Cleanfix
Cleanfix (Hägele GmbH), founded 1958 in Schorndorf, Germany, manufactures patented reversible self-cleaning engine-cooling fans for heavy-duty off-highway machinery, selling through OEM partnerships (John Deere, AGCO, CNH, Komatsu, Volvo, others) and a 25+ country retrofit distribution network across agriculture, construction, forestry, waste, and rail.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1958
- HeadquartersSchorndorf, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Cleanfix does
Cleanfix (operating company: Hägele GmbH) is a Schorndorf, Germany-based industrial manufacturer of patented reversible self-cleaning engine-cooling fans for heavy-duty off-highway machinery. Founded in 1958 by Ludwig Hägele as an agricultural-machinery company and re-positioned around the Cleanfix brand with the launch of the first reversible fan in 1998, the company sells a core electromechanical platform in which fan blades rotate crosswise at the push of a button to blow dirt from radiators and screens while maintaining 100% airflow in both directions — a performance claim that contrasts with conventional reversible fans, which lose up to 70% airflow during reversal. The portfolio spans pneumatic, hydraulic (with the patented Smart Seal system), and electronically controlled variants (Pulstronic), supplemented by the Valve Unit 4.0, Control Unit 4.0, E-BOX 4.0 control units, Flex-Tips, thermoelements, custom blade sizes, and the Bluetooth-connected Cleanfix Control smartphone app. Cleanfix has developed more than 5,000 machine-specific retrofit kits and was producing its 100,000th fan by 2019.
The business operates through three channels: OEM embedded integration (tier-1 machine manufacturers including AGCO/Fendt/Valtra, CNH/New Holland/Case IH, John Deere, JCB, Komatsu, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Claas, Krone, Manitou, Bomag, Merlo, and Oxbo install Cleanfix as standard or optional equipment), a global retrofit distribution network covering more than 25 countries via regional partners and wholly-owned subsidiaries in Canada (Cleanfix North America Inc., Stratford, Ontario, established 2010) and Turkey (Cleanfix Makina, Ankara, established 2010), and direct engineering/application-engineering services for OEMs. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales (OEM and retrofit kits) with a recurring spare-parts stream (fan blades, compressor filters replaced every ~500 hours, control units) plus professional engineering services. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with published ROI examples indicating payback within 12–18 months and annual savings of EUR 1,100–EUR 4,500 per machine depending on utilization.
The company is privately held by the founding Hägele family, with second-generation leaders Benjamin Hägele (CEO) and Steffen Erhardt (CTO) and 51–100 employees across production sites in Schorndorf, Haubersbronn, Winterbach, and Miedelsbach (Germany), Stratford (Canada), and Ankara (Turkey). It holds ISO 9001:2015 certification at its German and Canadian sites, is USMCA-compliant, and is investing in capacity expansion via a second factory under construction at Schorndorf since 2022 alongside an expanded testing department. End markets are agriculture (primary), construction, forestry, waste management and recycling, and rail transport.
Cleanfix firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cleanfix
- Legal name
- Hägele GmbH
- Website
- https://cleanfix.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1958
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Cleanfix (Hägele GmbH), founded 1958 in Schorndorf, Germany, manufactures patented reversible self-cleaning engine-cooling fans for heavy-duty off-highway machinery, selling through OEM partnerships (John Deere, AGCO, CNH, Komatsu, Volvo, others) and a 25+ country retrofit distribution network across agriculture, construction, forestry, waste, and rail.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cleanfix industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Engine Cooling Systems
- NAICS
- Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413)
- SIC
- Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fans, Blowers & Ventilation Units (Supply/Exhaust/Inline) (IMADANAB)
Keywords
Where Cleanfix is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Schorndorf
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Cleanfix business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Self-Cleaning Reversible Fan Sales (OEM & Retrofit): Primary revenue stream from the sale of Cleanfix reversible fans and components. Sold both as standard OEM equipment (installed by machine manufacturers) and as retrofit kits for existing machines. Revenue is one-time per unit sale with ongoing revenue from spare parts and replacement components (fan blades, filters, control units). Retrofit kits are customized for specific machine models with over 5,000 machine-specific kits developed.
