Dautel
Dautel GmbH is a German family-owned manufacturer (founded 1933, ~200 employees) that designs and produces hydraulic tail lifts, three-way tipper bodies, and quick-change body systems for commercial vehicles, distributing through integrated sales programs with IVECO, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, and Volvo across Europe and 30+ export markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1933
- HeadquartersLeingarten, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Dautel does
Dautel GmbH is a German family-owned manufacturer of hydraulic loading equipment and body systems for commercial vehicles, headquartered in Leingarten near Heilbronn and in operation since 1933. The company designs and produces three core product lines at its Leingarten plant: hydraulic tail lifts (Ladebordwände) with capacities ranging from 300 kg to 3,000 kg in standard, foldable, and retractable configurations; three-way tipper bodies (Dreiseitenkipper) in lightweight aluminum, medium-duty steel/aluminum, and heavy-duty Hardox steel variants; and quick-change systems (Schnellwechselsysteme) that allow a single truck chassis to swap between tipper, concrete mixer, salt-spreader, and municipal equipment bodies using a patented automatic locking mechanism with cab-mounted locking-state monitoring. Approximately 200 employees work across design, welding (ISO 3834-2:2021 certified), sandblasting, painting, and assembly, with an additional 600+ trained service partners providing installation, maintenance, warranty, and spare-parts support across Europe.
Dautel monetizes through hardware sales of the three product lines, recurring spare-parts revenue (with a 6% online-catalog discount), paid service training (€270 single-day / €390 two-day seminars at the Leingarten plant), and warranty/maintenance contracts tied to authorized workshops. Approximately 90% of new vehicle sales flow through direct integration into the Einrechnungsgeschäft (ERG) sales programs of five major truck OEMs — IVECO, MAN, Mercedes-Benz (also a VanSolution Partner), Scania, and Volvo — with dedicated sales offices in Germany, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland and export partners covering 35+ countries.
The company has maintained family ownership across multiple generations, with Rutger Dautel and Klaus Schönberger serving as Managing Directors, and operates without external institutional investors. Its customer base spans logistics and distribution companies (primary), construction firms (primary), municipal and public services (primary), and beverage/food logistics (secondary), served predominantly across the DACH region with expanding exports to Western Europe, the Nordics, Central/Eastern Europe, China, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa.
Dautel firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dautel
- Legal name
- DAUTEL GmbH
- Website
- https://dautel.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1933
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Dautel GmbH is a German family-owned manufacturer (founded 1933, ~200 employees) that designs and produces hydraulic tail lifts, three-way tipper bodies, and quick-change body systems for commercial vehicles, distributing through integrated sales programs with IVECO, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, and Volvo across Europe and 30+ export markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dautel industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Vehicle Bodies and Equipment
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing (336211), Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing (33621), Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924)
- SIC
- Truck & Bus Bodies (3713), Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Truck Body & Upfit Manufacturing (Box/Dump/Service/Refuse) (IMACAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Material Handling & Industrial Lift Vehicle Manufacturing (Forklifts/Telehandlers/Reach Stackers) (IMACAFAD), Mining & Quarry Haulage Vehicle Manufacturing (Dump Trucks/Haulers) (IMACAFAC), Lifting Attachments & Material Handling Accessories (Fork Attachments, Slings, Rigging) (IMAHABAJ)
Keywords
Where Dautel is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Leingarten
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Dautel business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Tail Lifts (Ladebordwände): Core product line including standard lifters, foldable lifters, retractable lifters for vans, trucks, semi-trailers, and trailers. Range from 300kg to 3000kg capacity.
- Tipper Bodies (Kipper): Three-way dumpers, rear dumpers, interchangeable tippers, and thermo tippers in steel, aluminum, or steel/aluminum construction for light and heavy trucks.
- Quick-Change Systems (Schnellwechselsysteme): CHANGER and FAST CHANGER systems enabling multiple body types on single truck chassis. Bodies include dumpers, concrete mixers, salt-spreading units, and municipal equipment.
- Spare Parts Sales: Replacement parts sold through online catalog with 6% discount for online orders. Components include hydraulic cylinders, control units, platforms, and wear parts.
- Training Services: Service training courses (A-seminars and B-expert seminars) held at Leingarten plant. €270 for single-day training, €390 for two-day expert training, including meals and VAT.
