American Towman Magazine - November 2011

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Whether it’s recovering an overturned tractor-trailer or towing a truck across town,

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you’re in command with your Vulcan V-100. The Vulcan V-100 is the tool you need to accomplish any task – just ask loyal

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For versatility in light- and medium-duty towing and recovery, the Vulcan V-30 meets your demands. Available in an aluminum or composite modular body, this 16-ton powerhouse comes loaded with many features found on Vulcan’s heavy-duty units.

a Vulcan, you’re in command.

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Vulcan has led the industry in heavy-duty integrated towing and recovery units for 25 years. Available in 25-, 35- and 50-ton capacities, the Vulcan heavy-duty integrated series easily tackles the toughest jobs.

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Vulcan’s L.C.G. (Low Center of Gravity) car carriers features a deck height that’s 5- to 8-inches lower, offering more stability during transport, a lower load angle and greater ease in securing loads. For recovery, Vulcan offers the SP8000 Sidepuller, the ultimate in car carrier versatility.

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The Vulcan Intruder leads the light-duty line-up with an autoload crossbar capable of picking up vehicles at a 90-degree angle and your choice of steel, aluminum or composite modular bodies. Other popular Vulcan light-duty units feature Vulcan’s strapless wheel-lift system.

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Through the Gates Quicker AT Expo this year has new quick and easy on-site registration processes to move through its "legendary herd" of attendees during the show's initial hours.

FEATURE CONTENTS

14

Know the Nuts and Bolts Being aware of how today's cars are built can save your life.

Case in point, how the MercedesBenz SLS uses "explosive" bolts on the doors' hinges...

by Bill Simmons

26

Lock-Outs, Due Diligence

Departments Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Tow Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . .66 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . .69 On the Cover Dan Topel, of Topel's Towing in Lake Mills, Wis., displays unlock techniques and procedures.

Will your vehicle unlock procedures, and documentation, stand up before the judge?

by Randall Resch

38

Our Evolving Industry Is the use of synthetic rope the next evolution in towing and recovery?

by Terry Abejuela

56

Ravine Recovery Crane plays a regular role in jobs for Pa. tower's frequent work in gorges.

by Den Holtzinger

TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 5

The Fathers Before Us

by Steve Calitri

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or those who have been greeted by ably the closest he ever came to a my wife, Norma, or her sister, wrecker was when, after a hard day’s Miriam, at the AT Expo registration work in the fields, the car he was in desk, you may not know it but you rolled over, catching his arm that hung were touched by the cheerful spirit and out the passenger window. That arm helping hand of Augusto Santos. Norma was good for few things from that point and Miriam are very much their Father’s on, but one of them was playing guitar. daughters.

It was another way Augusto earned The family was gathered around extra money, playing in a salsa band on Augusto’s bedside when he passed away weekends at clubs, weddings, parties. on Oct. 2 after years of struggling against Often the kids would tag along on a Satthe debilitating nature of urday or Sunday to Parkinson’s. He had lain in watch their Pop play. hospice care for days. His He always appeared wife, children and grandto be the center of children were watching celebration. over and comforting him; The guitar was when he gasped his last very much a part of breath, they were comfortthe Santos home. One ing him still. way or other, this curLike so many of our vaceous instrument fathers and grandfathers, was always there in Augusto exemplified the Augusto Santos, 1927–2011 the flux of his life. His story of the American immigrant. Born in workshop was lined with guitars, those the hills of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, he he would fix or tune for his friends. was just 19 years old when he fell in love They often came for dinner. They came with Margarita Ortiz. They eloped, marwith their guitars to play with him in ried, and began raising children. Facing the evening. the financial reality of his young family, he Augusto was loved by many. He flew alone to New York to find work in the was the rare man you meet in your lifefarm fields upstate. When he had saved time who has no motive beyond friendenough, he sent for his wife and three chilship. Brothers, cousins, friends alike dren, one of them Norma, just three years knew his heart. His hospitality was legold, when they embarked for America. endary for having no bounds. In the He would hold three jobs at a time to Santos home one would find a meal or make ends meet. His anchor job for four an extra bed when needed. decades was with the Burry Biscuit Co., Augusto loved living and fought doing maintenance and painting the fiercely his departure. Up until the end, plant’s walls inside and out. It was a neverhis presence of mind clung to those ending chore he did with a smile, grateful who were his source of happiness, who for the opportunity to meet many of the touched and spoke gently to him. If his company’s workers; such was his outlook thoughts strayed in those last moments, on life. He was also a great fix-it and do-itmy guess is that they strayed to his yourself handyman. These talents brought music. in much needed money and over time he They say life is for the living, but I was able to buy a house in the city of am sure our fathers before us still have a Newark big enough to shelter his wife and presence, a spirit still fidgeting about family that had grown to eight children. the guitar’s neck and its taut strings …

Augusto was not a towman but he the wrecker boom and its wire rope. was a man a towman could relate to. ProbPop somehow is always there.

6 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Publisher Dennie Ortiz Editor-In-Chief Steve Calitri Editor Brendan Dooley Operations Editors Terry Abejuela Randall Resch Chassis Editor David Kolman Safety Editor Bill Simmons Editorial Board Tommy Anderson; Dallas, Texas Roy Carlson; St. Paul, Minn.

Gary Coe; Portland, Ore. Frank Child; Cody, Wyo. Belinda Harris; Greensboro, N.C. Amado Llorens; Hialeah, Fla. Ron Mislan; Warren, N.J. Chuck Swider; Chicopee, Mass.

Frank Sanchez; Bridgewater, N.J. Page Layout Artist Ann Marie Nitti Graphic Manager William Burwell Advertising Sales Manager Dennie Ortiz Senior Account Executive Ellen Rosengart VP of Accounts Norma Calitri VP of Communications Neila Smith Subscription Manager Miriam Ortiz Customer Service Henri Calitri President Steve Calitri Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 Fax: 845-986-5181 E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com AT’S Website: towman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com Copyright ©2011 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc. Subscription: $50–1 yr; $95–2 yrs • US $65 and $105 • International

Editorial Policy: the act of mailing or delivering a letter or article to American Towman Magazine, shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. American Towman Magazine reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted.

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Tow App Contest in San Francisco A mobile app contest in San Francisco, Calif., is encouraging the community to develop an automated towing notification system that allows drivers to know when they’re in a temporary or permanent tow away zone. A mayoral candidate there launched the contest.

The first group or individual to create an app that includes a map of tow away zones in the city and provides real-time information using the city’s data will be awarded $1,000.

