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A Look Back in Time – The History

In order to completely understand the powerhouse that TeeJet has come to be, we first must look back in the annals of time and address some of the major milestones that helped elevate the Spraying Systems brand to the worldwide leader of spray equipment. So, let’s dive right in and look at the inception of the company. 

Spraying Systems Co. was co-founded in 1937 by two European immigrants to form the basis of the dynasty that exists today. The company enjoyed a rather humble start in a small 600 square foot garage in Chicago, IL. I bet those two men never imagined, in their wildest dreams, how the company would evolve and grow – and what their company would achieve over the next eight decades.

TeeJet is Born

In 1947, the origins of the TeeJet spray tip were conceived. The side profile of the first spray tip embodied a “tee” shape. This combined along with the “jet” family of names is how the TeeJet name came to be. For many years, the industry only required two sizes of spray tips. One must remember that the agricultural industry was still using manure and egg shells as the primary means of fertilizer up until the late-1950s. 

One of Dultmeier Sales’ long time employees, Bob Hansen, joined the industry in the early 1960s and recalls that the TeeJet family had just two spray tip sizes at the time – a 5 gallon and 10 gallon capacity. Both spray tips were offered only in brass. We will circle back to the expansion of fertilizer distribution later on in this write up and how that quickly elevated TeeJet to Goliath status in the spray industry. For the time being, let’s get back to the chronological progression of the company. 

GunJet & TeeValve Become Staples

In 1952, TeeJet introduced their first spray gun product line. Models such as the AA43 and AA2 were the first introductions. Today, farmers have a much wider range of trigger and twist-handle guns for spot-spraying applications. Many of those products can be viewed here. 

Next up was the introduction of the TeeValve in 1956. This was revolutionary in the agricultural spray industry as it allowed an operator to remotely control three boom sections on a sprayer. The compact design quickly gained popularity and became a staple in the agricultural industry. This product was so well-built and engineered that it is still used today. You can view this product here. 

An offshoot of the TeeValve is the DirectoValve. This product has been slightly modified over the years. The neat feature of this product is that is extremely versatile – it can be banked together to create a manifold, or it can be used alone as a singular valve. However, this is another testament to the superb engineering and functional design from Spray Systems Co. – many of their products from the mid-1900s are still widely popular within the industry. It’s neat to see the old archive below and compare it to today’s version. The electric version of the DirectoValve can be viewed here. 

Agricultural Spray Technology is Rapidly Expanded

In 1968, Spray Systems Co. designed the first electronic spray pattern analyzer in-house. This innovative piece of equipment allowed the company to drastically improve qualities of the expanding TeeJet family. This technology allowed the company to more accurately measure droplet size which is a critical component of nozzle design and functional application. 

By now, the agricultural spray industry had been experimenting with a new fertilizer called anhydrous ammonia, or NH3, for about seven years. This wonderful fertilizer helped increase growth rates and yields of crops. Not only did it improve crop growth rates – but also weed growth rates. The TeeJet family had positioned itself superbly. 

2,4-D and DDT were the primary chemicals used in the agricultural industry up until the introduction of anhydrous ammonia as a prominent fertilizer. Once weeds began to expand rapidly, as a result of this wonderful fertilizer – new formulations were necessary to keep them at bay. With new chemical formulations came the demand for new spray nozzles.

Chemical applications rapidly expanded over the next decade to combat the exploding growths of weeds – along with crops. The industry needed to quickly kill weeds to ensure that crops received as much of the fertilizer nutrients as possible. Let the weeds live and they starve crops of precious, and expensive, input resources. Rather abruptly, the industry changed its practice to combat weeds from cultivation equipment to liquid applications in the form of various chemicals. The TeeJet family was a natural fit to help fuel a major industry boom. 

1970s & 1980s

This period embodied an era of rapid growth and expansion for Spraying Systems Co. 1970 marked the beginning of construction on the state-of-the-art office and manufacturing facility in Wheaton, IL. In 1976, LH AGRO was founded in Denmark by two gentlemen named Larsen and Henning. The company’s first product was a grain loss monitor. 

TeeJet entered the 1980s with a bang. The introduction of the Quick TeeJet system again revolutionized the agricultural spraying industry – and the rapidly growing carwash industry, as well. The 1/4-turn quick attach cap and body system substantially reduced the effort required to install or change spray tips. This system also provided an automatic spray pattern alignment across the boom for optimum distribution. 

As Dultmeier Sales evolved into the carwash industry, Mike Hansen the Wash Division Manager, greatly relied on the partnership of TeeJet to help offer a solid product line for soap and wax application in self-serve carwash industry. And the Quick TeeJet product line helped Dultmeier Sales do just that. As the agricultural market struggled throughout the 1980s, the carwash industry helped to diversify both Dultmeier Sales and Spraying Systems. Even today, as you move through more sophisticated carwashes – you will see the Quick TeeJet products on many of the stationary boom structures.

