Agriculture
319-266-2681
Agricultural Precision Solutions!
FFor over three decades, Blackhawk Engineering has been a steady supplier of equipment parts and components for the agricultural industry. We know that when you are out in the field, you cannot afford to have a machine down. The parts we make are built to handle the kind of work that pushes equipment to its limits day after day. That means heavy loads, dust, uneven ground and long hours.
Our experience goes back even further than our work in agriculture. Since 1974, we have focused on large, complicated parts, primarily iron castings used in heavy equipment. That foundation of knowledge with drivetrain components and structural parts translates directly into the farm equipment we help build today.
The Kinds of Parts We Produce for Agriculture
Over the years, we have built a wide range of components for agricultural equipment. Some of the most common parts we machine include:
- Suspension and powertrain components: These are the parts that transfer power from the engine to the wheels or tracks. They include axle shafts, differential carriers and other load-bearing parts that need to handle high torque and heavy loads.
- Gear cases and housings: Gearboxes in tractors and combines require precise internal geometries for smooth power transmission. We machine these housings with exacting tolerances so that gears mesh properly and the housing seals correctly against contaminants.
- Engine blocks, heads and exhaust manifolds: These are the core components of any agricultural engine. We machine engine blocks and heads to hold the necessary tolerances for piston movement, valve operation and sealing.
- Engine components: Beyond the block and head, we produce other engine parts such as manifolds and mounting brackets. These components often require specific surface finishes and hole placements for proper assembly and function.
- Fuel and fluid power manifold blocks and components: Hydraulic systems are everywhere on modern farm equipment. We machine manifolds with smooth internal passages and precise threading for leak-free connections that can hold up under high pressure.
What Makes Agricultural Machining Different
The Equipment We Use for Agricultural Work
When you walk through our facility, you see the tools that make this work possible. We have over 80 CNC machines spread across 145,000 square feet of manufacturing space. That gives us the ability to handle large production runs and parts that weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
Our Mazak FMS 5-axis machining centers are a good example of how we approach agricultural work. They allow us to perform milling, turning, boring and drilling operations on a single setup. This is valuable for producing the multiple-sided, complex geometries found in gear cases, engine blocks and drivetrain components. When you can reduce the number of times a part has to be handled and repositioned, you improve consistency and reduce the potential for errors. The part that comes off the machine matches the engineering model.
We also use horizontal and vertical lathes that can handle workpieces up to 49.2 inches in diameter. This gives us the flexibility to turn everything from small hydraulic fittings to large axle housings in one operation. Our flexible manufacturing system, which includes a 38-pallet rail-guided vehicle system, lets us run production around the clock. That means we can maintain consistent output and meet delivery schedules even for large-volume orders.
Why Customers Work With Us
One of the main reasons manufacturers bring their work to us is our track record. We have been ISO 9001:2015 certified since 1999, which means our quality management system is documented, followed and audited on a regular basis. That certification gives our customers confidence that every part that leaves our shop meets the same standards.
We also focus on making the process straightforward. When you send us a project, we work with you to understand the material requirements, tolerances and production volume. We review the design for manufacturability, identify any potential issues and make recommendations that can save time and money without changing the function of the part.
Our delivery record is another factor that keeps customers coming back. We know that if a part does not arrive on time, it can hold up an entire production line or keep a piece of equipment out of service. We build our production schedules to meet the deadlines we agree on and we keep our customers informed throughout the process.
A Partnership for the Long Haul
At the end of the day, our goal is to be a partner that agricultural OEMs and equipment owners can count on. We do not just make parts and ship them out. We pay attention to the details, we communicate openly and we take responsibility for the work we do.
Whether you need a prototype run, a small batch of replacement parts or a full-scale production order, we have the equipment, the experience and the systems to handle it. We are ready to talk about how our agricultural machining services can support your next project.
Our Expertise in Agricultural CNC Machining:
BHE continually pioneers innovative solutions that generate value for all involved parties—manufacturers, dealers, and equipment owners. Our precision CNC capabilities specialize in:
- Suspension and Powertrain Components
- Gear Cases and Housings
- Engine Blocks, Heads, and Exhaust Manifolds
- Engine Components
- Fuel/Fluid Power Manifold Blocks and Components
At BHE, our parts stand as a testament to excellence in the field. Trust us to deliver the precision and reliability your agricultural operations demand.
