Articles

Muncie Power Products, Inc.’s central hydraulic systems can be customized to exact specifications to meet the needs of individual snow and ice applications.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 3, 2017

Powering a hydraulic pump to a power take-off is a common practice. In mobile applications this typically consists of a gear, piston or vane pump, which is then direct mounted to the PTO or remote mounted using a driveline.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2017

In markets like refuse or snow and ice, where applications can be complex and require multiple functions at one time, it can be difficult to balance system complexity with efficiency. With the release of Muncie Power Products' new L125 sectional, load-sense valve in the second quarter however, the company now offers its own option so that efficiency nor complexity need be sacrificed.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2017

Experts often say that 55 percent of communication is body language, 38 percent is tone of voice and 7 percent is the words you use to communicate. This in itself tells most of us that we are not always cognizant of how real communication takes place.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2017

Work instructions at Muncie Power Products were once simply text. But today, new work instructions are being created with visuals. Thanks in large part to Industrial Engineer Melissa Rucker, these visual work instructions have made power take-off assemblies more efficient.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2017

Enacting new processes or updating old ones to become a more efficient organization, business or department is not always easy. It takes a conscious effort on behalf of all of those involved to make the necessary changes to become more efficient.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. has expanded its valve line with a new post-compensated, sectional, load-sense valve – the L125.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. is pleased to introduce Zone Sales Manager Brian Burt, the company’s new sales team member for the Northeast.

It is with great sadness that we announce today the passing of our friend and former colleague, Joe Wilson, who served as chairman and CEO of Muncie Power Products from 1997 until his retirement in 2005.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. gear adapters can be used for several purposes including most commonly, to change the direction of rotation of the power take-off output shaft.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. continues to innovate with updates to current products – the 82 Series, CS40/41 Series and CS10/11 Series power take-offs – within the last year.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 2, 2017

With changes to the North American truck equipment market taking place, Muncie Power Products found itself at a crossroads – create a power take-off unlike any before with a lifespan to last that of a truck, or remain status quo and watch market share dwindle.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2017

Customer service plays an instrumental role in the customer experience, and at Muncie Power Products this is no different. Engrained in the company culture and its in-house team, customer service remains a top priority.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2017

A few friends of mine asked me what I meant in an article published in issue three of 2016 referencing millennials. Was I talking about a concern in regards to the clothing, work ethic or overall ideology of this new generation entering the workforce? The answer to each was no. At Muncie Power Products, we are not any more concerned with this generation than those prior; we are excited for them to join us.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2017

For Muncie Power Products’ new zone sales team director, Mike Rasnick, sales is not only a passion but something that has come naturally to him since he was a kid. Avid in drag racing from the time he was a teenager, Rasnick had to barter, negotiate, buy and sell parts to reach his goal – to get his race car to go faster.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. is pleased to introduce its new RS6S-P89M Series power take-off.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. has expanded its line of low speed high torque motors with its latest addition – the MH Series.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. is pleased to introduce its new director – zone sales team, Mike Rasnick.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 1, 2017

As work trucks are becoming more civilized, the performance demands are ever increasing with more and more challenges for designers.

Today when it comes to finding solutions for the marketplace, a previous investment in the future can make all the difference. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2017

Strategy. It is the key to winning wars, competing in sports, obtaining business goals and much more. When we think about it, strategy plays a role in many aspects of our lives. At the heart of every great strategy however lies the same focus – priorities – whether that is for a country, company, team or individual.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2017

Dubbed the “Trade Show King,” International Sales Director Kurt Polsley is no newbie to networking. In fact, it’s been said that when you walk a trade show with Polsley you cannot go but a few feet without hearing his name called or running into someone he knows.

Creating an extensive network like Polsley’s hasn’t been without hard work, dedication and a desire to learn. As many companies – Muncie Power Products included – rely on making new contacts and establishing customer relationships, networking is a must in today’s business world. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2017

When it came to selecting a field of study, Senior Accounting Manager Geralyn Bilyeu knew she either wanted to work with numbers or be a teacher. Over the course of her 38 years within accounting, she’s had the opportunity to do both.

“Accounting touches almost every department in one way or another and allows me to teach others about processes, systems and the potential outcomes for actions taken or not taken,” explained Bilyeu.  

