Inland Lake Harvesters was founded on Browns Lake in Burlington, Wisconsin, by Dennis P. Cole, a pioneer in aquatic vegetation management whose ingenuity helped shape the industry. What began in the mid 1970s as a single handcrafted weed-harvesting machine, built in a small workshop and tested right here on local waters, has grown into a trusted name in lake restoration and environmental stewardship.
Dennis designed his first 2,500-pound harvester to do one thing exceptionally well: restore balance to Wisconsin’s lakes. His machine cut, collected, and removed invasive weeds efficiently, helping residents, boaters, and communities enjoy cleaner, healthier waterways. Even in those early days, his work on Browns Lake drew attention for its innovation and respect for the environment—principles that remain at the heart of our company today.
In 2015, ownership transitioned from Dennis and Linda Cole to Mitch and Heidi Cole, continuing the company’s proud family legacy. Under their leadership, Inland Lake Harvesters has embraced modern technology and expanded its reach while staying true to its roots: hands-on craftsmanship, community pride, and environmental care.
In 2022, Mitch and Heidi expanded operations into a larger facility, allowing the company to better serve clients by increasing the manufacturing volume of aquatic plant management equipment. The move marked a new chapter of growth, combining decades of experience with the tools and space to support the demanding world wide market of aqutic plant management equipment.
Today, Inland Lake Harvesters continues to stand for the same values that built it: hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for the natural world. Our commitment to protecting and preserving inland lakes extends beyond the water. We see it as an investment in community, recreation, and environmental heritage. We manufacture the highest quality aquatic plant harvesting equipment for maintaining local lakes and supporting large-scale restoration efforts, our goal remains the same: to keep our waters clean, healthy, and thriving for generations to come.