Engineered for use with up to a 1-inch impact wrench, this tool provides the ultimate “brute strength” to disassemble the most severely seized driveshaft yokes.
When it’s time to disassemble one that’s seized, it requires up to 25,000 lbs of force. You don’t want to be without this heavy-duty one-piece tool!
For further information contact Tiger Tool, 1-800-661-4661 or visit www.tigertool.com.
Tow Drivers unlock cars in seconds without damaging car doors by using Steck Manufacturing’s BigEasy Lockout Tool. Over the last 10 years this one tool has become the tool of choice for tow truck drivers. It is simple to use by first inserting the Easy Wedge into the top of the door to allow enough room to then insert the BigEasy tool to press or hook the door lock from inside the window rather than using the door panel. The ease of the BigEasy to open doors from the inside the window reduces liability issues with traditional lockout tools which have the potential to disable wiring systems inside the door panel.
Also available is our optional BigEasy Night Light (P/N 32933) which is flexible PVC suction cup illuminates the inside of a vehicle at night to allow the tow drivers to locate the vehicle interior door lock or keys while using the BigEasy Lock Out tool or other similar devices to unlock the vehicle.
We have several versions The Big Easy Kit #32900 retails for $36.00. The Big Easy ‘Glo’Kit #32950 retails for $44.95. The Big Easy Kit #32955, our most popular kit, retails for $68.25 consists of the ‘Glo’ BigEasy tool with a glow in the dark tip, non-marring wedge, lock knob lifter and the popular inflatable Easy Wedge.
The optional Night Light #32933 retails for $49.95 and BigEasy Carrying Case #32935 retails for $29.95.
Kits are available at most truck and parts supply dealers as well as from local tool supply jobbers.
Further information check our website for a complete listing of all our products www.steckmfg.com and videos or by contacting Steck Manufacturing at Sales@steckmfg.com or calling 1-800-227-8325.
Steck Manufacturing Company has released another winning tool: Ability for Tow Truck drivers to safely load and secure a vehicle with broken ball joints, lost wheels, locked wheels or brakes, collision damage and control arm failures on their roll back wreckers. Also will allow mechanics and body technicians to steer the vehicle into the shop and guide it to lifts or frame racks for repair.
4th Wheel Loader is a tough 24” x 14” hardened aluminum fabricated platform with two 4” x 10” Polypropylene roller wheels, six 5/8” holes for mini-J hooks for loading assistance and 1” axles which provides a safe platform to easily hold and secure up to 5 tons while loading a vehicle with broken ball joints and/or a damaged wheel/tire on a roll back. For wheel failures like locked brakes or broken wheels simply lift the damaged vehicle and place the wheel in the large 10” x10” recessed pocket of the 4th Wheel Loader and chain the wheel assembly with our Load Binder with a t end to the locking slots on the Loader platform. Each 4th Wheel Loader comes with a 6’ x 3/16” chain, hand adjustable screw type Load Binder and 3/8” extension nut that will easily connect to the chain and Loader base unit by hand or wrench to secure the load and pull the car up on the roll back or allow the technician to steer the damaged vehicle into the shop. The Loader is 4” high (without shim blocks) with a built in 6” X 1 ¼” handle which will allow you to store the 25 lb. Loader behind your seat or tool box.
4th Wheel Loader comes one 10” x 10” x 3” and one 10” x 10” x 1 1/2” Polypropylene interlocking shim blocks, which fit into the recessed Loader pocket. The shims allow the driver to raise the vehicle with busted ball joints, lost wheels and severely bent axles and place it at a desired height for secure loading on the roll back. Simply insert the desired shim(s) in the pocket then lift the damaged vehicle and place the rotor, solid axle or control arm to the desired level on the shim block(s) placed in the 4th Wheel Loader pocket and chain to the locking slots on the Loader platform. Note: Shim design also has a 3” slot cutout to allow the lower control arm to nestle securely on the shim.
