Franklin Equipment Holds Skid Steer Rodeo in Indianapolis

Wed July 10, 2019
CEG

Franklin Equipment held the second of the company's touring skid steer rodeo events June 20, 2019, at its Indianapolis location.

Franklin will host five qualifying rodeo events, held in Indianapolis, Wisconsin, Ohio and Tennessee that will send a total of 10 contestants to the skid steer rodeo finals competition on Oct. 17 at the GIE+Expo in Louisville, Ky.

The Indianapolis skid steer rodeo attracted a large crowd of spectators and an enthusiastic group of contenders ready to test their skills behind the controls of the dealership's lineup of Wacker Neuson ST31 compact track loaders. Rodeo contestants were offered their choice of either hand- or foot-controlled machines to maneuver through a challenging timed event. The top two contestants from each of the skid steer rodeo events are awarded air fare, hotel accommodations and registration for the GIE+Expo and a skid steer rodeo finals belt buckle, pullover jacket and welcome package on arrival at the expo. The grand prize winner will receive a one-year free rental of a Wacker Neuson ST31, a $5,000 cash prize and first place belt buckle. The second place winner will receive a $3,000 cash award and second place belt buckle while the third place winner will receive a $1,000 cash award and third place belt buckle.

Franklin Equipment treated both skid steer rodeo competitors and attendees to door prizes, equipment demonstrations and entertainment along with a hearty meal including Wagyu beef burgers provided by Gabriel Family Farms. Franklin Equipment employees were joined by factory representatives from several of the dealership's equipment lines to greet attendees and discuss the machines on display at the event. Professional rodeo announcer Joe Coalter called out the action and results during the competition and the event was broadcast by Indy's Country Radio Station WFMS 95.5.

From a single location in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin Equipment has grown to 19 stores, providing sales, service and rentals in Ohio, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Along with the Wacker Neuson line, the company is an authorized dealer for Toro, Skyjack lifts and telehandlers, Chicago Pneumatic air tools and compressors and Husqvarna landscape equipment. The company provides sales and service for the lines it represents, and rental equipment includes backhoes, skid steers, track loaders, compact excavators, scissor lifts, telehandlers, light equipment, wheel loaders and a wide range of attachments, handheld equipment and safety gear.

The company's next skid steer rodeo is scheduled in Wisconsin on July 18, followed by an event on Aug. 1 at the dealership's Cincinnati Store in Hamilton, Ohio.

For more information about Franklin Equipment and to see the full rodeo schedule, visit them online at https://franklinequipment.com/events. CEG

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.

Among the top-10 finalists at the Indianapolis skid steer rodeo, Kiley Wilkes of Heritage Environmental attempts to improve on his placing time.

Professional rodeo announcer Joe Coalter calls out the action as contestants compete in the skid steer rodeo event.

(L-R): Franklin Equipment Indianapolis Branch Manager Brandon Cutshaw is joined by his branch team members Autumn Knauss, Ashley Marks, Ryan Frazier and Zach Keller to welcome attendees to the skid steer rodeo.

(L-R): Taking care of business during the event, Elite Tree Service’s Jason Lynn and David Messer consult Mike Jaggers and Greg Cox at the Franklin Rental counter about equipment for an upcoming job.

(L-R): Kohler Engine’s Angela Kaplan, Dorota Larkin and Joseph Blake welcome attendees to try their hand at a slingshot to win a Kohler t-shirt at the event.

Allison Witucki of Country Radio Station WFMS 95.5 invited attendees to enter a drawing for tickets to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari at the event.

Tom Loudermilk of Gravel Guy Excavating and his son and partner, Tyler, admire this Wacker Neuson EZ36 compact excavator at the event.

Wacker Neuson’s Adam Alt and Jessica Leib cheered on the competitors and fielded questions about the company’s lineup of compact equipment at the event.

Franklin Equipment Indianapolis Branch Manager Brandon Cutshaw (L) along with Franklin Equipment COO Tony Repeta (R) congratulate first prize winner Richie Wyeth of Wyeth Farms with his son, Weston, and second place winner Brandon Paris of Backhoe Worx LLC at the Indianapolis rodeo.