Arnold Company’s Door Demon: Hopper Trailer Opener (HTO) is billed as the first of its kind—a handheld, powered device explicitly designed for use with hopper trailers. It aims to make the tough job of opening trailer gates and traps easier and safer. Does it live up to the hype? Read on to find out.

Features and Benefits

Rugged yet lightweight, the HTO is suitable for single-person operation and can be used comfortably for long periods. Operators won’t have to expend a lot of effort to open hopper traps like they would with a manual crank. The speed and continuous torque the HTO produces allows for an efficient and controlled opening of even the most stubborn gates without causing damage to trailer components.  

The HTO is an air-powered trailer opener, requiring only 15 CFM to operate. However, it is surprisingly quiet for a pneumatic tool, with noise levels at below 80 decibels.

One of the features that make the HTO truly stand out is its shaft and socket assembly. The HTO comes standard with three interchangeable sockets that can be used with most trailers. The shaft and socket design allows users to switch between sockets quickly but prevents detachment while the device is in use.

There’s also a locking mechanism so users can safely open the latch on a trailer. Also, there is a safety mechanism on the throttle that prevents users from accidentally engaging the HTO.

Final Thoughts

The Door Demon: Hopper Trailer Opener is proof that great things come in small packages. This portable, handheld device gets the job done, and it does so much more quickly and safely than larger, manual crank systems. Operators will appreciate how this lightweight, user-friendly tool makes the process of unloading grain seamless, allowing them to save time and boost productivity.

Operators and facility owners interested in the Door Demon: HTO can reach out to KC Supply Co. for more information. 

Organizations such as the CDC and OSHA recommend that businesses install acrylic dividers to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. To meet the demand for a protective shield for COVID-19, PS Industries has created the ArmorBoss product line. It includes the Floor Stand Shield, the Countertop Shield, and the Counter Stand shield.

 ArmorBoss Models and Features

ArmorBoss is made of thick and durable acrylic compared to other commercially available dividers made of flimsy materials. It’s clear, so you can easily see the person you’re talking to.

The Floor Stand Shield is designed for in-person interaction between two standing individuals. It can be raised to 78.5 inches, and its mobile design makes it easy to move from place to place. These features make the Floor Stand Shield ideal for security staff, assembly line workers, and others who stand while working. 

The Countertop model works well as a shield for COVID-19 in places like reception areas and checkout counters. It has a large window at the bottom, allowing employees or customers to pass through items without making physical contact.

The Counter Stand Shield is a taller version of the Countertop Shield. You can either fix it in place with screws or mount it onto a weighted base. The latter allows the shield to be placed in different locations while keeping it stable.

>> ArmorBoss Shield KC Supply

Assembly and Maintenance

Putting together an ArmorBoss shield is easy and only takes a few minutes. No special tools are required. They’re also a breeze to keep clean—all that’s needed is a non-ammonia cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Final Thoughts

Businesses looking for a shield for COVID-19 protection need look no further. ArmorBoss shields act as physical barriers against coughs and sneezes that can transmit viruses. They help ensure safe, face-to-face conversations, whether standing or seated, in a wide variety of settings, from reception areas to office break rooms. While there are other dividers on the market, ArmorBoss shields stand out for their versatility, durability, and ease of use

Contact KC Supply Co for more information.

Before you start bringing in the harvest, it’s worth it to take the time to prepare your grain bins by conducting a pre-harvest inspection. Preventative maintenance on grain bins can prevent a host of problems, from pest infestation to structural damage.

Making sure your grain bins are in tip-top shape can prevent a lot of frustration and lost time during harvest season. Follow this pre-harvest inspection checklist to help make sure your grain bins are in ideal condition for grain storage.

Clean Your Grain Bins Thoroughly

Old grain can cause mold growth and attract pests. Before you start bringing in the crop, make sure your grain bins are free from any trace of grain from the previous harvest season. You can do this with brooms, a vacuum, or a high-powered air hose. Avoid pressure washing as it creates moisture that can cause corrosion.  

