For the past two decades, Hughes Enterprises Inc. of Big Piney, WY, has specialized in everything from heavy hauling and construction to the environmental cleanup of contaminated soils for customers based throughout Wyoming and the surrounding states.
“We have a well-established reputation for completing jobs on time and within budget no matter the complexity,” says Keith Hughes, one of the owners of the family-owned business. “That’s because our customers know they can always trust us to be on site exactly when needed and with the expertise required to finish the work with quality and precision.”
Since the business launched in 2001, much of this dedication has involved the hauling of construction equipment and vehicles weighing up to 100,000 lbs. across state lines and to jobsites hundreds of miles from the Hughes headquarters.
BEFORE: Travel and wear had taken a toll on the trailer, which was used on nearly every Hughes transport job for the past 15 years.
To further secure the timely delivery of this equipment all across Wyoming and its neighboring states, Hughes Enterprises recently refurbished the company’s 55-ton lowboy used to transport most of its heavy-duty machinery.
“Travel and wear really took a toll on the unit, which was used on nearly every job for the past 15 years,” noted Greg Meismer of Hughes. “Earlier this year, we gave the lowboy and its trailer a total facelift. It came out so well that a lot of people thought we bought brand new equipment.”
Repairs on Order
Based on the referral of an industry colleague and some online research, Hughes Enterprises turned to TrailerDecking.com for the materials needed to refurbish the lowboy’s 42-ft.-long and 8.5-ft.-wide platform. This included the purchase of a complete collection of 3-in. screws, T40 Torx Heads, 82 Degree Counterink and 9/32-in. drill bits as well as 200 sq. ft. of Genuine Apitong/Keruing 2x8 full sawn rough heavy-duty deck boards and Apitong oil.
Shipped directly from TrailerDecking.com, Genuine Apitong/Keruing provides the durability required for the repair and replacement of hardwood deck boards used in demanding lowboy, heavy equipment and heavy-duty trailer applications.
The Apitong Oil was also selected for its ability to enhance the strength and beauty of exterior wood products used in most heavy-duty automotive and industrial applications. Developed with a proprietary blend of Tung oil, UV blockers, fungicide, and trans-oxide pigments, Apitong Oil’s water-resistant, acid-resistant formula extends the usable service life of wood products, while maintaining its natural color and delaying the graying and weathering process.
From Damaged to Ready to Meet Demand
According to Meismer, the day-long restoration project started with three Hughes employees removing the lowboy’s damaged deck boards and cutting the Genuine Apitong/Keruing into 22 pieces that ranged from 11 to 13 ft. in length. The boards were then stained with the Apitong Oil and screwed down onto the lowboy using the installation tools supplied by TrailerDecking.com.
“The end result was amazing,” said Mesimer. “Absolutely beautiful. Most people can’t even believe it’s the same trailer.”
“Well worth the time and effort,” added Hughes. “Our credibility is based upon our ability to deliver results on time. This trailer is an essential part of our business – one that will hopefully withstand the rigorous demands of our industry for the next eight to 10 years or beyond.”