The Quick TeeJet is introduced in 1981

In 1983, Midwest Technologies (Mid-Tech) was founded in Springfield, IL. Mid-Tech quickly became recognized as a pioneer of direct chemical injection systems and quickly advanced the Spraying Systems brand into the electronic sprayer & spreader control markets – and eventually into GPS guidance systems. Mid-Tech joined the TeeJet family in 2000. 

In 1984, the LH1200 was launched in Europe and marked the entrance of the LH AGRO product offering into the sprayer control market. LH AGRO would eventually become a member of the TeeJet family in 2000 with a focus on electronic controls and precision farming equipment. Then, in 1985, the next major introductions into the TeeJet family came with the VisiFlo and XR TeeJet flat fan tip series. 

The VisiFlo system incorporated color-coded plastic tip bodies with a stainless steel orifice. End users were able to quickly identify the tip capacity based upon the color of the spray tip – another revolution within the spray industry. The VisiFlo color-scheme quickly became the industry standard and was adopted by ISO as the worldwide standard in agricultural tip capacity identification.

The XR Flat Fan spray tip series was created based upon new manufacturing techniques that enabled the production of an orifice that offers excellent pattern formation and spray distribution across a wide range of operating pressures. The XR tip series has become the standard agricultural spray tip and continues to be one of the highest selling spray tips manufactured today. 

Retro XR TeeJet and VisiFlo Bulletin

The 90s – Advanced Controls & Air Induction Spray Tips Introduced

The 1990s brought about further product diversification and advancement for Spraying Systems Co. The company acquired the ECOSpray product lines in 1993 which further expanded its offering in sprayer controls. Then, in 1995, the QJ360 nozzle turret was introduced. This multiple outlet nozzle body quickly found favor with OEMs and farmers, alike. TeeJet knocked another one out of the park with the simple design and easy use/installation of the QJ360 series. 

Then, in 1998, TeeJet entered the air induction spray tip into the marketplace with the launch of the AI tip series. The combination of a pre-orifice and venturi produces large, drift-resistant droplets. TeeJet felt it was necessary to develop this product due to the continued growth in the use of non-selective herbicides like Roundup. These types of chemicals drastically increased the demand for products that reduce spray drift.

The Next Century – GPS Guidance & Precision Technology

The turn of the century lead to further product enhancements and new technologies that allow end users to become more accurate and more efficient. In 2000, the Mid-Tech Swath XL lightbar launched and marked the entrance of TeeJet into the growing GPS guidance market. 

Then, in 2006 the CenterLine 220 revolutionized the GPS market – it brought GPS guidance functionality to every farmer due to the simplicity, reliability, and affordability. Easy operation paired with quick installation make this product appealing and quickly grew its popularity. You can view the CenterLine 220 here. Another important introduction in 2006 was the Turbo TwinJetspray tip. This was the next generation as it offered a twin spray pattern with superior drift control. Market demand for twin spray patterns experienced a rebirth during the early 2000s and TeeJet sought to capitalize on this trend. 

2009 came along with another large advancement in the GPS market with the introduction of the Matrix guidance console. This product features a 3-D touchscreen interface and brings GPS guidance with live video to form the patented RealView guidance over video feature. The Matrix quickly became the preferred platform for GPS guidance. Additionally, this product allowed end users to leverage new technology called FieldPilot. Which further enhanced efficiencies and helped to reduce waste through features such as auto-steering and automatic boom section control. The Matrix 430 can be viewed here and the Matrix 570 can be viewed here. 

The Aeros 9040 field computer was introduced in 2012 and emerged as the most powerful controller offered in TeeJet history. This field computer is targeted towards the self-propelled OEM market. Functionalities include GPS guidance, automatic rate control, automatic boom section control and droplet size monitoring. 

In 2017, TeeJet introduced a couple more key products. The TTI60 TwinJet and the DynaJet Flex 7140. The TTI60 TwinJet tip/cap combined flat spray patterns and ultimate drift control capabilities of the proven TTI spray tip. The DynaJet Flex 7140 brought Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) nozzle control to the TeeJet family of electronics. The unit boasts ISOBUS compatibility for seamless integration into a wide range of control systems and machines. 

The Dultmeier Sales-Spraying Systems Co. marriage goes back many years. Back to the days of just two brass spray tips and the introduction of anhydrous ammonia as a fertilizer into the agricultural industry. It’s nostalgic to look back and see how far we’ve come. But we are eager to see what the future holds. 

We hope you enjoyed this manufacturer highlight of Spraying Systems Co. – TeeJet. Stop by in the future or check out more posts here. As always, if you enjoyed this post – please give us a share.

The Inception of Banjo

The story of Banjo starts in a small garage in Crawfordsville, Indiana.  We need to go back to 1959 to see where the spark ignited for Banjo.  Jack Canine set out to solve problems by offering high quality products - and nothing short of that attribute.  Soon after he set out to accomplish this feat, he was able to move out of the garage and established Terra-Knife.  Which was a small fertilizer knife supplier that focused on delivering quality products to farmers throughout the United States.

