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Ledwell Team
In In The News

IPPE in ATL

We hope to see you at IPPE

The poultry industry is responsible for circulating safe and nutritious poultry products. Feed provides the nutrients for poultry at different stages, making supporting those who support you important.

Ledwell will be attending the International Production and Processing Expo from January 28th through 30th of 2020 to support the industry. The event will take place in Atlanta, GA, at the Georgia World Congress Center at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW. We will be located in the Green Hall, or Building A, in booth number 2336.

IPE will be hosting over 30,000 guests and more than 8,000 international visitors from over 131 countries. In 2019, Canada brought the largest group from a single country outside the United States, with 1,283 visitors. The largest region represented was the Caribbean, Latin America, Mexico, and South America, with 3,271 visitors. This major event of the year can potentially open the doors to so many opportunities in the realm of feed and poultry. To register or learn more about the event, you can visit the IPPE website and select attendee. Registration, however, can be done at the event.

This event aims to connect those businesses and people who can help one another and provide growth for these industries. A variety of companies, people, and positions will be in attendance, and they are all looking to improve lives. With this focus in mind, the exposition is providing an ample amount of educational opportunities. You can find out more about the educational opportunities.

Come find Ledwell at booth number 2336. Let us know how your day goes on social media with #ledwellmade. We look forward to hearing from you and finding out more about how we can serve you.

Ledwell Team
In In The News, Rental

Outlook for Rental in 2020

Rental in 2020

The rental industry exploded in 2019, and according to Rental Management Magazine, 2020 is looking to the positive side too.

The equipment and event rental industry in North America is expected to finish the year with total revenue up 5.35 percent to $61.56 billion, the first time combined rental revenue for Canada and the United States has surpassed $60 billion, according to the latest forecast released by the American Rental Association (ARA).

The latest updated figures, released Nov. 7, show rental revenue in the U.S. forecasted to be $56.02 billion in 2019, with Canada generating $5.54 billion in revenue from rentals of construction and industrial, general tool, and party and event equipment.

The five-year forecast calls for continued growth with U.S. rental revenue in 2023 reaching $64.1 billion and Canada at $6.35 billion.

Although the outlook calls for slightly slower growth rates than the previous quarterly forecast in August, the industry continues to outpace the general economy in the U.S. where gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed from a 3.1 percent annual growth rate in the first quarter to 2.0 percent in the second quarter. The third-quarter GDP growth estimate is 1.9 percent.

According to the full report in December’s issue, Steve Mau reports, “As we look toward 2020, it is safe to say we are cautiously optimistic.” We are excited to start another amazing year and can’t wait to help the rental industry grow!

Be sure to read his entire report on the construction outlook, as well as, corresponding reports on general tool and event outlooks.

Ledwell Team
In Feed, In The News

The Right Ledwell Equipment for Agriculture and Food Production

Ledwell Bulk Haul Feed Trailers

The agricultural industry is full of jobs, tools, materials, and more all designed to promote the production of food for animals, and for you. A big part of doing so is making sure you’re doing it the right way – with the right equipment. For example, Ledwell offers three different types of bulk haul delivery systems for feed customers to choose from. Picking the right feed truck or trailer might be the link to your next happy customer. Ledwell offers several versions of unique feed hauling equipment that do one thing … provide you the best feed delivery possible!Ledwell Auger Feed Trailer

 

Ledwell offers two separate floor systems to pick from – Auger and Drag Chain. An Auger system will carry your feed using a corkscrew-like design to move feed through the bottom of the feed body or feed trailer. A Drag Chain floor system works more like a conveyor belt, moving your feed along a pan underneath the compartments. This provides a better-quality pellet by eliminating the cutting a grinding associated with some auger systems. Once the feed has reached the rear of the trailer, the vertical auger and discharge boom use an auger to convey the feed within tubes. It’s important to note that a complete Drag Chain system tends to remain cleaner than a complete Auger system, however, is easier to clean because it’s nooks and crannies are easier to get to.Ledwell Drag Chain Feedbody

 

Both options offer their advantages and disadvantages for each end user, but for larger feed, like range cubes, you almost always want to consider a Paddle Wagon. The floor system installed is a Drag Chain design, so from the start you know the output is going to be of higher quality, and better held together – a fantastic feature for your larger animals. What makes the real difference, however, is the discharge system. A Paddle Wagon uses a paddle style discharge boom instead of the auger. These easily move the pellets through the boom without compromising its form.