Denver Targets Illegal Tows The city of Denver, Colo., is warning pay parking lots to stop towing people. The city has sent out a letter of clarification, alerting police, parking lot managers and the public that pay parking lots are not allowed to tow for alleged non-payment.

“Denver needs to be open for business,” said a city worker. “People need to know they can come downtown to enjoy an evening without worrying about getting their car towed illegally.”

He said the managers of pay parking lots are now on notice: If they tow, they could lose their license.

If people don’t pay, he said that parking lot owners can issue a private ticket, or they can call for the city to issue a ticket—but they cannot tow.

Pay parking lots can tow if someone is blocking an entrance or not properly parked in a space.

Source: thedenverchannel.com.

8 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Baltimore Auction Benefits Survivor Fund

Family members of a fallen tower are recognized at the 2011 Wall of the Fallen ceremony in Chattanooga, Tenn., at the International Towing & Recovery Museum.

When you’re in Baltimore this November for the annual American Towman Expo, don’t miss your chance to help the Survivor Fund and get your company a new Lodar two-function transmitter and receiver at the same time.

On Saturday at the show in the Pierce/Lodar booth, the auction will run every hour, starting at 10 a.m.

The highest bidder wins, and all proceeds from the auctions will go to the International Towing & Recovery Museum’s Survivor Fund.

The Survivor Fund provides a financial gift to the families of fallen towers.

For more details, go to w w w. i n t e r n a t i o n a l t o w i n g m u seum.org/survivor-funds.

Bolus Aids

Flood Relief Effort Bolus Truck Parts and Towing of Throop, Pa., donated a trailer and transportation for use in a flood relief effort in Pittston. The trailer was loaded with donated food and clothing for more than 250 families.

The Keystone Rescue Mission Alliance, Scranton Rescue Mission, Kmart, and a local Girl Scouts troop combined efforts to collect and distribute donations to area flood victims. Photo courtesy of Bob Bolus.

Volunteers in Pennsylvania work with donations for flood victims in a trailer donated for the cause.

... 33-percent drop in city of Toronto tows ...

Towing Decrease in Toronto In Toronto, Canada, a 33-percent drop in city tows has been documented over the past five years. The number is even steeper when concentrated on main roads in the downtown area during peak times.

The Toronto police attribute the drop to compliance, where parking fines have increased and therefore more people are following the rules.

Towers said parking enforcement officers do not always call for a tow when they find vehicles that are blocking traffic.

“I can guarantee you that the priority is to (ticket) rather than tow,” said one area tow boss. Source: metronews.ca.

Tow Co. Named ‘Business of the Year’ The Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce named Coco’s Roadside Service, of El Mirage, Ariz., its Chamber Business of the Year.

Owners Jimmy and Julie Farley were cited for their 10 years in the business and dedication to the area, including donations of money, equipment and uniforms to DreamCatcher Park, which serves special-needs children and adults.

"For the Farleys, bringing hope, laughter and friendship to all participants at DreamCatcher Park is a passion," said award presenters.

Additional positive notes about Coco’s from the chamber included their donations of time and vehicles for training to area fire and police departments.

They also allowed the Surprise Police department to use their property to conduct training for K-9 officers.

They've also donated vehicles for a mock DUI program at the high school, and sponsor the Surprise Teen Academy and families in need at the holidays.

Date Set for Christmas Fundraiser Tow Trucks For Kids and the Cobb County (Ga.) Fraternal Order Of Police (Cobb FOP) will combine efforts again to donate toys and money during the coming holiday season to families in need.

Their tow-truck parade and event days are scheduled for Dec. 34 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, Ga. Events The Tow Trucks For Kids parade and truck show will be include a WreckMaster Dec. 3-4 in Marietta, Ga. The goal is to raise 3,000 2/3 class, fire department new toys to donate to families in need this year. demonstrations, moonwalks for the kids and a truck show with trophies in many categories. The show truck entry fee is two new, unwrapped toys. In 2010, the event gained 1,000 toys and $450; the goal is to triple that in 2011. For more info, visit www.towtrucks4kids.org.

New Hotline in Indy for Tow Complaints Indianapolis recently enacted a new towing ordinance following consumer complaints, and has more recently added a towing hotline for residents. That hotline received 30 complaints in its first week.

The towing ordinance: •Caps tow fees at $150 and storage fees at $30 a day.

•Signs must be posted in plain view at the entrance and exit of a lot.

•You must be able to claim your car 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

•A representative of the property owner must sign the tow order for each tow.

•All towing companies must accept both cash and credit cards.

“For most of these types of complaints we’ll give (the towing

company) a week to investigate, to provide any documentation they may have and get that back to us,” a city official said. He added that the city is giving tow companies a chance to correct any mistakes without a formal hearing, but that policy could change for constant repeat offenders.

Source: www.fox59.com.

TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 9

Check them out at AT Expo!

Comfort, Maneuverability Updates for

Peterbilt 320

Century Adds PolyBilt Option Century added the PolyBilt body option to its heavy-duty integrated units. The PolyBilt body features aluminum roll-up doors for increased safety, remote door locks, adjustable shelves and built-in storage for frame forks and attachments. The PolyBilt body was tested over several years demonstrating its corrosion resistance; the material is durable enough to be hit by a hammer without damage. The PolyBilt body was released by Miller earlier this year on its Vulcan line of heavies.

www.millerind.com Number 200 on Reader Card

Bailey’s Scotch & Snatch The Bailey’s Scotch & Snatch is designed for light-duty applications with front- and/or rear-mounted winches. Newer trucks with composite or aluminum bodies with no anchor points, here’s your solution. It uses no chains or anchor points, while improving stability during recovery on any surface. The compact design enables it to fold to 14.5” x 12.75” x 4.5”. The Scotch & Snatch has corrosion-resistant zinc plating and doubles as a wheel chock. An optional tire strap kit is available for soft ground and/or larger tires.

www.baileystowinginc.com Number 201 on Reader Card

Dynamic Bumper Recovery Unit In collaboration with Rusiniak Service Inc., Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing released its Dynamic Bumper Recovery Unit. The product includes a winch and allows the wrecker operator to recover vehicles from the front of the truck. The operator never has to turn around in traffic to make a recovery; cab controls are located inside the wrecker for operator safety. Watch the demo video on YouTube.com; search for “DYNAMICBRU.”

www.dynamictow.com Number 202 on Reader Card

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ew features for the Peterbilt Motors Co. Model 320 include improved maneuverability, increased vehicle utility and enhanced driver comfort. The Model 320 comes available with a variety of alternative fueled hydraulic hybrid powertrains.

