What we think of as new has probably been done before if you take time to search for it. Google patents is the easiest way to search the USPTO content. We use patents as a time stamped proof of design activity which is of course traceable and a legal document.
Some Wheeled Loader History
Frank G. Hough Association of Equipment Manufacturers Hall of Fame
Mr. Hough is credited as the inventor of the dedicated wheeled loader in 1939. The Hough loaders being called the now industry famous "Payloader" name.
During World War 2 many Hough front loader attachments were fitted to J.I.Case SI Tractors to help with the War effort by mowing, towing & loading military equipment and repairing landing strips.
Eugene Barker Portable Loading Machine 1946
A novel worm drive mechanism was included in this design
Mr. Mack Wooldridge formed Wooldridge Manufacturing Company and was a pioneer of construction equipment. He also hired Harry F. Vickers who's name should be recognised by any hydraulic engineers reading this.
Brothers Horace Mathew and Leonard Stanley Mathew worked on War Surplus after WW2 and needed to improve the performance of their yard handling machine. This work led to a long line of agricultural and construction equipment innovations. Their centre pivot steering system was licenced to a number of other manufacturers for example.
Many Compact Wheeled Loaders continue to use centre pivot steering (combined with a rear axle pivot), or they use the alternative design of centre pivot articulation and oscillation (to allow a rigid mounted rear axle).
