Boost Your Productivity with a Hooklift: The Ultimate Solution for Versatile Operations

Ledwell now offers Stellar Hooklifts as an option

In today’s world, efficiency and versatility are vital to achieving optimal productivity. We at Ledwell constantly search for innovative solutions to boost your company’s capabilities. Enter the next Ledwell product offering, game-changing equipment designed to take your productivity to the next level — Stellar NXT Series Hooklift.

 Unparalleled Flexibility and Efficiency:

One of the best features of a Stellar Hooklift is its unique bolt-on body lock system, which provides universal adjustment for inside and outside locks. With just one truck and one operator, you can handle multiple capacities, body types, and sizes. Say goodbye to time-consuming setup changes and hello to increased efficiency.

 Advanced Hooklift Design for Enhanced Performance:

The NXT Series boasts various design innovations contributing to its exceptional performance. The telescopic jib, featuring a lightweight yet robust multi-plate design, allows for handling different body lengths. Whether dealing with smaller or larger containers, the telescopic jib provides a reliable and secure structure, ensuring smooth, streamlined operations.

Ledwell now offers Stellar Hooklifts as an option

 Industry-Leading Features for Precision Control:

Ledwell understands the importance of accuracy and ease of operation. We partnered with Stellar to bring their job-ready service trucks on board, also seizing the chance to present the NXT Series with various features to our customers. The universal latching system, with adjustable body locks, enables operators to match the lift bar height of a fleet of containers, ensuring seamless hook deployment and minimizing challenges.

Plus, the electronic controls with programmable logic and the wireless remote control deliver precision and convenience at your fingertips. Whether inside the truck’s cab or outside, you can easily control and deploy the hooklift, increasing efficiency and saving valuable time.

 Unmatched Versatility for Diverse Applications:

These hooklifts excel in various industries and applications, offering flexibility for countless tasks. From agriculture to utilities, construction to landscaping, and even city and government services, the NXT Series has proven to be a reliable workhorse. With over 100 different applications, including equipment transportation, waste collection, recycling, and more, Stellar Hooklifts can adapt to meet the unique demands of your business.

Reach out to us at Ledwell today to see how we can help.

Winter 2024

Nuts & Bolts Winter 2024 Ledwell Newsletter
Nuts & Bolts Newsletter Winter 2024

Cultivating Excellence: Unveiling the SEED Program

 

In 2023, Ledwell began a program to strengthen the company’s next generation of leaders. The Skill Enhancement & Employee Development Program, also known as the SEED Program, is an initiative providing insights and connections among participants.

Read more

Ledwell SEED Program - HR Development
Ledwell SEED Program - Trailer Shop
Ledwell SEED Program - Machine Shop Tour
Ledwell SEED Program 2023

Elevating Road Safety: Customize Crash Trucks

 

In today’s world, where road safety is a high priority, innovative solutions continually evolve to protect construction site workers and the drivers who share the road. Among these solutions, Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) have become essential for safeguarding lives during roadwork and maintenance activities.

 

Read more

Employee Spotlight: Mike Hensarling

 

After serving in the Navy and learning to be a machinist, Mike Hensarling made his way to Ledwell in 2006, where he began in the Machine Shop and now serves as Foreman.

 

Read more

Your Solution for On-The-Go Fleet Maintenance

 

When your equipment requires service after a long day in the field, the traditional approach often involves a time-consuming trip back to a service center, leading to downtime and increased expenses. However, Ledwell has a solution – the Ledwell Lube Buddy.

Read more

Ledwell’s Commitment to Inspiring Future Innovators

 

Every year, on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day is celebrated across the United States, reminding us of how important manufacturing is to our economy. It’s a day to acknowledge the manufacturing industry’s significance and inspire the next generation of makers, creators, and innovators.

Read more

The Power of Ramp It Up

 

Ledwell employees have come together to create a unique and inspiring shirt design, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. The design features a clever play on words based on a comment, “We need to ramp it up.”

Often heard in the Ramp Shop, this phrase has since become a motivating statement for Ledwell, encouraging
employees to strive for excellence and maintain the high standards the company is known for.

Ledwell went above and beyond in designing and building our heavy haul truck. This thing is a game-changer for our field operations and far exceeds the expectations we had.

Kenny DubeECCO Enterprises, Inc.

This type of service and hospitality is rarely seen, it’s obvious Ledwell values each customer and takes pride in their products.

Arnie Tognozzi

 

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Your Solution for On-The-Go Fleet Maintenance

Ledwell Lube Buddy in back of pick up truck

When your equipment requires service after a long day in the field, the traditional approach often involves a time-consuming trip back to a service center, leading to downtime and increased expenses. However, Ledwell has your fleet maintenance solution – the Ledwell Lube Buddy.

The Lube Buddy is your mobile lube service center, ready to transform how you handle fleet maintenance.

Designed with the versatility of light-duty pickup trucks in mind, it’s a compact yet powerful solution that can also double as a service center right on the job site. Say goodbye to the back-and-forth trips and get your vehicles back in action faster.