New options include: Steering gears: The 320 is available with the two new steering gear options for enhancing maneuverability. The Sheppard HD94 offers front-axle ratings up to 12,000 lbs., and the Sheppard SD110 offers front-axle ratings up to 20,000 lbs. Both steering gear options offer decreased turning radius and enhanced serviceability.

Lightweight battery box: In the same frame space as a traditional battery box, the new lightweight aluminum, fender-mounted battery box combines up to three batteries, mount-optional battery jumper posts and a disconnect, all into one location. The battery box can also be installed on either side of the truck, simplifying body installation.

Ergonomic seat: For optimal comfort and ride performance, Peterbilt is now offering new amenities

including an armrest, headrest and additional lumbar support to the Sears C-2 air suspension seats. The new features are available on both the driver and passenger seats.

Tri-plane mirrors: To enhance visibility and safety, Peterbilt’s new tri-plane mirrors contain convex mirrors on the upper and lower planes with a remote-controlled flat mirror on the middle plane. All three surfaces are heated, and feature an arm system that allows the mirror to be folded either forward or backward.

www.peterbilt.com Number 203 on Reader Card

continue to page 25 10 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

TOWMAN.COM - November 22011 • 11

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12 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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November 2011 For more product info, go to www.towman.com and click on the FREE Product info icon.

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TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 13

As Cars Evolve, So Must Your Awareness

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS contains explosive bolts in its gull-wing door hinges.

Photo courtesy of Miller Industries.

by Bill Simmons

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can’t believe some recent news from Mercedes-Benz. In all of their “Murphy’s Law” wisdom, the Mercedes engineers incorporated explosive bolts into the door hinges of the SLS gull-wing model. The reasoning is for the bolts to (forcefully) separate the hinges away from the frame when certain sensors determine that the car is upside down.

Do you see anything wrong with this idea?

I imagine that the engineers saw to it that the explosive power of the charges are of low yield, well shielded and unlikely to go off in an unintended scenario; but, of course, an upside-down car is an unintended scenario, as are most wrecks. I’m sure those charges would never, ever go off in a fire, after a fire, or while maybe you are standing there trying to open the door even in a right-sideup situation maybe after the car did a full flip.

Murphy’s Law 10.1 fits this scenario 14 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

perfectly: The universe is not indifferent to intelligence; it is actively hostile to it.

(As a matter of fact, every single Murphy’s Law and sub-law fits here.)

Although they may sell just a handful of these cars in the United States, it’s a safe bet that one or more of them will end up in an accident upside down and one of you guys are going to have to work the recovery. I’m reasonably certain that there are folks out there who want a 200-mph, 500-hp car with Space Shuttle explosive bolt technology in it.

Of course, if it wrecks at 200 mph, you’ll be using a shovel to remove it from the highway and hopefully by then the explosive bolts won’t be an issue. But don’t underestimate the power of Murphy’s Laws.

Stay Alert The larger issue for the tower is being aware. I’ve preached this before many times: Being situationally aware of both your surroundings and your safety

in the task at hand are really critical to your survival, health and welfare.

This new technology elevates all of that. Hybrids are difficult enough when it comes to knowing the vehicle before you attempt anything more than just a tow.

Now, making a mistake out of just “not knowing” has other consequences.

Again, I’m sure that engineers thought out every possible scenario in designing this system, but a corollary to Murphy’s Law is the Law of Unintended Consequences. That one covers the “actions of people or entities (governments, engineering departments) that have effects other than that which were anticipated or intended.” That’s the law that you guys run into all the time.

Gas tanks never rupture, batteries never short out and explode and spray electrolyte in your face, and explosive bolts will never detonate unless the sensor says to. Right?

continue to page 16

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BEACONS ON! continued from page 14

Gas Theft Speaking of gas tanks … fuel theft is on the rise. The thieves are not as nice as they used to be when they siphoned gas out of the tank with a hose. Now they are punching a hole in the bottom of the tank and draining it. (I guess it’s faster.)

However, it would be in your best interest to visibly check for a leaking tank due to a hole from a gas theft. You know as soon as you tilt that car gas will come out. There may not be much you can do about it except throw down speedy dry (and don’t forget that gasoline still vaporizes out of speedy dry), but at least it won’t take you by surprise.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS is a modern update of the classic 1955 gull-wing model. Photo used courtesy of Mercedes-Benz USA LLC/Daimler AG.

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If you encounter a crispy critter under such a car, the critter was probably smoking a cigarette when he punched the hole.

Murphy’s Law applies to them also.

Towing cars today is not like towing a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 when you could just back up to it, sling up the bumper, tie off the steering wheel and go. Today you practically have to have a degree in “car-ology” and all the components and contents of the car you’re looking at. It’s not only looking at the contents for something that might be a hazard to you, but now you have to look at the car itself as being a hazard. From placards and hazard labels to hybrid cables and high voltage capacitors and now explosive bolts. (Beam me up, Scotty. … I think I’m upside down.)

Think safe out there. We want you to get home tonight.

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GREAT

Bill Simmons is a retired Massachusetts Firefighter. He was a licensed EMT for over 26 years, has an A.S. in Fire Science Technology and holds a current OSHA certification in Hazardous Materials Waste Operations. Bill can be reached at bsimmons@towman.com

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Defining the Kill Zone

A snatch block is used to change the direction of the pull; if the chain, anchor strap or the snatch block fail, anyone standing in the red area can be injured or killed.

The area in red is the primary kill zone. If the snatch block or the chain attached to the corner of the bed fail while winching, anyone standing in the kill zone is in danger.

by David Lambert

R

ecently I heard a tower say, “If a recovery is rigged correctly, there are no ‘kill zones.’ ” I found it hard to believe that anyone would say such a thing.

Common sense (which might not be that common) dictates that there are areas around the scene that should be avoided, whether the operator is preparing to tow, load or recover a vehicle.

My definition of a kill zone is any area that should be considered dangerous or potentially deadly should an equipment failure occur during the loading or recovery process. There is usually more than one kill zone, and the size and shape of this hazardous area continually changes as the vehicle is being winched.

The example shown in the photo was the specific situation under discussion. This shows the routine use of a snatch block to roll a vehicle using a carrier. I feel the area in red is the primary kill zone. If the snatch block or the chain attached to the corner of the bed fail while winching, anyone standing in the kill zone is in danger.

