Hitchcock Incorporated

Specializing in Chain Floor Trailers and Manure Spreaders

Uncategorized

What is an End Dump Trailer?

by

End Dump trailers are trailers that lift their dump box in the air to unload from the rear. This kind of trailer isn’t that different from a lot of other trailers But, how do you know if the end dump trailer is right for you?

back end dump trailer

How does this trailer work?

As with most trailers, the end dump works by aiding your efforts to transport and deliver various materials. These trailers are typically made of aluminum to help with weight distribution. Considering that it has higher sides than a belly dump or side dump trailer, this allows for great flexibility in dumping materials.

But, are there any reasons that I might not need an end dump trailer?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an end dump trailer?

The advantages and disadvantages of an end dump trailer are pretty specific. But, we’ll list them.

Advantages of an End Dump Trailer

  • Easier to use than belly or side dump trailers
  • You can carry larger loads than most trailers
  • Plus, it offers you the best and most rapid unloading options.

Disadvantages of an End Dump Trailer

  • End dump trailers have more issues with stability.
  • They can become harder to operate and typically require experience and skill.
  • If the unloading position is unstable or materials shift in transport, it can produce an unstable dumping experience.

How does the end dump trailer compare to other trailers?

The trailer features many transportation and disposal aspects as other trailers. But, what matters most are how the trailers disperse materials vs. how others work.

So, if you’re in the market for an end dump trailer, what other kinds of trailers will you be seeing in the market? Let’s start with the most basic one: the bottom dump.

The bottom dump trailer or belly trailer tends to be used for stockpiling materials, transport and even in various paving jobs. You will almost exclusively see them used in construction jobs, but they also get deployed when trailer operators need a ton of control over their materials.

More than likely, you’ll see full frame trailers out in public. They are designed to prevent torsion issues when dumping materials. As such, the extra reinforcement provides the maximum level of stability when dumping.

Frameless end dump trailers tend to use all eight of its tires to plan the trailer into the ground when dumping materials. These are pretty standard and usually are found by a variety of names and add-ons in the market. In fact, frameless end dump trailers seem to be having a bit of a revival in recent years.

Finally, side dump trailers are also common to find. They are trailers that dump their materials from the side.

What is the best trailer?

Consumers have their favorite manufacturers, but what Hitchcock wants you know is that end dump trailers come in various states. While we are a big fan of getting customers into the best in used end dump trailers, we also want to make sure you get the size you need.

Smaller end dump trailers can tend to handle around 13,000 – 15,000 pounds and larger ones can handle upwards of 10 tons or more.

While we have discussed the variations found in the open market, the ultimate decision remains with the customer. Pick the trailer that best suits your needs.

Feel free to contact Hitchcock Inc to learn more about our end dump trailers!

Manure spreader chain parts and sizes

by

Manure spreader chain parts are a big part of the farming and Agricultural transportation industries. But, what does chain parts have to do with a manure spreader? Manure spreader chain parts decide the path of how you deploy manure into a field. They are worth purchasing due to the economic and practical need to control manure flow.

22' Chain Drag Manure Spreader - Hitchcock Incorporated

Are spreader chain parts dependent on their size?

Manure spreader chain sizes help your spreader deploy manure over a field. But, how exactly does that work? Organic farming has been around for hundreds of years, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that farmers started discovering better ways to apply manure.

Size issues come up quite frequently when purchasing manure spreader chain parts. When dealing with manure spreader chains and sizes, it’s important to make sure that a manufacturer is creating a chain for your particular piece of equipment.

Not all manure spreader chains are created the same way, so it makes sense to pay attention. Feel free to browse Hitchcock Inc’s selection by clicking here.

What are the best spreader chain parts?

The best manure spreader chain parts depend on their construction and use. Many manufacturers will discuss the process of making it, while never discussing real world applications. In practice, the best spreader chain parts are related to those that best assist distribution.

Beyond that, there is little to rank what is a best chain part. What matters most in finding these best parts is based in how the end user puts them to use. A hobby farmer will not have a need for a big chain as a rancher might need one. There are businesses out that will cater to specific farm categories based on that.

But, that does that make the wider selection of chain sizes bad? Of course not! What it means is that as you add more equipment to maintain manure on your property, there will be more options to service it.