 

In the end, the necessary feed equipment depends entirely on the needs of the end user. It’s important to be aware of and understand the subtle differences between the three equipment pieces and to make an educated choice. For more information, visit the Bulk Haul section on our website, or give us a call today!

Ledwell Team
In Construction, Energy, In The News, Industry, Rental

It’s time to winterize

Ledwell Water Truck winterization

Take a moment to picture yourself on a crisp winter morning. With a cup of warm coffee by your side, you’re bundled from head to toe. In the distance, the rays of the morning sun are creeping over the limbs of a row of steadfast trees as the chirps of birds provide the signal of daybreak—flashes of light dance across the frozen lake. The beauty is mesmerizing – hypnotic even. Suddenly, you’re pulled from your winter wonderland by the realization you need to winterize your equipment! While a frozen lake might look pretty, a burst water line sure does not.

As water freezes, it expands. Because of this, your equipment has to undergo a winterizing process. If water freezes in pipes, it can damage parts of the equipment.

Ledwell Water Truck winterization

There are only a few pieces of Ledwell equipment that utilize a system that includes water. Here’s how to maintain those units through the winter:

Water Trucks:

Close the water intake valve located on the inlet side of the pump on the driver’s side.
Remove the 3” cam lock.
Open the water intake valve.
Locat the primer tank valve above the cam lock and open.
Open all drain cocks.

Note: Leave these valves open to ensure that the system is drained of all possible liquid. Do this after each use if continued throughout the winter or once after its final use of the season before storing.

Vacuum Trucks:

Locate all valves and drain cocks connected to any water system on your specific vacuum unit.
Remove any caps or loosen any drain cocks and allow the remaining water to flow from the system.
Clean any leftover residue from the system.

Note: All vacuum maintenance procedures for water systems are the same and should be performed daily to avoid residue build-up. During colder weather, this will also reduce the risk of freezing.

Make sure your equipment is suitable for the weather conditions present. As a side note, always make sure the type of hydraulic fluid used is appropriate for the climate. Colder weather might call for a lighter, synthetic, or an all-weather fluid. Allow for a warm-up period when turning equipment on.

Remember to read your operation and safety manual to ensure that you are well educated on your equipment’s needs. You can also find operation videos on our YouTube page. Be sure to subscribe to receive updates when new videos premiere.

Ledwell Team
In In The News

Making an impact on the industry

ARA Industry Impact Award recognizes Ledwell

This month, the American Rental Association announced new inductees to their hall of fame, along with a few additional awards, including the Industry Impact Award. We are proud to say that Steve Ledwell, the owner of Ledwell, is being recognized as an individual who made significant impact on the rental industry in the last two years. Please read the kind words ARA had to say:

 

This award recognizes a manufacturer supplier and/or independent manufacturer representative rental industry professional who made a significant impact on the association and/or industry during the past two years.

This year’s recipient — Steve Ledwell, owner, Ledwell Manufacturing, Texarkana, Texas — will be recognized during the ARA Industry Awards Lunch at The ARA Show™ in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 9.

Ledwell and Ledwell Manufacturing are leading by example within their community by supporting various nonprofit organizations both financially and with the contribution of time. They also are strong advocates of workforce development and in November 2018, Texarkana College opened its new Workforce Training Center in honor of the Ledwell family. James Henry Russell, president, Texarkana College, said the Ledwell name in the community is synonymous with excellence, honor and superior work ethic.

Some of the various ways the company has supported the community include: 

The local branch of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) raffled off a tiny house this past spring to raise money for their organization. Ledwell, along with several other businesses in the community, donated time and materials to help build the house.

Watersprings Ranch, a nonprofit organization in Texarkana, Ark., helps children in need and houses almost 50 children at a time on its land. The organization’s largest legacy resides in building safe, educational and happy homes for children who have not had that in their past. Ledwell employees have donated time, resources and more to the children of this facility.

Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State assists Alzheimer’s patients and oversees Our Place Day Respite Center to provide help for those living with Alzheimer’s and their families. The group recently organized a function — Over the Edge — in Texarkana, Texas, that raised more than $65,000. The community came together to scale down the walls of a six-story building on the campus of a local university, Texas A&M — Texarkana. Members of the Ledwell team showed their support by participating in the downward climb, raising over $4,000 combined. 

