Posted on 08/10/2022
Customer: H&H Farm Machine Co. Inc.
Location: Monroe, North Carolina
Customer Challenge: Find reliable reels that can handle the rough and tough needs in farming and landscaping operations
Hannay Solution: Series N700, 1500 and 4000 hose reels
“When we use Hannay Reels, we feel like we’re using the best in the industry.”– Brian Nance, H&H Farm Machine Co. Inc.
In 1978, H&H Farm Machine Co. Inc. (HHFM) started as a modest poultry house washer in the rolling farm lands of Monroe, North Carolina. The company invented the Poultry Quik Wash, a machine used for cleaning, disinfecting, and preventing the spread of disease in the interior of the houses. The Poultry Quik Wash features a tank, pump, and N716 reel from Hannay Reels. The rear-mounted reel allows for 60 feet of hose, which effectively covers every nook and cranny in the poultry house. After mastering the art of pressure washing, HHFM extended their expertise to other farming and landscaping operations.
HHFM progressed into building custom equipment with sprayers, pressure washers, and pumps to be used daily by farming and landscaping operations. Given the success of the Poultry Quik Wash, HHFM turned to Hannay Reels to supply all necessary reels for other unique machines. Customers included farmers, ranchers, nursery and greenhouse growers, turf care professionals, and golf course superintendents with operations requiring long hose lengths to water and fertilize plantation-spanning acres and in hard-to-reach areas. Hannay Reels offers a variety of manual and rewind options to ensure long hose lengths can be not only accommodated, but also be safely and quickly deployed and picked up.
“Disorganized hoses pose a major tripping hazard and add considerable time to each job visit,” said Brian Nance of HHFM. Manual rewind options from Hannay include disc rewind, gear-driven crank, direct crank, and chain-driven crank, as well as numerous power rewind options that include spring, air, electric, and hydraulic for particular customer specifications.
“With the responsibility of keeping plants alive for many years, our customers demand equipment that will last that long,” added Nance. HHFM turns to Hannay for specific weather-proof features that provide extra protection for reels facing unpredictable outdoor elements every day. Between pesticides, herbicides or high-temperature water, farmers and landscapers could be transporting a variety of sensitive fluids for a range of needs. The reels and hoses must stand up against possible rusting or rotting. HHFM works closely with Hannay to custom specify products with stainless steel components that resist potential corrosion. Nance noted, “We insist on a full-flow swivel for our reels. They last longer, provide better flow, and are more reliable.” A heavy-gauge modular steel frame also provides easy access to mounting hole patterns for more flexible installation options, which is helpful for job sites with many sprawling acres.
These aren’t options that will break the bank either. The sales engineering staff at Hannay Reels goes the extra lengths to understand each unique application and recommend cost-efficient features that will make a job easier, just like HHFM does with their customers. “Sometimes these landscapers are working with 300 to 400 feet of hose and need to move from job to job quickly,” said Nance. With that in mind, Hannay specs the reel with an electric rewind for ideal deployment and pick up. Nance added, “Other customers operate from a 40x30 warehouse, which is a tight space, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be working with any less hose.” Hannay accommodates those exacting needs with a compact frame design. The reel can still handle longer hose lengths, while minimizing the footprint for a more efficient workplace. By constructing with high-quality materials, the reel requires minimal routine maintenance. So, HHFM customers can increase their productivity by spending more time in the fields.
When it comes to HHFM’s success, Nance credits it to one guiding principle, “We always use quality products and always build quality products.” Then it’s no wonder HHFM has continued to team up with Hannay Reels for over 35 years helping farming and landscaping operations grow – literally and figuratively.