Blog

GPS Week Number Rollover

On April 6, 2019, at 11:59:42 UTC, GPS satellites will be undergoing a Week Number Rollover (WNRO) and this has the potential to affect certain GPS technology if the software is not updated. This event takes place every 19.7 years as the 10 digit binary communication number (which communicates the “week number” message to earth) reaches it’s capacity at 1024 weeks and must be reset to 0000.

For more information on this event and information about your GPS software, please view this announcement from Topcon: GPS Rollover Information

For up-to-date information, visit: www.gpsrollover.com

Fendt 1000 Series Oil and Coolant

Maintenance Monday- March 18, 2019

On this episode of Maintenance Monday Shane discusses which types of oil and coolant you should be using on the Fendt 1000 series.

Meet Mike Parker

GPS/RTK/ Journeyman Mechanic

It’s not uncommon to meet an employee at Hanlon’s with over 10 years with the company on their resume, and Mike Parker is one of them. Twelve years ago, he started out as a wash boy, worked his way through the ranks getting his Journeyman Mechanic, and then was selected as the go-to guy for GPS and RTK. Mike says the ability to grow at Hanlon Ag is one of the things he really appreciates about working with the company. “That’s how so many people started here,” said Mike. “It’s a legacy I want to be a part of.”

For the past 7 years Mike has been specializing in the GPS side of things at Hanlon. More recently, in the past 5 years, he has taken on the responsibility of the RTK network. It wasn’t always an easy road, according to Mike. When Hanlon first started the network 5 years ago, there were a lot of hurdles; it was new, and at the time nobody was really doing RTK in the area- especially not on a cellular network.

Mike recalls a lot of trial and error at the time and says it was the customers who really shined through during those early phases. “They believed in us,” he said. “People stuck it out- we were fortunate to have such a strong customer base.”

Mike didn’t have many people he could turn to when he needed answers, which resulted in doing a lot of reading on his own. “Hanlon trusted me with the job,” he said with gratitude. He explains how he was given the freedom to make the decisions he felt were necessary in those early days with the new network. Things are a lot easier for Mike now that the network has been up and running for 5 years, it was a lot of learning in the beginning, but now everything runs fairly seamlessly for him.

Although Mike is a dedicated employee, he does have a life of his own. Him and his wife Amanda married in September of 2017 and welcomed their daughter Eliey into the world seven months ago. Mike and Amanda enjoy exploring the country side together when they can. Mike is also an avid hunter once late summer and fall roll around.

“Hanlon is pretty rad,” said Mike. “It’s like you leave your family at home, and it’s like coming to a whole new family at work. We have our good days and bad days, but you’re never disappointed coming back to work the next day.”

GPS and RTK

GPS and RTK How Sub-Inch Accuracy Makes it to Your Field… In order to understand RTK, it helps to have a small understanding of GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS can be quite complicated- thinking in 4-D space and grasping quantum mechanics is fairly difficult for most. Below you will find some helpful links if you’re interested in brushing up  Read More

Hanlon Clinics 2019

Picture Slideshow

Last week we had our Hay, Fendt, RoGator and Morris clinics. Thanks to all of our customers who were able to make it out for the training. Also, a special thanks to Darren Thomas, Sven Nielsen and Nathan Drummel from AGCO, Tyler Smith from Hesston, Bryant Henningfeld from Harvest Tec, Stuart Barbour from Phiber, as well as, Robert Martin and Greg Watson from Morris. All of your assistance and presentations throughout the three days helped make our clinics a success this year.

Attaching and Removing Loader

Maintenance Monday- March 11, 2019

This week we’re demonstrating the steps to putting on and taking off your loader and bucket. Following these steps will help you avoid bending the legs or doing other damage to your loader/bucket during the attaching and removal process.

Spray Tip Maintenance

Maintenance Monday- March 4, 2019

Since spraying season is right around the corner, this week Shane has a few quick reminders about servicing your spray tips.

Loader Bolts

Maintenance Monday- February 25, 2019

This week Shane discusses why it is important to periodically check the bolts on your tractor’s loader. Shane points out which bolts you should be checking and at what frequency.

Ether and Tractors

Maintenance Monday- February 18, 2019

This week Shane discusses the do’s and don’t of using ether on tractors.

Feed Mixer Knives

Maintenance Monday- February 11, 2019

This week Shane discusses how to adjust the knives on your Supreme feed mixer to improve the length and consistency of your feed.