Troyer Brothers Inc.
Custom Project · Material Handling
CreteRod All-Wheel Drive Material Handler
The CreteRod is a nimble, three-wheeled workhorse that delivers a 33 cubic-foot payload of concrete or other materials across demanding, limited-access job sites—places where buggies, pumps, and skid steers struggle.
Purpose-built material handler for demanding jobs
The CreteRod was engineered from the ground up as an all-wheel drive material handler for real construction environments. Its 33 cubic-foot bucket carries concrete and other bulk materials across rough terrain and tight quarters while keeping a low discharge height to reduce splash and speed up clean-up.
From jobsite idea to production machine
The CreteRod concept was originally developed by Jim Deetjen, a co-owner of Premium Concrete with decades of field experience. After years of working with conventional buggies and other equipment, he and his team saw room for a better way to move material on site.
Troyer Brothers partnered with Material Haulers, Inc. to engineer and build production units of the CreteRod in Decatur, Indiana. The design went through multiple iterations and real-world testing cycles to verify durability, safety, and ease of operation before entering full production for sale and rental through a dealer network.
For Troyer Brothers, the CreteRod project highlights our role as a manufacturing partner: collaborating with inventors and OEMs to refine prototypes, incorporate feedback from operators, and deliver a machine that can be built consistently to demanding standards.
Project gallery
A closer look at the CreteRod in service.
Performance & design highlights
- 33 cubic-foot payload for moving concrete and other materials efficiently.
- All-wheel hydrostatic drive with twin locking motors for traction over varied terrain.
- Three-wheel layout and tight turning radius for maneuvering in restricted spaces.
- Low discharge height that dramatically reduces splash for a cleaner pour and faster clean-up.
- Tier 4 engine to help reduce CO2 exhaust emissions on the jobsite.
- Low profile, low center of gravity (approx. 120" × 54" × 59") for stability under load.
- Approx. 2,400 lb machine weight for straightforward loading, unloading, and trailering.
This project is a good example of how Troyer Brothers takes a field-tested concept and refines it into a robust, repeatable machine that can be built, supported, and serviced for professional contractors.
Where the CreteRod works best
The CreteRod is designed for challenging environments where access is limited and productivity matters. Typical applications include:
- Indoor and outdoor commercial construction sites
- Bridge construction and infrastructure projects
- Mining and industrial facilities
- Large landscape contracting and hardscape work
- Any site where conventional buggies, pumps, or skid steers are hard to maneuver