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WC MO | After checking the ASAE book on Case history, It says Case purchased the rights to manufacture the "Uni-loader" in 1969 and made one model for a year, the 1537. The first 500 of these were made by Universal Industries in their factory while a production line was being set up in a Case factory. That model was replaced in 1971 by the 1737(gas) and 1740(diesel). In March of 73 the 1816 was introduced, then in 74 the 1830 and in 75 the 1845. These 1800's were hydrostatic drive and were made well into the 1980's. The book does not mention if Uni-loaders were marketed by UI prior to selling the technology to Case.
The Deere JD24 was introduced in 1970 and apparently, was available with either gas or diesel engine. The smaller JD14 was introduced in 1975. The 24 was later updated to the JD24-A and renamed 24A in 1979 when the complete industrial line was rebadged (and the chrome nameplates dropped). These models may have been the same as the Ag version models 70 and 170, as I have Ag literature dated 1973 that shows those two models. These machines had a single T-handle controller. Various other models were added during the 70's and 80's to make the Deere skid loader line the 60/70/90/125/170 up until the New Holland deal.
I have to think that a complete working model of a JD24 would be a worthwhile restoration project as there was likely more Ag versions of that machine than industrial. A JD14 would be even more rare. Skid loaders did not completely replace small crawler loaders on construction sites until the heavier models like the Case 1845 were introduced. Small skid-steers were predominately a farm machine.
Bobcat claims that the Melroe model M-400 introduced in 1960 was the worlds's first skid-steer loader. I suppose one would need to research patents to find out who did the innovating in early skid loader design.
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JD 24 skid loader
