For many farms across the Midwest, consistency, efficiency, and crop capture aren’t just goals — they’re necessities. At Topf Farms, those priorities have guided equipment decisions for years, and Hillco leveling systems have become a central part of how their harvest operation runs.
In a recent conversation, Denny Topf shared why his family farm continues to invest in Hillco technology, what kind of real-world results they’ve seen, and why the system has become indispensable to their operation.
Denny’s introduction to Hillco came when they purchased their first combine equipped with a leveling system. It was a significant investment at the time, but the results became clear quickly.
He recalled that after their first season, the machine had noticeably fewer hours — enough that the savings on the reduced trade-in cost “actually made the payment on the Hillco.”
That early ROI set the tone for future decisions. As he explained:
“Since then, we’ve had them on the machines all the time.”
For Topf Farms, that first season didn’t just validate the purchase — it changed their long-term equipment strategy.
Harvest days can stretch long, and in uneven terrain, operator fatigue can become a real factor. According to Denny, the difference in cab comfort with a leveling system is immediate:
“It’s a lot more comfortable riding pretty much level than in sideways all day.”
Beyond comfort, the farm noticed a direct improvement in field performance and crop capture. Running larger headers at controlled speeds, Denny shared that:
“You can sure get all the crop that you possibly can with them.”
For a farm that prioritizes efficiency and clean harvests, this capability matters.
Topf Farms manages significant acreage, and the ability to maintain consistent productivity is essential. Denny explained that leveling directly affects how much ground they can cover:
Hillco systems “really help out with how many acres a day you get done.”
With a smoother ride, better crop intake, and improved machine utilization, the farm found they could operate both effectively and confidently — even when conditions vary across fields.
Even well-maintained equipment faces occasional challenges, and Topf Farms has experienced a few hydraulic and fitting-related issues over the years. But what stood out to Denny was Hillco’s response time and commitment to resolution.
“They came out and addressed it right away… it didn’t take long to get going again.”
He emphasized that Hillco support had consistently been reliable and responsive:
“They sure address it.”
For an operation where downtime is costly, this level of service is an important part of the overall value.
When asked whether he would recommend Hillco systems to other farmers, Denny didn’t hesitate:
“Sure [are] happy with them.”
He added that even with their large 16-row heads, Hillco Leveling Systems “handle it well,” making them a natural fit for the farm’s equipment and operating style.
For Topf Farms, the combination of ROI, comfort, crop capture, uptime, and support has made Hillco more than just an option — it’s become their standard.
With many seasons of experience and multiple Hillco-equipped combines in operation, Topf Farms has seen firsthand the value leveling systems deliver year after year. From reduced hours and improved trade value to operator comfort and high-quality harvest performance, Hillco has helped keep their operation efficient and dependable.
As Denny put it simply:
“We will probably continue to do what we’re doing.”
And for Topf Farms, “what we’re doing” means choosing Hillco.
