Industry News

The Hilliard Corporation was founded in 1905 with a single breakthrough clutch. Over the last 120 years, that innovation has grown into a legacy of engineering solutions that serve industries around the world.

Our story is defined by a relentless focus on quality, a commitment to innovation, and the expertise of the people who make it possible. From motion control to braking and filtration systems, we have built a reputation for reliability that customers have trusted for generations.

This anniversary is not just a reflection of our past, but a recognition of the values and dedication that continue to guide our future.

Two new brochures are now available on the Hilliard website, highlighting specialized solutions from both our Motion Control and HILCO Filtration divisions.

The Centrifugal Clutches for Refrigerated Transport brochure focuses on centrifugal clutches designed to meet the unique demands of cold-chain logistics. These clutches engage based on speed, providing smooth, reliable starts for refrigeration units on trucks, trailers, and railcars. Engineered for durability in frequent start-stop conditions, they help reduce wear and support long-term system performance in temperature-sensitive environments.

The HILCO Advantage brochure features our high-efficiency pleated filter cartridges, developed for critical industrial applications. With increased surface area and ratings up to Beta 1000, these elements deliver extended service life and superior particulate removal. Built to meet ASME and API-614 standards, they’re an ideal choice for high-flow, high-pressure systems where equipment protection is essential.

Both brochures provide technical detail and application insights to support system designers, engineers, and maintenance professionals in making informed decisions. These additions reflect Hilliard’s ongoing commitment to performance-driven solutions tailored to the industries we serve.

As with all opportunities, the beginning of the starter business began with a need. Ingersoll-Rand (now Siemens Energy/Dresser-Rand), in the late 1960s, had a requirement to start a large 20-cylinder reciprocating gas engine with ten power cylinders and ten compression cylinders. Paul Webb and Grover Fraser, two veteran engineers of Ingersoll-Rand, became interested in the application and formed the Fraser-Webb company. With their axial screw compressor experience, they developed a starter that would take the gas pressure available at the pipeline station and expand the gas in the starter to crank the engine. Ingersoll-Rand placed an order for ten Model 30 starters with the Fraser-Webb company. The Model 30 starters were delivered and commissioned at sites throughout the United States in the early ’70s. The Model 30 starters have proven reliable and durable, as there have been very few spare parts sold or calls for repairs in the over 50 years of service. The market in the 1970s was moving away from reciprocating engines to industrial gas turbines. Grover and Paul recognized that there would be opportunities in the new gas turbine market for starters based on the basic axial expander design. Hilliard bought the Fraser-Webb company, and eventually both came to work at Hilliard. Paul and Grover brought a wealth of engineering experience gained at Ingersoll-Rand. Grover served as Engineering Manager until his retirement in 1991, and Paul as Vice President and eventually COO until his retirement in 2010. Both Grover and Paul were instrumental in many early key product developments for Polaris and HILCO products, such as the Wheel Clutch, Transfer Valve, and Starters. The addition of Hilliard’s clutch experience to the starter product was key to the future development of the starter business.

Hilliard built a Model 30 with a different internal gear ratio to replace a starter on a Cooper engine in 1987. Since then, there was interest, but pattern equipment for the castings was lost and expensive to replace. Hilliard received a call from Kinder Morgan in Sayre, Oklahoma, in early 2023, stating that they needed a new Model 30 Starter. Kinder placed an engineering order for Hilliard to investigate the feasibility of manufacturing a Model 30 and provide a firm quote. Innovations in low-volume, large-casting manufacturing uncovered by our manufacturing group led to a feasible casting supply. The main rotor housing and outlet castings were some of the major challenges of the project. Models were created from the Fraser-Webb hand drawings and used by the casting vendor for additive manufacturing of the pattern equipment. The project proved much more challenging than expected, with several setbacks in the manufacturing and assembly of the castings, gears, and gear housing. However, all involved in the project stepped up when needed and solved problems and issues, resulting in Hilliard shipping the Model 30 during the week of 6/9. The Sayre site is going to install the new starter and send the old unit back to Hilliard for evaluation and repair. Kinder Morgan operates (3) starters at the Sayre site. There are other Model 30 starters operating, and Hilliard hopes to secure future orders for new units and repairs.

Written by: Jon Williams and Steve Lovell

We’ve added a new set of brochures to the Hilliard Corporation website—each one built to help you better understand the products, systems, and support we offer across key industries. Whether you're exploring filtration solutions, braking systems, or drivetrain technology, these brochures are designed to get you the information you need—quickly and clearly.

