When Texas First Rentals encountered challenges transporting large equipment like the CAT 323 excavator while meeting Texas height restrictions, they turned to Ledwell for a custom solution. The result was the Knuckle Boom Trough (KBT) HydraTail Trailer, a groundbreaking design that addressed their unique needs and streamlined fleet operations.
Identifying the Problem
Ronnie Hulett, Vice President of Texas First Rentals, recognized that while Ledwell HydraTail Trailers performed well, there was an opportunity to enhance their design. By creating more clearance under the legal Texas limit of 14 feet, they could better accommodate large equipment like CAT 323 excavators and rock saws.
Switching to Detachable Gooseneck trailers was a potential solution, but it would have sacrificed flexibility for smaller units, making it an impractical option.
“We needed a solution that maintained versatility while reducing load height,” said Hulett.
The Collaboration
In 2016, Hulett reached out to Mica Morse at Ledwell with what he described as a “wild idea” to lower the trailer’s load height. This conversation sparked a collaborative effort between the Texas First and Ledwell teams.
“Collaborations like this are imperative to understanding our customers’ needs,” said Michael Hawkins, Director of Operations at Ledwell. “They challenge us to innovate and deliver tailored solutions.”
Ledwell brought Texas First to their plant for open-table discussions. The team developed a clear vision for the trailer through collaboration and brainstorming, combining innovative ideas with practical design expertise.
Ricky Green, the Trailer Shop Foreman at the time, quickly conceptualized how to “carve out” the Knuckle Boom Trough. In true Ledwell fashion, an existing trailer was modified to include the trough within a few days. This straightforward yet innovative solution allowed the trailer’s frame to absorb the excavator’s height, reducing overall transport height without lowering the deck height.
After using the modified trailers successfully for some time, Texas First identified a secondary challenge. Wheeled equipment with low ride heights, like scissor lifts, struggled with the slope transitions between the trailer’s tail and the lowered main deck. Ledwell initially placed a few trailers with modified slopes into the field for testing and feedback.
The Outcome
“The result was a versatile trailer that addressed every need, from large excavators to low clearance wheeled equipment,” Hawkins explained.
Ledwell standardized all double-drop trailer slopes to an 8-degree angle based on their performance, ensuring smoother transitions without compromising the trailer’s core functionality.
The KBT Trailer has become a cornerstone of Texas First’s fleet. By customizing their trailers, the company reduced their fleet size and costs, replacing multiple trailer types with a single, all-in-one solution.
“The flexibility of this trailer allows us to handle almost any piece of equipment in our fleet,” said Hulett. “It’s increased our efficiency and lowered our fleet spend.”
Drivers have given positive feedback, praising the ease of loading and unloading and faster turnaround times. The elongated slope, a late-stage addition to the design, further enhanced functionality without sacrificing the trough’s primary purpose.
The project’s success wasn’t just about the trailer. It showcased the value of collaboration between Ledwell and Texas First. The open dialogue, combined expertise, and mutual trust created a better product and deepened the partnership between the two companies.
“Texas First’s familiarity with our products and their willingness to bring challenges to us reflects the trust we’ve built together,” said Morse. “Every obstacle became an opportunity to improve and innovate.”
Looking Forward
The Knuckle Boom Trailer’s success has made it one of Ledwell’s most frequently built trailers, proving that custom solutions can have far-reaching impacts.
“If you’re considering working with Ledwell, don’t hesitate,” said Hulett. “Their commitment to their customers and products is unmatched.”
The partnership between Texas First and Ledwell demonstrates what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration. This project exemplifies Ledwell’s dedication to understanding and solving customer challenges. Whether you need a Knuckle Boom Trailer to enhance your operations or have a bold idea for a custom solution, Ledwell is ready to collaborate and bring it to life.