Muncie Power Products, Inc.’s V080 Hybrid system features a unique circuit design optimizing snow and ice operations with full flow while ensuring cylinder and spreader operations can work when required.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 4, 2016

There's a snowstorm and your truck's hydraulic system is down. The problem is beyond your mechanic's capabilities. Getting on-site technicians could take days.

Watch our video to learn how the Advantage+ snow and ice control system breaks down distance barriers.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2016

I once had a customer pull me aside and tell me that one of my key employees simply did not fit our brand. He went on to tell me very specifically the elements of their actions and behaviors that created a crack in the solid foundation of our brand promise. This crucial conversation was a shot across the bow of my management philosophy and forced me to take a hard look at key managers in our company from a perspective of brand alignment instead of checking boxes related to personal performance.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2016

Starting her career with the company at the age of 19-years-old, Warehouse Coordinator – Crew Leader Mandi Gurley has grown up at Muncie Power Products – learning about the company, life's lessons and herself along the way.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2016

In today’s marketplace with numerous companies fighting for consumer attention, neglecting to have a formalized quality system in place to maintain quality is not an option.

Muncie Power Products, recognizing the importance of quality assurance, obtained its ISO Certification in November 1999 for “The design, manufacture and distribution of truck mounted hydraulic systems.” 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2016

Growing up in Los Angeles County, residents like myself were subject to many changes in the refuse market. Front loaders – mainly used for residential collection over the last few decades – are just one example, as today front loaders have been replaced for residential collection by more advanced trucks.

These once common front loaders had a huge can on the front of the truck, which trash collectors would manually dump the trash into from the cans at your home. This trash would then be dumped from the truck’s can into the hopper.

Muncie Power Products, Inc.’s line of split shaft power take-offs provides higher horsepower and higher torque capabilities than transmission mounted power take-offs for running auxiliary components.   

También, haga clic aquí para leer en español.

Muncie Power Products is very pleased to announce that our popular online power take-off and mobile hydraulic system training program, M-Power Tech, is now available in Spanish.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. offers pre-wet packages for all truck sizes.   The pre-wet packages are available in hydraulic and electronic drives.

Muncie Power Products, Inc.’s line of dump pumps is available in a three-line system option to help prevent the most common dump pump failure of high temperatures resulting from the pump being operated too long in neutral.  

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 3, 2016

Finding the appropriate product to meet your application needs can be challenging, but with Muncie Power Products, innovative, application tool – M-Power Specification Software – it no longer has to be.

Originally created in 1992 as a resource to spread Muncie Power product knowledge to help customers, M-Power has grown and evolved from floppy discs to an online, interactive tool assisting customers looking to configure products for their application.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2016

Check out the full-spread infographic illustrating the ins and outs of Muncie Power Products' online application tool - M-Power Specification Software.

New updates to Muncie Power Products, Inc.’s online, product configuration tool – M-Power – are now available

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2016

In the early 1960s, a trend swept the United States that would define a period of our nation’s history.

Referred to as the “Hippie Movement,” it was a trend that took with America’s adolescent before becoming more widely accepted. Unlike perhaps any other time period, it was characterized by self-expression, drug use, protests, love for nature, promiscuity and cohabitation.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2016

As operations manager at the manufacturing and distribution center in Tulsa, Brian Maher knows the importance of teamwork.

Joining Muncie Power Products in 1992 after exiting the Army and moving to Tulsa, Maher became part of a team that he’s now been a member of for almost 24 years.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2016

When the sales team at Muncie Power Products identified a customer need within the snow and ice market for a hydraulic system that would allow for the operation of simultaneous functions that required less plumbing, simple set up and easy operation, the Technology Solutions Group got to work.

As a result, the V080 Hybrid system was born.

With its versatile line of power take-offs, Muncie Power Products, Inc. offers power take-off options compatible with the new Eaton® Procision™ Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission. 

Applications utilizing the FR66 power take-off can now take advantage of the Optimum W Series gear pump’s higher operating pressures. New modifications to the pump’s housing allow better clearance so the pump can be direct mounted to the FR66 PTO.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 2, 2016

Company ownership within the truck equipment industry in North America has faced a gradual shift over the last few years as European companies have acquired those in North America.

