Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Internal combustion engines |
| Founded | March 12, 1909 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States |
| Founder | Charles H. John, Arthur F. Milbrath |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Internal combustion engines (small air-cooled engines, engines for automobiles, trucks, heavy machinery, marine applications) |
Number of employees | 300 (1912) |
Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing Company, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been producing internal combustion engines since 1909. In its early years, the company manufactured engines designed for automobiles, trucks, heavy machinery used in construction, and marine applications. Post-1930, the focus shifted towards small air-cooled engines, which became widely adopted in agricultural and construction machinery.
Today, Wisconsin Engines (previously known as Wisconsin Motors) remains a producer of premium-quality engines.
History
- March 12, 1909: The company was established by Charles H. John and Arthur F. Milbrath under the name Wisconsin Motor. By 1912, its workforce had grown to approximately 300 employees.
- 1937: Wisconsin Motor merged with Continental Motors Company but continued operating under its own brand identity.
- 1940: The introduction of the V series V4 engines marked a significant development.
- 1965: Ryan Aeronautical acquired a half ownership stake in Continental Motors Corporation.
- 1969: Ownership of Continental Motors Corporation transferred to Teledyne Technologies.
- 1971: Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, designated Teledyne Wisconsin Motor as its US distributor for Robin engines.
- 1992: Nesco Incorporated purchased Teledyne Total Power.
- 2010: A joint venture was established with Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc.
- September 30, 2017: Subaru Corporation ceased production of small engines.
Small air-cooled engines
Wisconsin established a strong presence in the marketplace through its range of small air-cooled engines such as the AEH (commonly used on generators, garden tractors, and skid-steer loaders), AEN, and VF4 models. By the 1950s, the company claimed the title of the largest global manufacturer of heavy-duty air-cooled engines. All engines operated on a four-stroke cycle with power outputs spanning various ranges. Available configurations included single-cylinder, inline two-cylinder, V-twin, and V-four-cylinder layouts. These power units found applications across sectors including agriculture, construction, marine operations, oil-field machinery, and railway maintenance.
Engine variants differ by displacement size, crankshaft orientation (vertical or horizontal), horsepower ratings, and fuel compatibility such as gasoline, heating oil, kerosene, LPG, and CNG.
| Model | Type | Power | Displacement | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1+1⁄2 | single | 2.4 hp (2 kW) | 28 cu in (0.5 L) | 1930-1934 | |
| AA | single | 2.4 hp (2 kW) | 10.9 cu in (0.2 L) | ||
| AB | single | 13.5 cu in (0.2 L) | |||
| AGND | single | 12.5 hp (9 kW) | 38.5 cu in (0.6 L) | 1957-1991 | |
| TE | I2 | 18 hp (13 kW) | 45.9 cu in (0.8 L) | ||
| TF | I2 | 18 hp (13 kW) | 53.9 cu in (0.9 L) | ||
| THD | I2 | 18 hp (13 kW) | 53.9 cu in (0.9 L) | 1957-1976+ | generator |
Engines for automobiles and trucks
Early vehicles such as the Stutz Bearcat were equipped with Wisconsin engines, featuring either the four-cylinder Type A or six-cylinder variants, both delivering 60 horsepower. By 1917, Stutz had started manufacturing its own engines. Additional prominent users of Wisconsin powerplants included Pierce-Arrow and The FWD Corporation, which installed these engines in their truck models. From 1945 to 1965, King Midget Cars utilized the Wisconsin AENL single-cylinder engine in their compact vehicles.
| Model | Configuration | Engine Size | Output | Production Years | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Inline 4 | 389 cu in (6.4 L) | 36 hp (27 kW) | 1912–1919 | FWD Model B 3-5-ton 4x4 trucks |
Engines for heavy construction machinery
Wisconsin's four- and six-cylinder power units played a crucial role in operating large-scale construction equipment from manufacturers like Bucyrus-Erie and Marion, including machinery such as draglines and power shovels.