Labor/Material Savings: Quicker loading and unloading while preventing further damage to vehicles with broken ball joints and other wheel problems by allowing the driver to center, pull and properly secure the vehicle on the roll back bed as well as preventing bed damage to the roll back. Also provides a safe and secure method for shops to bring the vehicle into the repair bays and frame racks.
This timesaver sells for a mere $395.00. Check out the “4th Wheel Loader” on Steck’s web page at www.steckmfg.com Check it out with smart phones and computers on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SteckMfg#p/u. See your Steck dealer and pickup your 4th Wheel Loader today!
B/A – Always Bringing You The “Best Available” Products.
For more information www.baprod.com or call 800-327-3301
Steck Manufacturing Company has upgraded the Tie Rod Coupler (P/N 71470) which allows Tow Truck Drivers and lot drivers the ability to temporarily steer a damaged vehicle that suffered a broken tie rod as part of the collision damage.
Now made from tough T6 grade Aluminum coupler with dual I-bolt set screws provide a quick temporary steering repair for vehicles with a broken tie rod:
Tie Rod Coupler I-bolt set screws secures the coupler to the broken tie rod by hand tightening and/or locking down the set screws by using a small leverage bar.
Labor/Material Savings: Tie Rod Coupler’s temporary steering fix saves the tow driver up to 15 minutes by ensuring the driver’s ability to center and properly secure the vehicle on the roll back bed as well as maneuvering the vehicle around the lot without using tow trucks, rolling out MIG welders from the shop to the lot so that the technician can temporarily weld the tie rod together, wheel or car dollies so the damaged vehicle can be steered into the shop for repair.
This timesaver sells for a mere $34.95. Check out the “Tie Rod Coupler” on Steck’s web page at www.steckmfg.com See your Steck dealer and pickup your Tie Rod Coupler Tool today!
Pierce Sales is your source for winches from 2,000 lb. to 20,000 lb. capacities, accessories and wrecker installation. Pierce makes ordering winches easy and affordable. Buy the PS654-11HK Pierce winch and get free cable, angle mounts and roller guide. Code: PSTOWDEAL. Offer for call-in orders only. Serving the wrecker industry since 1976. www.piercesales.com
For far less than the cost of a single oil pan damage claim, the revolutionary Pan Pillow will virtually remove oil pan damage from your operation. Made from the highest quality components, the Pan Pillow will give you years of worry free towing. Minute to install, the Pan Pillow is simple to use and the ONLY product on the market that solves the costly and wide spread problem of oil pan damage. Don’t wait until your next claim before you introduce the Pan Pillow to your operation.www.panpillow.com
Safely load and secure a vehicle that has a broken ball joint.The 4th Wheel Loader handles wheel failures, such as locked brakes or broken tie rods. Once the wheel is placed in the recessed pocket, chain the wheel assembly to the locking slots on your loader’s platform. Lightweight and compact for easy storage. Tough 24″ x 14″ hardened aluminum fabricated platform easily holds and secures up to5 tons.4th Wheel Loader # STM5
Eliminates accidental hook release to stop potential dangers before they start This chain assembly utilizes a Twist Lock™ grab hook — once locked in place, it’s not coming loose. Use for everything from equipment safety chains and chain-to-chain hooking to tie down chains and vehicle stabilization. Features a latch (which may be padlocked) for extra security. Available in Grade 70 or80 and working load limits up to 12,000 lbs.
Twist Lock™ #s TLG01 — TLG19
After spending 6 years with Recovery Solutions, Inc., as Sales and Marketing Manager, we welcome Scott to this new position. Scott’s industry experience and product knowledge will be key in developing our Sub-Distribution Base in the Southwest. Scott will direct the day to day sales activities, and continue to develop our existing customer base.
