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Winning at Innovation: Ledwell Solar Lift Loading Ramp

Solar Loading Ramp by ledwell
Solar Loading Ramp by ledwell

If you are looking for the next innovative piece of equipment – look to Ledwell! Our Solar Lift Loading Ramp is the 2020 Innovative Product Award, Miscellaneous Category winner – presented by RER Magazine.

During a typical workday, the goal is usually to get the most done, in the shortest amount of time and in the most organized way possible. Efficiency is key. The revolutionary Ledwell Solar Loading Ramp is built for just that. If you’ve ever wished you could cut out the lengthy process of lifting your ramp via hand-crank then this is the perfect addition to your arsenal. We’ve managed to give your ramp the capability to harness the power of the sun, so you don’t have to work so hard. Simply connect our Solar Panel to your ramp’s battery system, charge it, and then flip a switch and allow your Solar Lift to do the rest. It’s the easiest way to find the perfect angle for the job at hand.

Maybe you already have a perfectly good Ledwell Loading Ramp, All-Weather or Standard, and wished you had the opportunity to upfit your ramp. Well, you do! We can upfit any current Ledwell Loading Ramp with a Solar Lift Kit and voila, you have your very own Solar Lift Ramp!

The Ledwell staff had heard from many customers that drivers frequently had difficulty lining up the height of the trailer when they backed up their vehicle to a loading dock. “They need to move it up or down to match the trailer height because you don’t want to jump some mower off the ramp,” says Steve Ledwell. “Some drivers either don’t wish to run them up and down because it’s a little work, or some literally can’t physically do it anymore for whatever reason. So, we came up with this plan to put a solar panel and put a switch on it. You pull a switch and it goes up or you pull a switch and it goes down. And now we have a ramp that can go up and down easily, so drivers more easily get it correct. It’s safer and easier for the drivers, it’s safer on the load and this way drivers don’t mind spending a few extra seconds to match up the height because it’s not hard.”

Ledwell emphasizes the safety benefits of the solar ramp. “The drivers are taking a chance not matching up right,” he says. “The driver will take a machine and try to drive it on a ramp that’s either six inches too low for the trailer or six inches too high because they didn’t want to crank it anymore. So, this is a much safer and easier solution.”

We are beyond proud of the team that made this new ramp operation a success. To read the entire article go to rermag.com.

Learn more about upgrading your Ledwell ramp with a solar lift kit.

Partnership leads to new tracked hydroexcavator

hydro excavation system from Ledwell

In 2019, we had the opportunity to manufacture one of our vacuum tanks combined with a crawler carrier that could change an industry.

This project was similar to others- taking an idea and turning it into reality.

To provide a solution.

In Ledwell fashion, we ran towards the opportunity.

The Opportunity

When a hydro-excavation contractor needs to perform work in hard-to-reach or environmentally sensitive areas such as swamps or marshes, it is often difficult to use large trucks.

Mats can sometimes be placed down for the trucks to drive over to protect the environment from any damage the heavy machines may cause.

Those mats are heavy, bulky, and expensive, though, and they take additional time to utilize.

hydro excavation system from Ledwell

The Solution

However, through a collaborative effort with Ledwell & Son, PRINOTH and Pipeline & Utility Rental Equipment (PURE), the pipeline and utility industries have a new tool to make digging easier.

The TrakVac is a compact hydro excavator built by Ledwell and mounted on a PRINOTH crawler carrier buggy. It combines the agility of a crawler carrier to access hard-to-reach areas with low-impact vacuum technology where traditional digging is more difficult, especially close to underground utilities and pipelines.

The idea was to get a more compact hydro-excavation unit into some of the harder-to-reach or environmentally sensitive areas of pipeline construction.

“The total package of hydroexcavation with the ability to ‘Go Anywhere’ (which is PRINOTH’s slogan) makes the TrakVac a true initiative and an answer to the growing demands of the pipeline industry,” says Gary Gathright, Ledwell engineer.

An industry first, the TrakVac provides a solution for unique job sites. After countless hours of engineering, manufacturing, and perfecting, we are proud to share this innovation with the world.

Dig Different’s March issue features this unique machine as a Product Spotlight. Read more about it in Dig Different’s Product Spotlight.

Lube Buddy Provides Service On the Go

Ledwell Service Skid - Manufactured in America

When you’re on the go, working a time-sensitive job, or just looking for convenience, you need access to service equipment fast. Ledwell has your quick solution to perform in-the-field equipment PM service and maintenance with a portable service skid – Lube Buddy.

Our Lube Buddies provide an easy and efficient way for you to keep your equipment serviced and ready to go. This equipment can be utilized as a mobile unit or serve as a stationary portable maintenance center at the job site!

Our Lube Buddy, Jr. is suited for light-duty vehicles. Its smaller stature makes it lighter, and easy to move from location to location. Convenient to place. Allows for easy access to air, fresh fluids, and properly dispose of waste. This piece of equipment comes with spill and overflow pans to minimize mess, and non-corrosive pipe fittings to ensure longevity.

If you’re searching for something a little more heavy-duty, we’ve got you covered.

This Lube Buddy option can turn any of your medium-duty hauling vehicles into a skid-mounted, self-contained fuel and lube service center! Much like the Lube Buddy, Junior, the Lube Buddy Max is designed in such a way to prevent excessive spillover and ensure a long lifespan.

