What Balzer, Inc. does

Balzer, Inc. is a privately held specialty manufacturer of agricultural equipment headquartered in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. Founded by Abe Balzer in the late 1940s and currently owned by a management group that acquired the business in 1995, the company designs and builds three core product lines: large-capacity grain carts (the Field Floater 7 series in 1,550 to 2,850 bushel configurations), manure handling equipment (ELIMINATOR Boom Tanks, Top-Fill Slurry Tanks, Vacuum Tanks, Combination Vacuum/Slurry Tanks, Frac Tanks, hose reels, semi tankers, and agitation/loading systems), and shredders for corn, cotton, rice, vegetable, orchard, and vineyard residue management. Differentiated engineering features include patented Auto-Trail steerable axle systems, hydraulic clutch engagement mechanisms for horizontal feeder augers, bi-directional unload auger spouts, and a lifetime knife warranty on cotton/rice/vegetable shredders.

The business operates an exclusive channel-partner go-to-market model, selling entirely through a network of more than 100 authorized dealers across the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Japan, Europe, and South Africa, supported by factory-trained sales and service representatives. Revenue is generated almost entirely through one-time capital equipment purchases ranging from approximately $26,000 to $231,000 per unit, supplemented by parts, service, and optional extended warranty programs (such as a five-year gearbox warranty on shredders). The company maintains multiple manufacturing facilities and a 9,600-square-foot climate-controlled parts storage warehouse enabling same-day parts shipping, and complements the dealer channel with an online product configurator that drives leads to dealers.

Balzer serves commercial grain farmers, livestock operations (dairy, hog, beef), row crop producers, and orchard/vineyard operations. The customer base is highly distributed across a long tail of independent agricultural producers with multi-decade loyalty patterns, supported by a national parts and service infrastructure and an extensive multi-language resource center. The company remains privately held with no disclosed institutional investors, parent company, or public market presence.

Name

Balzer, Inc.

Legal name

Balzer Inc.

Website

https://balzerinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1940

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Balzer, Inc. is a privately held, family-rooted specialty manufacturer of large-capacity grain carts, manure handling systems, and agricultural shredders, selling exclusively through a 100-plus authorized dealer network across North America, Australia, and other international markets from its Mountain Lake, Minnesota headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing

NAICS

Agricultural Implement Manufacturing (33311), Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (333111)

SIC

Farm Machinery & Equipment (3523)

akta.pro primary industry

Bulk Handling & Conveying for Processing Lines (Augers, Elevators, Conveyors) (AFAAAJAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Crop Protection & Application Equipment (Sprayers/Spreaders) (IMAHACAC)

Keywords

• Agricultural equipment manufacturing
• Grain cart production
• Manure handling systems
• Crop residue shredders
• Farm equipment dealer

Headquarters

HQ city

Mountain Lake

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Agricultural Equipment Sales: One-time purchase model for capital agricultural equipment including grain carts, manure handling systems, and shredders. Equipment ranges from $26,000 to over $231,000 per unit. Sales occur through dealer network with factory support.
2. Parts and Service: 9,600 square feet of climate controlled storage for repair parts. Balzer stocks parts and offers same-day shipping capabilities. Extended hours during crunch time for parts and service support.
3. Extended Warranties: Extended five-year gearbox warranty available as optional feature ($1,028) in lieu of standard two-year warranty on Cotton/Rice/Vegetable Shredders

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Balzer, Inc. designs and manufactures specialized agricultural capital equipment for commercial-scale farming operations, focused on three product lines: high-capacity grain carts (Field Floater 7 series, 1,550–2,850 bushels), crop residue shredders (corn, cotton/rice/vegetable, and orchard/vineyard), and comprehensive manure handling systems (vacuum tanks, slurry tanks, ELIMINATOR boom tanks, frac tanks, hose reels, semi tankers, and agitation/loading equipment). Products are engineered for large commercial grain farms and livestock operations, sold exclusively through an authorized dealer network of more than 100 locations across the US, Canada, Australia, and other international markets, with factory-trained sales and service support.

