American Towman Magazine - February 2011

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Century’s Express Series and Midnight Express are perfect for high-volume towing. Easy in and out makes Century’s self-loaders ideal for crowded parking garages, parallel-parked vehicles and impound and repossession work. Control the boom and hydraulic wheel-lift from the safety and convenience of the cab*.

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When the streets need attention, your Century Express and Midnight Express get the job done.

Call your local Miller Industries distributor for more information.

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* Always remember to use safety straps, safety chains and tow lights prior to towing.

CENTURY® Number 143 on Reader Card

8503 Hilltop Drive • Ooltewah, Tennessee 37363

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www.millerind.com • 800-292-0330

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Shippensburg . PA

866-494-6500

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Metro Lifts & Equip ment Mobile. Alabama 888-661-5454

Number 139 on Reader Card

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7660 Molly Pitcher Highway Shippensburg, PA 17257

2010 AT EXPO GALLERY pages 45-63

11/20/2010: Towing professionals are gathering by the Expo's entrance just before the show opens.

FEATURE CONTENTS

18

The Brothers Bach A fraternal partnership often causes sparks to fly, but not with Don and Jim Bach.

by Matt Corvin

26

Parking Tow Trucks at Home – Illegal or Lawful Departments Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tow Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . .66 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . .69

You need to know the local zones and codes before you start parking your tow truck at home.

by Randall Resch

38

The HD Donnie: Out of the Pit The third time’s a charm for Sand Mine Co. when Johnson’s Wrecker Service agrees to recover a track-hoe in a pit.

by Robert Johnson

Photos by: Randy Resch, Matt Corvin, Johnson’s Wrecker Service Cover Design by: Ann Marie Nitti

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 5

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Number 109 on Reader Card

Breeding the Professional Towman

by Brendan Dooley & Steve Calitri

T

he American Towman Exposition was packed with towing professionals this past November (see pages 45-63) and the good news is, there’s more towers to come, even those down on the farm, so to speak.

At Knight’s Garage in Barrington, N.H., established in 1907, they have an enthusiastic up-and-comer in 7-yearold Jackson Knight Boucher. He loves to go out on calls with his great-grandfather, Fred, and grandfather, Craig.

He doesn’t just sit in the cab at the scenes though;

Jackson Knight, above, and working the wrecker levers. Below, a father and son at the recent AT Expo.

he is an active participant and loves to help winch-out vehicles, run the controls, do tie-downs and whatever else he can (always supervised of course).

Jackson got started a few years ago. He always liked riding in the trucks to go to calls, said Fred Jackson, Jackson’s great-grandfather. He always wanted to do more, and eventually they set up a wreck in their yard and let Jackson show what he could do. He got it all loaded onto the car carrier and that expanded his role at scenes. He has his own uniform with his name on it, and his own toolbox.

His favorite vehicle is the black

Peterbilt with a 25-ton Century hydraulic wrecker, though he can run any of the wreckers in their fleet. Jackson loves to do winch-outs. The small lawn tractor he has was updated with a winch for his birthday.

“If we let him, I think he’d drive,” said Craig Knight, Jackson’s grandfa-

ther. “His teacher said all he talks about are wreckers and the garage.” If school didn’t interfere, Jackson would spend all day at the shop and on calls, he said.

Craig said that Jackson occasionally spends the weekend at his home.

If there’s a call at 2 a.m., he said Jackson is at the bedside shortly asking, “We have a call, Bumpa?”

Publisher Dennie Ortiz-Sorrenti Editor-In-Chief Steve Calitri Editor Brendan Dooley Operations Editors Terry Abejuela Randall Resch Chassis Editor David Kolman Safety Editor Bill Simmons Contributing Editors Matt Corvin Robert Johnson 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. Art Director/Production Manager Ann Marie Nitti Graphic Manager William Burwell Advertising Sales Manager Dennie Ortiz-Sorrenti Senior Account Executive Ellen Rosengart VP of Accounts Norma Calitri VP of Communications Neila Kennedy Internet Developer Henri Calitri American Towman Network, Inc. President Steve Calitri Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 Fax: 845-986-5181 E-mail: Publisher: dsorrenti@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com Weekly Industry News: towman.com

The family hopes Jackson will be inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame one day, just like his greatBumpa, Fred. AT hopes to see him one year at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.

