to source solutions. Finley started by reaching out to his cousin, a high school technology teacher. “The first iteration of SawHaul was a class project,” says Finley. He drew his design on paper and passed it off to his cousin, who then assigned it to the students. “My
Universal mounting kits enable users to safely store chain saws when working aloft. Photo courtesy of GearHaul.
versation with Neodesha Plastics in Neodesha, Kan. “We discussed the functionality, durability and cost effec- tiveness of different types of plastics and how the design could be manu- factured with their existing process- es.” SawHaul’s unique proposition is a chain saw caddy with a universal mount that can be applied to any piece of large equipment, including tractors, skid steers and bucket trucks, offering not only a secure base kit out of met- al for strength and the heavy-duty UV scabbard for protection of the blade and chain. “For durability reasons, we knew we couldn’t make this entirely from plastic.”
project gave them some real-world experience of how to take someone’s drawing that isn’t in CAD and put it into CAD.” The first prototype was printed on a 3D printer. The prototype was functional in initial testing, but merely a starting point. Finley’s design needed refinement. “For durability reasons, we knew we couldn’t make this entirely from plastic.” To account for the weight of a chain saw and any bouncing while a vehicle is in motion, sturdy metal parts were necessary. Additionally, the design would require a protec- tive interior to prevent the chain from getting dulled. “We went up the road to B&W Trailer Hitches in Humboldt, Kan., to incorporate their expertise and discuss the potential to produce metal components in mass quanti- ties.” Finley then had a similar con-
Kenneth (Kenny) Finley, CEO, started SawHaul in the garage on his property in Chanute, Kan. Photo courtesy of GearHaul.
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