As the agricultural industry grew, so did the small supply company known as Terra-Knife.  Jack Canine and his team recognized the need to expand their product offerings.  The company quickly began offering ball valves and cam lever couplings.  Shortly after this product line expansion the company was renamed to Terra-Products, in an effort to better represent its added product offerings.

The name Banjo Corporation came as a result of Jack Canine’s personal hobby and love for the stringed instrument.  An additional factor was that the shape of one of the company’s newly heralded key products, the ball valve, somewhat resembled a banjo.  Thus, Terra-Products transformed into present day Banjo Corporation and rapidly expanded their production capacities of polypropylene products.

4-Bolt Ball Valves

Current Day Banjo

Let's time warp forward a few decades to 2006.  Banjo Corporation joined IDEX Fluid & Metering Technologies Division.  This further strengthened the IDEX global position and allowed them to deliver complete fluid handling solutions for Agricultural and Industrial applications.  In today’s marketplace, Banjo is recognized as a world-class producer of a broad and diverse range of mechanical/electrical valves, self-priming centrifugal pumps, and fittings for agriculture and various industrial applications.  The Banjo name is prevalent wherever quality fluid handling solutions are required throughout the world.

Banjo boasts a large fleet of molding presses and numerous machining and assembly cells.  OEM customers worldwide trust Banjo due to the long track record of delivery quality products.  This sets Banjo apart from the rest of the pack:

• Part specification tolerances at one-ten thousandth of an inch
• 36 plastic injection-molding presses
• Capacity of up to 17,000 valves produced each day
• 3-day lead-times
• 98%+ first-pass yield

Commitment to Quality Control

In order to maintain their quality, Banjo has implemented various checks throughout their manufacturing process:

• Multiple finished goods inspections
• Daily process checks to isolate potential issues
• Monthly Rapid Improvement Events to identify opportunities where operations can be improved
• Inbound material inspection

Jack Canine ingrained a commitment to product innovation at the inception of this organization.  That commitment to product innovation has continued since 1959, when Jack set out to design a better knife to apply anhydrous ammonia.  Not only is Banjo committed to product innovation but to customer-driven innovation.  Some examples of that include:

• Quick-change manifold systems to improve ease-of-use and versatility
• Electric valve product line tailored to specific OEM needs
• Patented Dry-Mate dry disconnects which tremendously reduce the possibility of spillage

The Banjo name is synonymous with high quality products delivered on time.  From oilfield applications all the way to cornfield applications you can see the Banjo name prominently displayed on various valves, fittings, and couplers.  Here is a link to our Banjo manufacturer page on dultmeier.com.  We hope you enjoyed this manufacturer highlight.  Stop back any time!

Intro to Tuthill

In this month's Manufacturer of the Month highlight we showcase Fill-Rite.  The long-standing, reliable 'Red Pump' has been an industry staple for years.  When someone sees a red fuel pump in the field they quickly recognize the Fill-Rite brand.  Our primary connection with Fill-Rite is in the petroleum and fuel delivery industries that we serve.  Let's dive a little deeper into the history of this wonderful brand.

The Inception of the Tuthill Gear Pump

The inception of this company dates all the way back to 1892 in Chicago, IL.  An industry dilemma of construction material supply sparked the creation of Tuthill Pump Company.  James B. Tuthill needed to come up with a way to efficiently transfer clay from deep in the quarries to supply the rapidly expanding Chicago urban development industry.  His invention to solve this supply issue was a steam-powered truck engine.

However, a critical component that truly paved the future for Tuthill was the small gear pump that injected fuel oil directly into the truck boiler.  As Tuthill refined the pump design he began to market it to companies that produced oil-fired boilers for use in residential and industrial heating.  Then, in 1927 the Tuthill Pump Company was formed by James B. Tuthill and Gary B. Tuthill.  The sole purpose of this venture was to manufacture and sell lube/oil burner pumps.  The Tuthill internal gear pump was widely accepted by the marketplace and opened the doors to what is the present-day Tuthill Corporation.

Fill-Rite - A Brand is Born

In 1961 Tuthill acquired Ossian Engineering Company.  This acquisition resulted in the introduction of the Fill-Rite brand of fuel and metering products.  Since the early 1960s the Fill-Rite brand has been a leader in the fuel/oil transfer industry.  Innovation, ruggedness, quality, and reliability are all synonymous with the Fill-Rite name.  Tuthill Transfer Systems broke ground on their state-of-the art production facility in Fort Wayne, IN in 1995.  This facility continues to serve as a world-class production facility, to this day.

Then, in 1998 the Fill-Rite brand was grown even further with the addition of Fluid Power Products, Inc.  While offering an extremely reliable and efficient way to move and transfer petroleum based products - more was deemed necessary.  It only made sense to offer an ancillary product line where the solutions could be accurately measured, in addition to being efficiently transferred.  Today, this product line is now known as Fill-Rite Precision Meters.  The expansion of the Fill-Rite brand extends the capabilities of fuel pumps by offering highly accurate weights and measurement metering systems.  You can view our manufacturer's page on Fill-Rite meters here.

