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Finding the Right Local Partner for Your Equipment Needs

Jun 16, 2025

Looking for a local construction equipment dealer near you? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Sales, Rentals, Parts & Service – Most local dealers offer comprehensive solutions including new and used equipment sales, rental fleets, OEM parts, and certified service technicians
  • Popular Brands – Look for authorized dealers of Hitachi, Link-Belt, New Holland, and Takeuchi for quality equipment with manufacturer warranty support
  • Services to Expect – 24/7 emergency support, flexible financing options, on-site repairs, preventive maintenance programs, and operator training
  • How to Choose – Select dealers with rapid response times, extensive parts inventory, multiple locations, and strong community reputation

When your construction project depends on reliable equipment, finding the right local construction equipment dealer makes all the difference between costly downtime and productive workdays. These dealers serve as critical partners for contractors, municipalities, and even DIY enthusiasts needing specialized machinery for both short and long-term needs.

Unlike big-box retailers or online marketplaces, a local construction equipment dealer provides face-to-face relationships built on trust and ongoing support. They understand regional job conditions, from Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles to specific soil compositions that affect equipment performance. Most importantly, they’re invested in your success because their reputation depends on it.

I’m Jeffrey J. Miller, President of Kelbe Brothers Equipment, and I’ve guided our company through decades of serving as a trusted local construction equipment dealer, helping Wisconsin contractors build lasting connections that extend far beyond simple equipment transactions.

When your project timeline is tight and your profit margins depend on equipment reliability, choosing the right partner matters more than you might think. Working with a local construction equipment dealer like Kelbe Brothers Equipment gives you something invaluable – a true partner who understands both your business and the unique challenges of Wisconsin construction.

I’ve seen how the right dealer relationship can transform a contractor’s operation. As part of a fourth-generation, family-owned company serving Wisconsin’s builders and excavators, we’ve built our reputation on handshakes that mean something and promises kept through decades.

What makes a quality local dealer worth your trust? It starts with established relationships – the kind where we know your name, your equipment preferences, and often, your father’s equipment preferences too. When you call us about your Hitachi wheel loaders or Link-Belt excavators, you’re talking to someone who remembers your last service visit.

When equipment fails on a jobsite, rapid response becomes everything. The difference between calling a distant supplier versus your local construction equipment dealer can mean hours versus days of costly downtime. Our service trucks are already in your area, loaded with commonly needed parts for your Takeuchi excavators and other equipment.

Our expert technicians aren’t just mechanics – they’re factory-certified specialists who understand the specific nuances of your machines. They’ve likely worked on dozens of the same model and know exactly what to look for when troubleshooting your New Holland 200 Series loader.

Construction doesn’t follow a convenient 9-to-5 schedule, which is why our 24/7 emergency support has become one of our most valued services. When your excavator’s hydraulics fail at 6 PM on Friday, you need someone who answers the phone and understands the urgency.

Your reputation in the community matters – and so does ours. Our community reputation has been built job by job, repair by repair, over generations. We stand behind our work because we’ll see you at the local diner next week. That accountability is something you’ll never find from a faceless online supplier.

Learn more about our commitment to customers through our Corporate Ethics statement.

There’s something powerful about working with people who understand your specific challenges. Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on certain hydraulic systems. Our clay-heavy soils create unique undercarriage wear patterns on excavators for sale. And certain attachments simply work better for regional applications than others.

This face-to-face support translates directly to your bottom line. When you call with an issue about your Hitachi excavator, we don’t need to start from scratch – we already know your fleet composition, your typical applications, and can recommend solutions based on that history.

Fleet optimization becomes simpler when your dealer understands your business growth trajectory. We can help you plan equipment rotations, maintenance schedules, and rental needs based on your specific operation and the Wisconsin construction season.

Perhaps most importantly, our parts availability is custom to what Wisconsin contractors actually need. Our parts department stocks components based on regional demand patterns, meaning faster availability when something breaks. Whether you need filters for your Link-Belt material handlers or hydraulic hoses for your compact loaders, we’ve likely got it on the shelf – because we know what local contractors use most.

This local knowledge isn’t just convenient – it’s the difference between a machine sitting idle for days versus getting back to work tomorrow morning.