- Spare Parts & Replacement Components: Ongoing revenue from replacement parts including fan blades, compressor filters (replaced every 500 hours or once per season), control units, and accessories. Fan blades are replaceable, and parts are available through dealers or regional sales service.
- Engineering & Application Engineering Services: Revenue from technical consultation and application engineering for OEM integration, including measurement, simulation, 3D printing through prototype development, and custom fan solution development for specific machine requirements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | OEM / Original Equipment |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Retrofit Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Spare Parts & Consumables |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Cleanfix product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cleanfix manufactures patented reversible self-cleaning fan systems for heavy-duty off-highway machinery. The fans automatically rotate blades crosswise at full speed at the push of a button to blow dirt from radiators and screens while maintaining 100% cooling capacity and without interrupting machine operation. The company sells its fans both as OEM equipment integrated into new machines by major manufacturers and as custom retrofit kits for over 5,000 existing machine models, supported by pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric control systems and a Bluetooth smartphone app.
Product overview
Cleanfix (Hägele GmbH) offers a unified portfolio of patented reversible self-cleaning fans for heavy-duty off-road machinery. The core product is the Cleanfix Reversible Fan, which can be paired with different control systems: Valve Unit 4.0 (for vehicles with hydraulic/pneumatic systems), Control Unit 4.0 (self-contained with integrated compressor), or E-BOX 4.0 (protected enclosure). Accessories include Flex-Tips for enhanced airflow, Thermocouples for automatic temperature-based blade adjustment, and Custom Blade Sizes for universal fit. The product line is managed via the CLEANFIX Control smartphone app. Retrofit kits enable installation on over 5,000 existing machine models. The company serves agriculture, construction, forestry, waste management, and rail transport sectors, with OEM partnerships with AGCO (FENDT, VALTRA), CNH (NEW HOLLAND, CASE IH), JOHN DEERE, JCB, KOMATSU, and others.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cleanfix Reversible Self-Cleaning Fan Patented reversible fan that automatically cleans radiators and cooling screens by rotating blades crosswise at full speed at the touch of a button, maintaining 100% cooling capacity while eliminating manual cleaning. Sold as OEM equipment and as retrofit kits for over 5,000 machine models.
- Pulstronic Electronic Control Electronically controlled fan system with advanced timing and control features, awarded the DLG Silver Medal at Agritechnica 2009. Used in Cleanfix reversible fan installations requiring precise electronic actuation.
- Hydraulic Reversible Fans with Smart Seal Hydraulic-driven reversible fans featuring patented Smart Seal technology for enhanced reliability, preventing fluid leakage in demanding off-highway environments.
- Valve Unit 4.0 Standalone valve and timer control unit for Cleanfix reversible fans in vehicles with existing hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
- Control Unit 4.0 Self-contained valve, timer, and compressor unit that does not require existing vehicle hydraulic or compressed air systems, enabling Cleanfix fan installation on any machine.
- E-BOX 4.0 Protected enclosure housing valve, timer, and compressor for Cleanfix fans, designed for resistance against dust, moisture, and shock in harsh operating environments.
- Retrofit Kits Custom installation kits for retrofitting existing machines including tractors, harvesters, excavators, wheel loaders, and bulldozers with Cleanfix reversible fans. Over 5,000 machine-specific kits developed.
- CLEANFIX Control App Bluetooth-enabled smartphone application for iOS and Android that connects to Cleanfix reversible fans, providing manual/automatic mode switching, cleaning cycle management, maintenance notifications, temperature alerts, cycle time adjustment, and spare parts identification.
Quantifiable outcome
- Fuel savings of up to 4 kW compared to dirty radiators
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use Cleanfix
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Cleanfix technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature8 records
Cleanfix partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
39 partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core and minor.
- Cleanfix LatinoaméricaregionalRegional sales partner covering Latin America, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Handles distribution and sales support for Cleanfix products in these markets.
