Luther Hueske and Harold Luhn could write a book
about their experiences since
patenting their invention, the
Rakehand. But, they say, they
couldn't publish it yet.
It is a story filled with frustration
and heartache, but
most of all, friendship. Not
just any friendship either.
The kind of friendship that is
best experienced in the country,
where people step in and
help whenever you need it.
The Rakehand
Hueske and Luhn invented
and patented the Rakehand,
a device that allows you to rake and bale hay in one pass around a field, with one piece of equipment. |
"It reduces the need for fuel and labor,
which have always been our biggest selling
points," Hueske says. "We thought back
when the last (Landscapes) article was
written, that saving on fuel was a big deal.
It's a much bigger deal now. The price of
farm diesel has quadrupled since then."
They have continued to sell the Rakehand,
primarily to repeat customers and people
who have heard about it by word of
mouth. They also have advertised it in
magazines and at farm trade shows.
Among their satisfied customers is their
neighbor, Max Baranowski. He purchased
one of the first units |
after he saw it work during a field day at his farm. It is an
investment he has never regretted.
"I love it," Baranowski says. "I've been
using it for years. It works great, and it
really saved me on labor."
Protecting Their Patent
Instead of enjoying the fruit of their labor,
however, Hueske and Luhn have spent
years fighting in court to protect their patent
from infringement. They won the first
round, but now they are in an ongoing
battle, with the case under appeal.
"Everybody thinks they have a great idea
and wants to get a patent, but they don't
realize what it takes,"
|
Luhn says. "I guess
it depends what the invention is."
Despite the frustration, they are still
inventors at heart.
"I've always been a dreamer, thinking of
ideas," Luhn says. "And you think of ways
to make things better. You gotta make it
easier for yourself."
Friends in Need
In August 2006, the frustrations of the
slow and lingering court battles were
dwarfed by a different set of bad news.
Luhn was diagnosed with colon cancer.
"Talk about a life-changing event," he recalls.
"That put things in perspective real
quick." Neighbors
|
and friends, including
Hueske, stepped in to help. One neighbor
took over all the hay baling while Luhn
recovered from surgery.
Within a month, he was back on a tractor
and running his equipment again.
Although he is still undergoing chemotherapy,
he is doing well, and he credits
his progress to his family and friends.
Hueske agrees. "He's lucky. He's got a lot
of good friends and a great, sweet wife.
Plus, it's about attitude. Harold's always
had a good personal attitude, friendly,
easy to get along with. People remember
what you've done, and they want to help
you. That's what friends are about."
- Staff |