Innovation Continued in Fuel Delivery

This past year, Fill-Rite has continued to offer new products that ensure its name stays at the top of the pack in petroleum-based product transfer applications.  We want to point out the NX3200 Series pump with Nextec Intelligence.  This pump can be operated in either 12V or 24V DC with a continuous duty motor - the first of its kind.  This highly efficient pump produces 25 GPM with an extremely low amp draw.  Furthermore, Intelligent Tones inform operators when attention is needed.

Innovation Continued in DEF Delivery

Furthermore, Fill-Rite has offered a new Diesel Exhaust Fuel (DEF) delivery package in the past year.  The AdBlue Pump System allows for efficient transfer of DEF.  The bracket allows the pump to be mounted directly over a IBC shuttle valve on a cage tank.  This pump package can produce 8 GPM.  It is available in either 12 Volt or 120 Volt  options.  You can view a 120 Volt package here and a 12 Volt package here.

A long and fruitful relationship has allowed us to reach this point in our partnership and we are looking forward to many more years together.  You can view our Fill-Rite Pump page here to shop the various Fill-Rite pump products that we offer.  Fill-Rite meters can be viewed here.  We sincerely hope that you enjoyed this Manufacturer of the Month highlight and look forward to visiting in the future.

We are your Experts in Delivering Fluid Handling Services.  Remember, at Dultmeier Sales - We Know Flow.

Markets Served by GPI Brands

GPI products are heavily used in the petroleum and oil transfer industries. Furthermore, they serve in agricultural, industrial, chemical handling, construction, mining, and many other markets. Great Plains Industries is home to the GPI, FLOMEC, and GRPO brands.

Where the Products are Made

Great Plains Industries’ products are produced in the heart of the Midwest – Kansas. At their Witchita headquarters, more than 200 employees help manufacture GPI products. In 2013, the company acquired Trimec Industries of Sydney, Australia. Trimec, now called GPI Australia, is one of the top Australian manufacturers of positive displacement oval gear, insertion and impeller flow meters. Both Great Plains Industries and Great Plains Industries Australia are recognized and known for rugged engineering and durability.

Dultmeier Sales inventories and offers a wide array of GPI product lines, From rotary pumps to either 12V or 115V options to a multitude of meters. Additionally, we inventory some GPI oil and lube pumps. 

GPI’s strong work ethic is evident throughout a long-standing heritage – one of commitment to serving their customers and exceeding expectations. The business is family owned, and this fact continues to play heavily into their customer focus mentality.

Flexible Manufacturing System

Recently, Great Plains Industries has embarked on a number of manufacturing technology improvements. For example, the Flexible Manufacturing System project has allowed the company to achieve greater efficiency, production capacity, and higher quality control. CEO Vic Lukic stated, “Innovation is key for GPI and these capital investments create tremendous value for us as a supplier, but more importantly for our distributors and their customers.”

“We continually improve processes and examine new and better ways of producing our products,” said Jeff Methe, Operations Manager. By continually improving their processes, Great Plains Industries can ensure a commitment to improving efficiencies, reducing waste, and lowering costs – all to better serve their customers around the world.

You can shop GPI products on dultmeier.com or give us a ring Monday through Friday (7:30 am to 5 pm Central Time). Check out our GPI Manufacturer page right here. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by again. This month we want to dive into Giant Industries and highlight them as a partnering manufacturer.  Giant Industries works to provide superior solutions in all markets they serve and here's how they do it.  Let's start out by looking back into the history books address how Giant has evolved over the years.

The History of Giant Industries

Ray Simon founded the Giant Towel Company in 1972.  Towels were sold all over North America to car wash OEM's and through wholesale distribution channels.  Then, in the mid-1970's Giant became the North American distributor for Speck Kolbenpumpen Fabrik, a German pump manufacturer.  Speck offered a unique pump line, along with accessories, that quickly gained market acceptance.  Widespread use by OEM's and distributors, alike, helped the Giant name become known as a staple product in the car/truck washing, pressure washing, and sewer/jetting markets.  Furthermore, the quality of this German pump and accessory line gained widespread demand throughout various industrial applications, as well.

Giant Pumps Begin Manufacturing

When the 1980's rolled around, Giant Industries began to offer their own manufactured items to compliment the German-made pumps and accessories.  This was done to address some unique requirements for pumps and accessories in the North American market, specifically.  Giant Pumps began building its own line of accessories such as shut-off guns, accumulators, and unloader valves.  As the Giant-manufactured products began to gain market acceptance, their manufacturing requirements increased, thus forcing the organization to acquire new facilities in order to meet market demand.

In the mid-1980's Giant began to offer pump and motor units to the pressure washing market.  Additionally, Giant started to make axial pumps in Toledo which sparked the requirement for further expansion and yet, another facility.  The addition of this facility has allowed Giant Pumps to meet various market demand - from car/truck washing all the way to sewer cleaning.  At the current facility, Giant is able to manufacture both axial and plunger pumps, pump systems and a line of towel products.