The example in the diagram shows 20 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

a snatch block being used to change the direction of the pull. Again, if the chain or anchor strap or the snatch block fail, anyone standing in the red area can be injured or killed. The operator would use the control levers on the passenger side of the truck to perform the recovery.

Certainly, if the resistance can be accurately estimated and the tower rigs to work within the ratings of the equipment being used, there is less chance for an incident happening; however, at no time should the tower throw common sense out the window.

In a perfect world, there would be nothing that could go wrong. Winches, chains, straps and hooks are not infallible. Towers are injured or killed and vehicles damaged every year because of equipment failure, even when everything is rigged correctly.

Like many of you, I am not the only tower who uses the truck I drive.

While I consider myself very safety conscious and rig according to the ratings of the equipment I use, I can’t be sure about the other towers who use my truck and the equipment on it. I have no way of knowing if they con-

sistently work within the limits of the equipment or if they’ve exceeded the ratings, which could later result in a catastrophic failure.

Manufacturing defects exist and no national or international ISO standard can prevent them. Winches, cables, links, chains and straps can be manufactured with a defect and escape detection. There could conceivably be defective equipment on my own truck … or yours.

Even when used correctly and properly maintained, all equipment suffers fatigue from normal wear and tear. Wire rope suffers fatigue every time it goes around the boom sheave or the pulley in a snatch block, reducing the breaking strength. Winches, chains and straps can suffer shock loads during normal, everyday use which reduces their breaking strength.

Lastly, we’re all human—anyone can make a mistake. Whether the error is in determining resistance or if it’s in the rigging, our own mistakes more often cause injury or damage than defective equipment.

continue to page 22

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TOW SAFETY continued from page 20 The general rule is to keep bystanders back twice as far as the amount of cable you have out, but on the scene of a recovery, with other responders and gawkers around, that can be nearly impossible. The next best thing would be to identify where the kill-zones might be and attempt to keep yourself and others away while doing your job.

A good general rule is to rig with

the point of the winch line hook and/or the snatch block pointing up or towards the operator. The weight of these hooks is on the backside, away from the point. Should the tower experience an equipment failure with the hook pointed at the sky, the extra weight on the backside of the hook can help direct the hook downward, towards the ground. It will help direct the hook away from the operator if the

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David Lambert is president and lead-instructor for the North American Towing Academy, providing tow operator training and certification programs to state and national associations and individual towing companies. He assisted in editing TRAA’s Level I certification program; served as Chairman of the SAE Towability Committee; and, past field editor for American Towman Magazine. He can reached at 407-765-5149 or http://www.TheNATA.com.

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hook point is facing the operator while winching.

Before moving that winch-in lever, stop and ask yourself, “In what direction will the cable, chain, hook or any other component travel if any one of them fails?” Then ask yourself, “Where is the last spot you would want to stand once the winching process starts?”

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Council members said they were concerned that one company was allowed to change its proposal after bids had been submitted. Some bids were thrown out for minor clerical errors, while some companies got a chance to adjust their bids, said one council member.

Several council members also were concerned about what was called “misleading” instructions in the bid document on the living wage.

The instructions seem to imply that every business had to follow the city’s living wage ordinance, but the living wage rules apply only to contracts where tax dollars are spent.

The towing contract sets the charges paid by consumers for cars towed from city streets and lots.

Because there are no city expenditures, the living wage ordinance probably doesn’t apply, said a city attorney.

The council action means that city purchasing staff must rebid the towing contract, council members said.

The bid is for four years, with a fouryear renewal.

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Dan Topel of Topel's Towing in Lake Mills, Wis.

Lock-Outs and Due

Diligence Create Routine to Combat Damage Claims 26 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

by Randall C. Resch

Q

uite possibly the No. 1 most frequent damage claims in today’s towing and recovery world relate to lock-out jobs. Damage to a vehicle’s door linkage or scratches on window tint are the types of frequent claims that can lead to bigger headaches if not dealt with immediately.

In many cases (without producing evidence that your company’s personnel did the damage), pay is withheld or deducted by the initiating auto/motor club you serve. There are many talented tow operators who’ve devel-

don’t prepare their personnel to react in a professional and competent manner. Consistency is the key.

Can I Help You? So, let’s say you get the call and you respond in your regular manner that best represents your company.

Part of providing professional services to your customers is one’s ability to communicate with their customers.

Part of a professional service provider’s job is to develop a response routine with customers to ensure you have all information necessary to provide damage-free unlock services.

Response routine is developed from a consistent process of serving unlock calls the same way, every time.

When operators are trained in this manner, individual companies gain a solid base in refuting damage claims by vehicle owners and those ultimately sent to the servicing auto/motor club’s field reps.

oped speedy and professional unlock skills, whether through trial and error, taking specialty unlock classes, and/or purchasing today’s super unlock tools.

It takes most operators concentrated practice to perfect damage-free door-opening abilities and gain the knowledge to unlock the myriad of vehicles we serve. Care and finesse are prime ingredients to safely unlock vehicles.

As I thumb through numerous complaints as the result of questionable unlocks, I sympathize with tow companies who are held “damage guilty” at the insistence of an auto/motor club member, but I feel no sympathy to business owners who

From the moment a tow operator arrives at the unlock scene and greets the customer, consider the following actions to defend against wrongful claims of unlock damages. (There are emergency situations requiring quick reactions, like a baby locked in a running car. But most unlock scenarios allow operators to take their time unlocking vehicles.)

Instruct your employees to carry unlock tools to the customer’s vehicle and never set tools, accessories or flashlights on the customer’s vehicle surfaces.

Before attempting any opening technique, and in front of the customer, review the unlock manual for year, make, and model of the vehicle being opened. Explain to the customer the reason to review proper opening procedures.

Impact: Reviewing an official lockout manual with the customer present demonstrates that the operator is in no

Dan Topel takes care not to damage the vehicle when approaching an unlock.

TOWMAN.COM -November 2011 • 27

Even with an inviting surface that's not likely to get damaged (like this tonneau cover at left), it's best to show the customer how much you value their vehicle by keeping the tools on the ground while you work.

hurry to make an error. When tactfully explained to the customer, it instills confidence to the customer. One’s attempt to on-the-spot educate can be told to the court or customer service agent.

Have the customer explain how they locked their keys in the vehicle.

Ask if the vehicle has electric locks.

Ask if the vehicle has tinted windows on the driver and passenger sides. Ask the customer if they or anyone else attempted to unlock the vehicle before you arrived.

