The Kramer brothers begin developing and producing mowing machines and tractors in Gutmadingen, Germany.
Products and positioning
A German specialist in compact, maneuverable construction and material-handling equipment, with a particular heritage in four-wheel steering, wheel loaders and telehandlers for construction, agriculture, municipal and industrial applications.
Construction equipment
Wheel loaders
Kramer's wheel loaders are compact loading machines used for handling materials in construction, agriculture, municipal services, landscaping and industrial settings. The brand's historical engineering identity is closely connected with four-wheel drive, four equally sized tires and four-wheel steering. These characteristics support traction, stability and maneuverability in confined or uneven work areas. The product family represents the core of Kramer's present construction-equipment portfolio.
Construction and material-handling equipment
Tele wheel loaders
Tele wheel loaders combine the basic functions of a wheel loader with a telescopic lifting arm. This configuration allows operators to load, lift and place materials at greater reach than a conventional compact loader. Kramer positions tele wheel loaders for applications that require both loader maneuverability and additional working height or reach, including construction, agriculture, yard operations and industrial handling.
Agricultural and construction material-handling equipment · 2005
Telehandlers
Kramer telehandlers are telescopic material-handling machines used in agricultural, construction and related working environments. The company has produced telehandlers for Claas since 2005, reflecting Kramer's role as a manufacturing and engineering supplier in agricultural machinery as well as a branded construction-equipment producer. Specific model details and launch dates are not established by the supplied reference material.
Agricultural machinery · 1925
Tractors
Tractors were an important historical part of the Kramer business from its founding in 1925. The company was an early German tractor manufacturer, but it discontinued tractor production in 1973 as the European market became more consolidated and competitive. Tractors therefore form part of Kramer's industrial heritage rather than its current principal product range.
Agricultural machinery · 1925
Mowing machines
Mowing machines were among the first products developed and produced by the Kramer brothers in Gutmadingen. They helped establish the business in agricultural mechanization before Kramer expanded into tractors and, later, construction machinery. The supplied references do not identify current production or specific model names.
Wheel loader · 1987
Kramer 312 SL
The Kramer 312 SL was identified in the company history as the first wheel loader with four-wheel steering to be mass-produced. Its significance lies in demonstrating Kramer's commitment to compact-machine maneuverability and in making four-wheel steering a practical feature in series-produced loader equipment.
Brand decisions
2007
Integration into Wacker NeusonM&ABackground
Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG announced a corporate merger.
Action taken
The merger created Wacker Neuson SE, under which Kramer became a group brand.
Aftermath
Kramer continued as a specialist compact-equipment brand within the Wacker Neuson portfolio.
2007
Expansion of the Pfullendorf manufacturing siteStrategyBackground
The business required a larger site to support production, administration and research and development.
Action taken
Construction began on a new Pfullendorf facility intended to increase annual production capacity.
Aftermath
The new site became the principal production, administration and research location identified for Kramer.
2005
Telehandler cooperation with ClaasStrategyBackground
Kramer sought to expand its role in agricultural and material-handling equipment while applying its construction-machine manufacturing capabilities.
Action taken
Kramer began producing telehandlers for Claas, and Claas acquired a minority interest in Kramer.
Aftermath
The arrangement broadened Kramer's telehandler activity and connected the brand with Claas's agricultural machinery business.
2000
Merger with Neuson Baumaschinen GmbHM&ABackground
Kramer combined with Neuson Baumaschinen GmbH as part of a broader effort to develop a larger construction-equipment organization.
Action taken
The merged company was renamed Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen GmbH and situated in Linz.
Aftermath
The merger preceded Kramer's later integration into the Wacker Neuson group.
1973
Exit from tractor manufacturingStrategyBackground
The European tractor industry was becoming more consolidated, average tractor horsepower was increasing and many smaller manufacturers were losing market share or failing.
Action taken
Kramer closed its tractor division and redirected the business toward construction machinery.
Aftermath
The decision established construction equipment as the company's principal long-term business and shaped its later specialization in compact loaders and telehandlers.
Recent events
- 2007
Wacker Construction Equipment and Neuson Kramer announce merger[1]
M&A
The announced merger between Wacker Construction Equipment AG and Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen AG led to the creation of Wacker Neuson SE, placing Kramer within the Wacker Neuson group.
- 2007
New Pfullendorf production facility begins construction[1]
Other
Construction started on a new Pfullendorf production and development site intended to expand manufacturing capacity and support the Kramer business.
- 2005
Kramer begins telehandler cooperation with Claas[1]
M&A · Product launch
Kramer began producing telehandlers for agricultural machinery manufacturer Claas. Claas also acquired a minority interest in Kramer in connection with the cooperation.
- 2000
Kramer and Neuson Baumaschinen merge[1]
M&A
The merger created Neuson Kramer Baumaschinen GmbH and marked a new phase of corporate development for the construction-equipment business.
- 1973
Kramer ends tractor production and focuses on construction machinery[1]
Other
Kramer discontinued its tractor manufacturing division and redirected the business toward construction equipment as the European tractor industry underwent consolidation and structural change.
Sources1 sources
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