Giant Triplex Plunger Pump

Vertical Market Exposure

As Giant has expanded in its manufacturing capabilities it has decided to take on more market exposure in existing markets - by offering those markets even more cross-related products under the Giant umbrella.  The main focal point being an offering of complete pump systems.  Offering custom-units helps Giant Industries' customers concentrate on they key tasks that allow their businesses to remain profitable.  Giant offers pumps and pump systems that require more than 1,000 HP to drive pumps.  That is a massive pump system.  To put that in perspective, the largest pump unit that Dultmeier Sales has manufactured, to date, is a 150 HP centrifugal pump unit.  That unit weighed 3,100 lbs.  And we thought we dealt with some large pumping systems!

Giant Turbo Nozzle

Giant Industries Product Mix

Dultmeier Sales has been a long-time partner with Giant Industries and we truly do value the relationship that we have built, together, over the years.  While Dultmeier Sales does represent many other manufacturers that are viewed as competitors of Giant Pumps, we know that when we are selling Giant products to a customer we can assure them nothing, but the best of quality - followed up by impeccable service.  Whether you are in the market for Giant pumps, spray guns, towels, pump oil, wash prep systems, nozzles, unloader valves or relief valves - we can be your one-stop-shop for all things Giant pump related.

Giant Pop-Off Relief Valve

As always, thanks for stopping by and we look forward to visiting soon. Take care!

How it All Began...

John Blue's story originates in Richmond County, North Carolina during the late 1800s.  Cotton was the main cash crop that fueled the local agricultural industry during that time period.  Manual labor was the primary labor input with additional power supplied by mules.  A young man, by the name of John Blue began to see an opportunity develop.  His innovative mind began to realize how the cotton farming process could be improved and how greater efficiencies could be brought into the industry.

John and his father, Angus, established a business to repair cotton gin parts in 1886.  As the industry evolved, the need for more efficient methods of distributing fertilizer and cottonseed birthed the invention of the John Blue Cotton Planter.  This invention helped to revolutionize farming.  As the business grew, its ability to manufacture implements and cast metal parts evolved, as well.  It wasn't until the early 1900s that John Blue obtained patents for all of his inventions.

John Blue's Vision for Agriculture

The primary goal of John Blue was to make farming dependent upon machinery - not man-power.  He set out to make implements available to all farmers - and to do this, he understood that he must continually lower his cost of production.

In 1945 disaster struck as the John Blue Foundry was destroyed by fire.  John Jr. then moved the company to Huntsville, Alabama where it still exists today.  The Huntsville location was chosen not only for the fact that it lies in the bosom of southern agriculture but also because it is in close proximity to iron ore.  Lastly, there was a coal foundry available.  These three, key, ingredients allowed the company to flourish into new product offerings.  In the early Huntsville years, the John Blue Company manufactured liquid applicator pumps, self-propelled sprayers, cotton module makers, small tractors, nurse units, cotton wagons, and dry/liquid anhydrous ammonia applicators.

In 1967 the John Blue Company was sold to new ownership.  Then in the 1980s, the challenges of the agricultural economy gave the company good reason to consolidate its product offerings and focus on pumps, flow dividers, manifolds and accessories for applying liquid chemicals and fertilizers.  During this time frame, CDS Ag Industries, Inc. was operating on the west coast - out of Chino, California.  Their primary business was a manufacturer of squeeze tube pumps and irrigation pumps.  These two companies merged in 2000 to form what is present-day John Blue Company, which is a division of Advanced Systems Technology.

Next Generation Ground Drive Piston Pump (NGP8055)

130 Years Later...

John Blue products are synonymous with the ruggedness, quality, and reliability that the agricultural industry demands.  Recent innovations include the variable rate hydraulic driven piston pump and direct hydraulic drive for piston pumps.  Other product offerings such as the patented electronic liquid blockage monitor system and visagage orifice selector continue to bring John Blue Sr.'s dream to reality - revolutionize farming and ensure dependency upon quality machinery - not man-power.

Check out our manufacturer's page which highlights all the John Blue products that we offer.

The Chemical Transfer Equipment Industry Challenges

A long-standing challenge within the chemical transfer equipment industry has been rugged electronics that can stand up to harsh environments.  In the past five years, one company stepped up, in a big way, to address this issue.  The issue I am hinting at is the necessary ruggedness required by the agricultural industry for chemical pumps and meters.  End users in the chemical transfer industry have, in the past, wrestled with the challenge of finding a meter/pump combination that is able to take the necessary beating the agricultural industry throws at it - while maintaining accuracy and performance attributes.

The use of products that lack ruggedness and robust design results in decreased efficiency, inaccurate readings, poor use of time, and higher maintenance/repair costs.  Every single point I just hit on directly increases the end users' cost.  Dura Products has and will continue to help the end user lower those costs by offering the market place something it was so desperately seeking - Rugged Quality Products.