As a result of changing ownership, European hydraulic components have been brought into the North American truck equipment market and introduced as that company’s standard product. Of these products, one has been transmissions with only a rear mount power take-off option.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2016

Serving the truck equipment industry since 1935, Muncie Power Products is no stranger to the challenges associated with employee retention and engagement.

As HR manager at Muncie Power Products’ manufacturing and distribution center in Tulsa, Dianna Davis has played a major role in the company’s retention and engagement efforts.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2016

In 1999 Muncie Power Products joined the Interpump Group, a multinational operation based in Reggio Emelia, Italy. For Muncie Power Products the decision to join the Interpump Group has led to the creation of multiple, mutually beneficial relationships with our fellow sister companies under the Interpump Group brand.

These collaborative relationships among Muncie Power Products and our more than dozens of sister companies, have only matured over the course of these last 16 years. Today, we together make up a diverse product portfolio, offering all major components of a hydraulic system and high-pressure water jetting systems.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2016

Scott Huntsman is the new senior executive director of sales at Muncie Power Products. With more than 20 years of experience within the industry, Huntsman brings a vast skillset and natural ability to the role. It may be surprising then to know that growing up and even into his early twenties, Huntsman didn’t initially see himself with a career in sales.

“When I was growing up I always enjoyed working with my hands and thought about becoming something like an electrician or mechanic,” he said. “I was the kid who liked to take the lawn mower apart and put it back together."

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2016

Split shaft gearboxes have many advantages, which can make it an excellent option to capitalizing on the full potential of your work truck. While very beneficial, there are some considerations to keep in mind as well.

These gearboxes provide higher horsepower and torque capabilities than transmission mounted power take-offs (PTOs) running auxiliary components. When transmission PTO openings are obstructed, the split shaft gearboxes provide multiple outputs. 

Muncie Power Products, Inc. delivers premium quality with its comprehensive line of hydraulic reservoirs. 

Muncie Power Products, Inc. introduces the EX Drive, its latest power take-off shaft extension, designed to fit popular Allison 3000 and 4000 Series transmissions with or without a retarder or cooler.

Muncie Power Products, Inc., in collaboration with Ford Motor Company, is pleased to introduce its new power take-off for F-650 and F-750 trucks, the FR3C.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 1, 2016

Good collaboration within the truck equipment industry can be a game changer. 

Tom Funk, principal engineer at Muncie Power Products in Tulsa, is excited about the results of a recent joint project between Muncie Power Products and Ford Motor Company. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2016

As executive administrative assistant to Muncie Power Products’ Chairman, CEO & President Ray Chambers, Liz Ludwick is a veteran of the corporate and nonprofit worlds, helping to foster the company’s family environment as it continues to grow. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2016

At the Columbus Mobile Power Center in Columbus, Ohio, limited resources never get in the way of productivity.

Despite being a crew of only three, the Columbus staff manages to be a pivotal link in the company’s customer service in Ohio and across the nation. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2016

In the old days, power take-off controls on a truck meant little more than a clutch pedal, a cable, a hand and a foot. Engaging the PTO was not much different than shifting into gear on a manual transmission: clutch in, engage power take-off, ease clutch out. Fast forward to the trucks of today, and PTO controls have advanced to the point where the truck itself is calling the shots. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2016

Muncie Power Products, together with more than two dozen other companies, make up the global powerhouse known as Interpump Group. 

Muncie Power Products, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of a new rear mount power take-off in collaboration with its European sister company, Hydrocar.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. offers a family of directional control valves built with higher pressure capabilities to withstand the most extreme applications.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. delivers proven versatility to the truck equipment and other fluid power markets with its classic, TG Series power take-off.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2015

Assistant Manager – Marketing & Advertising Andrew Dawson guided the nearly two-year project to make munciepower.com into a more effective gateway to the company’s products and services.

“Our previous website did its job well, but it was time to review and reevaluate how the market had changed and how we had changed,” explained Dawson. “It’s important to regularly review the status of your website and the expectations of your users.”

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2015

China devalues the yuan. Greece agrees to a third financial bailout. A barrel of oil drops below $40. What do these places and events have to do with Muncie Power Products or how to operate a company? 

