One image of a Midaco pallet changer machine with a cart showing CNC milled aluminum horseshoes; 2nd picture showing hind legs of a running horse wearing the horseshoes


From Two Wheels to Four Legs…

Precision Billet Products LLC in Gilbert AZ turns out precision milled items and unique accessories for riders of machine and beast. Manufacturing functional and creative products for things that “GO!”, this company understands the value of keeping their machine tool RUNNING. For over 20 years, owner, Dave Shano, has worked in product design, manufacturing and fabrication in multiple consumer and commercial industries. In recent years he has developed successful lines of extraordinary products crafted and CNC milled from quality billet aluminum. As the demand for his products increased, he chose to add a MIDACO Pallet Changer on his machining center to help keep the pace.


Custom aluminum air cleaner and floor boards shown on shown on a black Harley Davidson motorcycle accented with blue flame design

Since 2010 Precision Billet Products has offered unique custom accessories that fit Harley Davidson motorcycles to enhance a rider’s experience and express their individual identity. As shown, genuine Precision Billet motorcycle air cleaners have unique designs never seen in the performance cycle market. This design helps maximize air flow by giving intake air an efficient, easy path to follow into the carburetor. From intricately sculpted break levers, floor boards, ignition switch covers, and other items, their accessories are exceptional in aesthetics and function.


2 red aluminum horseshoes

In 2016, Shano expanded his creative reach with the launch of the American Equus brand specifically for riders of a different breed. Making riding accessories for equestrians from amateurs and event riders up to thoroughbred racing, American Equus has quickly established itself as a premier supplier for all equestrian disciplines. The race results don’t lie. In May of 2018, American Equus swept the 144th Kentucky Derby with rider, Mike Smith and stallion known as Justify. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, Smith and Justify also went on to win the 143rd Preakness followed by the 150th Belmont Stakes making them only the 13th horse and rider pair to win the coveted Triple Crown. Helping facilitate those wins, Shano’s years of experience in manufacturing enabled him to create state-of-the-art products that are an integral part to a jockey’s success and safety. American Equus worked closely with jockey, Smith, for almost two years to design and develop custom racing irons for Smith to ride with stability and comfort. After months of research and design exploration, Shano also developed his line of long lasting and ultra-light MonoBloc horseshoes. CNC milled intricately from solid 60061 T6 aircraft grade billet aluminum, these easily malleable shoes allow for a natural and superior wear pattern suitable for training horses as well as intense competition.


Midaco Pallet Changer machine shown with shuttle and 2 aluminum pallets

Creating exceptional quality aluminum products of detailed design for riding “hogs” or horses requires precision metal cutting where a difference in mere millimeters can effect performance. Dave Shano needed to equip his Arizona shop with top performing machinery to do the job and meet the demands of his rapidly growing product lines. Choosing to add a MIDACO Automatic Pallet Changer system to his vertical machining center increased their productivity by enabling his operator to load and unload parts outside of the VMC while it’s cutting, virtually eliminating part changer-over idle time. The automatic pallet changer is fully integrated with the machining center’s control and offers a repeatability of +/- 0.0001” (.0025mm) for precise results. Shano recently shared a “MIDACO Moment” (as he called it) regarding the production of their high-performance horseshoes.

“Our combination of milling center and MIDACO pallet changer keep our doors closed and spindles turning out the finest American Equus MonoBloc Horseshoes.” - Dave Shano, Owner

With speed and accuracy being the critical factors to success in riding on the road or on the muddy track, Precision Billet Products LLC understands the need to machine their items with the same high quality of speed and accuracy for their own success. MIDACO Pallet Changers paired with their machining centers provides one of the solutions to keep their forward momentum going... hopefully to another Triple Crown.


CNC milled alumninum air cleaner for motorcycles designed with ace of spades pattern

Precision Billet Products LLC
42 S. Hamilton Place
Gilbert AZ 85233

American Equus
130 N Pasadena Street
Gilbert AZ 85233

Contact either location at: (480) 813-1833

Connect with David Shano on LinkedIn

*photo credits: Precision Billet Products LLC and American Equus

MIDACO offers a full line of Automation Solutions to fit your Machining Centers

  • Manual Pallet Changer System
    • Pallet sizes from 12.75"x 10.5" (234mm x 267mm) up to 60" x 25" (1524mm x 635mm)
    • Up to 1,000 lb (454 kg) weight capacity (2000 lb optional upgrade)
  • Automatic Pallet Changer System
    • Pallet sizes from 22" x 14" (229mm x 356mm) up to 190" x 72" (4826mm x 1829mm)
    • Up to 32,000 lb (14,528 kg) weight capacity (with weight evenly distributed)
  • Automatic Multi-Pallet Changer System for 5-axis machining
    • 19 stations each with a 10" (254mm) dia. round pallet
  • Trunnion System for 4th Axis machining
    • No Cable Management Needed
    • Turn your Vertical into a Horizontal
  • Automatic Door System
    • For single and double doors
    • Operator ergonomic benefits
    • Ideal for robot loader applications