Ledwell Lube Buddy in back of pick up truck

The Ledwell Lube Buddy comes equipped with a range of features:

Fresh and Waste Multi-Tank Configurations:

The Lube Buddy keeps your fluids organized and separate for optimal performance.

Metering Nozzle with Quick Connects:

Accurate measurements and easy connections streamline maintenance tasks.

Spill & Overflow Pans:

Maintain a clean and safe workspace, reducing the risk of accidents.

Easy Installation:

Setting up your Lube Buddy is a breeze thanks to its simple installation process.

Ledwell Lube Buddy Filters
Ledwell Lube Buddy Hose reel
Ledwell Lube Buddy performing maintenance on job site

In a world where every moment counts, the Ledwell Lube Buddy is here to revolutionize how you handle fleet maintenance and lube services. No more wasted time and money on trips to centralized service centers. Instead, choose the Lube Buddy that fits your needs and experience the future of fleet maintenance today.

It’s time to work smarter, not harder, with the Ledwell Lube Buddy by your side.

The Power of Ramp It Up

The power to ramp it up at Ledwell

Ledwell employees have come together to create a unique and inspiring shirt design, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. The design features a clever play on words based on a comment, “We need to ramp it up.”

Often heard in the Ramp Shop, this phrase has since become a motivating statement for Ledwell, encouraging employees to strive for excellence and maintain the high standards the company is known for.

The power to ramp it up at Ledwell

Cultivating Excellence: Unveiling the SEED Program

Ledwell SEED Program - Trailer Shop

In 2023, Ledwell began a program to strengthen the company’s next generation of leaders. The Skill Enhancement & Employee Development Program, also known as the SEED Program, is an initiative providing insights and connections among participants.

The SEED Program centers on equipping employees with an understanding of Ledwell’s products and processes, ensuring the continuation of the legacy established in 1946 by Buddy Ledwell and his father.

Ledwell SEED Program - Trailer Shop

More than just a learning opportunity, the program fosters a bond among participants, creating an environment where individuals and departments consult easily.

Ledwell SEED Program - Feedbody Shop
Ledwell SEED Program - HR Development

Sessions are held every other week to discuss various shops and departments. Some sessions, like those in the Machine Shop and Engineering, provide participants with eye-opening experiences. Several graduates enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the Machine Shop process, emphasizing how it unveils the journey of parts through various stages.

Others highlighted the importance of understanding the intricacies of engineering, enabling participants to make informed decisions that uphold Ledwell’s commitment to quality.

Ledwell SEED Program - Machine Shop Tour

The SEED Program’s impact extends beyond the sessions, as graduates bring newfound knowledge back to their roles, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting cross-departmental collaboration. It also reinforces Ledwell’s commitment to continuous improvement and the development of a closely knit family within its workforce.

Ledwell SEED Program - On location at a Feed Mill
Ledwell SEED Program 2023

Elevating Road Safety: Customized Crash Trucks

Ledwell Crash Truck - MASH Certified

In today’s world, where road safety is a high priority, innovative solutions continually evolve to protect construction site workers and the drivers who share the road.

Among these solutions, Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs) have become essential for safeguarding lives during roadwork and maintenance activities.

Ledwell Crash Truck - MASH Certified

Ledwell understands that one size does not fit all when it comes to equipment. Known for working closely with customers to build and customize equipment to keep business rolling – TMAs are no different.

Also called Crash Trucks, these units are tailored to meet specific requirements for customers and abide by state laws. They meet the highest safety standards, being MASH certified for optimal protection during collisions on the road or on-site.

These TMAs have many features to enhance operational efficiency, including a cone seat with a safety gate, a work light package, and a full-function wireless remote. Even the most minor details matter. Ledwell customized crash trucks feature yellow removable stake sides, non-slip protective surface coating on the bed, and an arrow board – all crucial in improving equipment visibility.

Cone Seat on Ledwell Truck Mounted Attenuator
Crash Truck Scorpion Attenuator on Ledwell TMA

For a more custom solution, various options, such as a 25-light arrow board, ballast box, solar charging kit, and multi-view camera system, are available to meet specific operational needs.

Ledwell understands there’s no room for compromise when you prioritize road safety. Our customized crash trucks are the perfect solution for your operations.

If you’re looking to improve your performance, contact our experts today and learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.

Mike Hensarling

Mike Hensarling - Ledwell Employee Spotlight

After serving in the Navy and learning to be a machinist, Mike Hensarling made his way to Ledwell in 2006, where he began in the Machine Shop and now serves as Foreman.

Over the years, he has worked on numerous machines, but one of his favorites involved working with one of the HAAS Mills. “We use that machine for valve bodies, air cylinders, and other pneumatic parts,” Mike said. The machine’s versatility allowed him to teach others and ensure that every project had the right tool for the job.

For Mike, he takes pride in working at Ledwell. He stated, “It’s the sense of family, a characteristic that makes us different from the corporate world.”

In the fast-paced manufacturing world, the most important lesson he has learned is patience. Not everything moves at “Mike Speed,” and adapting to different timelines is critical.

Inspiration comes from various people in his life. Steve Ledwell consistently amazes him with the right answers at the right time. Beyond work, Mike finds inspiration in his wife of 14 years, Candace.

