Kar-Tech

What Kar-Tech does

Kar-Tech is a US-based designer and manufacturer of wireless radio remote control systems for mobile hydraulic equipment, founded in 1995 and headquartered in a 40,000 sq ft facility in Delafield, Wisconsin. Its product portfolio spans 15+ transmitter series (NANO, MICRO, MINI, MACRO, MEGA, GIGA, MK, GUIDER, CADET, QUANTUM, MAGNUM, PACKER, COMPACT, IMPACT, ELITE) ranging from 2-button key fob remotes to 34-button proportional controllers, complemented by radio receivers (LEGEND, MINI, DUET, VC series), controllers/drivers (motor and valve drivers, wired pendants), and a ruggedized sensor suite (pressure, inclinometer, rotary position, temperature). The technology stack supports 900MHz and 2.4GHz frequencies, CodeSys PLC integration, and CANbus/J1939 protocols, enabling wireless operation of cranes, trailers, plows, articulated trucks, compactors, and other hydraulic machinery in harsh mobile environments. All hardware, software, and industrial design are controlled in-house, including SMT assembly, machining, harnessing, and 100% functional testing, with 1,000,000+ systems shipped cumulatively.

Kar-Tech monetizes primarily through one-time hardware sales (transmitter/receiver systems priced from $93 to $2,020+; parts/accessories from $5 to $303) supplemented by $150 inspection/repair services and quote-based custom OEM engineering. Go-to-market is multi-channel: a network of 30+ authorized North American distributors across US states and Canadian provinces, international distributors in Australia (Southcott) and New Zealand (Hydraulic Specialties), a direct e-commerce storefront (kar-tech.com), and four territory-based direct sales representatives covering enterprise accounts. Customer segments include crane and material-handling OEMs and their aftermarket channels, mobile/off-highway equipment manufacturers, agricultural and industrial equipment operators, and OEM custom-system development partners — with end markets spanning construction, municipal snow/ice, forestry, waste/compaction, and trailer/dump-truck applications.

Name

Kar-Tech

Legal name

Kar-Tech, Inc.

Website

https://kar-tech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Kar-Tech designs and manufactures wireless radio remote control systems, receivers, valve/motor drivers, and ruggedized sensors for mobile hydraulic equipment, serving crane OEMs, mobile equipment manufacturers, and industrial operators across North America, Australia, and New Zealand from its Delafield, Wisconsin facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Delafield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Radio Control Product Sales: Sale of wireless transmitters, receivers, and complete radio control systems. Products range from simple 2-3 button key-fob-style remotes (NANO, MICRO series, $123-$800) to large multi-button transmitters (GIGA series, up to 34 buttons, $980-$2,020). Also includes OEM control solutions, wired pendants, valve drivers, and motor drivers.
2. Parts & Accessories: Sale of replacement parts, batteries, chargers, cables, switches, joysticks, antennas, and other accessories. Catalog shows 186 parts across multiple categories with prices ranging from approximately $5 to $303.
3. Inspection & Repair Services: Paid inspection and repair services for equipment under and outside warranty. Standard repair service is $150.00 per inspection. Warranty repairs are performed at the Delafield, Wisconsin facility.
4. Custom/OEM Engineering Services: Custom-designed hydraulic control solutions for OEM partners. Involves prototype development (6-8 weeks lead time), approval drawings, and production. Prototypes are shipped for testing before production lock. Custom products are not returnable but are covered by warranty.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kar-Tech designs, engineers, and manufactures ruggedized wireless radio remote control systems, controllers, drivers, and sensors that enable the wireless operation of mobile hydraulic equipment (cranes, trailers, plows, dump trucks, articulated trucks, compaction equipment, forestry and industrial machinery). The catalog spans complete transmitter/receiver systems (NANO through GIGA series), purpose-built safety systems (Wireless E-Stop, Wireless Deadman, Wireless Anti-Two Block), linear actuator control, motor and valve drivers, wired pendant stations, and a sensor family, all built at the company's 40,000 sq ft Delafield, Wisconsin facility and distributed via a North American distributor network plus international partners in Australia and New Zealand.

