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Ledwell Team
In Construction, Government, In The News, Innovation, Rental, Transportation

Maximum Versatility: The Ledwell MaxTilt Trailer

tilt deck trailer with Ledwell maxtilt

The patented Ledwell MaxTilt Trailer is the powerful, versatile trailer you need in 2021.

When a rental client told us they needed a trailer that could more efficiently haul containers, we re-engineered our patent-pending HydraTilt Truck to take it to the next level.

The result? One of our most powerful, versatile hauling solutions with the added benefit of little to no breakover.

Highest Tilting Main Deck

Whatever angle you need, the Ledwell MaxTilt Trailer can handle it. This trailer goes higher than ever before with a main deck that tilts up to 32 degrees. But if you don’t need that much height, don’t worry —this trailer can stop at any angle along the way.

Unmatched in Hauling

The Ledwell MaxTilt Trailer is a powerful solution for transporting containers, trucks, and other large equipment. It’s perfect for anyone who plans to use their trailer to carry a wide range of loads, such as rental and construction companies.

Unified Hinge

We introduced our patented unified hinge with the Ledwell HydraTilt Truck, and it makes an appearance in the MaxTilt Trailer, too. This single unified hinge enables you to load and unload low clearance equipment thanks to little or no breakover.

And as always, we can customize your Ledwell MaxTilt Trailer to meet your specific needs.

“Our new MaxTilt Trailer is ideal for unloading containers or dead equipment. It extends up high enough to allow containers or equipment to slide off easily. Everyone needs a MaxTilt Trailer in their fleet.” –Jill Launius, Sales Coordinator

Learn more or request information.

Ledwell Team
In Feed, In The News, Transportation

Durability, service draw Munson Lakes Nutrition to Ledwell Feedbodies

When a mineral salesman called on Ray E. Munson back in 1930, Ray got interested in using minerals to create balanced diets for poultry and livestock. In 1935, Munson Feed company—which would later become Munson Lakes Nutrition—was born in Howard Lake, Minnesota.

“We started out making feed with a hand barrel mixer, and we gradually grew from there,” said Dusten Wilking, Maintenance and Fleet Manager for Munson Lakes Nutrition.

In its first year, the company sold 314 bags of feed manufactured in their barrel mixer. Today, with the help of a computerized mill and a team of nutritionists, Munson Lakes helps dairies and other livestock producers throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin formulate feed systems.

When it comes to transporting feed, Munson Lakes has two big challenges: maintaining pellet quality and unloading heavy minerals.

“We have some customers that take really heavy feed,” Dusten said. “You put that into a typical auger trailer, and it won’t unload it. It’s too heavy, and it plugs up that auger floor.”

Munson Lakes’ solution? Ledwell Drag Chain Feedbodies.

“Ledwell is the best when it comes to pellet quality,” Dusten said. “If anybody out there is ever having problems with fines in pellets or unloading a heavy mineral, they need a Ledwell.”

Munson Lakes purchases new Ledwell feedbodies as well as used Ledwell trailers, which Ledwell completely refurbishes before reselling. Munson Lakes bought their first Ledwell in 1987. The oldest Ledwell equipment they have on the lot right now is a ’94, and the oldest they use daily is a 2004.

“You can’t buy another piece of equipment and maintain it for as little cost as a Ledwell,” Dusten said. “They don’t break down. The cost to repair them when they do is minimal. They always answer the phone when I need parts.”

Dusten said they’ve tried using trailers made by other manufacturers, but they can’t stand up to the toughest jobs.

“We have to make sure the Ledwells go to the hard farms,” he said. “We have to pick and choose which trucks go to which farm, because we know that at certain farms, only a Ledwell will be able to unload. We are working on getting our fleet to be all Ledwells.”

Drag chains also make Munson Lakes’ trailer maintenance easier.

“A lot of people are stuck in their ways and think the drag chain is more complicated,” Dusten said. “I’ve replaced more floors on an auger than I have on a drag chain. And I’ve never touched a drag chain on our trailers. We have a box back here that’s a ’94—I don’t think we’ve ever had to replace the drag chain on it.”

Munson Lakes’ company values are to manufacture a great product at a fair price, to give great customer service, and to base every decision on fairness and decency. 

“Ledwell excels at that as well,” he said. “It’s good to work with a company that has the same values and end goals.”

They’re able to keep Ledwell feedbodies and trailers in service longer thanks to Ledwell’s parts and service team.