Simply put, what goes on around the globe affects us at home. It’s a reality too many leaders don’t fully embrace. 

China’s move to devalue its currency signals there may be trouble for the global economy. The move could mean less expensive imports in time for Christmas, a slow interest rate hike in this country and an affect on our decisions to borrow for capital improvements. 

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 4, 2015

Soon after being hired as an assistant product manager, Brandon Roberts was given the task of developing a motor line to extend the company’s equipment portfolio.

Development of the new low speed high torque motors fit into the company’s product planning growth strategy, which involves expanding the product line to make Muncie a more complete resource for its loyal customer base.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2015

 As Muncie Power Products continues to expand into international markets, International Customer Service Manager Sandra Thompson is happy to be the voice of the company for many of its Spanish-speaking customers.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2015

A dump pump as used on a typical dump truck in N.A., is a combination of a hydraulic pump, a pressure relief valve and a directional control valve in one housing. The pump also has a pressure port that connects to the hydraulic cylinder and a larger port connected to the hydraulic reservoir. This is the most common method of connecting the dump pump to the rest of the system, and is called a two line system.

 

Muncie Power Products, Inc. has partnered with Hino and Allison Transmission to offer an exclusively designed power take-off and installation kit for the Hino 338 Series.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of its new line of low speed high torque motors.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. revolutionizes fleet operation and maintenance with its Advantage+ snow and ice control system.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2015

Q. What is the secret to growing a sales territory?

A. Some people will tell you that it is all about price, but I don’t believe that. Relationships matter. At Muncie Power, we are very focused on relationships, both internally and externally. Those relationships and our value proposition are a big part of our success. 

The distribution pie is $12 billion a year, but it’s constantly being segmented. 

How that is divided up is changing, and that’s going to be the biggest challenge for us — getting the distribution right. We’re always going to have other companies that start getting into our sandbox. 

 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2015

Addressing big-picture topics is part and parcel of running a global company. Taking the view from 30,000 feet is supposed to give you the perspective you need for guiding your team through the workplace labyrinth, right? Absolutely. Equally taxing is finding the time to get the work done - that you’ve identified from that vantage point. 

 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2015

As Muncie Power Products continues to grow, Sheila Spisak, director of people development, is ensuring that the company’s workforce has the skills and temperament needed to bring the corporation to the next level.

 

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 3, 2015

Each winter season, municipalities, counties, private contractors and state departments are plagued with the same challenge: keeping roadways safe, while conserving salt and staying within budget. Muncie Power Products has found the solution with its line of electronic spreader packages, the MESP 300 Series.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 3, 2015

In his nearly four decades working at Muncie Power Products, Dave Douglass, director of training and education, has seen training evolve from sessions in a darkened room with an overhead projector to interactive digital modules accessible online from any part of the world.

 

Muncie Power Products, Inc.’s MESP 3016 Electronic Spreader Packages save salt and money.

Designed for easy set up, installation and operation, the MESP 3016 features automated ground speed controls. With this automation salt is distributed proportionately to the truck’s ground speed, reducing waste and cutting cost.

 

 

Muncie Power Products, Inc. innovative line of Optimum gear pumps now feature an option available for live-floor applications in the refuse industry.

Designed and built for reliable, quality performance, the DC power pack can be used for numerous applications including lift gates, single-acting cylinders and dump bodies.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2015

Almost every year since 2009, Muncie Power Products has gathered its leadership and sales teams from its multiple locations across the country for a town hall style meeting in Muncie, Indiana. This year, 76 people from plants in eight different states attended the three-day event. While some may consider the meeting slightly time consuming and costly, Muncie Power has discovered it’s a key ingredient to its company’s success.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 2, 2015

Muncie Power Products didn’t want to put just another 90V directional control valve into the market. 

When developing its new V250 valve, the company strived to find a valve that would meet and surpass the 90V capabilities, according to Brad Smith, senior product engineering specialist. 

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2015

Q. How has the company managed to grow during tough economic times in the United States?

A. We base our decisions not only for the benefit of the present, but on what will be best for our company three to five years from now. In the last major economic downturn, we saw a lot of companies make drastic cuts that may have helped in the short term but hurt them in the long term. Making decisions that are beneficial in the long term is key to sustaining growth and stability.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2015

Michelle McKnight is finding her “happily ever after” story in hydraulics.