Dura Products & Lasting Value

Dura Products has decided to step up and address this concern that has challenged the industry for years now.  From simple in-line meters to diaphragm pumps to complete pumping systems - Dura has ensured quality control on their products and they genuinely care about how that quality is perceived by end users.

At the time of this writing, Dultmeier Sales has been a distributor for Dura Products for roughly one year.  Dura Products runs the extra mile, in regards to, ensuring quality in their products has helped them stand out in the market place.  We are starting to see more and more customers gravitate towards Dura Products.  Are they offering sweet incentives to purchase their products?  No, they are not.  What they have done is supply the market place with rugged and quality products and tremendous service to back up those products.

Less downtime, more accurate readings, improved ruggedness, and increased quality are staples the end user can expect when running a Dura Products item.  This company shows an insatiable desire to deliver quality to the market place.  That is what I have witnessed in our short and blossoming relationship with Dura Products.

Dura Products Offering Package

Ag Dura-Pump Features

Shop Dura Product Pumps Here

Dura-Meter: True Ruggedness

The meter is the user interface to 76% of Dura Products' Ag Systems packages.  Dura Products has addressed a major issue in the design of this meter.  That issue being the majority of meter failures result from moisture and abuse.  Now, let's be real - the agricultural industry isn't going to play any nicer with a $50 widget than it is with a $500 widget.

By acknowledging that simple and known fact, Dura Products justified the need for a rugged meter that was able to withstand the beating thrown at it by the agricultural industry - and still maintain the ability to accurately measure chemical in the field. Thus the Dura Meter was born.

Key Benefits of the Dura-Meter

• 100% Moisture Sealed Circuitry
• Faceplate Made of Impact Resistant
• Easy-to-Calibrate
• Menu Driven, Backlit Display
• Plumbed for Both In-Line and 90 Degree Applications - no additional adapters needed
• Extended Battery Life: 4 "AAA" Batteries
• Power Life Constantly Displayed
• Features 2 Year Warranty
• You Can Use the Face Plate to Fit a Flowserve/Scienco Meter - the bolt hole patterns match between the two meters

Dura-Pump Easy Caddy

The Easy Caddy system is an efficient and clean way to keep your chemical distribution system tidy, as well as, protected.  The Easy Caddy keeps the pump directly above the IBC shuttle valve - this is beneficial as forklift operators need to only be concerned with one side of the shuttle.  All the equipment that could potentially be damaged is contained on one side of the shuttle and kept neatly organized.

Conversely, if the end user fancies a top mount or, the more portable, ground version - those options are also available.  We have seen many retailers and growers, alike, gravitate towards the side mount style, recently.

Shop Dura-Pump Easy Caddy Now

Dura Auto Batch System - Limitless Opportunities

The Auto Batch system allows the operator to remotely program and distribute chemical.  Again, the Dura Meter is the main interface for this system.  The Auto Batch system does have a manual mode if you wish to top off a shuttle or container.  The system can be reverted back to automated mode at the flip of a switch.

Shop Dura Auto Batch System Now

Chemical Compatibility

Dura Products not only ensures greater quality in their products, but they want to make sure that customers are educated on proper chemical compatibility.  You can have the greatest pump/meter combination in the world but if you are running a product that is incompatible with the elastomers - you are going to ruin the equipment.

For this reason, Dura Products relies on distributors and end users, alike, to confirm chemical compatibility.  Dura Products offers their pump and meter systems in three stock elastomer options: EPDM, Viton, and Silicone. Check out a previous post that we wrote up on the product trade-named Resicore and the importance of chemical compatibility.

Here is a link to a wonderful Chemical Compatibility Chart that Dura Products has published.

It's extremely reassuring to know that a manufacturer, not only puts this much emphasis on quality assurance but an equal emphasis on chemical compatibility.  Marketplace education is a huge focal point for the Dura Products team, as it is with the Dultmeier Sales team.

2 Year Maintenance & Warranty Program

So, now that we have discussed all the wonderful benefits of Dura Products physical attributes in their products - let's touch on their two-year warranty program for pumps and meters.  All Dura Products items have a two-year service warranty program.  If it breaks or malfunctions - Dura Products wants it back.  They will make the repairs and then send out the refurbished unit(s).  This further helps maintain their process of quality control.

It's extremely reassuring to work with a manufacturer that exemplifies this commitment to producing and ensuring quality products.  Equipment that falls under warranty period and parameters will be repaired, or replaced, and returned at no cost to the customer.

Secondly, the two-year maintenance program allows customers to coordinate a return to Dura for refurbishment of pumps and meters - at no charge.  Within this program, Dura Products will triple rinse pumps and/or meters to ensure no cross contamination is possible.  All equipment will be taken apart and evaluated to ensure seals, gaskets, and internal components are operationally acceptable.