Copyright ©2011 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Network, Inc. U.S. 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.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 7

Move Over Law Gets New Focus New York’s “Move Over Law” took effect on New Year’s Day, forcing drivers to switch lanes when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road. However, the legislation doesn’t include hazard vehicles, like tow trucks and DOT trucks.

The distance from them to the cars whizzing by is the same distance as for emergency responders, leaving towers wondering why all lives aren’t valued equally out on the roadways.

“I have felt mirrors brush my back and I’ll tell you at 60 miles per hour, when they don’t slow down and don’t give you any room, that’s a little disconcerting,” said Peter Cary, who owns Capital District Towing.

Peter O’Connell, a lobbyist for the Empire State Towing and Recovery Association, said they’ve been working since 2003 to get legislation passed that includes tow trucks. Now that the law is passed for emergency responders, O’Connell is meeting with legislators to try again with a separate bill.

To personalize the new legislation, lobbyists are discussing naming it the “Kyle Parker Bill” in honor of a tower who was killed in a roadside accident in 2003. Source: www.fox23news.com

Tow Driver Nabs Suspect The owner of Hilltop Auto Wrecking, in Marietta, Ohio, used his tow truck to block a stolen vehicle in a parking lot until Marietta police could apprehend the man accused of taking it.

According to Marietta police, the department was notified of a truck that had been stolen from the parking lot of a Speedway store.

As the theft was being called in to police, another customer in the store, Orman Whited Jr., owner of Hilltop Auto Wrecking, overheard a description of the truck and part of the license plate number. A short time later, he found himself behind the vehicle on Ohio 7, before the driver parked it at a business.

Whited looped around and parked so that his wrecker blocked in the stolen vehicle. When the suspect saw he couldn’t get out, he started walking down a nearby railroad track. Whited pointed officers in the direction the suspect went, and they caught him. Source: www.newsandsentinel.com 8 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Insurance Watchdogs Warn Motorists As if bad press generated by the bad apples of the industry hasn’t done enough damage to towing’s image, there is now an organized effort to illuminate the worst of it. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has embarked on a national campaign to warn and educate consumers about unethical and illegal practices among some rogue towing and storage operators and repair shops around the nation. Starting last December – and through February – Houston, Texas becomes the first region to display billboards advising drivers to check with their insurers first to avoid getting ripped off.

NICB advises motorists not to

provide tow operators with insurance information at the scene, nor personal lien holder information.

The motorist is also advised to watch for legitimate signage of the tow trucks identifying the company.

NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through information analysis, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by nearly 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

New Re-bid

Contracts The city of Worcester, Mass., rebid towing contracts for a five-year period; bids included mandates for towers to accept credit cards and pay minimum annual royalties per zone, and installed a new complaint process. Boulevard Towing, Pat’s Service Center and Towing, Early’s and Direnzo Towing won the bids for various zones. City Manager Michael V. O’Brien wrote that contracts for towing and storage of motor vehicles are exempt from procurement laws, and the city is not required to bid its towing services. Complaints about tow operator performance now must be in writing and will be addressed to

Downtown Worchester, Mass.

the police chief for review and resolution. The city’s purchasing division will work closely with police in reviewing tow reports by vendors.

City Councilor Barbara G. Haller said having a complaint process will give the city an opportunity to track satisfaction. Source: telegram.com

. . . Media campaign spotlights bad-apple towers...

Cross Country Offers Roadside App Cross Country Automotive Services is offering a new mobile application for Android smart phones for the towing and roadside assistance industry.

