Three rough-terrain forklifts, five compact articulated loaders, all made in the United States of America. While the current economy is pushing for more American-made products, Hummerbee has always remained ahead of the curve.

Many Hummerbee machines are shipped regularly across the United States from Edmore, Michigan. With eight new dealers, their dealer network covers the entire country, from sunny California to the cold tundras of Canada.

For over 35 years, Hummerbee Rough Terrain Equipment—formerly known as A&O Forklift—has been the leading US manufacturer of dependable, easy-to-operate, 4-wheel drive articulated forklifts for the global beekeeping industry. The company was founded when a beekeeper sought a tool to make moving his hives more efficient. One arm removed from a Swinger loader and a mast added later, a company was born.

The smallest Hummerbee in the lineup is the Classic Forklift, built to outperform all other forklifts in its class. It is the most adaptable rough terrain forklift ever designed and engineered for the orchard and apiary industries. It can be equipped with multiple variations of controls, gauges, drives, hydraulics, lights, tools, and masts for various work applications. Powered by a 25-horsepower diesel engine, this model requires no electronic Tier 4 emission components. It can also lift to 1,600 lbs. without counterweights and 2,000 lbs. with counterweights.

Hummerbee’s Turbo II Forklift is the next generation, moving up from a 25-horsepower Kubota to a 56-horsepower Kohler. This is designed to enhance efficiency and performance. It has a dual-speed, on-the-fly, hydrostatic transmission. It can lift more than the Classic, with a maximum lift capacity of 3,000 lbs. and counterweights.

The third rough terrain forklift model, Hummerbee, has introduced the XRT, known for its high capacity, super strength, and ultra power. This forklift has a 4-cylinder, 74-horsepower Kohler diesel engine and boasts a lift capacity of 4,000 lbs. with counterweights. Like the Classic and Turbo II, the XRT has a maximum mast height of 144 inches. Hummerbee believes that for big loads, you need a big machine, so the 6,300-pound model is built with that in mind. The XRT would be the most suitable forklift for heavy-duty tasks.

While Hummerbee has continuously improved its forklift models over the years, making the finest even better, Hummerbee recognized the demand for something new. Something just as critical as their durable and reliable rough terrain forklifts: compact articulated loaders.

“Recognizing the market need for a heavy-duty, US-made compact articulated loader, it was a natural progression for Hummerbee to fill that niche. Our decades of experience in engineering and building rough terrain machines make us uniquely positioned to expand into the compact loader market, building on the foundation of our excellent reputation for producing a durable, reliable machine,” said Owner Jake Hirschman when Hummerbee first entered the compact loader market in 2021.

At that time, Hummerbee proudly announced its 74-horsepower compact articulated loader. In 2025, Hummerbee released three models: a 25-horsepower diesel loader, a 56-horsepower diesel loader, and a 50-horsepower gas-powered version. Their goal with these new machines, since entering the compact loader market, is this: develop machines built to perform everyday tasks better than their closest competitor, utilizing the most potent engines in each class, with lots of low-end torque; single or 2-speed options; a high-capacity oil cooler, and a more powerful aluminum radiator. The intuitive joystick controls, forward/reverse rocker foot pedals, and conventional steering wheels make the Hummerbee easy to control and operate for novice and experienced users alike.

In addition to that, all housings are fabricated from solid U.S. steel—no plastic panels to break. Built in Michigan, known for its rough roads, Hummerbee understands the importance of well-made equipment. While Hummerbee is proud of its beekeeping roots and will continue to strengthen its bonds with its most loyal customers, it wants to help a multitude of industries obtain access to its heavy-duty machines.

Easy to operate, maintain, and own, Hummerbee’s Compact Articulated Loaders have been designed and engineered to perform a wide variety of tasks in industries such as construction, tree service, agriculture, livestock farming, landscaping, horticulture, forestry, and municipal maintenance.

Hummerbee’s compact articulated loaders are the 500 Series: 525M, 525R, and 550GR. These machines are smaller and easier to operate, equipped with a strong loader arm that has a maximum lift capacity of 2,700 lbs. and counterweights. The 525M and 525R can lift 102 inches high, while the 550GR can lift 104 inches. This allows users to move heavy loads onto high-wall trucks and trailers. The mechanically controlled engine and hydraulic system, paired with minimal electrical components, make Hummerbee’s 500 Series of Loaders reliable and easy to maintain.

Arborists examining these machines will want to check out Hummerbee’s latest addition to their 500 Series product line: The ArborPro Package. This green machine has all your tree care needs in one machine, with a specialty paint job and accessories such as a rigging bollard and chainsaw holder, both fabricated by Hummerbee for superior quality.

The Hummerbee 656R and 774R Compact Articulated Loaders are cost-effective, more accessible, and heavy-duty players in the fast-growing compact wheel loader market. These machines fill the gap between mini wheel loaders and larger skid steers and wheel loaders, with more power and versatility than a compact tractor. These heavier-duty machines are designed to replace skid steers, tools that won’t damage your lawn but can still lift to 4,500 lbs. While the two machines have many similarities, the 656R is a 3-cylinder loader with 56 horsepower, while the 774R is a 4-cylinder loader with 74 horsepower. Both machines are at the top of the market, and the real choice comes down to how much power and size you need for the job at hand.

Whether you need a rough terrain forklift or a compact articulated loader, Hummerbee has several options to choose from. Any choice you make, forklift or loader, will get you past the most treacherous terrain with ease while protecting your turf from harm. Hummerbee is proud of its all-steel American-made products, ready to place them in the hands of hardworking individuals.

Visit www.hummerbee.com or call 800-943-8677 for more information, to place an order, or to inquire about dealer opportunities.