Hilliard Capabilities Brochure
Get a clear view of what we do and how we do it. From custom engineering to industry-specific solutions, this brochure walks through Hilliard’s manufacturing expertise, product lines, and long-standing commitment to quality.

Hilliard CVT for the Concrete Industry Brochure
Built for the real-world demands of the concrete industry, this brochure covers how our CVT systems improve performance and reliability for ready-mix and construction applications.

HILCO Saflow™ Stacked Disc Filter Cartridge Brochure
Featuring our Saflow™ and Saflow™ D cartridges, this brochure dives into the benefits of stacked disc filtration—including high dirt-holding capacity, durability under pressure, and simplified maintenance.

Hilliard MK Guide Rail Brake Brochure
Learn how our MK Guide Rail Brakes deliver safe, consistent holding and emergency stopping power. This brochure covers key features, mounting options, and use cases across industrial applications.

HILCO Aftermarket Brochure
A go-to resource for exploring available components that help extend the life and performance of HILCO systems. It covers product options that support consistent operation across a wide range of filtration applications.

At The Hilliard Corporation, we are committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers. That’s why we’ve made important updates to our website’s contact section to better serve your needs.

Previously, our website offered a single general inquiry option, but we recognized the need for more tailored communication channels. Now, visitors can choose from three dedicated options:

• • General Inquiry – For general questions and information.
  • Quote Request – For those looking to receive pricing and product details.
  • Support Request – For customers in need of technical assistance or product support.

These new options ensure that your inquiries reach the right team quickly and efficiently, allowing us to provide faster and more accurate responses. Whether you're exploring our products, requesting a quote, or needing support, our updated contact system streamlines the process for a seamless experience.

HMFT Inc. provides an in-depth look at how HILCO's synthetic high-flow filter cartridges can revolutionize mining operations. This insightful article highlights the benefits of advanced filtration technology, focusing on its ability to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure optimal equipment performance and reliability in the mining industry.

Check out more with the link below!

Maximizing Efficiency in Mining Operations with HILCO's Synthetic High-Flow Filter Cartridges

In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of HILCO's synthetic high-flow filter cartridges and how they can maximize efficiency in mining operations.

In the demanding world of mining, efficiency is key. From fuel and oil filtration to maintaining equipment performance, every aspect of mining operations requires precision and reliability. One crucial component in achieving this efficiency is the use of high-flow filter cartridges. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of HILCO's synthetic high-flow filter cartridges and how they can maximize efficiency in mining operations.

The Need for High-Flow Filter Cartridges in Mining

Mining operations involve complex machinery and systems that require continuous filtration to maintain performance. Traditional filters often struggle to keep up with the high flow rates and contaminant loads encountered in these environments. High-flow filter cartridges, designed to maximize filtration surface area through pleated designs and advanced materials, ensure higher efficiency and reduced operational costs.

Key Features of High-Flow Filter Cartridges

• Designed to Maximize Filtration Surface Area: High-flow filter cartridges incorporate pleated designs and advanced materials, significantly increasing the filtration surface area. This design ensures efficient contaminant retention and supports higher flow rates without compromising filtration performance.
• High Flow Rates: These cartridges can handle flow rates up to 500 gallons per minute (GPM), significantly higher than standard filters. This capability reduces the number of cartridges needed, lowering material and labor costs.
• Minimized Pressure Drop: With optimized filtration media and a high-capacity design, high-flow cartridges minimize pressure drop during operation. This improvement in energy efficiency extends the lifespan of the filtration system.
• Extended Service Life: The superior dirt-holding capacity of high-flow cartridges requires fewer replacements, reducing downtime and overall operational costs.
• Material Versatility: Available in various materials such as polypropylene, glass fiber, and PTFE, these cartridges ensure compatibility with different fluids and applications.

Applications in Mining

High-flow filter cartridges are particularly beneficial in mining operations due to their durability and dependability. They are used for filtering fuel and oil to remove moisture and particulate contamination, which is crucial for maintaining equipment performance.

Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

The use of high-flow filter cartridges in mining operations offers several efficiency and cost-effectiveness benefits:

• Reduced Cartridge Handling: Fewer cartridges are needed, reducing the number of cartridge handling tasks and minimizing the chance of fluid bypass.
• Lower Material and Labor Costs: By requiring fewer cartridges, these systems lower the material and labor costs associated with filter replacements.
• Extended Filter Life: The higher dirt-holding capacity and longer service life of high-flow cartridges reduce filter change-out frequency and downtime.