- Maintenance and Repair Services: Maintenance, service, and repair work performed by over 600 Dautel-trained service outlets in Germany and Europe. Covers tail lifts, tippers, loading cranes, roll-off multibucket trucks, cable devices, and shaft-lift devices.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One-time | Single-day Service Training (A-Seminar) |
| Other | One-time | Two-day Expert Training (B-Seminar) |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Online Spare Parts Order Discount |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Warranty Period - Tail Lifts |
| Other | Annual | Warranty Period - Tippers/Change Systems |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Dautel product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dautel develops, manufactures, and sells hydraulic tail lifts (Ladebordwände), tipper bodies (Kipper), and quick-change systems (Schnellwechselsysteme) for commercial vehicles. The portfolio spans tail lifts with 300–3,000 kg capacity, three-way dumpers in steel, aluminum, or Hardox construction, and CHANGER/FAST CHANGER body-change systems that convert a single truck chassis into a multi-purpose vehicle. All production is carried out at the company's headquarters plant in Leingarten, Germany, supported by spare parts, training, and an authorized service network.
Product overview
Dautel is a German family-owned company that develops, manufactures, and sells hydraulic tail lifts (Ladebordwände), tipper bodies (Kipper), and quick-change systems (Schnellwechselsysteme) for commercial vehicles. The product portfolio centers on three core product lines: LIFTER tail lifts available in standard, Fleetlifter, and Slider configurations with lifting capacities ranging from 300 kg to 3000 kg; Dreiseitenkipper (three-way dumpers) available in lightweight aluminum (Series 2050), medium-duty (Series 2420), and heavy-duty Hardox steel (DK Series) configurations; and Schnellwechselsysteme (quick-change systems) that convert trucks into multi-purpose vehicles. All products are manufactured at the company's headquarters in Leingarten near Heilbronn, Germany, with a workforce of approximately 200 employees. The company sells worldwide with its own sales operations in Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ladebordwände (Tail Lifts) Hydraulic tail lifts (Ladebordwände) for commercial vehicles, including Lifter, Fleetlifter, and Slider series with capacities from 300 kg to 3,000 kg. Designed for logistics, distribution, beverage, and fire service vehicles to load and unload pallets and rolling containers without depending on ramps or forklifts.
- Kipper (Tipper Bodies) Tipper bodies (Kipper) for commercial vehicles, including three-way dumpers, rear dumpers, interchangeable tippers, and thermo tippers in steel, aluminum, or steel/aluminum construction. Available from lightweight aluminum (Series 2050) to medium-duty (Series 2420) to heavy-duty Hardox steel (DK Series 3 and 4-axle) configurations.
- Schnellwechselsystem (Quick-Change System) Quick-change systems (CHANGER and FAST CHANGER) that convert a single truck chassis into a multi-purpose vehicle by allowing body changes within minutes. Compatible bodies include dumpers, concrete mixers, salt-spreading units, crane trucks, and lifting work platforms, with a patented automatic locking mechanism including a TDC lock and in-cab monitoring unit.
- Maintenance, Repair, and Service Work Maintenance, service, and repair work performed by over 600 Dautel-trained service outlets across Germany, Europe, and worldwide. Covers tail lifts, tippers, loading cranes, roll-off multibucket trucks, cable devices, and shaft-lift devices, with a service central in Leingarten handling warranty, spare parts, and technical support.
- Spare Parts Sales Replacement parts sold through Dautel's electronic spare parts catalog for tail lifts and tippers, including hydraulic cylinders, control units, platforms, and wear parts. Online orders receive a 6% discount on net goods value.
- Service Training Seminars Service training courses (A-Seminars and B-Expert Seminars) held at the Leingarten plant covering tail lift systems such as DL-48, DL 500-950-48, DFL 750-1500-48/49, underride lift DS-48VA, electrical work, maintenance, troubleshooting, and UVV testing. Priced at €270 for one-day and €390 for two-day training, including meals and VAT.
Quantifiable outcome
- Energy consumption reduced by approximately 35% through LED lighting upgrade in production facilities
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Dautel
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Dautel technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Dautel partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Mercedes-BenzcoreDautel in Mercedes-Benz dealer sales program (MBKS) since March 2015. Also Mercedes-Benz VanSolution Partner for Sprinter-based tippers. DK series and 2050 lightweight tippers available through Mercedes-Benz network.
- VolvocoreDautel in Volvo dealer sales program Xpress to Dealer since March 2015. DK three-way tippers available through Volvo truck dealer network with simplified ordering process.
- MANcoreDautel accepted into MAN direct sales program (Einrechnungsgeschäft) since April 2014. DK series three-way tippers available through MAN truck dealer network.
- ScaniacoreDautel in Scania direct sales program (Einrechnungsgeschäft) since 2011. DK three-way tippers available for Scania chassis through official Scania dealers.