Easily move these units with a forklift. Place on a level surface to avoid any spills and to ensure proper operation. Be sure to always read the accompanying operators’ manuals in regard to all pieces of equipment you own.

To learn more about the Lube Buddy, Jr. or Lube Buddy Max and other service equipment, visit our Service Truck page.

Ledwell Mobile Lube Service Center with Compressor
Ledwell Lube Buddy Jr

SMART Feed System Enhances Drop Deck Auger Feed Trailer

Ledwell Smart Bulk Haul Trailer

In today’s bulk feed delivery industry, drivers and operators truly need a trailer that can handle every aspect of the job seamlessly. From safety and performance to bio-security, capacity, and technological automation, the demands on feed transportation equipment have never been greater.

Recognizing this need, Ledwell has risen to the challenge by designing and building a trailer that not only meets but exceeds the demands for safety, performance, bio-security, capacity, and technological automation.

Combining our proven expertise with cutting-edge innovations, we’re proud to introduce the Ledwell SMART Feed System.

At the heart of the Ledwell SMART Feed System lies a combination of innovative components meticulously engineered to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency. Building upon the success of Ledwell’s Drop Deck Auger Feed Trailer, the SMART system upgrade introduces key elements such as the Transducer, Brain, and SMART Valve.

The Transducer serves as the system’s sensory organ, tracking pressure fluctuations with remarkable precision. Its ability to operate at the speed of light ensures instantaneous response to changes in loading conditions. Upon detecting pressure variations, the Transducer converts this data into an electrical signal, which is then relayed to the Brain.

The Brain, acting as the central processing unit of the SMART Feed System, interprets the incoming signals from the Transducer and formulates an appropriate response. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms, the Brain calculates the optimal adjustments required to maintain a consistent pressure throughout the unloading process. This real-time feedback loop ensures maximum efficiency and reliability, even in dynamic operational environments.

Facilitating the Brain’s instructions is the SMART Valve, a marvel of engineering designed to regulate flow rates with unparalleled accuracy. By precisely modulating the flow of feed based on input from the Brain, the SMART Valve maintains a fixed pressure, guaranteeing uniform delivery and maximizing flow.

Experience the future of feed delivery today with the Ledwell SMART Feed System – where precision meets performance, and reliability knows no bounds.

Let us build the perfect trailer for your needs and usher in a new era of efficiency and productivity in bulk feed transportation.

Ledwell Drop Deck Bulk Haul with Smart System

Robotic Welder Plays Key Role in Production

Training on Robot Welder

In the industrial world, a big word is efficiency – especially when it comes to manufacturing. One needs to be able to get parts, pieces, and products out fast and accurately. People are and will always be the key, but sometimes they need a little help to keep up with customer demands. That’s why Ledwell would like to introduce you to a new addition to our team – our Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Robotic Welder.

Our Robotic Welder is currently being used to produce over 30 types of parts – for example, our hydraulic cylinders.

We’ve decreased the time it takes to weld together a cylinder in half due to this innovation. The robot program knowledge is growing and soon will handle the output of our most highly produced parts.

This machine can move roughly three to four times faster than the average person with the accuracy and precision Ledwell requires. Where it might take a person 20 minutes to weld a single part, it would take the robot five.

The operator has two options in controlling this machine. They can either control it Offline, meaning they present a 3D model and provide commands, or they can teach the machine and guide its every movement. Either way, the Robotic Welder is non-stop.

The continuous movement is really what gives the machine an extra edge and makes it cool to watch!

Follow us on social media and you might see it in action.

 

CNC Robotic Welder
Program training on Robot Welder

First Response Team of America Responds to Natural Disasters

Ledwell Trailer loaded with First Response Team of America fleet equipment

In the face of devastating weather, communities unite, finding strength in support and assistance. When the worst strikes, the First Response Team of America emerges as a beacon of hope, dedicated to the task of rebuilding shattered lives and communities.

Their commitment knows no bounds as they meticulously track storm systems, anticipating their path and positioning themselves strategically to spring into action at a moment’s notice. With unwavering resolve, they work hand in hand with meteorologists and local authorities, ensuring a coordinated response that maximizes impact and efficiency.

Ledwell Trailer loaded with First Response Team of America fleet equipment

But their mission extends beyond mere response; it’s about restoration and renewal. In the aftermath of chaos, they bring much-needed aid, working tirelessly to pave the way for recovery and resilience.

At the heart of this remarkable effort lies individuals like their founder, Tad Agoglia, whose dedication and compassion inspire others to join in their noble cause.

Together, they embody the spirit of hope and resilience, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is light to guide the way forward.

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.

All’s fair in love and tours

Our community workforce is something Ledwell strives to inspire and build confidence in. That’s why we’ve kicked it up a notch with our community’s schools. During the last year, we traveled throughout the Ark-La-Tex area to attend local school career fairs. We’ve enjoyed educating students about one of the many vocational career opportunities that are available in the area.

We also increased tours of our plant for middle and high school students to explore the possibilities of manufacturing. Sometimes knowing your options is everything. These tours and fairs are opening minds to the idea of manufacturing as a career and the many skill sets within it that are needed. We want to help the next generation discover their love of manufacturing! To schedule your next school field trip with Ledwell, contact us to request a tour.

Ledwell offers school tours for local students

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.

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!

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