About Us
Who We Are
We work hard to support our customers by providing exceptional service, knowledge, and support. We offer the top brands in Construction, Landscape, and Tree Care Equipment, including: AVANT, BANDIT, CASE, FINN, GRAVELY, NEW HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION, NEW HOLLAND AG, STIHL, SMITHCO, TORO, VENTRAC, WACKER NEUSON, AND MANY MORE.
At Burris Equipment, we’re more than just a supplier—we’re a trusted partner to the industries that keep our communities moving. With locations in Joliet, Waukegan, and Lakemoor, Illinois, we proudly serve a wide range of industries across Northern and Central Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwestern Indiana. From construction and landscaping to tree care and sports turf management, our mission is to provide the equipment, expertise, and support that professionals need to succeed.
Mission Statement
As part of Alta Equipment Company, Burris Equipment is dedicated to being the leading provider of high-quality construction, rental, landscape, tree care, and sports turf equipment in Northern and Central Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Northwestern Indiana. We are committed to delivering specialized products, expert knowledge, and tailored solutions - with a continued focus on construction, tree, and landscape equipment. Our goal is to provide outstanding customer service and reliable support, helping our clients succeed in every project.
Our History
Founded in the 1930s and originally known as Burris Implement Company, Burris Equipment Company was established in 1959 by Linden and May Burris. Initially focused on farm and agricultural machinery, the company shifted its focus to construction equipment in 1965, leading to a name change to Burris Equipment Company. In 1968, David C. Zenner, Sr. took ownership and became President, guiding the company through a period of substantial growth. Upon his retirement in 1995, ownership transitioned to his children: David C. Zenner, Jr. and his wife Debra L. Zenner, along with Deborah C. Heinrichs and her husband Barry A. Heinrichs. In October 2023, Burris Equipment was acquired by Alta Equipment Group. As the previous owners retire, the company added Bryan Heinrichs and Mike Zenner into key leadership positions. Burris Equipment will continue to operate under its name as a DBA of Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC. With the backing of Alta Equipment Group and the support of the dedicated staff, Burris Equipment is poised to advance into the future.
Our History - 1931
Burris Implement was opened on the original site of the Waukegan Regional Airport as a prominent agricultural farm equipment dealer.
Our History - 1959
Changed name to Burris Equipment Co. Burris changed direction to Construction Equipment and Lawn & Garden.
Our History - 1965
Became a J.I. Case Dealership.
Our History - 1968
Dave Zenner Sr. purchases Burris Equipment Co. from his uncle, Linden Burris. Begins rental of new equipment.
Our History - 1984
Presented the J.I. Case Company dealer excellence award.
Our History - 1986
Completion of remodeling for the 2,800 Sq. Ft. sales & parts departments. Construction of a 4,700 Sq. Ft. service department.
Our History - 1994
Opens new facility in Lakemoor.
Our History - 1995
Burris Ownership is transferred to David Zenner Jr, Deb Zenner, Barry Heinrichs, & Deb Heinrichs
Our History - 2004
Opens new facility in Frankfort. Expanded into Golf & Turf Equipment.
Our History - 2007
Opens new administration building in Waukegan.
Our History - 2009
Celebrating 50 years as Burris Equipment Company.
Our History - 2013
Opens new facility in Joliet.
Our History - 2019
Celebrating 60 years as Burris Equipment.
Our History - 2023
Acquired by Alta Equipment Group
“The acquisition of Burris will not only yield immediately accretive returns to shareholders but will also notably enhance our business in Illinois,” said Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer of Alta. “In addition to adding important infrastructure and industry talent to the Chicago area in our Construction Equipment segment, we also eagerly embrace new OEM relationships stemming from the Burris acquisition, while simultaneously expanding with existing OEM partners to best serve Burris customers. This acquisition will fortify our product support presence and rental capabilities in the market, opening doors for the growth of our high-margin parts and service business. We extend a warm welcome to the Burris team as they become part of the Alta family.”
Our History - October 2023
Burris Equipment adds a new management structure that includes 4th generation family members Bryan Heinrichs, son of Barry and Deb Heinrichs, and Mike Zenner, son of Dave and Deb Zenner.
Other additions to management include Justin Heinrichs – Product Support Manager, Chris May – Sales Manager, Matt Buchman – Inventory & Light Equipment Manager, and Roy Osterlund – Controller.
Our History - 2024
Celebrating 65 Years as Burris Equipment.
Our History - April 2024
Burris Equipment is featured in Pro Contractor Rentals Magazine.
A Legacy of Service and Innovation
Founded in the 1930s as Burris Implement Company, our roots began in agricultural machinery. In 1959, we officially became Burris Equipment Company, and by 1965, we had shifted our focus to construction equipment to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Over the decades, we’ve grown alongside the industries we serve, adapting to new technologies and expanding our offerings to include new and used equipment, rentals, parts, and service.
Today, as a proud part of the Alta Equipment Group, Burris Equipment continues to operate under its trusted name, backed by the strength and resources of a leading national provider. Our commitment to personalized service, local expertise, and industry-specific solutions remains stronger than ever.
Serving Diverse Industries with Tailored Solutions
What sets Burris Equipment apart is our deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by different industries. Whether you're managing a large-scale construction project, maintaining municipal grounds, or running a landscaping business, we offer equipment and support tailored to your specific needs.
We proudly support the following industries:
- Construction: From earthmoving to site prep, we provide rugged, reliable equipment from top brands like CASE, New Holland Construction, Avant & Toro.
- Landscaping: Our landscape solutions include mowers, loaders, and specialty tools from trusted names like Toro, Avant, Stihl, Gravely, and Ventrac.
- Tree Care: Arborists and tree care professionals rely on our Bandit chippers, Avant Loaders and Stihl tools to get the job done safely and efficiently.
- Sports Turf & Grounds Maintenance: We help schools, parks, and sports facilities maintain pristine grounds with equipment from Smithco, Toro, and Kress.
- Municipal & Government: We work closely with public works departments to provide dependable equipment and responsive service.
No matter your industry, our team of equipment specialists is here to help you find the right tools for the job, whether you're buying, renting, or servicing your fleet.
Why Choose Burris Equipment?
- Expertise You Can Trust: With over 60 years of experience, we understand the demands of your industry and offer solutions that work.
- Top-Tier Brands: We carry equipment from the most respected manufacturers in the business.
- Comprehensive Support: From preventive maintenance to emergency repairs, our service team is committed to keeping your equipment running smoothly.
- Local Presence, National Strength: As part of Alta Equipment Group, we combine local knowledge with national resources to deliver unmatched value.
Visit Us Today
With convenient locations in Joliet, Waukegan, and Lakemoor, Burris Equipment is ready to support your business wherever you are. Whether you're in construction, landscaping, or any of the many industries we serve, we invite you to experience the Burris difference.