- AEBI SchmidtcoreStrategic partnership for FAST CHANGER quick-change system. Combined solution allows municipalities and transport companies to use single truck chassis for both tipper and winter maintenance operations. Enables time and resource savings through shared equipment utilization.
- IVECOcoreDautel integrated into IVECO direct sales program (Einrechnungsgeschäft). Three-way tipper series DK available for IVECO chassis. Complete vehicle ordering, financing, and delivery handled through IVECO dealer network.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Dautel competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Meiller: German family-owned manufacturer of tipper bodies, skip loaders, and hooklift systems for commercial vehicles. Most direct German-headquartered peer to Dautel in three-way tipper bodies with similar OEM supply relationships.
- Palfinger: Austrian-listed global leader in loader cranes, tail lifts, and container handling systems for commercial vehicles. Direct competitor to Dautel in tail lifts and tipper-related equipment, with overlapping OEM channel relationships across Europe.
- Marrel (Fayat Group): French manufacturer of tipper bodies, hooklift and skip-loader systems, now part of the Fayat Group. Direct peer in tipper and change-system bodies serving European municipal and construction fleets.
- Dhollandia: Belgian manufacturer of tail lifts and mobile lifting equipment for vans and trucks. Direct peer in tail lifts with comparable European OEM channel focus and product range from light to heavy-duty.
- Joab (Hiab): Swedish manufacturer of tipper bodies, hooklifts, and loader systems for trucks, part of the Hiab group. Direct peer in tipper and body swap systems serving Scandinavian and broader European fleets.
- HMF (Hydrema Manufacturing Future): Danish manufacturer of truck-mounted loader cranes and tail lifts. Direct peer in tail lifts and lifting equipment for commercial vehicles, serving similar European logistics and construction fleets.
- Hyva: Dutch manufacturer of hydraulic tipping systems, cylinders, and container handling equipment for trucks and trailers. Direct peer in tipper bodies and tipping hydraulics with global reach comparable to Dautel.
- Zepro (Hiab/Moffett): Sweden-based tail lift brand owned by Hiab (Cargotec), one of the largest tail lift manufacturers globally. Direct competitor in Dautel's core Ladebordwand product line with broader product range and global distribution.
Regional players
- Sor Iberica (Palift): Spanish manufacturer of tail lifts (Palift brand) and lifting equipment for commercial vehicles, with strong presence in Iberia and Latin America. Comparable product portfolio to Dautel but focused on southern European and Latin American markets.
Emerging players
- Mitteldeutsche Zerspanungstechnik (MZT): German engineering firm providing hydraulic and lifting solutions for commercial vehicles, including tail lift components. Smaller, more focused peer in the same regional ecosystem as Dautel with overlapping product technology.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Dautel social profiles
Digital presenceDautel compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Dautel financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dautel leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Dautel funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dautel 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 Dautel
What does Dautel do?
Dautel develops, manufactures, and sells hydraulic tail lifts (Ladebordwände), tipper bodies (Kipper), and quick-change systems (Schnellwechselsysteme) for commercial vehicles. The portfolio spans tail lifts with 300–3,000 kg capacity, three-way dumpers in steel, aluminum, or Hardox construction, and CHANGER/FAST CHANGER body-change systems that convert a single truck chassis into a multi-purpose vehicle. All production is carried out at the company's headquarters plant in Leingarten, Germany, supported by spare parts, training, and an authorized service network.
Is Dautel a public or private company?
Dautel is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Dautel founded?
Dautel was founded in 1933. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Dautel based?
Dautel is headquartered in Leingarten, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Dautel make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Tail Lifts (Ladebordwände) is the primary driver. The others are tipper Bodies (Kipper), quick-Change Systems (Schnellwechselsysteme), spare Parts Sales, training Services and maintenance and Repair Services.
Who are Dautel's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Meiller, Palfinger, Marrel (Fayat Group), Dhollandia, Joab (Hiab), HMF (Hydrema Manufacturing Future), Hyva and Zepro (Hiab/Moffett). Sor Iberica (Palift) is listed as a regional player. Mitteldeutsche Zerspanungstechnik (MZT) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Dautel have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dautel.
What industry is Dautel in?
Dautel's product category is Commercial Vehicle Bodies and Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACAGAC, Truck Body & Upfit Manufacturing (Box/Dump/Service/Refuse), with a secondary code of IMACAFAD, Material Handling & Industrial Lift Vehicle Manufacturing (Forklifts/Telehandlers/Reach Stackers). Its NAICS code is 336211 and its SIC code is 3713.