Product overview

Balzer, Inc. is a manufacturer of agricultural equipment founded in Mountain Lake, Minnesota in the late 1940s. The company offers three main product lines: Grain Carts (Field Floater 7 series in 1550-2850 bushel capacities with hydraulic and electronic systems), Shredders (Corn, Cotton/Rice/Vegetable, and Orchard/Vineyard models in various sizes with PTO-driven configurations), and Manure Handling equipment (including agitation/loading systems, various tank types - ELIMINATOR Boom, Top-Fill Slurry, Vacuum, Frac, and Combination tanks - hose reels, semi tankers, load stands, and toolbar/linkage components). Products are sold through a nationwide dealer network with factory-trained sales and service representatives. The company also provides parts, service, and warranty support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Field Floater 7 Grain Cart Large capacity grain cart available in sizes 1550, 1725, 2150, 2550, and 2850 bushels for large-scale commercial grain harvesting operations. Features patented hydraulic clutch engagement for horizontal feeder auger, bi-directional unload auger spout, joystick control, electronic scale system with integrated weigh bars, and Auto-Trail steerable axle system to keep combines running continuously during harvest.
• Corn Shredder Heavy-duty residue shredder designed for corn and grass with aerodynamic hood for increased chopping efficiency, available in End Drive, Center Drive, Windrow, and BT Corn End Drive configurations in 12-25 ft widths. Features include 200 HP gearbox with hardened splined end shafts, constant velocity PTO, adjustable spring-loaded belt idler, external grease bank, and re-cutter bar with vacuum action for row crop producers managing tough post-harvest residue.
• Cotton / Rice / Vegetable Shredder Heavy-duty shredder engineered for cotton, rice, and vegetable stalks and residue. Features oversized, over-engineered components with lifetime knife warranty (excluding hardened knives). Available in pull type, semi-mount and full-mount configurations in sizes ranging from 12 to 30 feet for row crop producers managing tough crop residues.
• Orchard & Vineyard Shredders Pull-type shredder designed for orchard and vineyard floor maintenance and inter-row vegetation management. Available in Single End Drive or Dual End Drive configurations in sizes from 5 feet through 9 feet, with 9.5L×15 implement tires engineered for optimal performance in tight inter-row spaces.
• Agitation & Loading Systems Complete line of agitation and loading equipment for manure handling including V-6 and V-8 pumps, lagoon pumps, lagoon props, and Veneroni pumps. Products include vertical PTO pumps (6-12 ft lengths), horizontal PTO pumps, and electric pumps in various sizes for large livestock operations requiring comprehensive manure agitation and loading infrastructure.
• ELIMINATOR Boom Tank Vacuum tank in 6,800 to 8,500 gallon capacities with 8-inch loading boom featuring tractor-seat control. Includes soft touch control pad with integrated joystick, 26-inch hydraulic top hatch, side-mounted vacuum pump with front-mounted slurry pump, and internal secondary. Designed for in-field transfer from semi-trailers without leaving the tractor seat for large livestock manure operations.
• Top-Fill Slurry Tanks Slurry tanks available in sizes from 4,300 to 9,500 gallons. Features include fully independent running gear, hydraulic suspension, 5 or 6 inch ultra solid spindle and hub (up to 25,000 lbs), slurry pump with four blade 15 inch impeller, and Auto-Trail steerable axle system for large-scale manure handling operations.
• Vacuum Tanks Vacuum tanks available in 4,300 to 9,500 gallon capacities. Constructed of 1/4 inch mild steel with all seams submerged-arc welded. Features include MEC 8000 vacuum pump, multiple load port options, and hydraulic down pressure block for high-volume manure pumping operations on livestock operations.
• Frac Tank 22,500 gallon portable storage tank for liquid manure nutrients. Features 7 gauge steel construction, front and rear hydraulic lift jacks, high volume transfer pump, and five sight glasses for portable manure storage between application windows on large livestock operations.
• Hose Reels Durable hose reels for manure handling applications. Available in multiple configurations including hose handler, 6x6 single axle, 8x6 single axle, 8x8 super single axle, and tandem configurations with various drum sizes for custom manure application contractors and large operations.
• Semi Tanker DOT-approved semi tanker for direct injection manure hauling. Works in conjunction with ELIMINATOR boom tank, vacuum or slurry tanks, and frac tanks. Available in 6,500 and 7,500 gallon capacities with tandem axle configuration for road-legal manure transport between farm sites.
• Combination Vacuum/Slurry Tanks Dual-function tanks combining vacuum and slurry capabilities in 4,300 to 9,500 gallon capacities. Features side-mounted vacuum pump and front slurry discharge with hydraulic drives for operations needing both vacuum and slurry functionality without purchasing two separate pieces of equipment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces combine downtime by enabling continuous harvest operations with high-capacity carts
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, regional and minor.