Most spreader chain part manufacturer will talk all day about their forge process. But, what sets Hitchcock Inc apart is its flexibility and ability to scale. That means our spreader chain parts are

How taking care of your manure spreader helps you!

A working farm produces a ton of waste. By having a manure spreader optimized with spreader chains, you can take that waste and find new ways to recycle it. That means the more you can add to your spreader, the better results will emerge. Whether those results come in less waste or more time saved, that’s a return on investment for you.

When you choose the best manure chain, it allows you to keep your manure spreader around for much longer.

Manure Spreader

How can Hitchcock Inc help you with your spreader chain parts?

Hitchcock offers several services from Custom Welding and Fabrication to specific parts for your Ag equipment. What you get when working with Hitchcock for your manure spreader or other farm equipment is guaranteed quality work. Feel free to check out more products on our site and contact us here.

Custom Welding and Fabrication [Service Guide]

by

What can Hitchcock Inc do for you in terms of Custom Welding and Fabrication? While we have a page dedicated to our custom welding and fabrication offering, we felt it was time to discuss what custom welding and fabrication entails.

What are the benefits of Custom Welding and Fabrication?

The benefits of custom welding and fabrication are plentiful. But, let’s section out the big advantages.

Custom Welding allows flexibility with your equipment

If you need custom welding, you might not know exactly what it can do for you. You may have already gone to another welder and been overwhelmed with the listing of the welding techniques they use. But, what works the best for you?

While most of our welding tends to revolve around trailers, we have customers of various industries reach out to us for help. If you have questions, contact us.

What can custom fabrication do for me?

Custom Fabrication cuts and designs metal pieces for everything from construction to manufacturing. Metal punching and shearing tends to fall under fabrication. All of the fabrication processes depend on a certain method being deployed and the type of equipment needed.

The typical fabrication functions center around cutting metal into desired shape and sizes. Fabrication can also deal with manipulating metal into what you need. But, it can also center around joining a bigger assembly together.

How long does Custom Welding and Fabrication take?

Custom Welding and Fabrication varies depending on the scale of the job. To get a better sense of the time your job would need, we would recommend contacting Hitchcock today!

welding work at Hitchcock

What is the difference between welding and fabrication?

Welding is when you use tools to join metals together. These craftsmen also apply heat to their work, as opposed to the other methods used in fabrication. That’s right, welding is just one part of the overall fabrication process.

Fabrication is when you apply heat to do things like dry bending and cold rolling. You could say fabrication is more of the overall process of making a better final product.

What is used for custom welding?

The materials for custom welding are pretty standard. A welder will typical use carbon and stainless steel. Often they will also incorporate a low-carbon milder steel into the mix. That’s because the more carbon steel has, the more work it takes to weld it.

What other questions might I have about welding?

We hope to have answered most of your questions, but we’re sure you will have more. Feel free to contact Hitchcock today!

What is the best way to spread manure? (2022 Complete Guide)

by

Many ask what is the best way to spread manure. Are you doing it with minimal equipment or a manure spreader? Hitchcock Inc is here to walk you through the best ways to make sure that manure gets spread.

Part 1: What does a Manure Spreader do?

Manure spreaders distribute manure over a field. The spreader trailer being pulled behind a tractor is the best way to apply fertilizer in a modern setting. But why?

The manure spreader as we know it is the end result of engineering that began back in the 1870s. Several changes have been made throughout the 20th and 21st centuries to achieve a few major goals. Increase ROI, save you time and make fertilizing a field that much easier to do.

So, what are you going to do with your manure spreader?

Part 2: What are the best manure spreader brands?

The best manure spreaders can be defined by those that support farmers and the ability to get the job done correct. Kuhn, Meyer and even Hitchcock often get reported among the best manure spreader brands by users across the United States.

But, how do you know which manure spreader works for you? We have some tips.

Part 3: Tips for buying a new manure spreader

New manure spreaders are quite the purchase. You have many choices for how your fertilize your farm, field, etc. But, manure is far better to use than fertilizer. Especially because you increase soil carbon and help stop erosion.