“This year has been very frustrating with COVID,” Dusten said. “Trying to get ahold of companies is very frustrating. It’s like they don’t want my business. But anytime I call Ledwell, I can get the help I need. The product is there. The parts are there. The service is there. It’s the trifecta of a great company. If someone asked me whether they should buy a Ledwell truck, I’d tell them, ‘You don’t have one yet?'”

Want to know more about Ledwell Feed Trucks? Get in touch!

Ledwell Team
In Feed, In The News, Service, Transportation

The Ultimate Bulk Feed Trailer Maintenance Checklist

Ledwell Drop Deck Bulk Feed Trailer

A change in season is the perfect time to perform routine bulk feed trailer maintenance. Regularly servicing bulk feed trucks and trailers will help keep your Ledwell equipment running as smoothly as possible. To help, we created a list for you to follow to make sure everything on your bulk haul equipment is running smoothly.

Before inspecting any Ledwell equipment, make sure to set the parking brake, turn on safety lights, and chock the wheels. Be aware of your surroundings while walking around your bulk feedbody.

Bulk Feed Trailer Maintenance Checklist

LIGHTS

  • Lights, wiring, reflectors, and conspicuity – working and adequately mounted.
  • Ensure No rubbing or chaffing and sufficiently insulated. Check the work lights.

BODY

  • Gladhand seals – inspect and replace as needed.
  • Inspect upper coupler, no broken welds or cracks. Inspect kingpin and kingpin
  • Landing gear is straight, with no cracks or breaks in braces and mounting brackets.
  • Check crank handles for proper operation and condition.
  • Inspect the top cover of each leg for holes or missing. Remove all dirt and grease.
  • Plate for wear or damage. Grease all points – lubricate all grease fittings on the landing gear.
  • Mudflaps and mounting – present, intact, and securely mounted.
  • Air hoses and lines – no leaks, cuts, bulges, improper joints.
  • Ensure no rubbing or chaffing and proper routing and insulation.
  • ICC bumper – no cracks, mounted adequately.
  • Power spray dirt and feed from the top of the kingpin plate. Every 30 days.
  • Frame and cross members – inspect, no cracks, bends, broken welds, and end clip fasteners in place.
  • Ladder and Catwalks – not bent, broken, or loose, all fasteners present and tight.
  • Tarps – inspect the condition, replace if damaged. Check tarp rod and grease as needed.
  • Check tension on the pull cord on the front.
  • Top doors – proper mounting, seals and operation, grease handles if applicable.
  • Drain moisture from all air tanks.

WHEELS & TIRES

  • Tires – no flats (75 psi). No cuts, breaks, bumps, bulges, or knots.
  • Free of contact with any part of the vehicle. Air tires to 110 psi and mark per procedure.
  • Record tread depth 32nds: RFI: /32 RFO: /32 RRI: /32 RRO: /32 LFI· /32 LFO· /32 LRI· /32 LFO: /32
  • Wheels – wheel nuts and lugs tight and none missing (torqued to 450-500-foot pounds), no cracks.
  • Valve cap extenders in place; replace it if missing. Valve stems are correctly aligned.
  • Hub oilers-check all hub oilers. No leaks or cracks in the glass.
  • Check oil level and condition. Check for metal with a magnet.
  • Visually inspect wheel seals for leaks.
  • Brakes replace if the lining is less than 5/16″ measured at the center of the lining.
  • Record brake thickness RF: ___ RR· ___ LF· ___ LR: ___
  • Check brake adjustment by checking the pushrod travel. (Max travel on the short-stroke chamber is 2″ and 2 1/2″ on the long-stroke).
  • Lubricate all fittings on brake slack adjusters and all s-cam bushings. The sleeve should be full.
Bulk Haul Feed Trailer for sale by Ledwell

AXLES & SUSPENSION

  • Inspect springs, hangers, u-bolts, and brake drums – none are broken, loose, or cracked leaves, bolts, hangers, or axle housing.
  • No displaced spring leaves.
  • Check air ride suspension, hangers, spacers, bushings, shocks, airbags, and brackets are in good condition.
  • No cracks check ride height and adjust if needed.

DELIVERY SYSTEM

  • Inspect discharge to upright clamp rings—grease weekly.
  • Inspect upright to floor transition—grease weekly.
  • Fill, cycle, and check the operation of the auto-lube system if equipped.
  • Drag chain – remove covers front and rear. Inspect all sprockets, none loose, in proper alignment.
  • Inspect all chain links for wear or breaks – pins and links.
  • Inspect adjusters and lubricate, adjust the chain to proper tension.
  • Vertical auger chain – inspect for wear, adjustment, and loose or broken chain links.
  • Chainguard is mounted correctly and bolts tight. Lubricate chain.
  • Grease all augers, all points. – 5 pumps of grease. Every 30 days.

