Terra Drive Systems Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation, Partnership, and Growth

Terra Drive Systems (TDS) proudly celebrated 50 years of innovation, partnership, and manufacturing excellence on Friday, June 26, at its headquarters in Brookston, Indiana. The anniversary celebration brought together customers, suppliers, business partners, and tenured and former employees to recognize the people and relationships that have defined the company's success over the past five decades. 

Founded in 1976, Mud Hog became the industry's leading four-wheel-drive solution for combine harvesters, allowing farmers to retrofit their equipment with systems capable of navigating the toughest field conditions. Building on that foundation, Terra Drive Systems expanded into the on-highway market in 2008 with the introduction of EZ Trac, an all-wheel-drive steerable axle serving a variety of truck applications. Both products support end-users who demand more of their machine's drive systems. Today, these products can be found globally on many applications: harvesting equipment, turf care mowers, motor graders, airport ground support machines, utility trucks, fire apparatus, snow & ice trucks, and many more. Catering to both the OEMs and the equipment dealers, TDS can provide a solution both timely and cost competitively. 

More recently, TDS has expanded its engineering capabilities into track system development, primarily serving the agricultural and off-highway markets. From product design and testing to validation and manufacturing, these innovations demonstrate the company's commitment to delivering advanced solutions while continuing to support its established customers and core markets. TDS has tapped into the niche markets who were severely underserved, both in availability and provided solutions for specialty equipment. These design initiatives have opened the door for modular design and integrated solutions with existing Mud Hog hydraulic axle systems / customers. 

The celebration began with opening remarks from President and CEO Ben Harpenau, who reflected on the company's history and the values that have guided its success. 

"Our first 50 years weren't defined simply by the products we built—they were defined by the relationships we built and the trust we earned along the way." 

Harpenau was then joined by Vice President of Engineering Daniel Skelton for a fireside chat highlighting TDS's current capabilities and future vision. Together, they discussed ongoing engineering initiatives, emerging product opportunities, and recent project successes that continue to position the company for long-term growth and stability. 

Pictured: Daniel Skelton, VP of Engineering and Ben Harpenau, President and CEO

Among the topics discussed were advancements in steerable self-propelled and trailer track systems, hydraulic technologies, and integrated axle designs. These innovations reflect TDS's continued investment in engineering excellence while building upon the strong foundation established over the years. 

The morning program concluded with the recognition of long-tenured employees celebrating between 15 and 50 years of service. Their commitment, expertise, and dedication have played a significant role in shaping the company's culture and success. 

For Director of Procurement Jill Geheb, who has been with the company for 38 years, the recognition was especially meaningful. 

"Having been part of this company for 38 of its 50-year history has been a truly rewarding experience. I have been fortunate to grow both personally and professionally while witnessing the company's continued evolution through change, innovation, and expansion. The commitment, collaboration, and dedication of our employees have been—and will continue to be—the foundation of our success." 

Pictured: Jill Geheb, Director of Procurement, Ben Harpenau, President and CEO

The afternoon gave opportunities for guests to reconnect with colleagues, strengthen existing partnerships, and build new relationships. Lunch from local food vendors allowed guests to sit and soak in the celebration. Facility tours provided a glance into the working life and developments at TDS. 

As the celebration came to a close, everyone at Terra Drive Systems reflected with gratitude on the support received throughout the company's 50-year journey. 

To every supplier, customer, employee, partner, and friend who has been part of that journey, thank you for helping shape our story. 

As Harpenau concluded: 

"We're proud of everything we have accomplished over the past 50 years, but we believe our best years are still ahead."