Scott Rahner comes to Twin State Equipment with over 25 years experience in the Towing and Recovery Industry. Starting as a driver for a local New Jersey Towing Company in 1985, Scott moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 1990 opening Quality Towing partnered with his brother. In 1994 Scott became Wreck Master certified and went on to Level 6/7. Scott owned, operated and managed Quality until 2000 when he moved into Wrecker and Carrier Sales at Smith’s Services in Orangeburg, SC, a Jerrdan Distributor. In 2001 Scott became the Northeast/Midwest Factory Representative for Dynamic Manufacturing. During that time he also worked on designing and introducing new products until 2005. Scott took a brief hiatus to work at a Chevrolet Dealer in North Carolina in Commercial Fleet Sales and then returned in 2006 at Recovery Solutions as Product Specialist and then Sales and Marketing Manager as well as designing and introducing new products. Scott, now based in Las Vegas, Nevada is looking forward to putting his extensive industry experiences to work in developing new customers and distribution for Twin States Equipment and the Jerrdan Cooperation.
CONTACT
Scott Rahner
TWIN STATE EQUIPMENT
4495 Copper Sage Street
Las Vegas, NV 89115
702-283-5487
scott.rahner@twinstateequipment.com
Custer Products LLC announced a product line expansion by introducing 7 new LED, Strobe and Battery powered beacons. The new line consist of 3 LED beacons including a 16-watt LED rotator, a 3 watt LED equipment strobe, and a battery operated LED rotator. Four of our new LITE*IT beacons are powerful tube type strobes with up to 17 joules and SAE CLASS 2! One beacon in our new line is a magnetic suction cup with a 10′ cord cigarette plug and 12 joules of power as well battery powered Beacon that is perfect as a temporary warning light.
The new LITE*IT beacons will provide safety and warning solution for a multitude of towing, agricultural, transportation and safety customers. This new LITE*IT brand beacon line is manufactured with the same quality and affordability that Custer Products is known. Custer Products has plans to launch many more new or improved products this year which you will find on our website.
Custer Products Ltd has been supplying quality products to the towing, agricultural, trucking, trailer and safety industries since 1993 selling to a network of customers throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, South America and Europe. Custer Products strives to provide first class customer service, quick order fulfillment and innovative solutions to fulfill our customer’s needs.
For more New Products and information see www.custerproducts.com or contact us at 800-490-3158 for a current catalog.
New product ideas are the keys to growth in today’s global market. Steck Manufacturing embraces ideas from its tool users. According to John Brill, President, “new ideas are the life blood of our company”. Steck will evaluate each tool and work with the inventor to protect the idea as well as pay a royalty to the inventor based on the net sales of the tool. Last year it was the Axle Popper (71410) which provides even pressure to break loose half shafts from the transaxle on front wheel drive cars and Air Tool Oiler (16600) with its adjustable oil nozzle allows technicians to easily and conveniently oil their air tool after each use.
While Steck’s focus is on auto body repair business where they develop and sell body shop specialty repair tools they also provide products to the Towing industry, their BigEasy Lockout tool kits (32900 and 32955) allows technicians to unlock cars without damaging the car door. Their most recent announcement, 4th Wheel Loader (71480) allows Tow Truck drivers to safely load and secure a vehicle with broken ball joints, lost wheels or locked wheels on their roll back wreckers. Also will allow mechanics and body technicians to steer the vehicle over unlevel surfaces as well as gravel and dirt into the shop and guide it to lifts or frame racks for repair.
Visit our website or YouTube to view our product offerings and videos of some of more popular.
Steck Manufacturing Company, Inc.
1115 S. Broadway
Dayton, Ohio 45408
1-800-227-8325
sales@steckmfg.com
Don’s Towing has become a fixture in southeast Michigan since Joe Morisette bought the company almost 25 years ago. Over the years, Joe dealt with the challenges of rising costs and never ending competition, and has steadily grown his fleet to 12 trucks. Don’s Towing now serves nearly every police agency in the county and won the towing contract for the city of Port Huron. They also do calls for most major motor clubs and a steady volume of cash calls. In 2013, Don’s Towing was named Metro Detroit’s #1 towing service by NBC Channel 4’s Click on Detroit.
Joe’s son Joey Morisette joined the business at the age of 14, starting by helping around the office and riding along to assist with tows. It didn’t take long and Joey was behind the wheel doing calls himself. Now, more than 10 years later Joey plays a large role in running the daily operations of Don’s Towing.