HYDRAULICS

  • Hydraulic Hoses – inspect all, no leaks, breaks, bulges, rubbing, chaffing, proper routing, insulation, and installation.
  • Hydraulic Motors and Valves – inspect, mounting bolts tight, none missing, no leaks.
  • Check controls – function properly, no excessive slack.
  • Check the oil level in all torque converters and gearboxes. Inspect for leaks and proper mounting.
  • Check bearings. Fill with 7SW90 – 5 pumps of grease. Every 30 days.

We hope this bulk feed trailer maintenance checklist was helpful!

To make it even easier to perform routine inspections on Ledwell Feed equipment – download a copy for your shop.

Ledwell Team
In Construction, Energy, Feed, Fire, Government, In The News, Material Handling, Rental, Service, Transportation, Waste

Change in Season: Time For Preventative Maintenance

Ledwell 6 Yard Dump Truck

Season change means different behaviors for your trusted equipment. But you can make sure that this doesn’t affect your work on the job. There are a variety of actions you can take that your equipment needs to stay efficient and running. One of them is preventative maintenance. Not all equipment is as easy as your typical loading ramp – having to grease the landing gear only once a year. But maintenance is imperative for longevity.

We believe wholeheartedly that maintenance schedules will allow your equipment a long, happy life, no matter the piece.

We’ve devised several Preventative Maintenance sheets for your benefit. These outline how you can prepare your equipment for various conditions and what you must do to get the most out of your money. Preventative Maintenance checklists are available for the following equipment:

You can also tune into our social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. We know it’s tough to remember when your equipment needs routine maintenance when you have a million other things happening on the job. That’s why we do our best to provide you easy access, like adding preventative maintenance questions and answers to those above-mentioned social media outlets.

If these aren’t enough for you, and you’re looking for something a little more specific, you can always check out our FAQ page on our website or give us a call. One way or another, Ledwell is determined to gain your satisfaction through equipment performance.

Ledwell Team
In Construction, Government, In The News, Innovation, Rental, Transportation

Get Low With the Ledwell HydraTilt Truck

Ledwell custom hydraulic trail truck - HydraTilt Truck
Ledwell custom hydraulic trail truck - HydraTilt Truck

What do you get when you take a HydraTail Truck and add a unified hinge and hydraulic tilt deck? Ledwell’s groundbreaking, patent-pending HydraTilt Truck

“We saw an opportunity to create a more versatile truck. One that takes up less space on the street, accommodates low ground clearance equipment, has a shorter bed height, and has a deck that tilts high enough to unload containers.”

“We’ve had a lot of success in the rental industry with our HydraTail truck, but even those customers were having trouble with getting some of their lower ground clearance equipment over the tail and hinge easily,” said Ledwell engineer Gary Gathright.

The truck’s innovative design centers around what the Ledwell team calls a unified hinge.

“When you hinge the deck and tail off of the same piece, when they’re parallel with each other, there’s no step-down like you’d get with two hinges,” he said. “It’s an easier loading situation, and you can more easily slide things off, like a container or non-powered equipment.”

Gary said the HydraTilt Truck can be positioned to result in a loading configuration similar to the rollback, but it’s 5 3/4 inches lower in transport mode.

“That makes it easier on the drivers loading the equipment and creates a lower center of gravity, so you have a more stable platform when you’re driving,” he said. “And you can haul larger equipment.”

The HydraTilt Truck’s smaller loading and unloading space makes it an asset in urban areas.

“When you’re on a crowded downtown street, you want to take up as little room as possible as you load and unload,” Gary said. “It makes for a safer environment for the driver unloading the equipment, and it’s safer for the public in general because you’re not taking up multiple driveways or blocking the street.”

The Ledwell team ultimately designed the HydraTilt Truck to make customers’ lives easier.

“This is simply an extension of what we have done for nearly 75 years, which is to take feedback from our customers and create the equipment they need,” he said.

Learn more about the Ledwell HydraTilt Truck

Ledwell Team
In Construction, Energy, Feed, Government, In The News, Industry, Innovation, Rental, Service, Transportation, Waste

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
Ledwell Team
In Feed, In The News, Innovation, Material Handling, Transportation, Waste

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
Ledwell Team
In Fire, In The News, Innovation, Material Handling, Transportation

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.

Ledwell Team
In Construction, Energy, Feed, Fire, In The News, Industry, Material Handling, Transportation, Waste

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.

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