The First Response Team of America contacted Ledwell Manufacturing in 2009. The organization had five pieces of equipment they wanted to fit on one trailer. Steve Ledwell had them bring the equipment to Texarkana and within 24 hours they were working with a team of designers, welders and fabricators to build a custom donated trailer that goes from town to town saving lives and restoring hope for countless storm survivors.

Working every day to provide solutions for our customer’s needs and providing solutions for our community is what Ledwell is about. We have learned from the best! Congrats to our fearless leader, Steve Ledwell.

Ledwell Team
In In The News

Coming on Strong – and Staying!

Letter from Buddy Ledwell in 1979

Society shifts, but some things just never change. Looking back at some of our old articles, it’s clear that pride and dedication have always been, and still are, at the heart of Ledwell. Better yet, we’ve learned to take what we know and what we do and apply it in a wide variety of industries. A trailer has use anywhere. One truck body structure might be just a single step from the next. We’re doing what we love and loving what we do – and have been for ages! Buddy Ledwell knew the right direction for Ledwell, he says so below in an article from 1978.

 

I’m proud to announce that Ledwell is back doing what we do best … building the nations’ finest truck bodies and equipment. During the early seventies we diversified into many areas and “partner” … I’m here to tell you we’re back on the horse we rode in on.

Diversification may be fine for some folks but it kept us away from the things we know and love the most … building truck bodies and equipment for the industries of agriculture, poultry, livestock, lumber, and transportation.

The 1979 year is looking great. The bays in our workshops are full and the men of Ledwell are back out in the field bringing in the information we need to develop new and improved equipment. It’s paying off and we at Ledwell are proud to be back in the thick of things.

Give us a call for literature on our new product lines … I think you’ll see why Ledwell and Son is coming on strong.

 

After all these years, it turns out he was 100% right. We thrive best in the truck body and trailer industry. We’ve managed to take this skill set and branch out further into the Vacuum, Rental, Material Handling, Construction, Energy, Fire, Waste and Governmental industries. We’ve learned to be diverse, yet stay true to ourselves.

Ledwell Team
In In The News

See you in 2020

See you at the show

2020 is right around the corner and we are excited to spend it with you! We will be traveling across the country, from Orlando to Las Vegas, and a few stops in between. We hope to see your smiling face at one of the events. To see where we will be throughout the year, check out the Events page of our site. There you will see events we are attending and places we will be. For now, here are a few upcoming shows. See you real soon!

January 28 – 30 International Production & Processing Expo

February 10 – 12 The Rental Show

March 10 – 14 ConEx

Ledwell Team
In Construction, Government, In The News

Happy Trail-ers!

Blue Ledwell Hydratail Trailer with tail in down position. Red and black Self Contained Unit sitting on front deck of trailer. Sunny blue sky with green trees in the background and light brown dirt on ground.

When it comes to hauling, Ledwell has you covered with our top-notch HydraTail Trailer lineup.

Our trailers aren’t just about getting from A to B; they offer ample space, custom designs, and versatility.

Whether you prefer HydraTilt, Interior Beam, or Perimeter Beam, each option is carefully manufactured to meet various needs.

Heavy Haul Trailer Manufacturer, Ledwell

Looking for a trailer that ticks all the boxes?

The HydraTilt Trailer is your go-to for a seamless haul, thanks to its innovative design. This trailer utilizes a hydraulic tail and hydraulic main deck hinged at the rear to attain a shallow angle of approach from the tip of the tail to the nose of the trailer to create a non-existent break over.

Need versatility?

Our Perimeter Beam HydraTail Trailer offers multiple options, including a Hydraulic Mini-Deck and a Drop-Deck for extra load height – up to 10 inches. Plus, our Knuckle Boom Trough feature ensures a snug fit for medium-sized equipment. This lowers the ride height of the excavator equipment several inches.

With Ledwell, customization is key – from tie-down options to paint colors, we’ve got you covered. Explore our HydraTail Trailers today on our website or give us a call for more information!

Ledwell Interior Beam Trailer for Sale
Ledwell Team
In Construction, Feed, In The News

Weathering the Weather – 8 Roadway Safety Tips

Winter Weather Preps for Drivers

You’re in an unfamiliar town, trying to get back home. You still have miles to go, and it’s the middle of winter.

You’re traveling down a typically busy highway, and it’s snowing heavily. Your line of vision is mere feet in front of your vehicle, and you can’t tell where the ice patches are.

Your heart pounds a little faster than usual because you depend not only on yourself but those motorists around you.

What do you do?