Environmental Benefits

High-flow filter cartridges also provide environmental benefits by reducing waste. Fewer replacements result in less waste, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Conclusion

Maximizing efficiency in mining operations is crucial for maintaining productivity and reducing costs. HILCO's synthetic high-flow filter cartridges offer a comprehensive solution by maximizing filtration surface area, handling high flow rates, minimizing pressure drop, and extending service life. These cartridges are versatile, durable, and eco-friendly, making them an ideal choice for various industrial applications, including mining.

Elevate your industrial operations with HILCO's comprehensive solutions. Beyond offering top-tier industrial equipment, we deliver unparalleled maintenance and repair services through our elite team of factory-trained technicians. Experience seamless performance and maximize uptime with our expert support, ensuring your equipment operates at peak efficiency. Trust Hilliard to be your all-in-one partner for industrial excellence, from cutting-edge equipment to precision maintenance.

FAQ

What are the key features of HILCO's synthetic high-flow filter cartridges?

• HILCO's synthetic high-flow filter cartridges are designed to maximize filtration surface area through pleated designs and advanced materials, ensuring higher efficiency and reduced operational costs. They can handle flow rates up to 500 GPM, minimize pressure drop, and extend service life.

How do high-flow filter cartridges benefit mining operations?

• High-flow filter cartridges are particularly beneficial in mining operations due to their durability and dependability. They are used for filtering fuel and oil to remove moisture and particulate contamination, which is crucial for maintaining equipment performance.

What are the environmental benefits of using high-flow filter cartridges?

• High-flow filter cartridges reduce waste by requiring fewer replacements, making them an eco-friendly choice.

How do high-flow filter cartridges reduce operational costs in mining?

• By requiring fewer cartridges, high-flow filter cartridges lower the material and labor costs associated with filter replacements. Additionally, their extended service life reduces filter change-out frequency and downtime.

What materials are high-flow filter cartridges available in?

• High-flow filter cartridges are available in various materials such as polypropylene, glass fiber, and PTFE, ensuring compatibility with different fluids and applications.

How do high-flow filter cartridges improve energy efficiency in mining operations?

• High-flow filter cartridges minimize pressure drop during operation, improving energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of the filtration system.

In the concrete industry, efficiency and reliability are paramount. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Hilliard’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system, a standout in the Industrial markets.

Our CVT system is designed to be lighter than traditional automatic transmissions, ensuring your concrete troweling equipment finds and maintains the ideal torque ratio effortlessly. This innovative system allows the engine to operate within its optimal RPM range at all times, delivering smoother power acceleration by removing unwanted torque pulses or slipping. Imagine finishing concrete with a ride-on power trowel that operates seamlessly, providing consistent and smooth results every time, even on the most demanding job sites.

One of the biggest challenges with current designs is rubber belt wear or breakage, leading to downtime and costly repairs. Hilliard’s Patented Belt Protection Technology addresses this issue head-on. Our advanced system incorporates a one-way overrunning clutch, providing seamless engine engagement and belt protection at startup or during overload situations by having the sheeves in constant contact with the belt even at idle. This means extended belt life and less downtime for your concrete troweling operations, ensuring you can keep your projects on schedule and within budget.

Our CVT system is versatile and fits a wide variety of applications without the need for expensive modifications. Whether you’re finishing concrete on a large commercial site or working on smaller residential projects, Hilliard’s CVT system is built to outperform the competition. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for contractors looking to enhance their equipment’s performance and reliability.

Upgrade today and experience unparalleled performance and reliability with Hilliard’s CVT system. Your concrete troweling equipment deserves the best, and with Hilliard, you can achieve superior results with ease, ensuring your projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards.

As we celebrate our 120th anniversary in 2025, we at The Hilliard Corporation are filled with pride and gratitude. Since our founding in 1905, we have grown from a single-product business into a global leader in motion control and industrial filtration technology.

Our journey began with the production of friction disconnect clutches, and over the decades, we have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our customers. From developing advanced oil reclaiming machines in the 1920s to offering a broad range of products today—including motion control clutches, drivetrain products, industrial brakes, and oil filtration systems—we have always been driven by innovation and excellence.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our legacy of innovation and customer service. Our ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing market is a testament to our resilience and forward-thinking approach.

Here’s to 120 years of The Hilliard Corporation—may the next century be just as groundbreaking and successful!

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Sincerely,

The Hilliard Corporation Team

"What if one technology project could boost productivity, safety, and more?" But you don’t have to take our word for it…

Watch the video to see how The Hilliard Corporation transformed their operations with a new collaborative robot (cobot).

The results?