“Little girls don’t typically sit around and dream about being mechanical and hydraulic engineers. It’s not where society points them,” McKnight said. “But I think it is great. I would like to see more women go into the field.”

Featured in MPQ, Issue 2, 2015

Being the industry leader in hydraulic tanks requires flexibility. 

Muncie Power Products reservoirs are available in a variety of styles, materials and sizes suitable for a wide-range of applications, but not every customer can use standard parts.

Steve McElroy, District Sales Director for OE Markets, has learned that customization is crucial.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. elevates cylinder efficiency with its single-acting telescopic cylinders.

Built with precision engineering and specialized machining to exacting standards, each of Muncie Power’s single-acting telescopic cylinders are constructed from a solid, steel piece.  With extended stage overlap to minimize bending and reduce hydraulic fluid usage, these cylinders ensure maximum seal performance and reliability.

 

Muncie Power Products, Inc. showcases its most recent, innovative line of high performance gear pumps/motors, the Optimum® Series.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 1, 2015

A recent design change in Muncie Power Products’ PTO shaft extensions and associated 10-bolt PTOs utilizes the latest technology to strengthen one of the company’s top performers.

“The current EX Drive should have an infinite life,” said John Rinkenbaugh, Director of Engineering. “Customers expect the PTO to be an extension of the transmission. The technology exists for transmissions to exist for around 10 years and customers shouldn’t have to replace the parts.”

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2015

Only our customers define value. However, not all customers may fit your company. Knowing who you are and what your real value proposition is should focus your entire organization on delivering on your brand promise.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2015

Muncie Power Products participates in up to 20 trade shows each year, so it’s no surprise that the team putting them together has it down to a science. George Halleck and Nancy Ettel offer their expertise from 28 years combined experience on what it takes to make a trade show successful.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2015

Matt Strahan oversees the daily operations of the company’s 12,000-square-foot facility in Visalia, California. Making the cross-country move was a big decision for Matt and his wife, Leilani. But he said they both decided the region would offer great opportunities — including access to mountains and the ocean — for their young son, Elijah.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 1, 2015

Whether he is coaching Little League or learning the ropes of his new position, Ben Gillum is committed to the team.

Since he first stepped though the doors at Muncie Power Products seven years ago, Gillum has been a strong contributor to both the company’s customers and his fellow employees.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. continues to expand and improve its innovative product configuration tool, M-Power.

Muncie Power Products, Inc. is pleased to introduce the latest addition to its line of directional control valves, the V250.

Cover Story in MPQ, Issue 4, 2014

Doug Sullivent doesn’t like the word “efficient.”

“Anyone can be 100 percent efficient, if they set the standard low,” Sullivent said.

As Director of Operations at the Tulsa plant, Sullivent applies the “Lean Enterprise Principles” to eliminate waste and improve the flow of production.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2014

One critical aspect of leadership is knowing when and how to step back, review your progress and look over the horizon to see where you are going. Even more important is getting others to follow suit. It’s not all about the bottom line. In fact, when you’re hitting all the other marks, the bottom line improves. Here are some ways we at Muncie Power Products take a long view.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2014

In a year where our industry has continued to stretch it legs towards an ever quicker pace we can take away several key lessons as we plan for an even better 2015. The most important of those lessons is that we all continue to do more work while requiring fewer resources and at a greater speed. Success in an environment where efficiency and added value have become paramount is waiting for those who adapt their strategies to focus on one often overlooked element, time.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2014

Jim Archambault can calculate in his head exactly how long he has worked for Muncie Power Products.

“Twelve years, five months and two days,” Archambault said assuredly.

As distribution center manager at the company’s Houston site, Archambault takes pride in accuracy. “Details are a very big part of our job,” he said.

Featured in MPQ, Issue 4, 2014

 Jeffery Jackson is a man of a thousand questions.

 “I’ve learned to ask the proper questions until I get the information I need to help our customers,” said Jackson, who is part of the Muncie Power Products customer service team based in Muncie.

 Through years of training and continuing education, Jackson is confident in his knowledge of the hydraulics industry.