During this process, any parts that are still under warranty will be replaced at no charge.  If any parts need to be replaced, that are not under warranty (i.e. broken housing, damaged parts, chemical compatibility issues, cut cords, etc.), they will be replaced and charged to the customer with NO additional labor charges.  Lastly, the customer will be notified of all findings associated with cost and ETA of when the equipment can be expected back to the end user.  This is another facet that truly sets Dura Products apart from the rest of the pack.

This concludes our Manufacturer of the Month highlight.  We hope that you enjoyed this write up on Dura Products and sincerely hope that you stop back soon.  Take care and be safe out there.

Hydra-Flex History

Hydra-Flex was started in 2002 in a small machine shop.  The company originated as a 2-man outfit and quickly grew in ranks from there.  The core motivation for HydraFlex was driven by the simple belief to "find a better way" to produce innovative and reliable fluid handling products.

The core values that drive Hydra-Flex are Innovation, Reliability, and Accuracy.  These values are clearly visible in the products they develop.  Hydra-Flex is proud to boast its reputation as The Most Trusted Name in Chemical Dispensing.

This Eagan, MN company holds a committed focus to reduction of waste, salvage of resources, reduction in operating costs and the promise to provide exceptional - and measurable results for end users.  Located within the innovative Twin Cities community, Hydra-Flex continues to strive for nothing short of exceptional product delivery.

Hydra-Flex is listed on Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies and winner of Best in Class at the 2016 MN Manufacturing Awards.

Chem-Flex Injectors

Hydra-Flex holds patents on chemical dispensing and nozzle technologies.  Also named one of Minnesota's Top Inventors by Twin Cities Business Magazine, Hydra-Flex continues to be recognized locally, as well as, nationally.  The underlying premise of finding a "better way" to apply fluid handling technologies guides their strategy and solutions offerings.

Taking a common design called a venturi, Hydra-Flex has revolutionized the vehicle washing industry.  A venturi is not a new idea - the venturi was actually discovered by an Italian physicist, Giovanni Battista Venturi in 1797.  A venturi induces a small portion of another fluid into a carrier fluid.  This is created by creating a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet.  Constricting the flow of the carrier fluid actually creates a vacuum, thus allowing the secondary fluid to be induced into the carrier agent.  Furthermore, mixing the two fluids together through a venturi, ensures proper and equal mixture throughout the solution.

Hydra-Flex created the Chem-Flex injector to take venturi technology to the next level.  Chem-Flex injectors use the most chemical-resistant and longest lasting components available on the market.  This includes Kynar venturi inserts, stainless steel connections, a hastelloy spring, teflon check ball and Hydra-Flex's exclusive XFC O-ring.  Chem-Flex injectors are built with the goal of finding a "better way" to induce and mix chemicals.

Benefits of Chem-Flex Injectors:

Small Footprint - Forget the need for large mixing tanks.  Do it inline and mount these systems on the wall - maximize the space in your equipment room.

Better Vehicle Coverage - Using the same dilution rate but increasing delivery pressure allows for less solution usage and better coverage.  Chem-Flex injectors have an application pressure capacity of 65-80 PSI versus traditional chemical dispensing systems that generally run from 25-40 PSI.

Consistency - Fluctuations in local water pressure do not affect the dilution rate of the injectors.  Because the injectors use the pump's regulated pressure you need not worry about this variable.  Thus, instilling a greater degree of consistency into your wash system(s).

Reliability - The simplistic design minimizes moving parts and, therefore, reduces the potential for failure due to mechanical wear.  We have already mentioned the added chemical resistance brought on by the internal components used in Chem-Flex injectors - this is an added reliability factor.  Rest assured - Chem-Flex injectors will stand up to some of the toughest chemicals on the planet.

Precision - Color-coded injectors (by flow rate) and metering tips (by dilution ratio) offer precise optimization and easy maintenance of the chemical delivery system.

Environmentally Friendly - Due to the fact that the solution is applied to the vehicle at higher pressure, less solution is needed to clean the same size surface.  This often results in substantial reductions in water and chemical usage.  Furthermore, the use of highly concentrated chemicals can help reduce packaging waste and freight costs.  If you can order in smaller packages you can help reduce a variable cost in freight expenses.

The Nozzles

Hydra-Flex offers five models of nozzles - each one provides a solution to various industry applications.  While there are five different models the nozzles can be split into two larger categories - Rotating Turbo Nozzles and Static, Zero-Degree Nozzles.

Rotating Turbo Nozzles

Blast-Tec Pro (1000PSI) - designed specifically for high-pressure, high-impact wash applications such as wheel blasters, undercarriage cleaning, rinsing and high pressure cleaning.

Ripsaw (3200PSI) - specifically designed for hydro-excavation industry.  An extremely heavy-duty and high impact nozzle that is ideal for pothole applications.  The cone-shaped flow patter provides 18 degrees of coverage.