The free Roadside Connect Provider app offers the capability for service providers to receive quick and accurate dispatch information to provide timely service to consumers, including requested service needs, consumer and vehicle details, location with turn-by-turn navigation and contact information. The app also permits service providers to update dispatch status with geo-stamped location.

“The new Roadside Connect Provider app provides the service providers with additional convenience and speed and allows for easy communication of status updates,” said Charlie Cavolina, chief service officer and senior vice president of service delivery for Cross Country.

The new app is available for download from the Android Market to all Android smart phones. Source: Cross Country Automotive Services

Employee Crushed

by Flatbed A fatal accident occurred when workers were clearing snow from trucks at a North Brunswick, N.H., towing business. The 47year-old worker was crushed between a moving flatbed and a large toolbox at the business.

Two employees raised the flatbed to cause the snow to slide off of one of the tow trucks, and, at some point during the cleaning, the other employee hit the controls on the driver’s side to begin to lower the flatbed, unaware of the other’s whereabouts. He was on the passenger side, apparently bent over and became pinned between the truck’s large tool box and the flatbed as it moved, suffering the fatal injuries, according to police.

First-aid personnel and medics were called to the scene, where the man was pronounced dead. Source :www.mycentraljersey.com

North Carolina Town Sets Rates Cape Coral City Council has established rates for non-consensual towing, hopefully curbing what some classified as “predatory towing” throughout the city, particularly downtown. All new rates were set to take effect on Jan. 1st, 2011.

Council unanimously approved Resolution 55-10 which sets Private Property/Non-consensual tow fees at the following rates: base rate for Capital of North Carolina the first half hour on scene is $100 for Class A vehicles, $150 for Class B, and $400 for Class C. Storage rates for Class A vehicles is $25 per day, and $30 per day for Class B. Drop fees are $20, and signage inspection fees for tow companies is $75.

Wes Dale from Napa Auto Parts was one of the private towing company owners who took part in designing the new rates. He said that “predatory towing” is a very real thing in the CRA. “Predators come out, and like in the animal kingdom, they go stalking for their prey and these cars are their prey,” Dale said.

Dale said a similar ordinance was enacted in Fort Myers, but that ordinance was forced down the throats of tow companies. The Cape made an effort to work with that particular area, and design rates that work for everyone, he said.

Source: cape-coral-aily-breeze.com

Shooting Leads to Tow Rules Research In and around Beaufort County, S.C., tow truck regulation has become a hot topic in the wake of an alleged shooting death by a tow operator following a boot incident and escalating argument last December.

Hilton Head Island Town Councilman Bill Harkins said it’s worth considering whether city ordinances could make towing less stressful and confrontational.

Proposals have included a cap on towing fees, background checks for tow drivers, an appeals process for grievances, limits on wheel boots and more. Rules passed in 2009 in nearby Horry County are being studied, where fees are now capped based on the type of equipment required for the tow. The maximum charge is $175. If the vehicle owner sees the tow in progress and

approaches the tow truck driver, he can pay a half-price “no-tow” fee. If the truck has just arrived and has not yet attached the car, the fee is just $25.

The prices there were set with input from local towing companies.

Wayne Cairnes, owner of Hubba Bubba Towing of Beaufort, said it seemed unfair to single out towing for additional regulation. “I don’t think the county needs to really set my prices,” Cairnes said. Any price cap would have to be set with towing companies in mind, he said, so tow companies can make enough money to operate. Source: www.islandpacket.com

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 9

Alpha, Beta, Gamma So…You Wanted to Join a Fraternity?

I

n keeping with my theme of recognizing something before it bites you in the “you know what,” I would suggest that this is kind of like seeing the pit bull running towards you, hearing the pit bull snarling and growling at you, and then just standing there, ignoring it as the gleaming, saliva dripping teeth sink into your leg. Well, geeze, if you hadn’t ignored the warning signs, that wouldn’t have happened. This is also about passing along good information to friends and family. Pretty much like what happens in a fraternity. You know, one of those exclusive clubs that takes care of their own members, have secret handshakes, the special code words to get into the building. Yup, that’s what this is about. Sororities are included here as they are the female version of Fraternities so I don’t want to give the impression that I’m discriminating.