Impact: Through communication and asking specific questions to any previous attempts to unlock, the tow operator is able to diagnose his way into determining the best method to enter a vehicle.

Conduct a walk-around inspection of the vehicle, specifically at visual lock-out locations. Point out existing damages to your customer and notate them. Ask the customer to acknowledge damages, notate on company or club invoice, have them initial pre-unlock damage.

28 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Impact: When the operator first observes prior outside damages, and then asks their customer to acknowledge they too have seen them, their acknowledgement of “already caused damages” goes a long way in dispelling claims that they just occurred.

Before attempting to open at determined location, check all doors again to see if one might be open.

Choose the specific tools and accessories appropriate to unlock the vehicle. Unlock in the most careful manner possible. Those Hollywood “speedy unlocks” might show-off just how hot you are, but they demonstrate a careless work ethic. Hot-shot moves give a customer something more to add to their complaint that you damaged their door Once the door is opened, immediately inspect for interior paint scratches, torn weather-seal, scratched molding, and/or scratches to inner door jamb.

Impact: When the car is opened and another inspection is immediately conducted, the same benefits

come from having the customer acknowledge no damage was done.

After gaining entrance to your customer’s vehicle, unlock all doors either via the unlock switch or manual pull.

Individually, re-lock all doors (one at a time) to ensure they re-lock, and sit in the vehicle and lock the vehicle from the inside (electrically or manually).

With the door locked, try to open the door from inside. If the door is functioning, the linkage and door has not been damaged.

Exit the vehicle with keys in-hand.

Lock the same door from the outside using the electrical or manual mode.

With keys in hand, close the door and it should lock.

Take the vehicle’s key and unlock the door. Move slowly to ensure the door unlocks and that the keys and linkages don’t bind. At this point, the tow operator will see if the vehicle’s door (the one they unlocked) is operable or not.

continue to page 30

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UNLOCKS AND DUE DILIGENCE continued from page28

Before you start, doing a walk-around to check doors one last time and point out any scratch damages is always worth the time.

Impact: Once the vehicle is opened and to ensure that there are no claims that the vehicle was damaged at the time of service, taking a few minutes to check all doors and locks ensures that the vehicle is being returned to the customer undamaged.

When ending the service contact with the customer, the operator completes the auto/motor club receipt or company invoice in the usual manner, paying special attention to pre-damage notation.

Impact: At the point the customer signs the final version of the auto/motor club invoice, their signature becomes their confirmation that the vehicle was not damaged in the process of unlock.

Applying these defensive steps should take about 15 minutes for the entire process. I’m sure there’s plenty of tow owners who’ll look at these suggestions and say, “We aren’t doing all that … it takes too much time.”

Those owners should balance the time vs. the unlock claim that makes its way

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to small claims court or where payment is deducted from their monthly auto/motor club check. Demonstrating reasonable due diligence goes a long way in court or with a club’s administration.

Common damage claims should become fewer and fewer for your company simply because you’ll have a formulaic response routine to support your personnel’s professionalism and competent actions.

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Want a Free Car? I’ve often wondered just how far most towers will go to ensure that they’re unlocking a vehicle for its rightful owner or acceptable party.

Does your company policy require personnel to ask for identification or make a reasonable attempt to ensure the keys are going to the right people?

Some tow owners say, “We’re not the cops and it’s not our business.”

But perhaps you should think again.

In the same manner a store clerk has a responsibility to check your ID against your credit card, good business practices suggests the responsibility is ours in checking ID for vehicle unlocks. Try defending your company in court if you didn’t check and you simply gave someone’s car to a wrongful party.

Always require that the vehicle owner or its rightful driver is with the vehicle that’s being unlocked.

Never unlock a vehicle without someone being present. Written policy for most auto clubs requires their member be at the vehicle with their account or member card in hand. If details of the unlock service suggests no one is at the vehicle, it’s better to turn the call down than to provide access to someone not entitled.

If at any time during the unlock process you feel uneasy as to the validity of the person wanting the vehicle opened, nothing says you have to release the keys to the person on scene. (Tact and one’s ability to communicate are necessary though.)

An on-call supervisor is just right for awkward moments like these.

Any due diligence you require in releasing a vehicle to the rightful party is reasonable and responsible.

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Making your customer upset by asking for ID, etc., shouldn’t be your first concern.

Practice Makes Perfect Not everyone is proficient at unlocking today’s modern and wellbuilt vehicles. One’s ability to finesse locks and doors on today’s vehicles is one that’s only learned through quality training and repeat practice. Tow operators and service technicians should receive on-going training to reduce the incidents of damage.

Unlocking vehicles is a niche that also demands the right tool for the right job. There are many tools and accessories that can be used in todays unlock service environment. But the wrong tool and/or an untrained operator will surely result in increased damage claims.

In the small claims arena, these are generally the issues that make or break a company’s case. When challenged by a judge, “What techniques or methods did

Make sure to check for (and document) possible recent damage before you start. The kind that may have come from the customer's friends or local police trying to get into the vehicle before you got there.

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UNLOCKS continued from page 32 you employ to ensure no damage was caused when unlocking the customer’s vehicle,” showing the points in this article demonstrates your company’s due diligence in a consistent and reasonable manner. A proper response to the judge should be, “Because our personnel are trained to work in an industry-standard manner on every unlock service we perform.”

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Editor’s note: This narrative is specific when addressing common vehicle unlock damages. Neither AT nor the author suggest that responding tow operators overlook any policy and/or procedure as required by the contract they serve as it regards to unlock procedures. Reference to the words “auto/motor club” is in regard to all auto clubs, motor clubs and service providers, and does not specifically refer to any single provider or entity.

Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and has been in the towing and recovery industry for 40 years as a tow business owner, manager, consultant and lightduty trainer. Email Randy at rreschran@aol.com.

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Five Star Specialty Programs started a new breakdown service for buses and waste-hauler vehicles insured through 5Star. Five Star works with RoadsideMASTERS to offer a service for trucking agents appointed with 5Star Specialty Programs.

“We had requests from retail agents for a similar service targeted to clients with buses and waste haulers. … This newest service is exclusive to 5Star and offers unlimited roadside assistance to insured firms,” said Robert Alkire, Senior VP for 5Star.

RoadsideMASTERS offers towing for insured vehicles, up to 50 miles per disablement, jump start, fuel delivery, oil, fluid and water delivery service and flat tire change.