When you partner with a local construction equipment dealer like Kelbe Brothers, you’re not just buying machines – you’re gaining access to carefully selected equipment lines that match Wisconsin’s unique working conditions. We’ve handpicked our inventory based on what actually works for our customers, not what looks good in a catalog.

After four generations in this business, we’ve learned which machines stand up to Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycles, clay-heavy soils, and demanding job schedules. Our showroom features powerhouse brands that deliver reliability when you need it most:

Hitachi Excavators and Wheel Loaders bring legendary Japanese engineering to your jobsite. These fuel-sipping workhorses are built for the long haul, with Hitachi wheel loaders offering exceptional visibility and comfort during those marathon shifts moving material.

Link-Belt Excavators are tough-as-nails machines with hydraulic systems that maintain power and precision even in the coldest Wisconsin mornings. Our customers particularly love Link-Belt excavators for their durability in heavy demolition and excavation projects.

New Holland Construction Equipment delivers versatility across applications, from residential development to municipal work. Their 200 Series skid steers and track loaders have become customer favorites for their maneuverability and all-day comfort.

Takeuchi Compact Equipment excels when space gets tight. These maneuverable machines pack surprising power into small footprints, making Takeuchi excavators perfect for utility work in established neighborhoods.

Wisconsin contractors consistently turn to specific machines that handle our region’s demands. Here’s what your neighbors are running:

Hitachi Compact Excavators dominate in utility work and residential projects where precision matters more than raw power. Their fuel efficiency keeps operating costs in check while delivering impressive performance.

Takeuchi Zero Swing Excavators have become the go-to for urban work where you’re operating alongside buildings or in tight spaces. The zero-tail swing design prevents costly accidents while maintaining impressive digging power.

Link-Belt Material Handlers are purpose-built for recycling yards and scrap processing, with specialized attachments and reinforced components to handle the toughest materials day after day.

When you’re ready to expand your fleet, these proven performers deserve a close look. We can arrange demonstrations so you can experience their capabilities before making your decision.

The right attachment transforms your base machine into a specialized tool for the job at hand. As your local construction equipment dealer, we stock attachments that multiply what your equipment can accomplish:

Specialized buckets – from standard digging to grading and trenching configurations – help you match your excavator to the exact task. For those looking at mini excavators for sale, the right bucket selection dramatically increases versatility.

Hydraulic thumbs turn your excavator into a precise struggling tool, essential for demolition and material handling. Quick couplers eliminate downtime between attachment changes, keeping your crew productive instead of wrestling with pins and connections.

Compaction wheels, augers for fence installation, and specialized grapples for brush clearing round out our attachment offerings. These add-ons help you tackle specialized jobs without investing in single-purpose machines.

When you visit our showroom, our equipment specialists can help you build the perfect attachment package based on your typical projects. The right combination can transform even a compact machine into the most versatile tool in your fleet.

What truly separates a local construction equipment dealer from the rest isn’t just the machinery they sell—it’s the complete circle of support they provide throughout your equipment’s lifecycle. At Kelbe Brothers, we’ve built our reputation on being there for Wisconsin contractors when they need us most, whether that’s 2 PM on a Tuesday or 2 AM during an emergency.

Our comprehensive service approach includes everything from Equipment Rentals when you need short-term solutions to Service that keeps your machines running at peak performance. Our fully-stocked Parts department ensures minimal downtime, while our Financing Options help you manage cash flow without sacrificing equipment quality.

When you call us with an equipment challenge, you’re not talking to a stranger—you’re connecting with someone who might have helped your father or grandfather solve similar problems years ago. That kind of relationship simply can’t be replicated by a faceless online retailer or distant supplier.

Finding the right equipment shouldn’t require a Ph.D. in construction machinery. Whether you’re exploring excavators for sale or need construction equipment rentals for a specific project, our approach cuts through the complexity.

When you visit our dealership, we start by listening. What’s the job? What are the site conditions? What’s your timeline? These conversations help us match you with the perfect machine, whether that’s a powerful Hitachi wheel loader for moving materials or a nimble Takeuchi excavator for precision digging in tight spaces.