Remember the article about placarding and the labels about contents with the 704M label and telling you that recognizing the hazard is important to your health and welfare? Well...this is the article about the big one. The transporting of nuclear waste and materials.

Why? Because you’re out there on the roads and this stuff is out there on the roads.

You could miss the warning because the placard on the truck or the label on the package isn’t visible. The package in the trunk or in the back seat of a wrecked car is supposed to be labeled on at least two sides. Good enough for DOT regulations, but in the real world you won’t know anything is wrong because you won’t see or hear or taste or feel radiation and then it’s too late.

Which brings up Murphy’s Law axiom 10.1 which states “Mother nature is not indifferent to intelligence, she is actively hostile to it.”

Therein lay the secrets of the Alpha,

10 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Beta, Gamma fraternity. Those are the speed limit (of course), clearly marked, names of the types of radiation that will usually escorted but sometimes be let out of the genie bottle and the only not. These casks are designed to contain wish you get is to “wish you hadn’t done the genie under the most severe and that.” Alpha radiation is the least dan- extreme conditions imaginable, includgerous of the three and generally speak- ing fire exposure.

Nuclear materials transportation ing can be shielded by even a newspaper between you and the source. The source occurs in our society all the time and of Alpha radiation you would most generally speaking it is really safe likely encounter would be from a med- because of the recognized inherent hazical container and usually found in very ards of radiation releases and there are small packages and shipping containers. extreme regulations controlling them.

Beta radiation is more dangerous but But know, that whether in a car, in a both alpha and beta would most likely truck, on the rails, an airplane or a boat, a cause contamination by inhaling irradi- transportation accident can occur that ated smoke or dust particles. Gamma may bring you to the scene and you could be the first one to radiation is the big observe the dreaded “genie daddy of radiation. It bottle.” If that should occur, is most commonly you have an obligation to used in medical appliyourself, then to society to cations and also in report it and keep away from Nuclear Electrical it until the hazard has been Generation (fuel rods mitigated. It is not up to you and nuclear bombs) to identify the severity of the and even short, hazard, JUST RECOGNIZE uncontrolled expoIT! Which brings me to the sures to Gamma radi- Bill Simmons is a retired Massachusetts ation can alter DNA Firefighter. He was a licensed EMT for issue of the placarding sysand cause human cell over 26 years, has an A.S. in Fire Sci- tem itself and one of the serialterations and cancer. ence Technology and holds a current ous oversights of the system Radiation burns and OSHA certification in Hazardous Mate- regarding the transport vehideath can be an rials Waste Operations. Bill can be cle and packaging. How many of you have actually immediate result of an reached at bsimmons@towman.com been to a placarded vehicle exposure. I go back to my army training about this and the only incident where the placard wasn’t disprecaution one can take is as covered until the vehicle was turned follows. “Stand with your feet about over or uprighted? My issue here is that shoulder width apart. Bend over at the the transporting container of a hazwaist and kiss your butt goodbye.” ardous material should be placarded on Seemed appropriate to me at the time all sides, top, bottom, front and rear. This includes hazardous packages, drums, and it still does.

Large shipments of nuclear material, containers, tankers, trucks and trailers. whether it be spent fuel rods or some It’s just a thought, but I always wonother material are sometimes shipped in dered why they didn’t think about it a vessel called a “cask” that you can’t before.

THINK safe out there. We want you miss on the highway. I’ve seen them on drop-deck trailers motoring along at the to get home tonight.

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With every recovery you make you’re looking for performance out of your equipment and that performance starts with your winch.

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They choose Ramsey winches because they are built just for towing and recovery, proven time and again in the work place.