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Our Evolving Synthetic Rope Vs. Wire Rope

by Terry Abejuela

T

he standard in the towing and recovery industry has always been the use of wire rope. Just like in the transition from mechanical wreckers to hydraulic wreckers, slings to wheel lifts and using chains and straps, this industry is constantly evolving. Is the use of synthetic rope the next evolution in our industry?

We should always be looking for new ways to perform our job more safely, effectively and efficiently. If a new piece of equipment exists that has the potential to improve our performance in any of these areas it is worth our consideration.

38 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

We should also make sure that in looking at new techniques and new products that we do our homework by carefully and thoroughly researching and testing these techniques and products before implementing them in the field. We don’t want to find out during trial and error in actual use in the field that there are problems.

I started using synthetic rope on one of our car carriers about three years ago. I was happy with the way it performed and started using it on about six of our trailers that have winches. I have been happy with the performance in this application also.

These trailers and our car carrier are not used daily though, as they might be at a commercial tow company.

Because of this, I am not yet completely convinced about the application of these ropes in towing and recovery, but I do believe that there are some very good benefits so we as an industry need to test and evaluate it because it has the potential to be beneficial.

Synthetic rope replaced some problem wire rope in a side-puller.

Industry Practical Test Frank Sanchez, manager at Somerset Hills Towing in Bernardsville, N.J., was having an issue with the wire rope on the side puller on his car carrier. The wire rope was bunching up in the center of the drum when it was under load. After talking to some manufacturers and distributors, he concluded that he needed a more flexible rope that maintained the working load limit that he needed. A friend recommended he look into using synthetic rope.

He called Atlantic Braids and spoke to Doug Henderson who told him that synthetic rope would resolve the bunching issue, but that their synthetic rope had not been used in a side puller application before. Henderson sent 75’ of their 7/16” Supreme X-12 synthetic rope for a trial run.

Sanchez has been using the synthetic rope on his side puller for over a year and said that it solved the bunching problem. He used the rope for light and heavy pulls, ran it through snatch blocks, used it in cold, snow, heat and rain without any significant issues.

He said the synthetic rope is extremely lightweight, flexible, durable, strong, easy to use and store. He thinks that the safety aspect of the rope is one of its best benefits. The rope is touted to have very little to no recoil or backlash at failure. Sanchez also likes that the synthetic rope has no conductivity, which is great when working at a scene with flammable materials or fumes.

After his real-time experience, Sanchez said there is a

Synthetic rope solved bunching problems in a side-puller, and has stood up well in a year's use.

place in our industry for synthetic rope but that there needs to be more testing first; he is not yet convinced that the side puller is the correct application for it.

Types There are different types of synthetic rope available, so you need to make sure if you are going to try it that you choose one that is capable of safely performing the type of work you do. Since synthetic rope is not the towing equipment manufacturers standard equipment, you will need to TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 39

Practical use found synthetic rope is "extremely lightweight, flexible, durable, strong, easy to use and store."

consult the rope manufacturer to determine the proper rope for your application.

Synthetic ropes can vary by number of strands, type of fiber, type of coating, and whether it is braided, double braided and/or jacketed. Like wire rope, there is no one synthetic rope that is best for all conditions.

Four of the common fiber trade names for synthetic ropes include Kevlar, Technora, Dyneema, and Spectra.

Ropes can be purchased with non-load bearing partial, moveable or complete covers that protect the rope from heat, UV degradation, mud, sand and dirt. Coatings can also be applied to the rope for protection and or to make the rope more visible.

Advantages Little or no backlash: When wire rope fails under a load there is significant backlash caused by the sudden release of the energy stored in the wire rope. This obviously can be very dangerous to anyone within range of the rope. One of the great benefits that the manufacturers of synthetic rope tout is that there is little or no backlash when the rope fails under load.

Lightweight: Synthetic rope is much lighter than wire rope. The heaviest 3/8” synthetic rope (see chart) weighs approximately 5 lbs. per 100’. Compared to approximately 33 lbs. per 100’ of 3/8” wire rope, there is a significant weight savings making synthetic rope easier to carry and store.

Flexibility: Increased flexibility gives synthetic rope the ability to wrap on the winch drum easier and without worries about kinking or bending. If the rope gets wedged under another wrap on the drum it is 40 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Consult the rope manufacturer to determine the proper rope for your application.

easily pulled out by hand. With wire rope, most of us free spool the drum and start pulling the wire rope to the casualty. With synthetic rope, we could pull out the length we need, coil it up and carry it to the casualty, letting it out as we go; we could even toss the hook to where we want it and the rope will follow.

Easier on hands: Anyone who has worked with wire rope knows of the injuries that can be caused by frayed wires. Using gloves helps, but does not eliminate injuries.

Synthetic rope can even be handled bare handed.

Floats: I believe if you have done water recoveries that you might appreciate that synthetic rope floats and would be much easier to deal with when trying to negotiate your way to a vehicle submerged in water.

Limits damage potential: Any contact that the synthetic rope may have with any component will be less likely to cause the damage than wire rope.

No spark or conductivity: Synthetic rope does not create the potential to cause sparks that wire rope does. (Wire rope under tension can actually cause sparks on it’s own.) A wire rope adjusting to tension or to bending around a sheave can cause a spark, especially if not lubricated properly. And wire rope conducts electricity where synthetic doesn’t.

Disadvantages

The author started using synthetic rope on one of his car carriers about three years ago.

Cuts and abrasions: One of the big concerns with synthetic rope is cutting and abrasion resistance.

There is no argument that wire rope is much more resistant to cuts and abrasions than synthetic rope. The

continue to page 42

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OUR EVOLVING INDUSTRY continued from page 40 tow unit operator needs to be diligent about avoiding sharp objects that might cut the rope.

Sleeves and protectors would have to be used in some situations.

Melting: Depending on the type of rope you use, it may be susceptible to melting (see chart). Heat from the winch drum, hot exhaust on vehicles, or excessive friction could potentially melt the rope.

UV degradation: Some ropes are susceptible to UV degradation if not covered or treated. Ropes that would be used in applications where the rope would be exposed to the sun frequently would be susceptible to this type of damage.

Program compliance: Synthetic rope may not be approved for use in certain programs.

Currently synthetic rope is not approved for use on the California Highway Patrol Rotation Tow Program. The original equipment manufacturer of the winch, towing unit or snatch Increased flexibility gives synthetic rope the ability to wrap on the winch drum easier blocks may not approve the use of synthetic without kinking. rope with their equipment.