• Titan Machinery Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor multi-location dealer of agricultural equipment with locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and beyond. Stocks and sells full line of Balzer products including grain carts, manure handling equipment, and shredders.
• Butler Machinery CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMulti-state agricultural equipment dealer with locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Sells and services Balzer grain carts, manure handling, and shredder products with factory-trained staff.
• Rocky Mountain EquipmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAlberta and Saskatchewan-based dealer network with multiple locations selling Balzer equipment across western Canada. Locations in Calgary, High River, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Oyen, Camrose, Westlock, Yorkton, Moosomin, Brandon, Grimshaw, and Balzac.
• LandMark ImplementcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional dealer with multiple locations across Nebraska and Kansas serving agricultural customers with Balzer products. Multiple locations including Holdrege, Arapahoe, Elwood, Gothenburg, Kearney, Lexington, Minden, Phillipsburg, Smith Center, Red Cloud, and Hastings.
• CLAAS Harvest Centre (Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCLAAS dealership network serving as authorized Balzer dealers across Australia including locations in Dalby (Queensland), Moree, Narrabri, Wagga Wagga, Lake Bolac, Echuca, Gippsland, Katanning, Esperance, Tasmania, South Gippsland, and Warrnambool (Victoria), and Geraldton (Western Australia).
• St. Joseph EquipmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional dealer with locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota offering Balzer grain carts, manure handling, and shredder products with parts and service support.
• Kibble EquipmentregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMinnesota-based dealer with locations in Montevideo and Redwood Falls offering Balzer products with sales and parts support.
• JD Equipment, Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOhio-based dealer with multiple locations in Lancaster, Wilmington, London, Marion, Washington Court House, and Zanesville selling Balzer products.
• Penner Farm ServicesregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManitoba-based dealer in Blumenort serving Canadian customers with Balzer manure handling equipment and related products.
• Lasseter Equipment GroupregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGeorgia-based dealer with locations in Ocilla, Unadilla, and Douglas serving southeastern US agricultural customers with Balzer shredder products and parts.
• MN AG Shortline (mnshortline.com)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline parts ordering platform linked from Balzer website for parts purchases, providing e-commerce parts distribution channel for Balzer products.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• AGCO: Global ag equipment conglomerate (Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Hesston) with grain handling and application equipment lines. Competes broadly with Balzer across multiple product categories and dealer territories.
• John Deere: Global full-line agricultural OEM offering grain handling, application equipment, and shredders as part of a broader portfolio. Competes with Balzer at the high end of grain carts and through dealer overlap, though its core franchise is tractors and combines.
• Vermeer Corporation: Iowa-based independent manufacturer with adjacent agricultural equipment offerings including hay/forage, manure handling, and industrial products. Comparable Midwestern independent manufacturer profile with multi-product portfolio.

Direct peers

• J&M Manufacturing: Wisconsin-based maker of grain carts, wagons, and manure handling tanks. Highly comparable product overlap with Balzer in the core grain cart and tank categories, sharing the same US dealer route to market.
• Kinze Manufacturing: Iowa-based manufacturer of planters, grain carts, and tillage equipment. Overlaps with Balzer on grain carts (a Kinze flagship category) and shares the independent US ag equipment manufacturer profile.
• Husky Farm Equipment: Ontario-based manure handling equipment specialist (tanks, pumps, toolbars, hose reels). Directly comparable to Balzer's manure handling product line and also serves the North American dealer channel.
• Unverferth Manufacturing: Ohio-based independent manufacturer of grain carts, manure handling equipment, and tillage tools sold through ag dealers across the US and Canada. Balzer's most direct like-for-like competitor in grain carts and manure tanks.
• Meyer Manufacturing: Wisconsin-based maker of manure spreaders and handling equipment. Comparable to Balzer on the manure/livestock side, sharing the same Midwestern manufacturing base and ag dealer customers.
• Demco (Dethmers Manufacturing): Iowa-based manufacturer of grain carts, tender trailers, and agricultural products. Comparable grain cart overlap and dealer-led distribution model to Balzer.
• Bazooka Farmstar: Iowa-based manufacturer of manure handling equipment including pumps, agitators, and tanks. Direct overlap with Balzer's agitation/loading systems and slurry/vacuum tank lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Balzer, Inc.