For over forty years Pioneer Equipment has manufactured quality horse-drawn equipment and been a leader in equipment innovation, and safety for farmers and their horses.
Pioneer Equipment Factory located in Dalton, Ohio.
Product Quality
Quality materials and strong relationships with our suppliers are essential to manufacturing a quality product. Our team of dedicated employees is always seeking ways to improve our quality and service. Our in-house training program ensures high-level craftsmanship.
Product Design
All new products are developed in response to customer needs. The research and development of each new piece of equipment follows many specific steps. Design, development, testing, and gathering feedback about the performance of prototypes, are all very important steps in the process.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Our goal is to deliver beyond your expectations. If any product purchased from us does not meet or exceed your expectations, just return it to us in good condition for a prompt and courteous exchange, credit, or refund.
Warranty
Unless otherwise stated, all products from Pioneer Equipment Inc. come
with a one-year limited warranty to the original owner. Products that have been damaged in shipping, show defects in materials or workmanship, or fail during normal use within one year of the ship date will be repaired or replaced at no charge. Replacement products or parts subject to normal wear are the responsibility of the customer. Products that have been altered, neglected, or misused are not covered by warranty. Engines used by Pioneer Equipment Inc. typically come with a limited warranty from the engine manufacturer. Contact your engine manufacturer’s local authorized dealer or service center for your engine warranty claims.
Pioneer Dealer Network
Pioneer has a large dealer network throughout the United States, Canada,
and select foreign countries. We encourage you to buy from your local dealer. Contact us to locate a dealer near you.
Additional information for each of the following products is available in the form of product specific brochures, or by speaking to your local Pioneer Dealer.
Pioneer Equipment Inc. does not currently maintain an official website. Any Pioneer Equipment displayed or sold via the Internet is done so by dealers or individuals.
Pioneer Equipment Inc.
16875 Jericho Road • Dalton, Ohio 44618
Fax: 330.516.1484 • Phone: 888.857.6340
A brief history of Pioneer Equipment Inc.
After World War II, until the early 70’s, horse drawn equipment was available for dimes on the dollar throughout the Midwest. Tractor farmers discarded the old machinery or parked it in fence rows. These old relics were viewed as part of a bygone era.
By the late 70’s the need for new horse drawn equipment, especially plows, became more real as old plows were wearing out beyond repair. Spare parts were scarce and often very expensive.
During this period our father, Wayne Wengerd, along with our grandfather, Henry Wengerd, did their own repair work and made eveners and neckyokes for use on the farm.
In the summer of 1976 when the Wengerds needed a new walking plow they decided to build their own because manufacturers like John Deere and McCormick quit building them decades earlier. They questioned if the newer raydex plow bottom would work on a Walking Plow. They took a bottom off an old Ford Sulky Plow and attached a beam and handles. The first test run was made behind a hill to save embarrassment from the neighbors. After numerous improvements the plow performed satisfactorily. Neighbors still found out and asked the Wengerds to build plows for them.
Most of the plow parts were manufactured in the small farm shop. However, they lacked the proper tools to cut plow beams and machine the spindles and bushings. At this time Wayne was still working at J. Horst Machine, a local metal fab shop, and was able to do the necessary machining and fabrication at this location.
The first run of plows was sold in the spring of 1977; twenty five each of Walking Plows and Sulky Plows. These were sold to farmers in Holmes County and the surrounding area.
In September of 1978, Wayne quit his job at a local metal fab shop and officially opened his business under the name “Wengerd’s Machine Shop.” The same year a 40 x 72 shop building was erected for the new business. (insert photo) “We decided to build the shop large enough that we will never run out of space,” Wayne recalls. Henry opted to keep farming the 150 acre family farm, and a neighboring 115 acre farm, rather than becoming a partner in the business.
Other family members helped in the business during their spare time. When Henry passed the farm on to the next generation he worked in the business full time until a few months before he passed away in March of 2007.
Wayne hired his first full time employee, Emery Yoder, in the summer of ’79. New products, services and more employees were added as time went on.
Spring and spike tooth harrows were added the following years. The first steel wheel was made in March of 1983. Wagon gears and forecarts came on board in the mid and late 80’s. Small express wagons were a vital part of the business during this period.
In 1986 a corporation was formed and the business name was changed to Pioneer Equipment Inc. Wayne felt the need to have a logo and brand to go with the new name. His youngest brother, Henry Jr. had artistic talent and provided the skills in developing the widely recognized Pioneer logo.
Like any business, time brings change and new challenges. The business and the Wengerd family continued to grow. The twelve children outgrew the house and barn and 2 acres where the business was located. New product lines and additional employees created a need for more elbow room.
In October of 1992 the Wengerd family purchased the 57 acre farm 1-1/2 miles from the business. A new 145 x 200 steel framed shop was built in 1994. Another one of Wayne’s younger brothers, Leon, provided the skills for plumbing the air and hydraulic system, and machine setup at the new facility. The business moved to the new location in February of 1995. The machining and wheel department continued in the old facility until the fall of 1997 when the move was finally complete. (insert photo)
After World War II, until the early 70’s, horse drawn equipment was available for dimes on the dollar throughout the Midwest. Tractor farmers discarded the old machinery or parked it in fence rows. These old relics were viewed as part of a bygone era.
By the late 70’s the need for new horse drawn equipment, especially plows, became more real as old plows were wearing out beyond repair. Spare parts were scarce and often very expensive.
During this period our father, Wayne Wengerd, along with our grandfather, Henry Wengerd, did their own repair work and made eveners and neckyokes for use on the farm.
(insert photo) In the summer of 1976 when the Wengerds needed a new walking plow they decided to build their own because manufacturers like John Deere and McCormick quit building them decades earlier. They questioned if the newer raydex plow bottom would work on a Walking Plow. They took a bottom off an old Ford Sulky Plow and attached a beam and handles. The first test run was made behind a hill to save embarrassment from the neighbors. After numerous improvements the plow performed satisfactorily. Neighbors still found out and asked the Wengerds to build plows for them.
Most of the plow parts were manufactured in the small farm shop. However, they lacked the proper tools to cut plow beams and machine the spindles and bushings. At this time Wayne was still working at J. Horst Machine, a local metal fab shop, and was able to do the necessary machining and fabrication at this location.
The first run of plows was sold in the spring of 1977; twenty five each of Walking Plows and Sulky Plows. These were sold to farmers in Holmes County and the surrounding area.
In September of 1978, Wayne quit his job at a local metal fab shop and officially opened his business under the name “Wengerd’s Machine Shop.” The same year a 40 x 72 shop building was erected for the new business. (insert photo) “We decided to build the shop large enough that we will never run out of space,” Wayne recalls. Henry opted to keep farming the 150 acre family farm, and a neighboring 115 acre farm, rather than becoming a partner in the business.
Other family members helped in the business during their spare time. When Henry passed the farm on to the next generation he worked in the business full time until a few months before he passed away in March of 2007.
Wayne hired his first full time employee, Emery Yoder, in the summer of ’79. New products, services and more employees were added as time went on.