My Opinion Cost: Depending on which one you purchase, synthetic I am excited about the potential application synthetic rope may cost up to three times that of an equivalent wire rope has in the towing industry and would like to see more rope. We don’t have enough testing yet in this industry to discussion, testing, and evaluation of this product. know the longevity of synthetic rope in our application.

Before you make the decision to test synthetic rope in Chemical resistance: In our industry, the rope has potenyour application, I suggest that you consult the original tial to come in contact with battery acid and gasoline that equipment manufacturer of the towing unit, winch and may cause damage if the rope is not protected. snatch block that the rope will be used with. Also make sure that the rope is approved for use in any programs that you work with such as law enforcement contracts.

As I do more research and more testing is conducted, I will follow up on this important subject. I welcome any information towers can offer from actual experience with synthetic rope in the field. Send your information to editor@towman.com.

Terry Abejuela has 30 years of light-duty towing-and-recovery experience; he's also been a light-duty level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association since 1998.

Sleeves and protectors would be needed in some situations.

Specs for 3/8” 12-strand single-braided rope Trade Name

Average Tensile Strength

Approximate Weight per 100’

Info courtesy of pelicanrope.com Critical Temp.

Abrasion Resistance UV Resistance

Kevlar

12,000 lbs.

4 lbs.

400 Degrees F

Fair

Fair

Technora

18,000 lbs.

4.40 lbs.

400 Degrees F

Good

Fair

Dyneema

17,000 lbs.

5 lbs.

150 Degrees F

Excellent

Fair/Good

Spectra

14,000 lbs.

3.60 lbs.

150 Degrees F

Excellent

Fair

42 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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Be sure to visit us at the AT Expo to learn more about these and other great new initiativel for our Service Providens.Reps from our Performance Management team will be on hand to helg you with your business issues and goals for 2012.

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‘Call Before Tow’ Offers Last Chance to Owners CBT Solutions Inc. announced its free tow notification service, Call Before Tow, which notifies vehicle owners when their vehicle is about to be towed on private property.

Vehicle owners are notified by a text message and phone call warning them to move their vehicles before a tow.

Vehicle owners place a preprinted identification decal displaying “CALL BEFORE TOW” inside the lower corner of the driver’s side windshield. The decal contains a phone number and a unique identifying subscriber code. In the event that the vehicle holder can’t be located and is about to have his or her vehicle towed, the decal will alert all parties involved to call the tollfree phone number first. The vehicle owner is quickly notified via a phone call and text message.

Tow Trucks Spur Parking Ban In Hayward, Calif., residential streets will be off-limits for tow-truck operators and others who take their dually commercial vehicle home.

Responding to complaints from residents in neighborhoods throughout the city, the city council approved an ordinance that clarifies the city’s current law prohibiting commercial vehicles from parking on residential streets.

A city official said the problem was that some of those trucks were being parked overnight or for long periods of time on residential streets, often with a car still attached.

It’s ugly, takes up parking spots and can create a hazard because of hampered vision and decreased road space, said a city attorney.

The new ordinance states: Any commercial vehicle with dual rear wheels cannot park in a residential street, except

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Tower Assaulted After Jump-Start

In Simpsonville, S.C., a tower was beaten and robbed after towing a vehicle to his shop and then getting it jumpstarted.

Police said the suspect was pulled over by another agency for a traffic violation, which resulted in his vehicle having to be towed. A wrecker service agreed to tow the vehicle to a home in Simpsonville and give the suspect a ride.

Police said the vehicle would not start, and the wrecker driver towed the vehicle to his shop so it could be jumpstarted. After the vehicle was started, the tower went into the shop. The suspect followed the victim inside and struck him with a blunt object in the head, torso, leg and arms, then demanded money back for the tow.

The tower was transported to a hospital. Source: www.WYFF4.com.

Mitchell Adds Data to TechAdvisor Mitchell International integrated its Special Materials Quick Reference Guide into the RepairCenter TechAdvisor auto repair shop software to simplify the structural identification process for technicians. The special materials data are presented in a format that remains consistent across the different OEMs. TechAdvisor’s Special Materials Quick Reference Guide identifies and color-codes special materials, such as HSS and aluminum, consistently across all manufacturers in an easy-to-read format. Color codes indicate the composition of parts; collision repairers will more quickly research today’s complex cars and trucks, write more accurate estimates, and ensure proper repairs, which will reduce cycle times.

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A Wrecker for Tough Neighborhoods If you think you may need an armor-plated wrecker for your neighborhood, you’ll have a chance to take a close look at the International MaxxPro Towing and Recovery Vehicle during AT Expo, Nov. 18–20. You can take your first look outside the Hard Rock Café on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor during AT Expo’s Bull & Pig Roast (Miller Rocks!)

The MaxxPro was designed to provide increased mission capabilities for the U.S. military while providing mine and ballistic protection to meet the ever-changing needs of the troops in the theater of war. The MaxxPro is equipped with a military spec’d version of the Century 1130 rotator with dual 25,000-lbs. winches on the recovery boom, 50,000-lbs. deck winch and a LDU underlift capable of recovering MRAP and Stryker vehicles in all forms of combat conditions.

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In Rochester, N.Y., officials found that operating the city auto pound, including the expense of towing vehicles there, will lose the city an estimated $334,500 this budget year.

That is after recouping storage fees and other charges as well as revenue from auto auctions.

“Do we need the auto pound and do we need to be subsidizing it to that expense?” asked one councilman.

Options include outsourcing impound operations. No decisions have been made.

Instead, the council authorized towing contracts through Sept. 30, 2012, for an expanded number of companies, adjusting the redemption fee and requiring quarterly reports from the administration.

The council sees that as a way to take a year and get things right. The city hires towing companies to remove illegally parked, abandoned, recovered stolen or damaged and disabled vehicles.

In 2010-’11, 4,650 vehicles were hauled to the city auto pound. Another 1,800 vehicles were towed to private facilities.

Records show the city paid $567,211 to five firms for the towing work.

There were four towing companies dividing the business, plus a fifth handling only heavy towing jobs.

The council voted to increase the fee for owners to get their cars out of the auto pound from $110 to $120, which is what two private companies charge.

Source: DemocratandChronicle.com.

HIN D TRUCKS RANKS "HIGHEST IN EUSTOMER SATISFA CT ION WITH CONVENTIONAL MEDIUM DUTY ENGINES , THREE YEARS IN A ROW '." AND "HI GHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH CONVENTIONA L MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS2 ."

