The history of Rapid Technic AG

Download pdf Anniversary Book "75 Jahre Rapid", 1926 - 2001, english

75_jahre_buch_rapid_gesamt.pdf (PDF; 5.7 MB)

1926

Dr. Karl Welter and Ing. Arnold Rutishauser founded “Rapid Motormäher AG” with the aim of manufacturing motor-driven mowing machinery. Rapid was the first company in the world to launch the series production of self-propelled motor mowers with front-driven mowing bars.

1946

The manufacture of a test series of 36 small “Swiss Volkswagen” cars. One of these cars is on display at Lucerne Transport Museum.

1947

Relocation of production from Zurich to the newly built factory in Dietikon.

1950

A major success was enjoyed by Rapid in 1950 with the development and construction of its single-axle tractor type “S” (1950 – 1978). The Rapid trademark was launched in 1949.

The Rapid Spezial was a machine which could not only be used for mowing but also for agricultural purposes as a transporter in combination with a trailer driven via the power take-off shaft. Combined with a wide variety of add-on equipment, the “Spezial” was one of the first multi-functional machines to make its mark on the mechanisation of Swiss agriculture.

1960

Production of an initial series of 1,000 lawnmowers. Rapid became a lawnmower producer, a clichée that is still widely held to this day.

1961

Move to a newly constructed administrative building and relocation of Rapid AG’s registered office from Zurich to Dietikon.

1964

Rapid developed the first automotive trailer, the Rapid Cargotrac 30, marking the start of the company’s development of double-axle transporters spanning a period of 30 years. 1982 saw the market launch of the biggest and most powerful transporter, the Rapid Alltrac 3000.

1967

The most successful motor mower from Rapid, the Rapid 505, is launched in the market with wide-cutting and zero cutting models.

1972

The Rapid Heureka, a tractor mower, was developed on the basis of a single-axle vehicle and proved to revolutionise the rationalisation of hay harvesting on terrain with gradients of up to 65%. The development of tractor mowers ended in 1992 with the launch of the Rapid MT 200.

1978

Rapid agreed on a joint venture with Iseki & Co. Ltd. Tokio, Japan which still exists to this day. Iseki is a successful manufacturer of compact tractors, which are in wide use in Japan as agricultural tractors in rice fields. In Switzerland, the tractor is used primarily for public works purposes.

1990

The first hydrostatically driven motor mower with a zero cutting unit, the Rapid 507, is launched.

1993

The Rapid EURO is launched.

1998

Start of production of the Rapid MONDO. The second generation of the Rapid EURO with an aluminium housing replaces the grey cast iron model.

2000

The production of the Rapid 505 is discontinued after 33 years, a period during which more than 30,000 units were produced and sold.

2001

75th anniversary celebrations of Rapid Maschine und Fahrzeuge AG

2002

One year after the 75th anniversary celebrations of Rapid Maschine und Fahrzeuge AG, the company was split into two autonomous parts, Rapid Schweiz AG and Rapid Technic AG.

Rapid Schweiz AG deals with the import and distribution of agricultural vehicles.

Rapid Technic AG is active in the following segments:

2003

Market launch of Rapid UNIVERSO.

Purchase of all rights for the Rapid SWISS from the designer, Karl Lüönd Sen..

2004

Introduction of the first series of Rapid SWISS products based on Lüönd’s plans.

A distribution agreement for Switzerland is concluded with Egholm, the Danish manufacturer of equipment carriers with articulated steering.

A joint venture is agreed with Sewitech AG for the distribution of Sewitech gradient mowers under the label Rapid TECNO.

2005

Launch of Rapid’s upgraded Rapid SWISS model with a rotary handle.

2006

Penetration of the American market via cooperation with the company ARIENS/USA (producer of Gravely equipment carriers).

The Rapid MONDO is overhauled and the second generation launched.

2007

Rapid is to become the main dealer for the Austrian brand Lindner (transporters and specialist tractors). This will significantly reinforce the trade division: in both the landscaping and agricultural sectors Rapid will now cover the majority of its customers‘ needs. The dealer network will also benefit from this expansion and differentiation.

2008

Move from Dietikon/ZH to Killwangen/AG.

2009

Market launch of Rapid REX, the world's lightest mountain mower for extreme steep slopes.


For historic information and videos contact

Edition Gerold Röthlin, Kosthausstrasse 10, 6010 Kriens
mail@diesel-post.ch; www.diesel-post.ch