Like most young people, Joey has spent a lot of time on computers so the thought of using towing software to help his Dad’s business seemed logical to him. Seeing the advantages towing software could bring to the company, Joey became a driving force to start using software at Don’s. Several key things were behind Joey’s interest in towing software, including;
Hand-written “everything”. Like most towing companies, nearly everything Don’s did was hand-written. Their systems and processes worked but employees had to write everything down, and then manually calculate charges and storage fees. This was time consuming and too prone to innocent errors. It’s also too difficult to store records and locate the right file quickly when a customer or insurance company calls.
Reporting. Another challenge Joey was looking to solve was evaluating business performance. It was tough to dig into the details and analyze company performance with so much key data listed on hand-written forms or in file cabinets.
Automation. With large accounts as an important part of their business, the Morisette’s were also looking for a system that would help bring automation to Don’s Towing. Including the ability to create and email electronic invoices and allow key accounts to request tows online.
The Solution
For towing software, Joey turned to Towbook’s web-based system. What attracted him to Towbook was a combination of affordability and features. Most importantly, Towbook is web-based so there’s no software to install on computers and you can use the system from anywhere with internet service, including smartphones and tablets. With no setup fees, free support and no extra cost to have a user account for every employee, Towbook seemed like the right choice.
The software features in Towbook that attracted Joey the most include;
Paperless. Having a system that automatically calculates charges and storage fees, and can generate an invoice or account statement with a simple click of a button was a huge factor.
Police App. Don’s Towing was invited to join a group testing Towbook’s new Police App. With this new app, police agencies use a version of Towbook (for free) that allows them to assign calls straight to towing companies in their community. Police officers can even create a request from a smartphone and the call is automatically created inside Towbook for the towing company.
Mobile apps. The ability for drivers to receive calls on a smartphone was appealing to Joey. With mobile apps, drivers can scan VIN numbers, take photos of vehicles and add them to the call and capture the customer’s signature – right from their Android or iPhone. The Towbook mobile apps also work with mobile printers so drivers can print a tow receipt right from their truck.
Motor Club Calls. Towbook recently launched a new system that accepts calls from most motor clubs directly into the software. This saves time and eliminates mistakes. Now, when a motor club issues a call to Don’s it’s dispatched automatically within seconds.
Commission. Tracking commissions is difficult and time consuming. The opportunity to use a system that could track commissions accurately and generate commission statements for employees was very appealing.
After launching the software in July of this year, the results were incredible and nearly instant. Joey Morisette provided some feedback on the experience and the impact towing software has made so far;
“First off, we didn’t have to install software on any of our computers and Towbook helped us set up our accounts and pricing in the system so getting started was pretty easy.”
“We can now find records in an instant – even if I’m at home when an account calls, I can look up the information and send it to them from my phone. I love the fact that we can see what’s going on at work and we can handle customer requests when we’re on the move. “
“It’s also great that we have access to all our historical records. I can pull up a call from July and see photos of the vehicle, review notes and send that paperwork to anybody who needs it.”
“When a customer comes to pick up a vehicle we can check them out in under a minute because the system automatically calculates all charges and we simply pull up the call and print or email them a professional invoice.”
“Before launching Towbook, we had to manually track letter due dates, but the system automatically reminds us when letters are due. The system can even create letters automatically if we need them.”
“If I want to see how the company did yesterday or last week, I simply run our Daily Activity Report in Towbook and we have an instant summary of our call performance.”
Change is hard, especially for a company that’s been in business for so long. Joey Morisette provided some insight about what was challenging when launching towing software and what’s next for them;
“I think the most important thing is you have to be serious about change. Some employees wanted to go back to the old way of doing things rather than using the software. Towing software changed a lot of what we do but it made things better, so you have to put your foot down.“
“It took us about a week to fully make the switch and things were hectic for a while as we changed over. Our employees were used to the system within a few days and after just a few weeks all of our calls were done through Towbook.”
