Frequently Asked Questions

A Lodar air actuator is a pneumatic cylinder used in wireless or remote control systems to convert an air signal into linear motion. It’s typically used to operate a control rod or lever (e.g. for valves, switches, linkages) without manual intervention. In setups with a control rod (as shown in the diagram) , the actuator is mounted adjacent to or above the rod such that its push/pull motion aligns with the rod’s direction of travel. The actuator’s output end is linked to the rod (often via a clevis or bracket) to impart motion.

Yes, but it reduces pulling power by about 50%. For electric winches, swapping gears can boost line speed up to 50%. For hydraulic winches, replacing the motor with one of different displacement can increase speed. Consult your winch manual or a professional for proper modifications to ensure safe operation and avoid damage during tasks like vehicle recovery.

The kit itself is rated for up to 10,000 lbs. However, there are several factors you need to consider. The first is the capacity of your truck or dump body. You do not want to exceed that under any circumstances. The second is the bed length vs the overhang. We provide charts for each kit so you can get an idea of your bed length vs how much overhang you will need to get the required lifting capacity.\n

The kit itself is rated for up to 15,000 lbs. However, there are several factors you need to consider. The first is the capacity of your truck or dump body. You do not want to exceed that under any circumstances. The second is the bed length vs the overhang. We provide charts for each kit so you can get an idea of your bed length vs how much overhang you will need to get the required lifting capacity.

The kit itself is rated for up to 20,000 lbs. However, there are several factors you need to consider. The first is the capacity of your truck or dump body. You do not want to exceed that under any circumstances. The second is the bed length vs the overhang. We provide charts for each kit so you can get an idea of your bed length vs how much overhang you will need to get the required lifting capacity.\n

Towing is only permitted with frame-mounted receiver hitches. Gooseneck hitches are not compatible and will have to be removed before installing the dump kit.

Rated as an expert-level install, this kit requires advanced skills, including welding and potential modifications to your truck or trailer. For optimal performance, we recommend you reinforce your truck bed and consider professional assistance. Contact us for advice on your best options.

PIERCE is a family-owned company based in Henrietta, Texas, founded in 1976. Our dump kits, bale spears, hay bale unrollers, and other ranch equipment are fabricated, welded, assembled, and serviced right here in our Texas shop. Other products such as our winches are contracted out to our specifications. Lodar wireless controls are manufactured by Lodar Ltd. Bucher hydraulic power units are manufactured by Bucher Hydraulics.

In freezing weather, moisture can block the intake screen inside the pump tank. To avoid this, clean the pump's filters and change the fluid to eliminate crystallization.

Short answer: No. Long answer: Yes, but it will be a slow, sad, and disappointing experience. While the operating pressure is often correct, the 1.5 gpm (gallons per minute) vs the 15 gpm of a clutch or PTO pump is going to be a tenth of the performance you'd want at best.

We recommend ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for almost every case. In very low temperatures (Below -20°F / -30°C) the ATF will thicken. In this cold weather, ensure the reservoir is filled to the recommended level and consider preheating the fluid or using a reservoir heater.

Every 2-3 months, check electrical connections for corrosion and tightness from unit to battery. Check the fluid condition and level. Inspect the breather/filler cap as well for missing foam or dirt. Every year we recommend changing out your hydraulic fluid.

Yes, cattle sirens are effective in summoning cattle to feeding areas. The method relies on conditioning cattle to associate the siren’s sound with the availability of food. Initially, cattle may respond slowly as they learn the association. However, with consistent use, they typically begin to approach quickly upon hearing the siren, similar to other animals trained with auditory cues. Historically, ranchers relied on vehicle horns, which often led to wear and damage. Cattle sirens provide a durable and efficient alternative, reducing strain on vehicle components while achieving the same result.

Our shop is located in Henrietta, Texas, United States, where we fabricate, weld, assemble, and service our bale spikes.

With normal pressure and a standard bale you are looking at 15 to 20 seconds.

With proper maintenance, a 20-year life could be expected. We routinely see PIERCE bale spikes manufactured in the early 90s still working on ranches locally.

The ABS1K hay spear installs directly over a gooseneck ball; in comparison, the ABS2K bolts into the truck bed so you can haul trailers while the spear is mounted. Both units come equipped with removable bale spears.