- Burder AG AttachmentsregionalAustralian sales partner for Cleanfix products, handling distribution and support in the Australian market.
- Cleanfix Vertrieb e.U. (Austria)regionalAustrian sales partner handling distribution and sales of Cleanfix products in Austria.
- Techno Air Benelux BVregionalSales partner covering Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, handling Cleanfix product distribution and support in the Benelux region.
- Smart Solutions & Parts LTDregionalSales partner covering Bulgaria and Greece, distributing Cleanfix products in these Eastern European markets.
- Shanghai ATB Technology Co., LtdregionalChinese sales partner handling distribution and sales of Cleanfix products in China.
- EXTUMP Roy Sung (South Korea)regionalKorean sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the South Korean market.
- Brdr. Holst Sørensen A/S (Denmark)regionalDanish sales partner handling distribution of Cleanfix products in Denmark.
- AUTRA (Estonia)regionalEstonian sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Estonian market.
- Vihdin Kone (Finland)regionalFinnish sales partner handling distribution and sales of Cleanfix products in Finland.
- HB s.a.r.l. (France)regionalFrench sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the French market.
- Sapporo Overseas Consultant Co., Ltd. (Japan)regionalJapanese sales partner handling distribution and sales of Cleanfix products in Japan.
- Desert Engineering Ltd (Great Britain)regionalUK sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Great Britain market.
- M. Stern Gardening & Agriculture Ltd. (Israel)regionalIsraeli sales partner handling distribution of Cleanfix products in the Israeli market for gardening and agricultural applications.
- GF IMPORT SRL (Italy)regionalItalian sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Italian market.
- KRESLOPROF/Uraltrade LLCregionalSales partner covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, distributing Cleanfix products across Central Asian markets.
- AgriTotal Ltd. (New Zealand)regionalNew Zealand sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the New Zealand agricultural market.
- Proxy Trade sp. z o.o (Poland)regionalPolish sales partner handling distribution and sales of Cleanfix products in the Polish market.
- ARBO, spol. s r.o. (Czech Republic)regionalCzech Republic sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Czech market.
- SC Agroland Consult SRL (Romania)regionalRomanian sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Romanian agricultural market.
- MowersIbérica (Spain & Portugal)regionalSales partner covering Spain and Portugal, distributing Cleanfix products in the Iberian market.
- Bil & Maskin Skåne AB – Fendt Specialisten (Sweden)regionalSwedish sales partner with Fendt specialization, distributing Cleanfix products in the Swedish market.
- Schenker Motorgeräte GmbH (Switzerland)regionalSwiss sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Swiss market.
- Agro-Building Alliance ASTRA (Ukraine)regionalUkrainian sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Ukrainian agricultural and construction market.
- Deraland Kft. (Hungary)regionalHungarian sales partner distributing Cleanfix products in the Hungarian market.
- AGCO (FENDT, VALTRA)coreMajor OEM manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on FENDT and VALTRA tractors and agricultural machinery.
- CNH (NEW HOLLAND, CASE IH)coreMajor OEM manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on NEW HOLLAND and CASE IH agricultural and construction equipment.
- John DeerecoreGlobal OEM manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on John Deere agricultural and construction machinery.
- JCBcoreConstruction equipment manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on JCB machines.
- KOMATSUcoreHeavy equipment manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on KOMATSU construction and mining equipment.
- MERCEDES-BENZcoreCommercial vehicle manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans in applicable vehicle platforms.
- MERLOcoreMaterial handling equipment manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on MERLO machines.
- BOMAGcoreConstruction equipment manufacturer (road construction) integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on BOMAG machines.
- VOLVOcoreHeavy equipment manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on VOLVO construction and materials handling equipment.
- KRONEcoreAgricultural machinery manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on KRONE farm equipment.
- MANITOUcoreMaterial handling equipment manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on MANITOU machines.
- CLAAScoreAgricultural machinery manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on CLAAS combine harvesters and tractors.