Product overview

Kar-Tech is a manufacturer of wireless hydraulic control systems and radio remote controls for mobile equipment. The product portfolio consists of multiple wireless remote control series (NANO, MICRO, MINI, MACRO, MEGA, GIGA, MK, GUIDER, CADET, QUANTUM, MAGNUM, PACKER, COMPACT, IMPACT, ELITE) ranging from compact key-fob transmitters to large multi-button systems with up to 34 proportional outputs. Supporting infrastructure includes dedicated radio receivers (LEGEND, MINI, DUET, VC series), controllers/drivers (motor drivers, valve drivers, wired pendants), and sensors (pressure transducers, inclinometers, rotary position sensors, temperature sensors). Purpose-built systems address specific applications like wireless E-stop, deadman controls, VFD control, linear actuators, and anti-two-block switches. The company also offers aftermarket replacement remotes for utility cranes (IMT, Auto Crane, Summit, Maintainer, Venturo, Stellar, Feterl, Maxilift/Cobra, Terex, National, Manitex) and plow controls. Accessories include chargers, cables, switches, and joysticks. All products are designed and manufactured in the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NANO Series Wireless Control Systems Compact wireless control systems for applications such as dump trailer wireless systems, featuring small form-factor transmitters with 3-5 button configurations and frequency options including 900MHz and 2.4GHz. Priced from $123 to $344; available as full system (transmitter + receiver) or transmitter-only.
• MICRO Series Key Fob Remote Systems Keychain-ready wireless remote control systems offering 2-10 output configurations with charging options including magnetic USB and magnetic pad charging. Configurable for 2.4GHz CANbus and wireless tarp control applications. Priced from $143 to $799.
• MINI Remote Control Systems Mid-range wireless remote control systems for crane applications with 4-9 button configurations and programmable output capabilities. Available with Mini or Industrial receiver options and AC/DC variants.
• MACRO Series Programmable Remote Systems Programmable wireless control systems available in 4-15 button configurations with multiple charging methods including micro USB, magnetic USB, AAA batteries, and magnetic pad options; supports J1939 protocol. Priced from $474 to $1,000.
• MEGA Series Handheld Remote Control Systems Rugged handheld wireless remote controls supporting up to 20 buttons with AA or rechargeable power configurations and 900MHz or 2.4GHz frequency options including 2.4GHz CANbus variants. Priced from $93 to $1,357.
• GIGA Series Hydraulic Remote Control Systems High-capacity hydraulic remote control systems supporting 24-34 proportional buttons for complex machinery operation. Available as transmitter-only or full system. Priced from $980 to $2,020.
• MK Series Hoist Control Systems Specialized wireless hoist control systems with multiple speed configurations and receiver options (Mini, Industrial). Transmitters priced $235 to $826; full systems priced $401 to $736.
• GUIDER Series Crane Remote Control Systems Proportional wireless crane remote controls with hall-effect trigger assemblies and customizable battery housing options; CAN charger compatible.
• MAGNUM Series Proportional Controller Systems Proportional wireless control systems for precision hydraulic operations requiring fine adjustment of valve or motor outputs.
• QUANTUM Series Remote Control Systems Durable wireless remote control systems designed for harsh industrial environments using rugged enclosures suitable for heavy-duty mobile equipment.
• CADET Series Wireless Control Systems Entry-level wireless control systems targeted at industrial applications requiring simple remote on/off and basic proportional control.
• PACKER Series Remote Control Systems Wireless control systems designed specifically for waste management and refuse compaction equipment applications.
• COMPACT Series Wireless Control Systems Space-efficient wireless control systems for equipment with limited installation areas requiring a compact receiver and transmitter footprint.
• IMPACT Series Industrial Remote Control Systems Heavy-duty industrial wireless remote controls built for demanding environments using rugged enclosures for impact and weather resistance.
• ELITE Series Wireless Remote Control Systems Premium wireless remote control systems with advanced features targeted at the most demanding industrial and OEM applications.
• RANGER Systems Long-range wireless control systems for equipment requiring extended operational distances of up to 2,500 feet.
• CodeSys Programmable Radio Control Systems Programmable logic controller (PLC) integrated radio control systems using the CodeSys platform to enable complex automation logic in receivers for OEM applications.
• Radio Receivers (LEGEND, MINI, DUET, VC-129, VC-134, VC-144) Best-in-class wireless receivers with high-powered processors functioning as total system control modules, available in multiple form factors and 900MHz / 2.4GHz frequency options. Sold separately or as part of complete Kar-Tech systems.
• Hydraulic Motor Drivers Electronic motor drivers for hydraulic systems enabling precise, proportional control of hydraulic motor operation in mobile equipment applications.
• Proportional Valve Drivers Electronic drivers for controlling proportional valves in hydraulic systems with precision output, designed for wireless remote operation via Kar-Tech transmitters.
• Wired Pendant Control Stations Hardwired remote control stations for applications that require cabled control connections, sold as accessories to wireless systems or for standalone use.
• Pressure Transducers Ruggedized pressure sensors for hydraulic system monitoring in mobile equipment applications.