For contractors with seasonal needs or specific project requirements, our rental program offers well-maintained, late-model equipment without the long-term commitment. From daily rentals for quick jobs to monthly arrangements for extended projects, we keep the paperwork simple and the machines ready to work.

If you’re in the market for used construction equipment for sale, our pre-owned inventory undergoes rigorous inspection before it ever reaches our lot. Each machine comes with a detailed service history and the peace of mind that comes from buying from a dealer who’ll still answer your calls long after the sale.

When a machine goes down, every minute costs money. That’s why our parts department stocks thousands of genuine components for brands like Hitachi excavators, Link-Belt excavators, and Takeuchi excavators.

We don’t just carry the obvious filters and fluids—we maintain inventories of critical wear parts, hydraulic components, and even those obscure fittings that always seem to fail on Friday afternoons. Our parts specialists know Wisconsin contractors face unique challenges, from harsh winter conditions that stress hydraulic systems to abrasive soils that accelerate undercarriage wear.

For scheduled maintenance, our factory-trained technicians follow manufacturer protocols to the letter, using genuine filters, lubricants, and rebuild kits designed specifically for your machine. When unexpected issues arise, our field service trucks bring the shop to your jobsite, minimizing downtime and keeping your projects moving forward.

The difference between getting a part from a local construction equipment dealer versus ordering online isn’t just speed—it’s expertise. Our parts team can often diagnose issues just from your description, ensuring you get the right component the first time.

Modern construction equipment combines mechanical muscle with sophisticated technology, requiring support that addresses both aspects. At Kelbe Brothers, we’ve evolved with the industry to provide comprehensive solutions that extend beyond the physical machine.

Our financing specialists work with multiple lenders to structure terms that align with your business realities—seasonal cash flow, project timelines, and growth objectives. Unlike generic financing options, our programs are designed specifically for construction equipment, with flexible terms that understand the unique nature of the industry.

As equipment becomes increasingly connected, our tech support team helps you leverage telematics systems that monitor performance, track maintenance intervals, and even predict potential failures before they happen. From setting up dealer apps on your smartphone to troubleshooting diagnostic codes, we bridge the gap between traditional equipment support and modern technology.

When you partner with Kelbe Brothers as your local construction equipment dealer, you’re not just buying a machine—you’re gaining a team of experts committed to keeping your equipment productive and your projects on schedule. From the first quote to the final trade-in years later, we’re with you every step of the way.

Working with a local construction equipment dealer follows a straightforward process designed to get you the right equipment with minimal hassle. Here’s what to expect when working with Kelbe Brothers Equipment:

  1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your specific needs, applications, and budget
  2. Equipment Selection: Our team recommends appropriate models and configurations
  3. Demonstration: Test the equipment in conditions similar to your typical work
  4. Trade-In Evaluation: We assess any equipment you’re trading in
  5. Financing Discussion: Review options for purchase, lease, or other arrangements
  6. Order Placement: Finalize specifications and place your order
  7. Pre-Delivery Inspection: Thorough inspection before delivery
  8. Delivery Coordination: Schedule delivery to your location or pickup
  9. Initial Training: Basic operation and maintenance orientation
  10. Warranty Registration: Complete all necessary paperwork
  11. Follow-Up Support: Scheduled check-ins to ensure satisfaction
  1. Needs Assessment: Determine the right equipment for your project
  2. Availability Check: Confirm equipment availability for your timeframe
  3. Rental Agreement: Complete necessary paperwork and insurance verification
  4. Pre-Rental Inspection: Document equipment condition
  5. Operating Instructions: Basic operation and safety guidelines
  6. Delivery Coordination: Schedule delivery or pickup arrangements
  7. Rental Period: Use equipment with access to support as needed
  8. Return Scheduling: Arrange for equipment return
  9. Post-Rental Inspection: Verify condition upon return
  10. Rental Close-Out: Complete final paperwork and billing
  1. Service Request: Contact our service department via phone or online form
  2. Diagnostics: Initial assessment of the issue
  3. Service Quote: Detailed estimate for necessary repairs
  4. Approval Process: Review and approve the proposed work
  5. Parts Ordering: Secure any necessary components
  6. Repair Scheduling: Coordinate timing for repairs
  7. Service Completion: Perform necessary work
  8. Quality Check: Verify repairs meet factory standards
  9. Equipment Return: Coordinate pickup or delivery of repaired equipment
  10. Follow-Up: Ensure repairs resolved the issue completely

This structured approach ensures clear communication and expectations throughout your equipment journey.