That being said, we have 7 tips for buying a new manure spreader

  1. Do your research
  2. Know what you need, not what you want
  3. Take stock of how much manure you need to use
  4. Buy a manure spreader that can work with your land
  5. Make sure you can maintain and service your manure spreader
  6. Learn from others that already have your manure spreader
  7. If possible, test drive the manure spreader

Part 4: Manure Spreader Benefits

The best way to spread manure also offers up many benefits. But, do you know which benefits work best for you?

Control over how much manure is used

Too much manure in the field and you can overdo the nitrogen in the soil. That kicks off a process of robbing nutrients from your crops and other growth. A manure spreader controls flow into your field, so you can keep too much manure from ruining the soil.

You get to save time

Time is money. But, time is also yours to control. When you don’t spend all of your time working the fields, you can invest time in other parts of your work.

Less hassle with manure spreading

Manure spreading is typically seen as not terribly hard, but requiring a lot effort. Even with typical equipment, you have to plan out how much is being used and how to best deploy. A manure spreader allows you to load up a trailer and carefully navigate areas that would take hours by hand.

You save money in the long run

Saving money is what matters most. People will throw out the term ROI (return on investment), but let’s put it into terms anyone can understand. If you buy a manure spreader, use it wisely and take care of it…you save time, financial costs and produce a better product that will make more than the initial cost of the manure spreader. That’s ROI, that’s money saved and it’s quality all around.

Part 5: Best Available Manure Spreader Options

What are the best available manure spreader options?

Kuhn Manure Spreaders

Kuhn makes manure spreaders that either side or rear discharge. That means having to plan out how you’re going to spread manure. It’s not that hard, but it requires having navigational control over how you move through your field.

Meyer Manufacturing Manure Spreaders

Meyer Manure Spreaders feature horizontal and vertical beating. Meyer touts their rear unload advantage which is helpful, but how does it work for you? For those that want, they also tend to use a V type auger to give the manure spreader more control over the flow.

Manure Spreader best way to spread manure

The Best of the Best: Hitchcock Inc Manure Spreaders

Hitchcock offers what Kuhn, Meyer and every other manure spreader option is missing. By using a polybelt drive, you eliminate the need for pulleys and chains with this spreader. That means Hitchcock offers hydraulic controls for your manure spreader that are found in your cab.

No more having to get out and check everything when you spread manure. That means extra comfort in the cold harsh mornings of planting season. A job well done and a worker staying comfortable means everything.

Part 6: What kind of maintenance does a manure spreader need?

Manure spreaders require a degree of maintenance. Especially since most aren’t designed to store manure for lengthy amounts of time. Frequent causes of manure spreader breakdown arises from manure going bad and cracking various parts of the spreader.

A manufacturer or manure spreader sales place will have people on hand to tell you more about maintenance needs. Feel free to contact Hitchcock to learn more.

Part 7: What do after you buy a Manure Spreader

After buying a Manure Spreader, it’s wise to make sure you have proper storage for the equipment. We’ve touched upon the issues related to improperly storing manure, but it will ruin a spreader faster than you can snap your fingers. But, what other issues remain?

To learn more about what you can do to make sure that your manure spreader purchase is secure and you remain happy for years to come, reach out to Hitchcock today!

What are Chief Buildings?

by

What are Chief Buildings?

Chief Buildings are some of the most ideal metal buildings for rural and business purposes. But, why engage with Hitchcock Inc on a Chief Building? Well, the simple answer is because it will support your farm. As unpredictable as the weather becomes, do you want your equipment and vehicles sitting exposed to the elements? Let us explain why it makes sense to protect your farm with Chief Buildings.

Metal Outdoor Buildings are just another kind of prefabricated building. However, they provided additional production from pests, weather warping and the various issues that come with wooden structures. Whether you’re building cattle confinement or production houses, you’re going to need an outdoor building that won’t fail when you need it the most.

Chief Buildings

Why a Chief Building?

Having additional structures on your property is a visible commitment to the success of your agribusiness. When you place a metal outdoor building on your farm site, it’s a commitment to having a housing structure that will last decades. When you entrust your livestock and equipment to the safety of steel, it serve as a relief. No longer are you worrying about losing real estate to high wind, extreme rain or fire.