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Ravine Recovery

by Den Holtzinger, Den’s Service Center

Difficult Casualty Is a One-Man Job 56 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

F

or 27 years I have operated a service shop in the York, Pa., area, using rollbacks right from the beginning to bring customers’ vehicles to the shop. We started out as a mechanical shop and evolved into bodywork; today we have an active body repair facility.

Our recovery units today are two tilt beds, both on Peterbilt chassis.

When we ordered the last one several years ago, I decided to get a Speedcrane behind the cab. The crane plays a role in most of the severe recoveries we do because of the rolling terrain we have and the number of recoveries that are off the roadway in the ditches.

On this recovery, the motorist wound up in a ravine because of texting while driving. When the First Responders called—our township police—they asked me to bring the crane-equipped tilt due to the severe location of the vehicle, which was not only down a steep embankment but behind a group of trees.

I realized when I arrived that I would need to use the NRC recovery roller made especially to work with my steel NRC deck. The strengthened deck

The vehicle is down a steep embankment in a ditch. The operator rappelled down, taking wire rope and recovery equipment with him.

Using remote winch and NRC Recovery Roller, the vehicle is winched into position for the Speedcrane to hook up to the SUV.

TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 57

The Chevy has a recovery strap at the A-pillar, and is connected to the crane.

Wires (upper left) had to be taken into account as the vehicle is maneuvered onto the deck. There is no additional damage to the recovered vehicle, and a free traffic lane was available for use if needed.

58 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

continue to page 60

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RECOVERY continued from page 58 enables the spindle device to effectively recover from either side. I had to rappel down to the vehicle using conventional rope while taking my wire rope, straps and other gear with me.

Using my winch’s remote, I hooked up to the rear of the Chevrolet Equinox and positioned it on the slope of the embankment to within reach of the crane. One of the standard techniques you can use with Speedcrane is to insert a wide strap through the A-pillar. This spreads the weight of the vehicle evenly at the strongest point in the roof structure and also keeps the vehicle reasonably balanced, at least enough to position it on the deck with a minimum of fuss.

Once I connected the crane to the strap, I was able to get back up the embankment and finish the recovery from the roadway using the crane’s remote. I had to work the casualty underneath wires to guard against grounding. The lower wires are typically telephone or low voltage electric,

but still represent a danger to the operator.

The roadway was clear during the entire recovery and used only when the incident manager needed to allow a vehicle to pass. Altogether the recovery took about 45 minutes and—apart from some assistance from the fire department—I did the recovery entirely by myself.

This is one of the typical recoveries I do with the crane and over the years there have been many identical to this.

Knowing that I have the crane, other towing companies in my area will call me to work with them or do the recovery entirely when the situation requires the crane’s unique capability.

Join the Largest Tow Truck Parade Worldwide Equipment Sales is sponsoring Tow Trucks for Tots on Nov. 13 with the “largest tow truck parade in the world.” The parade starts at 9 a.m. in Joliet, Ill., and continues to Bridgeview.

The event aims to raise donated toys for families in need at the holidays, and there is a need for toys especially in the 0-4 and 12-18 age groups.

To volunteer, donate or pre-register your truck, visit towtrucksfortots.com.

Got a recovery for AT? Email the details and high-resolution photos to the editor at bdooley@towman.com to be considered for a recovery feature in AT. Your submissions may also be considered for AT's online use and/or a Donnie Cruse Memorial award.

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60 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 61

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www.millerind.com • 800-292-0330

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The low deck height makes it easy for the operator to reach when attaching the front tie-down chains or straps with the bed slid back and tilted compared to conventional carriers.

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by Mickey Mills

A Vintage Work Horse

Tech Highlights Chassis: 1986 Chevy K3500 Wrecker Body: Holmes Protech 12 Engine: 6.2L diesel Trans: Automatic Winches: 15,000-lbs. winches Rebuilt by: Twin Cities Wrecker Sales 64 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

V

intage is in. With the right touch from the right people, what’s old can be new again. Nobody knows this better than Kelly Neal of Kelly’s Wrecker Service in Minneapolis, Minn. He works this 1986 K3500 Chevrolet 4x4 just as hard as any brand-new truck out there.

“I’ll probably be buried in this truck,” Kelly said. “I love driving the tow truck and helping people out.”

Kelly started his towing business as a one-truck operation back in 1980.

He held a full-time job during the day, but nights and weekends he could be found working his truck. He brought on an employee to drive the truck during the day.

Kelly’s perseverance paid off and within a few short years Kelly’s grew into a full-time operation with multiple trucks and 19 employees. Today his fleet has nine trucks including this vintage Chevy.

The Chevy was the first new truck Kelly brought into the operation. It has a 6.2L diesel and an automatic transmission, and a Holmes Protech 12 wrecker with 15,000-lbs. winches with a wheel lift and Collins self-loading aluminum dollies. It has just less

than 400,000 miles, and has had some beauty work done as the miles piled up.

“The cab was pretty rusty, so I got a cab out of Texas, and put on new doors and fenders,” Kelly said about the rebuild. “Exhaust, running boards, new interior, seats and a complete rewire with all new red lights.”

Roddy Pellow of Twin Cities Wrecker Sales personally took charge of the retrofit. Twin Cities replaced the wrecker body and reworked the Chevy, bumper-to-bumper and winches-to-wheels. The project took two years from start to finish and the end result is a true workhorse.

The truck was put to a unique recovery test last winter. Kelly got a call from a rural customer in a small farming community. One of his horses was very ill and, because of the snow and mud, they were unable to get out to collect the animal. With no trouble at all, Kelly was able to get the 4x4 Chevy to the animal, get the horse lifted and set on a pallet, and he brought it out to the road to be taken to the vet.

At 25 years old, this wrecker can still carry a load. And that’s straight from the horse’s mouth.

Should your truck be in AT? Email some details and interesting facts about your truck, along with some high-resolution photos, to bdooley@towman.com to be considered for a future 'My Baby' feature. Your submissions may also be considered for AT's online use.

TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 65

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BECOME A DYNAMIC TOWING DISTRIBUTÖR Dynamit Towing Equipment & Manufacturing is growing , and we are looking for potential dealers and vepair shops domestically and internationaUyto distribute our products.

If you own a vepair center,dealership or just love Dynamit tow trucks and would

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TOWMAN.COM - November 2011 • 67

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68 • November 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Copyright 2011 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.

Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990

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800.886.6400 / 724.981.7500 / www.chevroninc.com Number 154 on Reader Card

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