• Improved safety
• A measurable boost in productivity
• Consistency in their manufacturing process
• Implemented along term COBOT strategy for Hilliard’s manufacturing plants.

This project gave us consistency in our process and productivity, as we continue to expand out advanced manufacturing capabilities to better serve our customers.

At Hilliard, custom applications are the norm. This is a driving factor in Hilliard’s growth in the elevator market. Hilliard brake systems, sized specifically for each elevator drive application, continue to lead the way in the elevator secondary brake segment. Complementary to their brake systems, Hilliard is now offering customized interface mounting brackets manufactured to individual customer needs and specifications. The elevator secondary brake market is not a “one size fits all” proposition. Working closely with elevator industry leaders, Hilliard’s engineering staff has listened and accepted the many challenges that have been presented when considering the mounting of Hilliard’s brake systems to elevator drives. Once Hilliard has been presented with all of the proper data, details and specifications surrounding the drive system, Hilliard’s additive manufacturing process can produce prototypes for custom bracketry and interface plates. These prototypes can be field verified, proven and expeditiously routed through Hilliard’s standard manufacturing processes.  Recently, Hilliard engineers worked in tandem with a customer to have a detailed part taken from a concept drawing, to a 3D printed model, to a fit up on site within a five-day span.  This responsiveness provides a differentiation that places Hilliard out in front of the market.

Specific to the elevator secondary brake market, Hilliard offers two brake systems that can be adapted to a variety of drive machines. These brakes, the 6815 Electric Plate Brake (above left) and the MK 1400 series caliper style brake (above right), both carry the CSA certification for electrical components. Along with this third party validation, Hilliard engineering reviews each application data sheet that is presented.  After this engineering review, a proper brake selection can be made and approved. This product selection and approval is invaluable in assisting Hilliard’s customers with data presentations for the AHJ’s and consultants that are often required with customer’s projects. The Hilliard Sales team has worked extensively with our Marketing and Engineering staff to become familiar with the elevator drive market and all of its specific details. As a result of this concentration, Hilliard continues to expand its knowledge and serviceability with each new application.

In response to market growth and our expanding sales efforts, Hilliard has invested in a “brake cell” that is dedicated to the final assembly of both the 6815 and the MK1400. This investment is allowing Hilliard to increase output of finished product and is positioning Hilliard for the expansion of the elevator secondary brake market that is being driven by ASME A17.1. standard.

The Hilliard team is excited and positioned properly to grow with the ever expanding market of all of its product lines.  Hilliard has been a member of the NAEC since 1997 and is looking forward to seeing everyone at the NAEC convention this fall.

The Hilliard Corporation has a complete line of Drive Train and Motion Control products for All terrain vehicles (ATV), utility vehicles (UTV), lawn & garden and outdoor power equipment industry. Hilliard Drive Train products solve some of the most common problems related to traction, on-demand 4WD engagement, and turf damage.

Hilliard’s Drive Train products have been developed in cooperation with leading manufacturers of ATV’s, UTV’s, construction equipment, lawn tractors and self-propelled walk-behind equipment. Our value added designs can be simply integrated into existing products. Custom designs and high speed clutch applications are also available.

In efforts to adapt to the changing trade show environment , The Hilliard Corporation has created an interactive virtual experience for the Mining Industry. 

Hilliard Corporation offers an entire range of industrial modular brakes, caliper brakes, rail and disk brakes, electric brakes and products such as power units, mounting brackets, and discs and hubs. Choose from our complete line of fail-safe and active braking systems to meet the needs of mining applications.

Large walking draglines are a key component of mining for many areas around the world. These systems are primarily used to remove overburden in bulk commodities like coal. In a recently published article in Coal Age magazine. Editor Steve Fiscor interviews Regional Sales Manager Rick Kallenborn on the importance of Dragline Maintenance in relation to the braking systems. Hilliard offers a line of caliper-style brakes that are more efficient that the original methods of braking. One braking system for three motions leading to increased efficiencies and reduced parts inventory. 

For nearly half of a century, The Hilliard Corporation has serviced the industrial brake market. We service numerous industries: mines, cranes, marine….just to name a few. In more recent years Hilliard has entered the elevator market. In reaction to feedback from the market place, Hilliard engineering has developed several brakes specifically for use on passenger and freight elevator motor drive systems. Our current offering consists of two brake lines that carry the CSA certification allowing us to be incorporated onto the elevator drives. These two lines are our 6815 electric plate style brake and the MK1400 series. Both lines have been received very well in both the elevator service market as well as the elevator MOD market. We have installations in service in The United States, Canada and Mexico.