We don’t often think ahead and prepare for these situations as civilian drivers, but roadway safety should be the priority for a Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver.

When inclement weather strikes, preparation is everything. Not only does each state have its own rules and regulations, but we have a nationally accepted declaration of roadway safety tips in our hands.

The upcoming winter months bring unpredictable weather, like snow, ice, and heavy rain.

Every motorist’s job is to stay safe and pay attention to any roadway.

However, for a professional driver on the road, it means watching their actions and the actions of others – the job depends on it.

There are so many trucker safety articles available at your fingertips. Here’s another. Consider these eight inclement weather roadway tips, and be prepared when nature strikes this winter.

Winter Weather Preps for Drivers

Plan your trip

You must know where you’re going, which roadways you’ll be on, and the weather conditions in each area. States and cities, even twin cities, do not always provide similar weather conditions. Know where you’re going and what you’ll need to be prepared for at all times. Being in unfamiliar places can cause confusion. Coupled with that, inclement weather can be disastrous. Formulate a plan.

Service vehicle

The last thing you’ll want to do in icy, snowy, or cold, rainy weather is be stranded on the side of the road. This can cost you time, money, and business. Avoid any events that might result in malfunction while driving. Stay safe and be preemptive.

Be prepared

While traveling all over the country, especially in the middle of nowhere. Be sure to have precautionary materials with you at all times. Always have a cell phone, warning devices, snacks, water, blankets, a medical kit, and an ice-scraper. Anticipate any situation.

Reduce your speed

It is very unsafe to travel at average speeds when there is a risk of icy and slick roadways, especially if you’re on unfamiliar roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggests slowing down by ⅓ of your speed just on wet roads. Sliding is a considerable risk when it comes to any motor vehicle. Reduce your speed to limit this risk.

Use your headlights

Turning your headlights on can increase the distance you can see in front of you. It’s essential to be aware of everything around and in front of you when traveling—Alert oncoming traffic of your presence by keeping your lights on. Stay visible.

Bring tire chains

If the regulatory 4/32 inches of tread is not offering you enough traction, you’ll need tire chains to better grip the road surface. Be sure to carry the appropriate size chain and check them for any damage before using them. Ensure you are up to date on the tire chain laws in the state(s) you’ll be traveling in.

Pay attention to spacing

Be sure to keep a more considerable distance between yourself and other vehicles. Never drive beside other motorists and always slow down preemptively when you see traffic hold-ups. Doing otherwise risks skidding and accidents when any party loses control on the road. Give them space.

Watch overhead

Clearance markings aren’t always accurate when there is snow and ice present. The two can quickly reduce the clearance height, making your vehicle incapable of passing. Take things slowly when approaching bridges or other clearance zones, and be sure to know the limits of your vehicle. Be alert.

Many of these roadway tips may seem simple, but when faced with high-stress situations in high-risk areas, anyone can become entangled in their worry.

Just remain calm and truck on. Always practice safe driving, no matter the weather, and stay vigilant!

Ledwell Team
In Energy, In The News, Industry, Waste

Logistically Speaking: Liechtenstein Pumps

Ledwell Vacuum Trucks receive vacuum pumps from Liechtenstein

At Ledwell, we make every effort to deliver a superior product to our customers.

Only the best materials and parts are used to achieve this goal. Fulfilling that promise led us to a place off the beaten path where we found the perfect vacuum pumps to use on our line of vacuum equipment.

Ledwell Vacuum Truck - Rev-T for sale

Liechtenstein, a micro-state landlocked between Switzerland and Austria, is one of the most interesting places Ledwell sources parts from.

Measuring just over 62 square miles, you could fit Liechtenstein almost six times within the city limits of Dallas. Liechtenstein manufactures a large number of products used all over the world. Dietmar Kaiser, our vacuum pump vendor, is a perfect example. They ship around the globe, including Texarkana, Texas.

Dietmar Kaiser has been in business since 2003 and specializes in components and accessories for environmental equipment. Their VPC – Vacuum Pumps are highly specialized in the application of the Liquid Ring Vacuum Trucks. These unique vacuum pumps reduce gas emissions when used with certain filtration systems, including the design on the Ledwell Liquid Ring Vacuum Truck.

We’re thankful at Ledwell that we found a wonderful vacuum pump manufacturer and that our customers can continue to depend on the quality products we build, regardless of where we have to go to find the parts and pieces.

liquid ring vacuum truck ledwell