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Number 148 on Reader Card

ADVERTISER

ACTION PAGE

AD INDEX

Fax To: 888-847-6035 Page # RS#

Akins Body & Carrier Sales 11 Atlantic Braids/TowWithRope.com 34 Atlas Flashers 50 ATSA 24 B/A Products 68 Beacon Software 54 Century 2, 3 Chevron, Inc. 29 Condor Products 34 Custer Products 32 DewEze Mfg. 68 Dual-Tech 33 Dynamic Towing Eq. & Mfg. 13 Energy Safe Technology 28 Equipment Sales & Service 42 Equipment Sales & Service 50 Finex Group 16 Hino Motor Sales USA, Inc. 36, 37 Hy-Tech Recovery Equipment 48 Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease 16 Jerr-Dan Corp.

72 Landoll Corp.

21 Lift and Tow 4 Matheny Motor Truck Co. 17

126 214 184 —— 108 136 143 154 167 128 147 144 165 122 150 152 207 142 153 145 124 174 139 194

12 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Page # RS# Matjack International Wreckers 33 Minute Man Mfg., Inc. 34 National Automobile Club 32 Nation Safe Drivers (NSD) 42 New England Truckmaster 21 North American BanCard 6 Pierce Arrow 25 Power House Inds./VAL6HEAT 28 Purpose Wrecker Sales 28 PWOF 64, 65 Ramsey Winch 12 Recovery Billing Unlimited 22 Rush Towing Systems 44 Steck Mfg. 43 TIS/Transport Info. Systems 48 Tow Expo Int’l 30, 31 Towing.com 71 Travis Barlow Insurance 48 Vulcan 23 Warn Industries 43 Western State Tow Show (CTTA) 35 Worldwide Equipment 43 WreckMaster 49

186 166 178 182 171 109 117 164 212 180 148 155 198 132 137 —— 115 121 143 120 168 151 100

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

Or circle the corresponding reader service number on the Action Card to the right, and send it in.

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Number 165 on Reader Card

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! Landoll’s New Detachable Lowboys Landoll Corporation introduces an all new line of heavy haul detachable lowboy trailers. The 800 series has two primary models. The 835 is a 35 Ton – with two or three axles; the 855 is a 55 Ton – with three or four axles.

This new construction series of hydraulic non-ground bearing detachables have loaded deck heights down to 17 3⁄4” and deck lengths up to 32’.

The 800 Series of construction trailers have an impressive list of standard equipment that includes four (4) 100,000 lb high tensile steel beams and 4S2M ABS with spring brakes on all axles. The 12’5” long gooseneck comes standard with two King Pin setting, 108”/90” and seven ride height settings. These trailers will be equipped with 12” swing out extensions, a recessed boom trough, a recessed bucket trough in the lower deck and dropped wheel

bolsters. Landoll will also include its’ standard zinc rich powder primer with a choice of six standard powder color top coats or optional hot dip galvanizing is available for the ultimate in rust protection.

www.landoll.com Number 200 on Reader Card

PowerSafe™ Jumper Cables The PowerSafe™ Jumper Cables are the world’s first jumper cables with a built-in computer that prevents the surges, short circuits, and spark-induced explosions that can occur when a vehicle is jump-started. The built-in computer will not allow electricity to flow until it has completed a safety check of the connection and confirmed that the cables are hooked up correctly. Upon approving the connection, the computer gradually increases the current flowing through the PowerSafe Jumper Cables. This prevents the surges that, with conventional jumper cables, can cause extensive and expensive damage to onboard electronics, even if they’re hooked up correctly. The computer-controlled PowerSafe Jumper Cables can be connected backwards, the clamps can touch each other or another metal object, and electricity will not flow until the error has been corrected.

www.PowerSafeJumperCables.com Number 201 on Reader Card

Vehicle Lifting Points: 2011 Edition The Automotive Lift Institute, Inc. (ALI) announces the availability of the 2011 edition of ALI’s “VEHICLE LIFTING POINTS for FRAME ENGAGING LIFTS”.

