Hunter Engineering Reviews Its Historic Journey and Technological Milestones
Since founding the company that would become Hunter Engineering in the 1930s, Lee Hunter has set an unparalleled standard in automotive service equipment. Known for groundbreaking technological advancements and reliable products, Hunter Engineering reviews over the years consistently praise the company’s dedication to quality, efficiency, and durability. With a history that spans nearly a century, Hunter Engineering’s journey is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Hunter Engineering reviews the milestones that define its rich legacy.
The Early Years: Pioneering Innovations in the 1930s and 1940s
The journey began with the Kwikurent, a rapid battery charger released in 1936. Before this invention, battery charging could take over 24 hours, but the Kwikurent reduced this time to less than an hour, making it an industry game-changer. Hunter Engineering reviews that Hunter quickly followed this success with the Rocket Special in 1938, a compact charger with a dual-charge test meter, which further advanced battery technology.
After serving in World War II, Lee Hunter returned home to St. Louis in 1946 to establish Hunter Engineering Company. That same year, he introduced the Tune-In wheel balancer, an on-the-car wheel balancer that would establish Hunter Engineering reviews as a serious player in the automotive equipment industry. The decade closed with Hunter’s first official product brochure, marking the beginning of a focused marketing effort that would grow the company’s brand recognition.
Expanding Influence in the 1950s: Sales, Service, and Major Partnerships
Hunter Engineering reviews that in the 1950s, its focus shifted to expanding its reach and building strong customer relationships. By 1950, Lee Hunter had assembled a dedicated sales and service team that would become the largest in the tire service equipment industry. By 1953, General Motors approved Hunter’s equipment for balancing Corvette wheels at its St. Louis plant, solidifying Hunter’s reputation in the automotive sector. This partnership set the stage for Hunter’s longstanding collaborations with major automotive manufacturers.
Another milestone came in 1955 with the development of the Lite-A-Line wheel alignment system, which soon became the industry standard. This alignment system was a significant step forward, combining ease of use with precision, and it set the groundwork for future alignment innovations that Hunter Engineering would later introduce.
Technological Advancements and International Expansion in the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s marked a period of growth as Hunter moved to a larger campus in St. Louis. This expansion allowed Hunter to increase production and meet rising demand. The Ford Motor Company recognized the reliability of Hunter’s equipment in 1964, naming Hunter as its sole supplier for alignment and balancing equipment, a testament to the trust in Hunter’s quality.
Hunter Engineering reviews that it entered the computer age in the 1970s, introducing its Compute-A-Line system in 1969, the first dynamic wheel alignment system. This innovation allowed adjustments to be made while the wheels were turning, a revolutionary concept at the time. Throughout the decade, Hunter continued to launch advanced alignment systems, culminating in the establishment of its first manufacturing facility outside St. Louis, in Durant, Mississippi, in 1976. This move marked Hunter’s dedication to scalability and product accessibility.
New Leadership and Digital Transformation in the 1980s
In 1981, Stephen F. Brauer succeeded Lee Hunter as President, guiding Hunter Engineering into a digital era with computer-driven solutions. In 1982, the company launched the A111 wheel aligner, which featured the first CRT display, allowing technicians to view measurements on screen—a major step toward modern digital alignment.
Hunter’s innovations gained international acclaim, leading to the establishment of partnerships with global distributors like Japan’s Iyasaka Ltd. in 1986. This decade also saw the introduction of the DSP9000 balancer and the C111 alignment system, solidifying Hunter’s position as a leader in the tire service industry.
The 1990s and Early 2000s: Embracing Automation and Expanding Product Lines
The 1990s introduced the WinAlign® system, the first Windows-based vehicle alignment software. Hunter’s dedication to computerization and user-friendly systems paved the way for other innovations, such as the GSP9700 wheel balancer, which could simulate road tests to diagnose wheel vibration issues. The GSP9700 became a diagnostic standard, reflecting Hunter’s ability to adapt to new technology and continue to set industry standards.
Hunter Engineering reviews that in the 2000s, the SmartWeight® technology and the 811 alignment system marked continued advancements in balancing and alignment. SmartWeight minimized the amount of corrective weight needed, further enhancing balancing precision. Hunter also introduced the TCX500 tire changer series, which remains a staple in tire service.
Modern Innovations and a Commitment to Training
In recent years, Hunter Engineering has consistently remained at the cutting edge of automotive technology. The 2010s saw the launch of HawkEye Elite®, which allowed for faster, more accurate alignments, and Quick Check Drive®, an unmanned inspection system that performs alignment audits without stopping the vehicle.
Hunter also expanded its training initiatives, establishing facilities like the Truck Safety Center and opening an electronics manufacturing center in Raymond, Mississippi. These efforts ensure technicians worldwide receive high-quality, up-to-date training on Hunter’s products.
Recent Developments and Future Directions
In 2021, Hunter Engineering celebrated its 75th anniversary, a remarkable milestone that underscores its commitment to continuous improvement and industry leadership. Newer products like the Ultimate ADAS™ and Quick Check® Commercial demonstrate Hunter’s focus on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and commercial vehicle alignment solutions. Hunter’s recent distribution center in Madison, Mississippi, further enhances logistics capabilities, ensuring timely delivery of equipment.
Hunter Engineering reviews consistently praise the company’s reliability, innovation, and dedication to customer service. With a legacy that spans nearly a century, Hunter Engineering remains a leading force in the automotive equipment industry, blending tradition with forward-thinking technology to meet the ever-evolving demands of the automotive world.