When you partner with a local construction equipment dealer like Kelbe Brothers, you’re not just gaining access to machinery – you’re connecting with a business that’s woven into the fabric of your community. As a fourth-generation family business with deep Wisconsin roots, we understand that our success is directly tied to the prosperity of the neighborhoods we serve.

We take pride in creating quality local jobs that support families throughout Wisconsin. Our team members aren’t just employees; they’re neighbors, little league coaches, and volunteer firefighters. When you call us, you’re speaking with someone who understands local challenges because they live them too.

Beyond employment, we’re passionate about developing the next generation of skilled technicians. Our apprenticeship programs provide hands-on training for young people interested in rewarding careers in equipment maintenance. These programs help address the skilled trades gap while ensuring your machines will have qualified service technicians for decades to come.

Community involvement takes many forms at Kelbe Brothers. From sponsoring local youth sports teams to participating in habitat building projects, we believe in giving back. We regularly support infrastructure projects that improve quality of life, and when natural disasters strike, we’re quick to provide emergency equipment to aid recovery efforts.

Knowledge sharing is at the heart of what makes a local construction equipment dealer truly valuable. At Kelbe Brothers, we regularly host Demo Days where contractors can test-drive the latest Hitachi wheel loaders and other equipment in real-world conditions. These hands-on experiences help you make informed decisions without the pressure of a sales environment.

Safety is paramount in construction, which is why we offer workshops focused specifically on equipment operation safety. Our operator clinics go beyond basic operation to help your team maximize productivity with advanced techniques specific to machines like Link-Belt excavators and Takeuchi excavators.

We also understand that keeping up with rapidly evolving equipment technology can be challenging. Our technology seminars provide straightforward explanations of new features that can improve your efficiency and bottom line. Meanwhile, our maintenance workshops equip your team with basic skills to prevent costly downtime.

These events do more than build skills – they create valuable networking opportunities where contractors can share experiences and solutions with peers facing similar challenges. The relationships formed during these gatherings often lead to collaboration and mutual support long after the event ends.

As your local construction equipment dealer, we understand that contractors and municipalities have unique needs requiring custom solutions. For local businesses, downtime means lost revenue, which is why we offer loaner machines when your equipment needs shop service. Our after-hours parts access ensures that emergency breakdowns don’t mean waiting until morning to get back to work.

We help optimize your fleet through detailed analysis of your usage patterns and job requirements. This might mean recommending excavators for sale that perfectly match your typical projects or suggesting construction equipment rentals for specialized, occasional needs. Our custom maintenance programs work around your busy seasons, keeping your machines running when you need them most.

For municipalities, we provide specialized support including bid assistance for public projects and budget planning for multi-year equipment replacement strategies. We stay informed about available grant programs and can guide public works departments toward funding opportunities. We also configure machines specifically for municipal applications, understanding the unique demands of public service equipment.

From community events to technical training to specialized support programs, Kelbe Brothers exemplifies how a local construction equipment dealer becomes more than a vendor – we’re a true partner in your success and in building stronger Wisconsin communities.

Visit our Careers page to join our team or learn about our Company History to see how we’ve grown alongside Wisconsin’s construction industry for generations. For details about our policies, check our Service Agreement.

How do I locate the closest dealer for excavators rental?

Finding the right local construction equipment dealer for your excavators rental needs doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a quick online search combining “construction equipment dealer” with your city or region—this usually points you in the right direction. Manufacturer websites often feature dealer locators that can pinpoint authorized sellers in your area.

Nothing beats word-of-mouth recommendations, though. Your fellow contractors likely have experience with local dealers and can tell you who provides the best service. Look for dealers with multiple locations, as this typically indicates better coverage and faster response times when you need support.

Here in Wisconsin, we’ve made finding us easy. Kelbe Brothers Equipment maintains convenient locations in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Butler, and De Pere, ensuring contractors throughout the state have access to our rental fleet and support services whenever they need them.