• Solid State Inclinometers Electronic angle measurement sensors used to monitor equipment tilt and positioning in mobile hydraulic environments.
• Contactless Rotary Position Sensors Non-contact rotation position sensors for measuring angular displacement of shafts and linkages in hydraulic machinery.
• Temperature Sensors Environmental temperature monitoring sensors for hydraulic system protection in mobile hydraulic equipment.
• Wireless E-Stop Systems Safety-focused wireless emergency stop systems using mesh networking to support up to seven operators with E-Stop buttons on the same piece of equipment in real time. 2.4GHz worldwide operation with ranges up to 1,000 feet; available in short/stout, Mega, and Quantum enclosures.
• Wireless Deadman Systems Safety interlock wireless control systems requiring continuous operator presence for equipment to remain in operation.
• Wireless Anti-Two Block Switch Systems Wireless safety limit switch systems that prevent crane hook block collisions with the boom tip during lifting operations.
• Wireless VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Systems Wireless control systems for variable frequency drives used to regulate motor speed remotely in industrial and mobile equipment.
• Wireless I/O Systems Wireless input/output control modules for extending system connectivity, transmitting discrete and analog signals between remote and host equipment.
• 12/24V Linear Actuator Control Systems Wireless linear motion control devices for hydraulic and 12/24V linear actuator automation in applications such as tipping, dumping, and positioning functions on mobile equipment.
• Wireless Tarp Control Systems Wireless control systems for automated tarp operations on dump trucks and trailers, allowing operators to raise and lower tarps without leaving the cab.
• Aftermarket Crane Replacement Remote Controls Replacement wireless remote control systems for utility cranes from various manufacturers, including fitment-specific systems for Auto Crane, IMT, Maintainer, Summit, Venturo, Stellar, Feterl, Maxilift/Cobra, Terex, National, and Manitex.
• Wireless Plow Control Systems Wireless control systems for V-plows and other snow and ice removal equipment, allowing operators to control plow functions from outside the vehicle cab.
• Custom OEM Hydraulic Control Engineering Services Custom-designed hydraulic control solutions for OEM partners, including engineered products with full engineering review, approval drawing sets, prototype testing (6-8 week prototype lead time after receipt of order), and customized branding on one-off orders. Custom products are non-returnable but are covered by warranty.
• Wireless Remote Inspection and Repair Services Paid inspection and repair services for Kar-Tech wireless control equipment performed at the Delafield, Wisconsin facility. Standard inspection fee $150 per unit; warranty repairs ship back free via UPS Ground; non-warranty repairs are quoted after inspection.
• Chargers and Cables (Parts and Accessories) Replacement and accessory charging equipment including wall chargers, car chargers, CAN cables, antenna extension cables, and adapter cables, priced individually across the parts catalog ($22 to $187).
• Switches and Joysticks (Parts and Accessories) Replacement control components including toggle switches, pushbutton switches, sealing boots, joysticks, and thumbsticks for various Kar-Tech transmitter models, priced $3 to $165.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30+ hours of button press transmission time on handheld transmitters; approximately 50,000 button presses on a fully charged battery at typical 2-second press duration
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Southcott PtyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational distributor for Kar-Tech products in Australia. Located at Unit 1 33-37 Pendlebury Road, Cardiff NSW, Phone: +61 2 4954 5252, www.southcott.com.au. Provides local sales and support for Kar-Tech wireless hydraulic control products in the Australian market.
• Hydraulic SpecialtiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational distributor for Kar-Tech products in New Zealand. Located at 32 Crooks Road, East Tamaki, Auckland, Phone: +64 9 274 9985, www.hyspecs.co.nz. Provides local sales and support for Kar-Tech wireless hydraulic control products in the New Zealand market.
• Cross Fluid PowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Greensboro, NC. 4400 Piedmont Parkway, Greensboro, NC 27410, Phone: (336) 856-6000, www.crossco.com. Serves the Alabama region and Southeast US markets.
• HYDRA-POWER SYSTEMSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor with offices in Portland, OR (5445 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230) and Birmingham, AL (150 Business Center Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244). Northwest US: (503) 777-3361, Southeast US: (205) 945-2929, www.hpsx.com.
• HyPOWER SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Alberta, Canada. Locations in Edmonton, AB (8620 18th St., Edmonton, AB T6P 1K5, Phone: (780) 449-0600) and Calgary, AB (4600 - 5th St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7C3, Phone: (403) 230-2227). www.hypower.com.
• Spencer Fluid PowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in California (1064 Woodland Ave, Suite T, Modesto, CA 95351, Phone: (209) 549-0800) and Montana (410 Bernard St., Billings, MT 59101, Phone: (406) 248-7431). www.spencerfluidpower.com.
• Anderson ControlsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Centennial, CO (6500 South Quebec Street, Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80111, Phone: (303) 692-0290). Also serves Tennessee region (9301 George Williams Road, Knoxville, TN 37922). www.andersoncontrol.com.