This updated guide is a quick-reference single-source manual for lifting point information as recommended by the vehicle manufacturers. The 60 page Lifting Point Guide (LP-G) for domestic and imported cars and light trucks uses over 200 undercarriage images to cover the most recent 20 model years.

For this new edition, the 2011 model year vehicles were added, some older images were revised, and additional cautionary notes were provided in an effort to clarify pick-up point locations for shop owners, technicians and other LP-Guide users. The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) sponsors this Guide annually as an industry service, utilizing data furnished exclusively for ALI by Chek-Chart Products, MOTOR Information Systems.

Many proactive companies and franchises now incorporate ALI’s LP-Guide and other safety materials as an integral component of their overall employee safety and training program.

www.autolife.org Number 202 on Reader Card

14 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Dynamic Fusion

D

ynamic introduced the Fusion, an integrated self loading wheel lift series on November 19, 2010 at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore. The Fusion features a 5,500 lb wheel lift capacity at 80” of wheel lift extension, 25 deg. of negative tilt, a completely redesigned hose retraction system, and increased “hook-up” visibility. With a host of break-the-mold features and multiple patents pending, Dynamic has created the next evolution in light duty wrecker design.

Integrating more than just the wheel lift, the team at Dynamic has designed the Fusion to provide seamless organization of accessory items. The Fusion has been carefully designed with state of the art virtual prototyping to waste no space, while providing maximum visibility from the tower’s line of sight. The top loading oversized toolbox offers plenty of conventional storage. Large side compartments have enough space

to store dollies inside, with available brackets to holster the dollies on the door for ergonomic, easy removal and stowing. The top loading mid-fender compartment has integrated storage brackets available for dollie axles and Go-Jaks. The rear box allows “point of use” storage and access of straps, chains, tow lights, and miscellaneous items. This full body integration, with eight compartments totaling more than 45 cubic feet of available storage, makes the Fusion the only light duty wrecker to offer towers the ability to keep all of their equipment secure and out of the elements.

A newly designed self aligning wheel lift, low profile draw bar, easy access valve manifold, all bronze bushings, and multiple grease fitting points provides a level of robustness and reliability that has enabled Dynamic to offer a four year limited warranty, another industry first.

www.dynamictow.com Number 203 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 15

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Family Owned & Operated Since 1986

A Snellville, Ga., tow truck driver died from injuries sustained during a single-vehicle crash on New Year’s Eve. Jermain Lyn, 28, was driving a flatbed tow truck on Oakbrook Park-

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way when he left the roadway for “unknown reasons,” Gwinnett County police spokesman Cpl. Edwin Ritter

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died at the scene. Ritter said there was

the side of the roadway, Ritter said. Lyn no indication that alcohol was involved.

The tow truck was owned by Kams Towing Services of Snellville. Source:

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Ford EcoBoost Combines Power, Economy The Ford F-150 is now available with the EcoBoost engine, a 365-hp 3.5L twin-turbo engine rated up to 22 mpg on the highway. The 3.5L EcoBoost

Number 145 on Reader Card

truck engine produces 420 lb./ft. of

Visit www.itowman.com to access American Towman’s Digital Edition

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torque.

By 2013, Ford plans to offer an EcoBoost engine in up to 90 percent of its North American nameplates. Ford said EcoBoost is fundamental to its strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompro-

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Ford EcoBoost engines deliver fueleconomy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 achieves low-end torque across a broad rpm range due to its turbocharging and direct fuel injection.

“Truck customers should think of the EcoBoost truck engine as a gas-powered engine with diesel-type capability and characteristics,” said Jim Mazuchowski, V6 engines program manager.

Source: Ford Motor Co.

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16 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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The Brothers

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by Matt Corvin

Dual Leadership That Works

Good chemistry and mutual respect at the top fuel success for this towing outfit near Buffalo, N.Y.

18 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

amily, and Community, Serving the Customers...These are not just mottos for Jim and Don Bach. They are a way of life in co-owning their businesses, Bach’s Towing and Recovery, and Bach’s Auto & Truck Repair in Elma, N. Y., outside of Buffalo.