“There is still a lot more we can do with the system, it seems like every day I find something or think of something more we can do with Towbook that will help us get better or grow the business. I’m going to be in this business for a long time and I couldn’t imagine trying to compete without something like this.”
www.towbook.com
(888) 884-9598
Night time recovery operations are challenging even for the most experienced tow professional. Danger created by careless drivers, unseen debris and spills and shadows created by eye-level lighting make a tough job harder than it has to be. Night Scan® Powerlite HDT by Will-Burt is a light tower specifically designed to reduce these hazards.
Created especially for the tow professional, Night Scan Powerlite HDT is mounted directly on the wrecker and provides 360° of recovery scene lighting from up to 15 feet above the wrecker deck. Illuminating the scene from above simulates daylight, which helps to eliminate shadows. Eliminating shadows allows you to see everything at the site. Lights aimed down from high above the scene also allow oncoming traffic to safely see the site from a distance, but it will not blind the drivers.
A minimal amount of space on the wrecker is needed, and the light tower can be incorporated into new builds or easily installed on existing vehicles. No generator is required for the LED lights, which create a total of 84,000 lumens and will last for years.
Night Scan is always with the wrecker, meaning you will never need to call for lighting back-up. The speed and safety of operations will increase, and you can also increase your billings by charging for the lighting equipment.
THE WILL-BURT COMPANY
330-347-8622
www.willburt.com
Road America is a wholly owned United States subsidiary of the MAPFRE Group (MAPFRE), the largest insurance group in Spain, with annual revenues of over US $27 Billion in worldwide operations. MAPFRE’s strength has been recognized with the A+ (superior) rating by AM Best (since 1999) and A1 rating by Moody’s (since 2002). MAPFRE operates an extensive international assistance network through its specialized subsidiary, MAPFRE Asistencia.
MAPFRE Asistencia, Road America’s direct parent, is a leading multinational Insurance, Reinsurance, and Services Company founded in Madrid, Spain in 1989, providing services worldwide in 84 countries through 44 business units. MAPFRE Asistencia is a recipient of the prestigious ITIJ Award given to best Assistance Company in the world.
Founded in 1978 as a motor club company with headquarters in Florida, Road America was acquired by MAPFRE Asistencia in February 2003. Operating today with a management team that has more than 145 years of combined experience in the motor club industry, Road America understands the areas most important to motorists during an emergency roadside event:
Today, Road America is a leader in the North America roadside assistance market, where it maintains long-term partnerships with significant corporations and services over 21 million of their customers. At Road America, we believe that our decisions are guided by the conviction that all business is about relationships; we will never choose a short-term reward over the value of a long-term client relationship.
Road America
800-442-4690
Ohio Power Systems made their debut at the Orlando Tow show in April and is looking forward to the Baltimore show. The response had been great. We are now supplying two truck body manufacturers with complete hydraulic valve and electronic control systems. We also have set up new dealers to resell our products and systems. OPS was created 10 years ago by Mike Brooks as a company that specializes in designing and building radio remote and hydraulic valve systems. OPS sells their products mostly to the O.E.Ms directly for applications such as controlling locomotives, drill rigs, utility equipment etc., and has decided to bring that expertise to the auto recovery market after getting a request to upgrade a customer’s truck. OPS did not know what to expect from being at the show but was surprised how many people were interested in rebuilding the trucks they own because of the cost of a new one. Our approach to the market is to give the owners a place they can go to buy a replacement valve remote system or help them upgrade to a proportional system, no matter what size or brand of truck. Our systems, for the most part, are plug and play, and they come with an instruction manual to operate the radio. Plus, we have a full staff of engineers available to support the customers from install to start up. The products are standard off the shelf with all parts available by many distributors.
The major differences we bring to the market with our products are safety and added value. The reason we have a business today is because of the need to reduce accidents in the marketplace, whether it’s running a locomotive or a recovery truck.
Please come by our booth to see the products we offer for your application.
Ohio Power Systems
807 East Findlay Street
Carey, OH 43316
419-294-4985
www.ohiopowersys.com
