DUNDEE, Ohio — Harold’s Equipment Inc., located at 2120 County Road 168 near Dundee in rural Holmes County, has seen many changes over the past 25 years.
It has seen the typical farm change from the small family-owned operations to farms with larger and larger herds of cattle. Along the way, many farms went out of business, either due to the economy or the greater dollars available as the housing market surged.
The company itself has gone from a small one-room office to a modern building housing several offices, parts counter, parts room and service bay. It also started from scratch with suppliers over the years and has grown to be a major dealer.
Commitment is constant. One thing that hasn’t changed, is the company’s commitment to the farming industry.
Harold Neuenschwander, who started and owns the company with his wife, Sue, is always researching and looking for ways to improve the product line.
Product lines. The quality products for sale at Harold’s Equipment included liquid manure tank spreaders and pumps from GEA Houle, Trioliet, and Patz vertical mixers, Patz silo unloaders and conveyors, Hanson silo unloaders, Animat interlocking rubber flooring, Valmetal products, Calf-tel hutches, Ritchie and Mirafount waters, Aerotech fans, J & L and Stoltzfus haysavers, Paul B. Zimmerman Inc. gates, stalls, and headlocks, and more.
After the sale. Harold’s Equipment has the material handling equipment that its customers need to run their farms efficiently, as well as highly trained technicians to install and repair equipment, and a parts room that is well supplied for any repair needs.
There are industrial applications for some of the products as well. Factories and sawmills, for example, can integrate Patz conveyors into their setups.
Biodigester. Also, this year the company supplied equipment for a biodigester, which is involved in the process of breaking down solid waste and turning it into a useful product. This was the company’s first time to be involved in such a project.
Manure management has been one area of development over that past few years, and with the “green” movement, opportunities are being created for items such as the biodigester.
Weathering storm. When looking at the economic climate of the past year, Neuenschwander said he is grateful to have weathered the storm, although economic hard times are challenging for everyone. He and his staff have put policies in place to ensure the company’s future.
First, Neuenschwander said, the company is being more aggressive and intentional in its sales approach.
Second, the company limited or put off capital purchases until a more advantageous time. Lastly, though not something anyone wants to do, laying off and/or reducing employees’ hours when business is slower is needed at times.
Service crane. A service truck that includes a crane has been a welcome addition to the tools Harold’s Equipment has available in its service department. It is a big asset when pumps need to be pulled out of manure pits for repair.
The crane also aids in installation of various pieces of equipment, and is more efficient and safer than methods previously used.
Silver anniversary. Through it all, Harold’s Equipment has remained strong and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
In addition to its commitment to the industry, and support of 4-H and FFA, the company is led by a friendly and talented staff — service technicians, sales and office staff — who are always ready to help a customer find the right piece of equipment to get the job done.
Harold’s Equipment Inc. is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call at 330-893-2348 or e-mail: info@haroldsequipment.com. You can also find them on the Web: www.haroldsequipment.com.
