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Top 5 Tips on Telematics

The future is digital, and that includes how we keep track of equipment. Whether in the rental industry or construction, you want to know where your equipment is and how it’s performing. Rental Equipment Register put together a few industry experts’ tips on utilizing the most out of telematics and software.

What is telematics?

Telematics is a technology that monitors and gathers the logistics of a vehicle or an entire fleet. Telematics utilizes computer systems to collect data from various operation points, including location, driver behavior, fuel, and overall health.

Why should I consider using telematics?

There is always room for improvement, and we think these tips on telematics are just the way to help you do your job better.

1: Make the right IT investment decision:

says Loren Carlson, operations manager, Star Rentals. “Once made, it is very costly to rectify,” Carlson says. “Make sure you have a clear understanding of the pain points of the current system, or lack of system. Establish a clear understanding of what you intend to improve, and how you will measure success. The best way to do this is to solicit input from every level and area of the company.” Once completed, this serves as the basis for evaluating IT options and helps to keep the evaluation discussion focused.

2: Create an implementation roadmap:

Once the IT decision is made, invest time in configuring it before it’s rolled out, to make the user interface as intuitive as possible, says Carlson. “It may be capable of great things, but if users struggle to adapt to it, your returns will be delayed while you waste time and energy pushing users to use it. The same applies with back-end system integration. Creating an implementation Roadmap ahead of time will ensure you realize the benefits as quickly as possible.”

3: Focus on impact, not just ROI:

As you evaluate IT options, think about who and what will benefit from technology first, says Martin Roath of ZTR Control Systems. “Some benefits will be easy to quantify, while others may be more financially intangible,” Roath says. “For example, technology benefits could affect culture or customer experience in undeniable ways that are difficult to measure in dollars.”

4: Consider application flexibility:

As time passes, requirements for IT can change so be sure to look for solutions that don’t limit your future, says Roath. “As you think about your people, processes, and other business systems, be sure to consider integration capabilities that connect your business systems together,” he says.

5: Develop a training support structure:

Make the structure accessible to everyone in the company. “This can be scaled to any size business, but the key is to have expert level assistance readily available,” Carlson says.

These five tips are just the beginning. Over two dozen experienced industry professionals helped put together 50 telematics tips. We hope these help your company become more effective. Learn how even the slightest change with telematics and software can make a world of difference.

Read about all 50 tips from Rental Equipment Register.

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

It’s time to winterize

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.

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 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 Team In Construction, Feed, In The News

Weathering the Weather – 8 Roadway Safety Tips

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.

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 Construction, In The News

TMA: Keeping Motorists & Workers Safe

Ledwell has thrived on building quality equipment for the past seven decades to make our customers’ lives easier. We are able to provide that same satisfaction with our new addition, the Ledwell Attenuato r Truck, also known as a TMA.

Regardless of which model you choose, Scorpion or Trinity, the attenuator meets all federal and state regulations for impact. An arrow board consisting of 15 or 25 lights to direct traffic is one of the many Ledwell Attenuator Truck package options.

Ledwell Attenuator Trucks, also known as TMA or Crash Trucks, are designed to keep employees and motorists safe and secure. The controls are conveniently placed inside the cab to operate the attenuator and the arrow board.

Various options such as stake sides and cone seats are available to create a unit that best suits your needs.

Call Ledwell at 888-533-9355 to receive a quote on your next Attenuator Truck.

Manufacturer Ledwell - Crash TMA Trucks in stock for sale

Ledwell Team In Construction, In The News, Waste

Raising the Stakes

Remember when you were a child, and you got your very first gingerbread house building kit?

For the most part, they come with four walls and each side of a roof, give or take a few attachments. Putting it together was pretty self-explanatory and as a child, you thought ‘hey, building is easy!’ But as you grew in age and maturity, you found out that not every job is like a cookie-cutter.

You have to restructure, maneuver, rearrange, and create in order to stand out and get the job done right. You learned that you need equipment to be as versatile as your ever-changing application.

For instance, maybe you’re a contractor and you need a truck that can haul wood, gallons of paint, tools, or anything else your client needs. Ledwell has your solution – our Stake Bed Truck.

A classic Stake Bed serves many purposes. It is a flatbed truck that includes sides that are generally either fold-able or removable, enabling its user to arrange materials in the most efficient way. The stake truck works for a variety of industries due to this unique feature.

In the Material Handling industry, benefits include its versatility, the Energy industry can haul anything from electrical supplies to oil barrels, the Construction industry can use the equipment as a means of storage and transport – the list goes on and on.

Each truck comes with a toolbox located towards the front of the bed and a lift gate installed at the rear, making loading a breeze.

When driving, the liftgate serves as a tailgate, but when loading or unloading, the equipment can be lowered and raised to make lifting and securing easier. The controls for this mechanism are located on the side of the bed so that you can quickly access them all while watching the liftgate move.

Ledwell Crash Truck with deployed Scorpion Attenuator

Or, customize your Stake Truck to absorb the impact of an on-road collision with an added Truck Mounted Attenuator.

Ledwell uses attenuators that are tested and pass under the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware, or MASH, updated guidelines. Include a cone seat and arrow board for a complete package designed with safety in mind.

All in all, this flatbed truck with stake sides is a very helpful asset for a wide array of companies and industries.

The possibilities are vast.

MORE SERVICE TRUCKS

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

Keep your cool on the job

Ledwell manufactured Water Truck spraying

The impending dry season means more dust, dirt, and heat all around. What you need is a Water Truck – but not just any water truck, a Ledwell Water Truck. Our equipment is built to your custom needs, size and all, but Ledwell also offers a few standard features. All our trucks have lined interiors designed to prevent rusting and corrosion. We use a coating thickness of up to 20 millimeters, ensuring your unit longevity. They all also come with three fill options (top fill, hose fill, or hydrant fill) and in-cab air controls.

But we know that you don’t always need the ‘standard’ equipment. That’s why we offer a wide range of interchangeable options for you. A couple of these consist of our sparger bars and water cannon. With these, you can extend the range of your water blasts and increase reach, output and ability. These custom-made options are great for a wide range of applications, from race tracks to street cleaning. Our sparger bars come in various configurations and placement options – either stationary or folding on the front and rear side of your water truck.

But, if you’re looking for maneuverability and long reaching streams, you might want to see about our water cannons. The movement of this attachment is completely controlled by you with an in-cab joystick control and its upward placement atop the unit gives its output the gift of distance.

Some of this equipment might be new to you, and that’s okay! We’ve devised all new and improved operation manuals and videos that will walk you through working your new piece of equipment. You can find these on our website or by scanning the QR code on your Ledwell equipment. Also, be sure to visit our YouTube page and Facebook to stay in the loop on our latest and greatest!

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