Aqua-Rocket (4000PSI) - designed and engineered for the industrial cleaning industry.  This nozzle blasts a concentrated 0 degree water jet while rotating at an optimal speed to form a 22 degree cone-shaped spray pattern.  Here is a video below

Static, Zero-Degree Nozzles

Blast-Force (1000PSI) - This nozzle produces a solid-stream and was specifically designed for spinning, high-pressure vehicle wash applicators.  Constructed with corrosion-resistance tungsten carbide nozzle orifices, this critter will get the job done - and then some.

Switchblade (3200PSI) - Dig Faster.  Save Water.  Another hydro-excavation nozzle but in a stationary in design.  Cut deeper, cut faster.  A neat feature of this nozzle is the flexibility it offers.  There are individual, replaceable, color-coded nozzle pills that allow the end user to change water flow rates and pattern based upon various soil conditions.  Here it is in action:

Whether you're in the market for nozzles or chemical injectors, you need to consider Hydra-Flex as a viable option in your decision making process.  For further questions on other products we offer you can stop by our website any time you wish.  Thanks for stopping by and we hope you enjoyed this post.

The History of Ace Roto-mold & Den Hartog Industries

Ace Roto-Mold is a Division of Den Hartog Industries. With the goal of involving everyone in the organization to continually improve products and processes to ensure total customer satisfaction, this manufacturer stands up with the best. Den Hartog Industries, Inc. was founded on February 9, 1976, by John and Ann Den Hartog. Hospers, IA was the original homestead for the company and it remains so to this day.

Today & Business Scope

Den Hartog Industries, Inc. is a family-owned business that is now in the second generation of lineage. Den Hartog Industries has grown from a small metal manufacturer to a leading figure in the plastics manufacturing industry. The current facilities boast over 381,000 square feet that includes corporate offices, manufacturing & mold fabrication facilities, shipping, warehouse space, and fleet maintenance.

Divisions and Services Offered

The company currently operates four divisions. Those divisions include Ace Roto-Mold Rotational Molding, Injection Molding, Blow Molding, and Sowjoy Metal Fabrication. Customer rotational molding, injection molding, metal fabrication, blow molding, custom assembly, and secondary operations, custom packaging services, flotation, and structural foam filling are all services offered under the Den Hartog Industries umbrella.

Engineering services are also offered by the Den Hartog Industries team. These engineering services include full product design assistance with 2D, 3D and solid modeling. Furthermore, tooling, dedicated customer service, quality assurance, and delivery services are also provided.

You can view and shop Ace Roto-Mold tanks on Dultmeier.com right here.

Mosmatic At a Glance

The journey to an assured future.  Look no further than Mosmatic Corporation.  The Switzerland-based company specializes in the manufacturing of high-pressure cleaning equipment. With over 40 years of experience, Mosmatic has the common sense knowledge to back up their revolutionary solutions which serve a wide range of industry issues.

The construction of a new facility in Bristol, WI has allowed Mosmatic to better penetrate the US market place.  From high-pressure swivels to rotary nozzles and carwash booms - all the way to roof cleaners and gum removers - this company offers just about everything you need to keep your business clean and looking pristine.  You can view our Mosmatic Manufacturer page here.  This is one of Mosmatic's top videos - which clearly illustrates many of their product high-pressure cleaning offerings.

Hurricane Pro

The Hurricane Pro is highly popular.  Not only is one able to clean underneath vehicles but it also allows the user to pivot the spray deck.  This allows for multiple cleaning angles to get into tight crevices and blast debris free.  This adjustable angle feature allows for an "all-around" cleaning of construction equipment, agricultural machinery, fleet vehicles, boats, and the list could go on - you get the picture.  The Hurricane Pro is an extremely versatile undercarriage cleaner that is packaged into one sleek and high-quality model.  Shop Mosmatic Now.  This product can be used with either hot or cold water.

Technical Data

• Maximum Pressure - 4000 Psi
• Maximum Temperature - 250 Degrees Fahrenheit
• Inlet - 3/8"NPTF
• Adjustable Spray Angles - 0 Degree to 90 Degree Spray Deck Adjustment

Here is a product-focused video on the Hurricane Pro.

High-Pressure Vehicle Washing

Mosmatic is also a staple name in the high-pressure vehicle cleaning industry.  From booms to swivels, spray guns, foaming products, and rotary wheel cleaners - Mosmatic offers just about everything one would need.  The Mosmatic Wheelblaster Pro is a highly effective and versatile solution for just about any style or type of vehicle.  Due to the nature of its design, there is no need to be extremely close to ensure a polished clean.

The water pressure actually turns the rotor arm - so as long as there is water pressure the rotor arm is spinning - no added motors are necessary.  Generally, the Mosmatic Wheelblaster Pro is found in automatic car wash facilities, but this product can be used for buses and fleet vehicles, as well.

We hoped that you enjoyed this Manufacturer of the Month highlight.  Mosmatic is a wonderful company that is seriously concerned with the quality of their products.  No one says it better than their managing director, Patrick Rieben.  "For us Quality is not just a slogan, but the bench mark for our efforts, priorities and goals."

Take care and don't forget to stop by Dultmeier or give us a call at 1-888-677-5054.  Thanks for dropping in.