Jim's Cushman Scooter Site
Time Line of the Cushman Motor Works
Cushman Club
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6/6/1887 | Charles DeWitt Ammon Born. See entry of 1933. | |
9/17/02 | Cushman Motor Works founded by Everette and Clinton Cushman | ||
1913 |
Easy Manufacturing Company founded by Charles Ammon in David City, NE |
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1922 | (approx) Everett and Clinton Cushman left the company | ||
1922 | Company began production of first air cooled "Cub", forerunner of Husky | ||
1923 | Charles Ammon moves Easy Manufacturing to 1645 N 21st St, Lincoln, NE | ||
1926 | Production of "Bob a Lawn" lawnmower began | ||
1933 |
Charles Ammon acquires ownership of Cushman Motor Works |
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6/5/34 | Cushman Corporation incorporated by Charles Ammon | ||
1936 |
Cushman decides to enter the scooter business to enhance engine sales |
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1936 |
Model 1 Autoglide Introduced. Less than 20 reportedly sold |
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1938 |
Model 2 Autoglide Introduced |
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1938 |
Models 3 and 4 Introduced |
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1938 |
Models 5 and 6 introduction |
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1/3/38 |
Models 7& 8 introduction |
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1/4/38 |
Models R-1, R-2 and R-V Autoglide Introduced |
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1940 |
Dealer cost on Autoglide was $132.00 |
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1940 |
Models 12 and 14 introduced |
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1940 |
Models 21 Economy, 22 Standard introduced |
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1940 |
Model 24 Deluxe Introduced |
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1942 |
Models 32 and 34 Autoglide Introduced |
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1944 |
Military Airborne model 53 introduced - 4,734 sold to government |
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1945 | WW2 ended. Cushman had made 8,500.000 bomb nose fuses for effort | ||
1946 |
Model 52 Pacemaker & 54 Roadking introduced |
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1946 |
Model 53A Civilian Airborne Introduced |
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1947 | 3 Yr Modernization of plant started including a New modern foundry | ||
1947 |
New disc clutch introduced. Cost: $20.00 |
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3/24/47 |
Epic engineering study released on the Varamatic and its efficiency |
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6/15/47 |
Barrel springs replace pencil springs on front suspension |
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12/9/47 |
Model 59 ice cream chassis introduced at $325.00 |
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1948 | Pacemaker Tubular Model 52A Introduced | ||
1948 |
Allstate 811.30 introduced |
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6/1/48 |
Model 53A Civilian Airborne believed to have been discontinued |
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10/1/48 |
Models 54B and 59B Introduced |
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10/4/48 |
Model 54A-B Introduced |
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10/4/48 |
Model 54B introduced using the Varamatic Drive |
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10/4/48 |
Model 62 Pacemaker introduced |
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10/4/48 |
Model 62A tubular Pacemaker introduced |
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12/1/48 |
Model 64 introduced using the Varimatic and called the Super |
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12/1/48 |
Models 69 and 69A introduced |
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12/1/48 | Model 64A introduced | ||
12/31/48 |
Model 54B and 59B discontinued after 3 months |
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5/20/49 |
Models 65 and 65A introduced. |
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8/1/49 |
Model 61 Highlander introduced |
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8/1/49 |
60 Series offered with larger Engine and models given a -81 suffix |
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8/12/49 |
Letter issued stating Varamatic problems fixed |
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11/1/49 |
64A Tubular Varimatic introduced Given the name "Super" in 1951 |
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1950 | Plant modernization completed. Cushman had made 200,000 engines | ||
1950 | Charles Ammon died | ||
1950 | Cushman employed 750 people | ||
6/10/50 |
"Barrel Spring" model 765 Eagle in production |
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9/22/50 |
Luggage rack became standard on 765 eagle |
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12/8/50 |
Model 811 Highlander introduced, Model 61 discontinued |
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1951 | Cushman made aircraft parts for Korean war effort. 750 employees. | ||
1951 |
Allstate 711.30 introduced at $179.50 |
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1951 |
Models 711 and 714 Highlander introduced |
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1951 |
Allstate 811.40 introduced at $219.95 |
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1951 |
Model 61 Highlander discontinued sometime in 1951 |
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1951 |
Govt. restrictions required sales of some scooters without lights |
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1952 | Truckster introduced (may not have been called a Truckster at this time | ||
1/8/52 |
Model 92-5 crankshaft replaced 80-5, oil pump is different |
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4/28/52 |
New Square block engine 5 HP went into production |