• Gulf Controls CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Tampa, Florida (5201 Tampa West Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33684, Phone: (800) 282-9125). www.gulfcontrols.com.
• Scott Industrial SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Louisville, KY (130 Evergreen Rd, Ste. 201, Louisville, KY 40243, Phone: (502) 266-5050). www.scottindustrialsystems.com.
• DTS Fluid PowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Grandville, MI (3560 Busch Drive, Grandville, MI 49426, Phone: (616) 538-3759). www.dtsfluidpower.com.
• Federal Fluid PowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Plymouth, MI (1145 Starkweather, Plymouth, MI 48170, Phone: (734) 455-1722). www.federalfp.com.
• Power SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Chanhassen, MN (8325 Commerce Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317, Phone: (952) 361-6800). www.powersystems-mn.com.
• FluidtechminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Lenexa, KS (10940 Eicher Drive, Lenexa, KS 66219, Phone: (913) 492-3300). Also serves Nebraska region. www.fluidtech.net.
• Fluid Motion SalesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Dallas, TX (2920 Congressman Lane, Dallas, TX 75220, Phone: (972) 437-1333). Also serves Oklahoma region. www.fluidmotionsales.com.
• Beiler HydraulicsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Leola, PA (322 E. Main St., Leola, PA 17540, Phone: (717) 656-4878). Additional offices in Pittsburgh and Erie, PA. www.beilerhydraulics.com.
• Canimex (Hydraulic Division)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada (285 Saint-Georges St., Drummondville, J2C 4H3, Phone: (819) 477-1335). www.canimex.com.
• Quality Hydraulics & PneumaticsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Mundelein, IL (11415 Wilhelm Road, Mundelein, IL 60060, Phone: (847) 680-8400) and Ankeny, IA (6950 NE 14th, Ste. 30, Ankeny, IA 50021, Phone: (515) 289-0989). www.qualityhydraulics.com.
• IFP AutomationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor in Fort Wayne, IN (3911 Merchant Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, Phone: (260) 489-4575) and Indianapolis, IN (12655 Tobey Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46219, Phone: (317) 897-1222). www.ifp1.com.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OMNEX Control Systems: OMNEX is a Canadian wireless control systems manufacturer focused on industrial remote controls for cranes, forestry, mining, and mobile equipment. It is a directly comparable North American competitor in the same OEM and aftermarket channels as Kar-Tech.
• Remote Control Technology (RCT): RCT is an Australian-headquartered manufacturer of remote control and automation solutions for mining, industrial, and mobile equipment. It directly parallels Kar-Tech's wireless hydraulic control capability, with comparable proportional control, E-Stop, and OEM integration products, and adds geographic peer presence in Kar-Tech's Australian distribution channel.
• Conductix-Wampfler: Conductix-Wampfler offers industrial radio remote controls alongside its core festoon, conductor bar, and crane electrification product lines. It serves the same crane, port, and material handling OEMs as Kar-Tech, providing a comparable wireless control portfolio as part of a broader electrification offering.
• Tele Radio: Tele Radio is a Swedish manufacturer of industrial radio remote control systems for mobile and stationary hydraulic applications, including cranes, hoists, and construction equipment. Its product range and target end markets closely mirror Kar-Tech's NANO through GIGA portfolio.
• Scanreco: Scanreco manufactures professional radio remote control systems for cranes, mobile hydraulic machines, and material handling equipment. It is a direct global peer with comparable proportional-control offerings serving similar OEM and aftermarket customers as Kar-Tech.
• HBC-radiomatic: HBC-radiomatic is a German-based global leader in radio remote controls for cranes, hoists, and mobile machinery. It directly competes with Kar-Tech's GIGA, GUIDER, and crane remote product lines and is present across both OEM and retrofit channels globally.
• Cattron Group: Cattron is one of the closest direct competitors to Kar-Tech, manufacturing radio remote control systems for cranes, industrial equipment, mobile hydraulics, and material handling. Both companies compete head-to-head for OEM and aftermarket wireless control sockets in the same North American crane/construction end markets.

Broad incumbents

• Schneider Electric / Lexium: Schneider Electric's industrial automation portfolio, including Lexium motion controllers and broader EcoStruxure offerings, addresses wireless and remote control of industrial machinery at a much larger scale. It represents a broad incumbent that can bundle wireless control into full automation suites competing against Kar-Tech at large OEM accounts.
• Magnetek (Columbus McKinnon): Magnetek, now part of Columbus McKinnon, is a long-established US manufacturer of radio remote controls for overhead cranes, hoists, and material handling. It competes with Kar-Tech in the crane and hoist wireless control category as a broader incumbent with deeper channel penetration into industrial end users.
• Danfoss Power Solutions: Danfoss is a major global manufacturer of hydraulic components, including PLUS+1 radio remote controls and electronic control modules for mobile off-highway equipment. As a broader hydraulics incumbent, it competes with Kar-Tech for OEM control-system sockets with a much larger installed base and global channel.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kar-Tech