PIERCE bale spears have a lifting capacity of 2,500 lbs. NOTE: Picking up bales wider than the rear opening of your truck bed may result in truck damage. Also, Lifting anything other than hay bales will void the warranty and most likely damage your system.

Plug the male into the ½” female breakaway coupler.  

We recommend multipurpose grease (RED). Grease your PIERCE unroller before seasonal use, inspect it every three months, and grease as needed.

The solid “core” will be left (most farmers/ranchers will find a way to feed this as well).

The unroller will pick up 5 and 6 foot bales, and will also pick up 4 ft. bales using the extensions.  

Yes

We are looking at utilizing the quick connect option on future revisions of this piece of equipment.

Yes. Grease-zerks are found at all moving points.

There are a number of variables to consider when answering this question. Wind, weather, terrain, mounting placement and other factors will contribute to how far the sound travels. With that said, customers report effectiveness up to a mile away.

Nope! Occasionally check to make sure there is no debris in the fan by carefully inspecting the PIERCE cattle siren.

It can be mounted to a car, truck, SUV, ATV, UTV or tractor. It can be mounted to virtually any vehicle as long as you have a 12 volt battery source for power. Keep mounting away from tires, and places where low lying tree branches or brush could damage it.

The heavy duty boasts a louder siren that runs for 8 minutes longer than the standard. We suggest the heavy-duty siren for daily use. If you’re using the siren a couple times a week the standard should suit your needs.

Yes, a fuse or circuit breaker is highly recommended to protect your winch and vehicle from electrical damage. A 400-amp circuit breaker is ideal, as it handles amperage spikes during winching and resets easily, unlike costly 400-amp fuses. Alternatively, a cut-off switch is a budget-friendly option to disconnect power during a short circuit, though it won’t prevent spikes. Always use properly rated devices for safety.

Place a heavy blanket, jacket, or winch dampener over the wire rope during heavy pulls. If the rope snaps, the cloth can help absorb energy and reduce dangerous backlash. Ensure the item is thick, secure, and placed midway along the taut rope. This simple step protects you and others nearby during tasks like vehicle recovery or heavy towing.

Use a D-ring or bow shackle rated for your winch’s pulling capacity with a tree trunk protector or similar anchor strap. Select a sturdy anchor like a healthy tree or vehicle tow point. Wrap the protector around the anchor, attach the shackle, and connect the winch cable. Ensure all gear is rated for the load and check connections before winching. This prevents equipment failure or injury during tasks like vehicle recovery.

You can double your winch’s pulling capacity by using a snatch block, which is a pulley system that redirects the winch cable. Here’s how it works: Attach the snatch block to the load or a secure anchor point, then run the winch cable through the pulley and back to a fixed point, like the tow hook on your vehicle. This setup effectively halves the load on the winch by distributing it across two cable lines, allowing it to pull twice as much weight.

Choose a winch with a pulling capacity at least 1.5 times your vehicle’s gross weight to handle obstacles like mud, snow, sand, water, or steep hills. For example, a 6,000-pound vehicle needs a winch rated for at least 9,000 pounds. This ensures enough power for safe recovery in tough conditions without overloading the winch.

Use ratchet straps or tie-downs to secure a load safely. Winches are not suitable for tying down loads, as constant movement or vibration can damage their gears. Choose high-quality ratchet straps rated for the load’s weight and attach them to secure anchor points on your vehicle or trailer. Check straps for wear and ensure they’re tight to prevent shifting during transport.

Regular maintenance extends your winch’s life. Lubricate all grease points, tighten bolts, and inspect electrical connections, especially at the battery, for corrosion or loose fittings. Check the wire rope for wear, flat spots, or broken strands; replace if damaged. Refer to your winch manual for specific checks. Routine care prevents breakdowns and ensures safe operation during tasks like vehicle recovery.

Always wear leather gloves when re-spooling wire rope to protect your hands. Never use bare hands, as the rope can cause cuts or burns. Keep a slight load on the rope to spool it evenly. Guide the rope with one gloved hand while using the remote control in the other to operate the winch. This ensures safe, tight spooling for effective winching.

Place wheel chocks or sturdy blocks under your vehicle’s wheels before winching. This prevents the vehicle from rolling forward or backward, keeping it stable and safe during the pull. Use solid materials like wood, rubber chocks, or stones, and position them snugly against the tires. This is especially important on slopes or loose terrain during tasks like vehicle recovery.