As Hilliard is a company driven by engineering, we are constantly seeking to help the markets we operate in and turn problems into opportunities. The elevator market has challenged us to develop a brake that is placed on the rails of the elevators and have also asked us for an interface between our 6815 series plate brakes and the drive motors. Both of the challenges are under review and development with Hilliard’s engineering staff and we are developing solutions to be available to the market by the first half of 2018. 

Figure 1-  Hilliard 6815 Electric Plate Style Brake (mounted on gearless drive)

The Hilliard Corporation is very excited about the opportunity for growth in the elevator market and we are dedicated to bring our products to this market from all avenues in 2018 and beyond. Our goal is to bring these products to the market with the quality and longevity that has become our reputation for over a century.

Figure 2-  Hilliard MK 1400 Series w/ Split ring (mounted on gearless drive)

Visit the HILCO booth # 7430 at POWER-GEN International December 5-7, 2017. HILCO filter equipment products are designed for the power generation industry.

The Hilliard Corporation launches new HILCO Laboratory Services that provides a full suite of rigorous world-class test capabilities to support industrial filtration and fluids analysis.

Hilliard's front drivetrain differential clutch is used on new 4 wheel drive utility vehicles featured in "American Landmaster reveals new UTVs" in Janaury 4, 2017 article from Power Sport Business.

Hilliard recently commissioned a BrakeBoss Brake Control System on a new conveyer in Rupert, West Virginia which is featured in the December 2016 issue of Engineering and Mining Journal.

The Hilliard Corporation offers a broad line of industrial brakes and braking systems—designed, manufactured and sold according to our customer's specifications. A reliable source for quality motion control products for more than 110 years, we pride ourselves on our prompt response with the quality products you need and the dependability you demand.

Stop in and visit  Hilliard Brake Systems at booth 1763, North Hall at Mine Expo International 2016, Las Vegas, NV.

Founded in 1905, The Hilliard Corporation proudly marks its 110th anniversary in 2015.  From the first product of the company, a friction disconnect clutch, to manufacturing oil reclaiming machines in 1925,  Hilliard has continually evolved into becoming a leader in motion control and industrial filtration technology.

From making clutches and brakes for a wide variety of applications including machine tools, robotics, mining, mills, ATV and UTV vehicles, cranes, marine, military, lawn and garden, concrete and construction, elevator and escalator, material handling, medical equipment, and outdoor power equipment.  Hilliard has remained at the front of the motion control industry.

HILCO, Hilliard’s industrial filtration division, designs and builds products for a wide variety of applications including power generation, emission control systems, oil refining, and fluid transfer.  Star Filters is Hilliard’s plate and frame filtration product line.  Hilliard’s Engine Starter division produces equipment for power generation, turbines, reciprocating engines, cogeneration, and industrial engines.

Serving the needs of both small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, Hilliard is proud to celebrate its 110th year of business.

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants on Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines

New environmental regulations will require that stationary engines used for on-site power production capture the oil mist that is generated by the crankcase of the reciprocating equipment. The HILCO oil mist eliminator removes visible oil vapor in the air stream of the vents from lubricating oil systems of large, high speed rotating equipment. This in turn prevents contamination of the air and soil, as well as keeping a clean and safe work environment.

The oil mist generated by the equipment is drawn from the breather where it is then pulled through a coalescing filter cartridge. The oil / contaminant free air is released into the environment, while the filtered lube oil is returned to the sump. HILCO oil mist eliminators operate at an efficiency of 99.97% or greater of removal of airborne contaminants .3 micron or below. They are direct replacements for existing non-specified mist elimination systems. 

View the rules and regulations on the EPA website here: RICE NESHAP Regulations

See our literature here: RICE NESHAP and Hilco Vent Mist Eliminators

HILCO Anti-Static Cartridges/Elements Prevent Varnish build up in Lube Oil Systems

Static discharge is a common problem in the lubricating oil systems of today’s turbo-machinery. Type II lubricant base stocks exhibit very low fluid conductivity. As a result, static charges can build on the non-conductive components of the lube oil system, such as the filter elements. When a sufficient charge is accumulated, static discharge occurs between two points of differing potentials. Over time static discharge contributes to oil degradation and varnish build up throughout the system.

Hilco PH-CGJ style filter elements incorporate conductive fibers which are co-pleated in between two layers of hi performance microglass filter media. As a result the Hilco anti-static filter element dissipates static charge build up before discharge can occur. The Hilco CGJ style elements are available in every standard Hilco media grade code. Hilco offers full laboratory services and can verify the conductivity of a user’s oil if a static discharge problem is suspected.