The agricultural applications of Chief Buildings are extensive beyond providing cover for equipment and vehicles. As opposed to other industries, a farm will need size and functionality to best serve its needs. If you’re moving cattle in and out of a building, you have to worry about cattle smashing into a wooden beam or structure. With a Chief Building, they’re brushing against steel.

What else can an outdoor farm Chief Building do?

Steel buildings like your Chief Buildings can be easily insulated. Keeping a fixed environment stable is important for farm workers, livestock and equipment. Especially if your building is going to feature rooms dedicated to storage, livestock treatment and/or bathing. No longer do you have to worry about treating your animals during a blizzard or thunderstorm.

With a Chief steel building, you can treat every animal on your farm with the comfort afforded to people. Some farmers are even using steel structures like this to create new silo buildings. The ease of design and flexibility and other development measures is pretty incredible. That means there is a steel building for everyone with a farm.

Chief Buildings at Hitchcock

At Hitchcock, we support and connect customers with a ton of products to make their lives easier. However, when you select a Chief Building…you’re going a step beyond the typical. We manufacture and market a wide range of agricultural products based on your growing needs. But, what does it mean beyond what you initially need?

To buy a Chief Building at Hitchcock means working with an informed vendor that knows what it’s like to commit to a steel building on your farm. After all, we share the same commitment to everything from feed wagons to aluminum trailers. But, what about Chief Buildings as an investment?

Outdoor farm buildings as an investment

As 2021 carries on, it would be wise to consider what structures you need on your farm. Steel buildings run a healthy spectrum from basic structures to precisely designed properties. The typical steel building are pre-fabricated which reduces overall labor and costs. Plus, these steel buildings are more energy efficient and have lower maintenance costs.

Does a Chief Building make sense for you? Well, do you want to protect your equipment and make livestock maintenance that much easier? Have you ever been concerned by a rickety old wooden structure on your property that looks like it’s one good storm away from breaking apart? Then, trust in the reliability of Chief Buildings.

If you warn to learn more about the Chief Buildings, contact Hitchcock today.

Silage Safety 2020

by

Working with silage is one of the most dangerous aspects of farm work. That is why silage safety is so important, even during the Pandemic related restraints of 2020. Given the sheer number of obstacles that the average worker is facing during this difficult time, why add preventable accidents to the mix? That is why Hitchcock Inc is going to take the time today to explain what you can do to keep it safe around silage.  

Hitchcock begins by reminding you to always have a buddy for silage work. Working in pairs allows farm workers to remain in communication and stay visible while preparing silage. What matters is next is not overfilling the silage. Never fill higher than what unloading equipment can reach. Proper technique will allow your silage fill to be performed with caution and without obstruction.

When selecting silage equipment, the feedout face should be of utmost concern. Regarding safety, most possible accidents begin when a worker mishandles the feedout. But, what should you keep in mind regarding this? The rules are simple. Never stand too close to the feedout face. If you are on top of a silage pile, stay six feet away from the feedout. Also, when sampling silage, get your sample from the loader bucket.

Chain Floor Truck Box Silage Safety

At Hitchcock, our contributions to silage are direct. You will find a variety of Used Chain Floor Trailers and Truck Boxes. These big silage movers also feature 24” silage extenders to help making filling and transporting silage into a safe endeavor. While we focus on one part of the silage journey at our business, we feel that sharing these tips makes for a safer industry. However, there is one last point that we need to touch upon.

Finally, do not enter the silo for 72 hours or 3 days after filling. It is important to ventilate a silo with the help of another worker. After all, you do not want the possibility of being exposed to toxic gas. How will you know if there is toxic gas in your silo? Well, if you see yellow-orange or brown gas oozing out of the silage, stay clear.

Then there is the matter of carbon dioxide. Colorless and often odorless, many accidents happen when new season silages are opened and strike down an errant worker trying to do the job alone. While a lot of these silage safety tips will be familiar to old farm hands, it pays to keep them fresh in mind. So, take caution and work smart to see the next season.

We Have a Solution For You!

WE MANUFACTURE AND MARKET A WIDE RANGE OF AGRICULTURAL PARTS
CONTACT US

Copyright © 2023 Hitchcock Incorporated.

(719) 346-8488
(719) 346-8488
(719) 346-8488
(719) 346-8488