Across the Tasman, the Neilo range has become a common site on roadworks right across New Zealand, with its products also reaching into Australia.
Neilo, the small but widely respected specialist manufacturer of compact graders and tractor-mounted road brooms, was built around a simple idea: using reliable Kubota tractors as a base and adding rugged, well-engineered implements that suit the realities of road-making and civil construction.
Born in the mid-2000s and rooted in Palmerston North, New Zealand, the business has grown from a one-man engineering sideline into a brand used across New Zealand and Australia by contractors, councils and asphalt crews.
Neilo traces back to 2005 and the workshop of Neil O’Fee (the company name is a play on “Neil O’Fee” — “Neilo”).
The first machines were engineered as practical ways to extend the utility of small landscaping tractors that were already on hand, with early Neilo units created to solve day-to-day grading and sweeping tasks more cheaply and flexibly than full-size graders or purpose-built sweepers.
From those grassroots beginnings, the product line expanded to include several purpose-designed grader frames, broom attachments and stabiliser units.
The business went through an ownership transition in 2019 when Neil sold it to the Hart family of Palmerston North in New Zealand’s North Island — a move that accelerated the brand’s transformation and formalised its product catalogue and dealer network.
As Neilo General Manager Larry Hart explains, the company is so well regarded now that civil engineers, rental companies and contractors alike trust no one else to support their investment in site cleanliness and finishing.
He said rather than building complete tractors from scratch, Neilo’s approach is to take well-proven Kubota platforms and add Neilo-designed grader frames, broom decks, stabiliser units and optional cabs/ROPS.
“This ‘tractor + Neilo implement’ philosophy keeps the mechanical base simple and leverages Kubota’s reliability, while allowing Neilo to focus engineering effort where it adds most value: steering/grade control geometry, robust mounting, PTO/hydraulic integration, and road-worthy broom and blade designs,” he said.
“The company also supports parts, service information and dealer networks so that machines can be used in heavy daily civil work.
“We have built hundreds of units since 2019.
“The low cost and high performance of all our machinery makes them invaluable on jobsites across NZ as well as Australia, with operators appreciating the reliability of the Neilo/Kubota combinations.”
The Kubota tractors are adapted and finished into Neilo graders and brooms at Neilo’s manufacturing and engineering heart in Palmerston North, where the business operates with a compact, hands-on team.
Larry said that Neilo’s primary markets are New Zealand and Australia.
“We have a dealer and agent network covering NZ, while maintaining stock/warehouse facilities to support Australian customers,” he said.
“Independent NZ dealers and machinery agents have marketed and sold Neilo units across both countries.
“Given the machine sizes and the compatibility with Kubota tractors, Neilo’s equipment is particularly attractive to crews operating in constrained or rural sites where a compact solution is preferred.”
Neilo machines are aimed at contractors who need accurate grading and efficient sweeping without the footprint or cost of full-size specialised machines.
Typical use cases include:
- Pre-seal road preparation and sweeping (clearing loose aggregate from seals)
- Roadside maintenance for local councils
- Small-to-medium civil earthworks where a compact grader can access tighter sites
- Hire fleets requiring robust, easy-service machines
“For projects where access, simplicity and low operating cost matter more than scale, Neilo’s machines offer an efficient and well-supported choice,” Larry said.
The product range includes:
- Tractor graders — models built on smaller Kubota tractors such as the B3150, M7040 and M5111 platforms. Variants include ROPS (roll-over protective structures) and cabin models with stabiliser units for higher-precision grading.
- Road brooms and sweepers — compact tractor brooms sized around 1.75m (B3150 series) up to larger 2.1m decks (L5740), designed for sweeping chip seal, loose aggregate and general roadside tidying. Neilo also sells truck-mounted broom kits for mounting on light trucks.
- Stabiliser units and accessories — stabiliser/levelling hardware to improve grading precision, plus optional front loaders/FEL compatibilities on some ROP models.
Spotlight on the M5111
Neilo’s latest grader, the M5111, took the industry by storm when it was released late last year.
“This Cabin Tractor Grader is a game-changer in the world of grading equipment,” Larry said.
“We’ve once again raised the bar with this exceptional machine.
“With its powerful performance, advanced features, and unparalleled operator comfort, the Neilo M5111 Cabin Tractor Grader is poised to revolutionise grading operations across various industries.”
At the heart of the grader lies a robust engine capable of delivering an impressive 110.5 horsepower, ensuring exceptional performance and efficiency, and allowing operators to tackle even the most demanding grading tasks with ease.
“Whether you’re working on road construction, site preparation, or landscaping projects, the M5111 offers the necessary strength to get the job done efficiently and effectively,” Larry said.
“Additional weights on the rear wheels, and perfectly balanced engineering helps to provide the perfect amount of grip for every situation.”
One of the standout features of the model is its precise control over the grading blade.
“The advanced hydraulics and eCONTROL system empowers operators with the ability to achieve accurate and consistent results,” Larry said.
“This level of control minimises the need for rework and saves valuable time and resources.”
Neilo Equipment understands that operator comfort plays a crucial role in productivity and job satisfaction.
With this in mind, the Neilo M5111 Cabin Grader is equipped with a spacious and ergonomic cabin.
“The fully enclosed cabin provides operators with a comfortable and productive working environment,” Larry said.
“The large windows and strategically positioned mirrors offer excellent visibility, allowing operators to have a clear view of the grading area from all angles.
“The cabin also features air conditioning and heating systems, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of weather conditions.”
Safety is of paramount importance in any grading operation, and Neilo Equipment prioritises it in the grader.
“The integrated ROPS provides maximum protection to operators in the event of accidents or rollovers, offering peace of mind during demanding operations,” Larry said.
“The cabin’s robust construction and safety features contribute to a secure working environment, reducing potential risks and ensuring operator well-being.”
The M5111 is designed with user-friendly controls and ergonomics in mind. The intuitive layout of the controls reduces operator fatigue and enhances productivity during long hours of operation.
A fully adjustable eCONTROL lever system moves to the operator’s preferred position. The ergonomically designed seating further enhances operator comfort, allowing them to focus on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions.
The proof of any grader is in the performance, of course, and the M5111 has been designed to be easily integrated with advanced grade control systems.
“Be it GPS or laser, Neilo can supply a full system to meet your needs, or provide the poles and interfaces to suit your existing systems,” Larry said.
“Whether you need a simple laser level, a line following or a full 3D solution, Neilo has the expertise and experience to help you achieve ultimate precision.”
Built with sturdy construction and high-quality materials, this grader can withstand the rigours of demanding grading operations.
Neilo’s reputation for excellence ensures that the M5111 Cabin will serve as a reliable workhorse, delivering consistent performance year after year.
“The M5111 is on par with some of the best purpose-built graders from the big-brands, yet more compact and affordable,” Larry said.
“Neilo Equipment’s commitment to safety, durability, and innovation is evident in every aspect of this exceptional machine.
“If you’re in search of grading equipment that combines power, precision, and operator comfort, the Neilo M5111 Cabin Tractor Grader deserves serious consideration.”