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4/30/52 |
Model 762 Single Speed Eagle introduced at $285.00 list |
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5/12/52 |
Model 714 Highlander introduced. Model 711 stays in lineup |
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7/7/52 |
Cam ground piston introduced for 5 hp engine |
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7/16/52 |
Resistor available to limit voltage for 6 volt lights |
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8/4/52 |
Black color added to red, blue and cream for Eagle |
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8/4/52 |
All truckster frames to be painted black |
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12/8/52 |
Dark blue scooter color changed to light blue |
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1953 |
Model 53 Military Airborne introduced |
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1953 |
Model 715 Highlander introduced |
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1953 |
Model 62A discontinued sometime in 1953 |
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1/21/53 |
Delete 2-5/8 inch 4 HP engine for Super (Varimatic) |
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1/21/53 |
Delete 2-5/8 inch 4 HP engine for Pacemaker and Road King |
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1/22/53 |
Eliminated models 66, 68 & 69 trucksters |
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5/7/53 |
Model 715 Deluxe Highlander introduced |
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5/8/53 |
Model 714 Highlander production ended |
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5/18/53 |
New Golf Buggy Introduction |
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11/20/53 |
Mud & snow tire available cushman 100 4 ply $13.75 |
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2/5/54 |
Model 781 Pickup and Model 782 Truckster introduced |
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3/11/54 |
End of production of model 64-85 Super |
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3/11/54 |
End of production of single speed 762 eagle |
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6/4/54 |
New Kids wagon introduced at $16.95 |
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7/23/54 |
All model 780's to have oil bath air cleaner |
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5/13/55 |
New tubular fork eagle introduced for 1955 model year |
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1955 | Cushman introduced electric-powered 3-wheel vehicles-Industrial and Golf | ||
12/14/55 |
New 3 inch M9 engine intro (see 2/6/56) |
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12/14/55 |
Stop light introduced on all scooters & trucksters |
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1/11/56 |
Tail Light socket goes from screws to push on terminals |
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2/13/56 |
New M9 engine -3 inch - 7.3 HP at 3800 RPM. Later rated at 8HP |
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5/16/56 |
Cream paint discontinued, Brilliant yellow added |
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6/25/56 | Sesostris Motor Corps (Shriners) purchased first Shrinner scooters. | ||
8/1/56 |
Black hand grip replaced with white vinyl |
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8/1/56 |
New longer throttle shoe for new grip |
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8/22/56 |
Model 67 truckster gone when stocks exhausted |
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8/27/56 |
All Eagles get oil bath air cleaner |
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9/7/56 |
Eagle model 765-27 introduced for Jr drivers 5 HP |
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10/16/56 |
17M71 4HP engine for 50 series discontinued |
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11/16/56 |
Cushman sells 1500 model 780 to USPS |
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1/1/57 |
Allstate Jetesweep introduced |
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1/22/57 |
Cushman designs a model for shrine motor patrol at $443.75 |
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2/57 | Cushman received a USPS contract for 1500 3-wheeled Mailsters. | ||
2/20/57 |
722 Pacemaker "alligator" introduced at $300.00 |
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2/20/57 |
Model 725 Roadking "alligator" introduced at $335.00 |
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4/25/57 |
5 HP Junior Dr. models added in Pacemaker and Roadking |
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5/10/57 | The Ammon Family sold Cushman Motor Works to Outboard Marine Corp | ||
6/6/57 | Cushman became a subsidiary of Outboard Marine Corp. | ||
7/18/57 |
Bulletin confirms model 715 Deluxe Highlander discontinued |
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7/18/57 |
Model 711-51 introduced with 2-5/8 engine & # 100 tires |
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8/9/57 |
Oil bath air cleaners on Pacemaker and Roadking |
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1/1/58 |
Allstate 811.40 discontinued |
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1/1/58 |
Allstate 811.94301 introduced |
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1/23/58 |
Chrome handlebars an option on 765-27 at $5.00 |
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3/14/58 |
Model 765 1958 Eagle introduced with 3.0" 8 HP M9 |
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3/14/58 |
Model 765-27 1958 Eagle introduced 2-5/8 in. 4.8 HP |
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3/15/58 |
New Eagle transmission, clutch pulley and pulley brake & right side chain drive |
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3/17/58 |
1958 model year Pacemaker and Road King announced. |
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3/17/58 |
New oval air cleaner introduced, new muffler for Eagle |