Clean the areas around grain bins. Mowing long grass and clearing shrubbery around grain bins discourages rodents from nesting nearby.  

Clear the Vents

Clogged vents reduce airflow, causing your grain to take longer to dry. In addition, they can cause excessive pressure inside the bins, which can result in damage to the roof. Make sure to include in your pre-harvest inspection checklist the need to check your grain bins’ vents and clear away any debris that could cause clogs.

Check the Gearboxes

Make sure your grain bins’ gearboxes are well-lubricated and have proper oil levels. In addition, address any leaks you may find in the oil seals.

Inspect the Exterior

Go over your grain bins and seal any holes that can serve as entry points for rodents, insects, and moisture. Also, assess the walls and roof of your grain bins for bulges, missing bolts, and changes in shape, as these may indicate structural damage. It’s best to get repairs done as soon as you spot problems because the damage may worsen with daily operations of your grain bins, such as during loading and fan operation.

These are just some of the pre-harvest inspection steps you can take to make sure your grain bins are in tip-top shape. Are your grain bins ready for the harvest season? If not, come on over to KC Supply and get what you need in time for the season.

Many businesses recognize that their greatest asset is their workers. For this reason, creating a safe environment for employees is essential, even though safety signs. The COVID-19 pandemic has made staying safe in the workplace even more challenging.

 Employers should have a communications plan in place to keep all employees informed about changes and updates to work processes due to the pandemic. This may involve holding meeting and training sessions. To further strengthen their message, employers should consider putting up signage throughout the workplace.

 With signage, businesses can:

 Remind Employees to Wear PPE

If you have a “no mask, no entry” policy, a sign at the door will help make sure your workers know about it before they try to enter. In addition, if the nature of your business requires your workers to wear other types of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety signs can remind employees of this policy while providing information on how to wear it properly.

 Reinforce Proper Hand-Washing Hygiene

Frequent hand-washing is an important preventative measure against the coronavirus. Signs in bathrooms and break rooms will remind employees to continue practicing good hand hygiene.

 Help Employees Navigate Business Premises

Businesses may need to make changes in how employees enter, exit, and navigate their spaces to avoid crowding. Directional signage, safety signs, and floor decals help make sure your employees know how to get around your store or office while maintaining social distancing.

• Remind Employees Not to Enter if They’re Feeling Sick

Employers can utilize signs to remind employees to watch for COVID-19 symptoms and to not enter the premises if they suspect they’re infected. Employers can include a phone number employees can call for instructions in case they are unwell.  

 Signage is a tool that businesses can utilize to help communicate important health and safety information to employees during the pandemic. Have you put up COVID-19-related signage in your workplace? Contact KC Supply Co in case you need more safety materials in place.

When it comes to grains, choosing the right spouting is vital to ensuring that everything works smoothly. You have to consider the shape, such as round or square, and truss kits, elbows, liners, and distributors.

How to Choose the Best Option

Here are a few things to ask your supplier:

● What material will the spout handle come into contact with? How abrasive is this material, and what are its flow characteristics? What is the density and moisture content?

● Is there a required flow rate for the spout?

● What would the exterior exposure of the spouting be?

● Is a liner necessary?

● What is the capacity of the actual spout area?

● How long is the spout going to be?

● What is the service life or life span of the spouting?

● Do you need a dead box or an elbow at the end of the spout?

If the material you are handling is low volume and only mildly abrasive, you can get away with a 10-gauge steel tube material. The exterior of this tubing should be either painted or galvanized. If more volume will be handled, or if the material is more abrasive, consider using a liner or a thicker gauge tubing. You can also use thick wall steel pipe rather than tubing.

If your spouting is longer than 40 feet, it’s a good idea to use external trussing to support its weight and prevent the spouting from wavering in strong winds. Then, at the end of your long spout, ensure there is an elbow or a dead box for slowing the material moving through and direct it to the appropriate bins.

There are still more things to consider as you choose the right spouting for your needs. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with KC Supply Co.