Beyond the shop floor, Mike collects knives and guns and is a devoted family man. With two kids, a daughter and son, who works in the Ledwell Robotics Department, nine grandkids, and four cats, family is at the heart of his life.

Mike brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Ledwell team. His commitment to excellence defines the Ledwell spirit.

Mike Hensarling - Ledwell Employee Spotlight

Chris Osborne

Employee Spotlight - Chris

In Ledwell’s Feedbody shop, Chris Osborne is a seasoned craftsman. Since 2014, he’s been hands-on, welding parts and assembling bulk feed trailers from start to finish. Chris takes pride in building a beautiful and functional product.

Chris’s dedication isn’t just about getting the job done – it’s about tackling challenges, especially the unusual ones. He enjoys an opportunity to solve a problem.

Employee Spotlight - Chris Osborne

“We value his leadership in the shop,” Ryan Whitehead, Feedbody Supervisor, said, “Chris is a hard worker and takes pride in his work.”

Beyond welding, Chris has mastered a skill not listed in any manual – patience. He says, “I’ve learned the value of staying calm under pressure.”

Chris embodies determination and resolve, setting an example in the Feedbody shop and with his family. Married to Chelsey, they have two lively girls, ages eight and six. Chris is an avid hunter and fisherman and takes on every outdoor challenge except for ducks – as he explains: “I’m just not a fan.”

Each weld on Chris Osborne’s projects tells a story, and his story is one of purpose, craftsmanship, and family.

Shining a Light on Manufacturing Day: Ledwell’s Commitment to Inspiring Future Innovators

Panel of manufacturing industry leaders in Texarkana

Every year, on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day is celebrated across the United States, reminding us of the vital role manufacturing plays in our economy and society. It’s a day to acknowledge the manufacturing industry’s significance and inspire the next generation of makers, creators, and innovators.

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce selected Ledwell to host a panel of local professionals from six manufacturing facilities for 60 students from four local high schools: Arkansas, Liberty-Eylau, Premiere, and Redwater. This event exemplifies the commitment of local businesses to invest in the future workforce and promote careers in manufacturing.

Panel of manufacturing industry leaders in Texarkana

The panel of local professionals represented the diverse careers available within manufacturing. Hailing from six different manufacturing facilities in Texarkana, they shared their journeys, challenges, and accomplishments, offering valuable insights to the eager young minds in attendance. From journeymen and foremen to human resources and owners, the panel embodied diverse opportunities in manufacturing.

The panel discussion was an informative experience for the attending students. They discovered diverse career paths, made real-world connections, and gained insight into the skills and qualifications needed for manufacturing careers.

Manufacturing Day is not just another date on the calendar. It’s a day to celebrate innovation, technology, and the people who drive the manufacturing industry forward.

As we look to the future, let’s continue to invest in our youth and nurture their passion for manufacturing, ensuring a bright and innovative future for this vital sector.

Manufacturing Plant tour at Ledwell
Manufacturing Tour with local students at Ledwell

Why Manufacturing Day is important:

Raising Awareness:

Manufacturing Day creates awareness about the manufacturing sector’s importance to the economy, job creation, and technological advancements.

 

Changing Perceptions:

It helps change the outdated perception of manufacturing careers by showcasing modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and diverse job roles.

 

Inspiring the Youth:

It inspires young students to consider careers in manufacturing by exposing them to real-life success stories and role models.

Ledwell hosts Manufacturing Week student tour

Maximize Your Savings: Understanding Section 179

Maximize tax deductions with Section 179

Section 179 of the IRS tax code simplifies the process of encouraging businesses to invest in equipment and themselves.

To help explain its mechanics, benefits, limitations, and eligibility criteria, we’re sharing the top takeaways from the ever-changing tax deduction.

Previously, businesses depreciated qualifying equipment over time. For instance, a $50,000 machine might result in a $10,000 deduction annually for five years.

Now, Section 179 lets businesses deduct the entire purchase price of eligible commercial medium and heavy-duty equipment in the current tax year.

This deduction has significantly impacted companies and the economy. It allows businesses to invest in needed equipment immediately instead of waiting. Small businesses can write off up to $1,160,000 of qualifying equipment costs on their 2023 tax return.

Section 179 available on Ledwell Equipment

Section 179 has limits: $2,890,000 for equipment purchases and $1,160,000 for deductions. The deduction gradually diminishes after $2,890,000 is spent, disappearing entirely at $4,050,000 in purchases, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.

To qualify for the deduction, any business purchasing, financing, or leasing new or used equipment in 2023, provided their spending remains below $4,050,000, and the equipment must be placed into service between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

Bonus depreciation remains an option; however, it differs from Section 179 by being variable, standing at 80% for 2023. Large businesses exceeding the $2,890,000 spending cap benefit from Bonus Depreciation.

Equipment must be used for business purposes over 50% of the time to qualify for the Section 179 Deduction. Multiply the equipment cost by the business use percentage to calculate the eligible amount for Section 179.

To fully leverage this tax deduction and its benefits for your business, we highly recommend reviewing Section 179 at a Glance.