Renting equipment from a local construction equipment dealer requires some paperwork, but we keep it straightforward at Kelbe Brothers. You’ll need to bring your business identification (tax ID or business license) and a valid driver’s license. We also require a certificate of insurance that covers the rented equipment—this protects both parties.

A credit card or payment method is necessary for the deposit and rental charges. You’ll sign our rental agreement outlining terms, responsibilities, and return conditions. For specialized equipment, we may provide on-site training and certification before you take the machine.

We’ve streamlined our rental process over four generations of family business, striking the perfect balance between necessary documentation and getting you on your way quickly. Our goal is to have you spending less time with paperwork and more time getting your job done.

When you invest in Hitachi wheel loaders from Kelbe Brothers Equipment, our relationship is just beginning. We start with comprehensive training on your new machine, ensuring your operators understand all features and maintenance requirements. If warranty issues arise, we handle the claims process with minimal disruption to your workflow.

Our service team will help you establish a maintenance schedule that works around your busy periods, with convenient reminders when service is due. Technical support is always available for operational questions, and we implement manufacturer software updates to keep your equipment running at peak performance.

We maintain a robust inventory of genuine parts for Hitachi wheel loaders, focusing on common maintenance and wear items to minimize downtime. When on-site repairs are needed, our field service technicians come to you, reducing equipment transportation costs and downtime.

Beyond basic support, we provide ongoing operator tips to maximize productivity and fuel efficiency. Our fleet management assistance helps track maintenance across all your equipment, not just your Hitachi machines. And when it’s eventually time to upgrade, we’ll provide fair trade-in evaluations and guidance on selecting your next loader.

This wraparound support ensures your investment continues delivering value throughout its entire lifecycle—something only a dedicated local construction equipment dealer can provide.

When it comes down to it, choosing the right local construction equipment dealer isn’t just about finding machines—it’s about building a partnership that stands the test of time. The equipment transaction is just the beginning of what should be a relationship built on trust, expertise, and mutual success.

Here at Kelbe Brothers Equipment, we’ve spent four generations building those exact relationships with Wisconsin’s contractors, municipalities, and businesses. Our family understands something fundamental about this industry: our success is completely intertwined with yours. Every decision we make, from which parts to stock to how quickly we respond to emergency calls, directly impacts your productivity and bottom line.

What makes a local construction equipment dealer truly valuable goes well beyond having inventory on the lot. It’s about understanding the unique challenges Wisconsin contractors face—from our brutal winters that test hydraulic systems to the specific soil conditions that affect undercarriage wear. When you call us about your Hitachi wheel loaders or Link-Belt excavators, you’re talking to someone who understands the local terrain and applications.

The real advantage comes from having a single point of contact for your entire equipment lifecycle. Need a New Holland 200 Series skid steer today but might want to purchase one next quarter? We remember those conversations and can help you transition smoothly. Having trouble with your Takeuchi compact excavators on a Friday afternoon? Our 24/7 emergency support means you’re not facing weekend downtime alone.

We’ve carefully built our business around five core promises:

Local expertise that understands Wisconsin’s unique conditions and challenges. When we recommend equipment, it’s based on what actually works here, not generic specifications.

Rapid response when minutes matter. Equipment downtime costs you money, and we respect that by prioritizing urgent needs—even outside regular business hours.

Comprehensive support that brings together sales, rentals, parts, service, and financing under one roof, simplifying your equipment management.

Quality equipment from manufacturers like Hitachi, Link-Belt, New Holland, and Takeuchi that we’ve specifically chosen for their reliability in our regional conditions.

Ongoing relationship built on the understanding that today’s interaction is just one moment in what we hope will be decades of working together.

The construction industry isn’t kind to those who make empty promises. That’s why at Kelbe Brothers, we’ve survived and thrived for four generations—by delivering on our commitments and standing behind the equipment we provide. When your project deadlines and reputation are on the line, having a local construction equipment dealer who genuinely cares about your success isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Ready to experience the difference a truly local partnership makes? Rent the equipment you need today and find why Wisconsin contractors have trusted the Kelbe name for generations.