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4/15/58 |
721 Highlander introduced with 3.8 or 4.8 hp engine |
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11/17/58 |
New 1959 models introduced |
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11/17/58 |
Cast Iron Super Eagle introduced |
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11/18/58 |
Model 725 Pipe frame highlander introduced |
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11/19/58 |
12 volt electric introduced & Horn is standard equipment |
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11/20/58 |
Model 780 trucksters gets hydraulic brakes |
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11/21/58 |
Model 734 Electric truckster introduced |
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12/3/58 |
Closeout sale on 1958 models |
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1958 |
Model 721 Tubular Highlander introduced |
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1958 |
Model 721 Highlander introduced |
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1959 | Cushman foundrydiscontinued. They purchased blocks with the (B) identifier | ||
1959 | Development began on the Super Eagle. 790 employees.. | ||
2/26/59 |
Eagles can be ordered with primary chain drive |
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10/19/59 |
New tubular road king introduced with 8 HP engine |
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11/25/59 |
Closeout sale on 1959 models |
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1960 |
Allstate Jetsweep discontinued |
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8/19/60 |
Trailster introduced at $325.00 list 4.8 HP |
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9/13/60 |
Announcement that all sales after 10/1/60 will be 61 models |
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12/29/60 |
Cushman appointed nationwide distributor of Vespa |
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1961 | Short lived Cushman-Vespa promotion began | ||
4/3/61 |
Aluminum OMC Enine introduced in 9 & 18 HP twin |
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4/4/61 |
780 Truckster now offered with 18HP engine |
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4/5/61 |
Model 735 Golfster introduction |
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4/6/61 |
Silver Eagle introduced with OMC Aluminum 9 HP engine |
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8/10/61 |
Intake restricting manifold for Jr dirvers introduced |
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9/8/61 |
Silver Eagle production suspended because of problems |
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9/9/61 |
Cast Iron Eagle reintroduced to fill void |
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10/13/61 |
Close out of Pacemaker and Roadking announced |
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10/1/61 |
Decision made to end scooter production over next few years |
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12/5/61 |
Robert H Ammon and William B. Ammon resign |
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12/6/61 |
Cushman becomes a division of OMC instead of a subsidiary |
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1/18/62 |
Tooling complete on redesign of Silver Eagle |
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3/19/62 |
New Silver Eagles shipping as replacements only |
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3/20/62 |
Full production of new SE expected by July1962 |
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7/1/62 |
Number of teeth on ring gear on OMC engine changed |
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7/1/62 |
Silver Eagle expected to be in full production soon |
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9/19/62 |
8 HP Cast Iron Eagle discontinued for the second time |
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1963 | Cushman received another USPS contract for 2222 vehicles. 1150 employed | ||
3/25/63 |
New lower prices on Highlanders and 5 HP cast iron eagles |
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9/3/63 |
New low price for Trailster model 723 |
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4/7/64 |
8 HP Highlander discontinued |
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4/8/64 |
5 HP Cast Iron Eagle discontinued |
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8/4/64 |
Inventory of 5 HP Highlanders exhausted |
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8/12/65 |
All trailsters inventory exhausted Only SE remains |
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2/25/66 |
Production of Silver Eagle discontinued |
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2/25/66 |
Cushman no longer makes scooters. Some SE's available yet |
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7/26/68 | Cushman acquired by Ryan Equipment Company of St. Paul, MN | ||
11/22/68 | Cushman Sales & Service of Nebraska, Inc. was incorporated | ||
6/27/75 | Cushman Golf Carts production discontinued. Employment was 540. | ||
ca 1980 | Production continued to move toward emphasis on turf care products | ||
9/26/89 | Cushman acquired by Ransomes PLC, Ipswitch, England | ||
1/30/98 | Textron, Inc. purchased Ransomes PLC, including the Cushman plant. | ||
2002 | Company discontinues the Patrol Truckster used by police nationwide |
Material compiled from original Cushman literature, The Cushman Resource Guide by Joe Melton, MotorScooter Buyer's Guide by Michael and Eric Dregni, and issues from Volume 10 of the Cushman Club of America Magazine. When the exact month and day of an event is not known the year is stated. This time line is believed to be substantially correct. If you have corrections or additional facts to contribute to this time line please send me an email with the details. Please use the Email link in the left margin. |
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