- OXBOcoreSpecialized agricultural equipment manufacturer integrating Cleanfix reversible fans as standard or optional equipment on OXBO machines.
- University of KarlsruheminorAcademic partnership for the development of the company's internal wind tunnel testing facility in 2009. The collaboration supported development of the Pulstronic electronic control system.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Cleanfix competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Flexxaire: Canadian manufacturer of variable-pitch and reversing fans for heavy-duty off-highway equipment, including agriculture and construction. Closest direct competitor to Cleanfix with overlapping product technology and target OEMs.
- Ziehl-Abegg: German manufacturer of fans, blowers, and motors for industrial, agricultural, and ventilation applications. Comparable product technology and target customer overlap with Cleanfix in heavy machinery cooling.
- Howden: UK-based global manufacturer of industrial fans, blowers, and compressors for heavy industries including mining, power, and metals. Comparable as an industrial fan specialist serving heavy-duty applications, though more focused on process industries.
- AKG Group: German manufacturer of heat exchangers, radiators, and cooling modules for heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, and stationary equipment. Comparable as a cooling-component supplier integrated into OEM platforms across ag and construction.
- Multi-Wing: Danish manufacturer of axial fan impellers serving industrial ventilation, agriculture, and heavy equipment. Comparable product technology and end-market overlap with Cleanfix in heavy machinery cooling.
- Hidria: Slovenian manufacturer of industrial fans, motors, and automotive components. Comparable as a European industrial fan supplier with automotive and heavy-equipment OEM relationships.
Broad incumbents
- EBM-Papst: Global market leader in fans and blowers headquartered in Mulfingen, Germany. Comparable as an industrial fan manufacturer serving multiple sectors including heavy machinery, though broader in scope than Cleanfix's off-highway focus.
- Modine Manufacturing: US-based manufacturer of heat-transfer and cooling technology serving automotive, heavy-duty on- and off-highway, and industrial customers. Comparable as a thermal-management supplier to OEMs in heavy equipment, broader than Cleanfix's fan-only focus.
Emerging players
- Sodeca: Spanish manufacturer of industrial fans and ventilation equipment with growing presence in heavy-duty and process-industry applications. Comparable as a European industrial fan specialist, though smaller and less off-highway-focused than Cleanfix.
- Rosenberg Ventilatoren: German manufacturer of industrial fans, blowers, and motors for HVAC and process ventilation. Comparable as a German industrial fan specialist, though primarily focused on building/ventilation rather than off-highway machinery.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cleanfix social profiles
Digital presenceCleanfix compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Cleanfix financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cleanfix leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Cleanfix subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Cleanfix funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cleanfix M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cleanfix
What does Cleanfix do?
Cleanfix manufactures patented reversible self-cleaning fan systems for heavy-duty off-highway machinery. The fans automatically rotate blades crosswise at full speed at the push of a button to blow dirt from radiators and screens while maintaining 100% cooling capacity and without interrupting machine operation. The company sells its fans both as OEM equipment integrated into new machines by major manufacturers and as custom retrofit kits for over 5,000 existing machine models, supported by pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric control systems and a Bluetooth smartphone app.
Is Cleanfix a public or private company?
Cleanfix is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Cleanfix founded?
Cleanfix was founded in 1958. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Cleanfix based?
Cleanfix is headquartered in Schorndorf, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Cleanfix make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Self-Cleaning Reversible Fan Sales (OEM & Retrofit) is the primary driver. The others are spare Parts & Replacement Components and engineering & Application Engineering Services.
Who are Cleanfix's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Flexxaire, Ziehl-Abegg, Howden, AKG Group, Multi-Wing and Hidria. Broad incumbents are EBM-Papst and Modine Manufacturing. Emerging players are Sodeca and Rosenberg Ventilatoren.
Does Cleanfix have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cleanfix.
What industry is Cleanfix in?
Cleanfix's product category is Engine Cooling Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADANAB, Fans, Blowers & Ventilation Units (Supply/Exhaust/Inline). Its NAICS code is 333413 and its SIC code is 3564.