They offer services which include towing, auto and truck repair, auto shipping, hauling and road service.

They are brothers, each of whom has their own separate duties.

Jim runs the towing end of the business, while Don keeps the books.

Yet, they say, in all the years that they’ve been in business together, they’ve never had one argument.

“We might say, ‘I think we should buy a truck.’ ‘Well, I really don’t think we should.’ ‘Well, let’s put it down on paper,’ and by the time we’re done, we‘re having a beer together. It’s a very respectful arrangement,” Jim said.

“We’ve not always agreed, but we respect each other’s opinions and we work it out,” said Don. Sounds too good to be true for brothers, especially brothers in business together. What is often heard of is brother-partners at each

other’s throats. But digging a bit deeper, the picture emerging grew even more idyllic.

“Don is probably one of the nicest people in the world,” said brother Jim, his sincerity clear. And just as his description of his brother began to suggest the saintly, he revealed that Don had gone to the Buffalo Seminary preparing to become a priest. One year before ordination he decided to become a teacher instead.

“He’s always been good with people,” said Jim, age 54, seven years younger than Don. “He treats everyone here like they are family. And he has allowed me to do what I do best, get dirty with the trucks.”

Their family-oriented approach to the businesses started at the very beginning. Their parents, Jim Sr. and Mary, got started in a convenience store operation around 1970. After Jim Sr. retired, the brothers became involved in that business, which was also attached to an auto repair shop owned by another businessman. By 1976, the auto repair shop closed, and the family got into the auto repair business and sold gasoline.

Roughly a year later, Jim Sr. gave them a not-so-little surprise.

“My father, actually, one day came in and threw me the keys and handed me a payment book and said ‘There’s a truck outside.” I looked up and there’s

a brand-new truck. I said to him, ‘Geez, I don’t know anything about towing,’ and he says ‘Learn’,” recalled Jim of seeing the 1978 Ford with a Century parked outside. “And he said, ‘By the way, I stopped at the police department and you are on the list.’ ” “I didn’t think too much about it.

Well, the very next day, the police called

“‘Well, let’s put it down on paper,’ and by the time we’re done, we‘re having a beer together.” with a vehicle on its side. And, I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ So I went and got my brother, and said, ’You got to go with me, I don’t even know how to use this equipment.’ We went out, and the car was on its side, and we’ve brought this brand-new truck, and I don’t know how to put the PTO on it. But I’m trying to look like I know what I’m doing. The fire chief realized that we were having a little issue, so he said ‘we’ll help you out’, so he got all the firemen to push the car onto its wheels. And then we’re

trying to hook it up, and he’s like, ‘We’ll leave you guys alone.’ He knew we were struggling. We figured out how to haul it, and I came back and said, ‘I need to learn how to do this properly’. I did a lot of reading on towing associations and I found ESTRA (Empire State Towing and Recovery Association) and I joined because I saw that they had training seminars. I started taking training courses and getting involved in the towing association.”

Today, Jim is the president of ESTRA, a position he has held for the past five years, as well as a member of TRAA (Towing Recovery Association of America). ESTRA has approximately 250 members, has an annual tow show, usually in Lake George, NY, and lobbies for laws in the state legislature.

Among the many goals for ESTRA is the passage of a state “Move Over” law for tow trucks. The law would require a car to move from one side of a highway to another for tow trucks. Former New York governor, David Paterson, signed the ‘Ambrose-Seales’ bill, which requires motorists to slow down or move to another lane for emergency vehicles, but tow trucks are not covered. ESTRA’s goal is to change this.

“It sounds like a stupid law, but you have to keep people moving over,” Jim said. “There’s been a lot of injuries.”

ESTRA also has been working on

Jim Bach said the company stresses teamwork with its employees, some of whom have been with the company 30 years.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 19

The repair shop at Bach’s has four mechanics and a service writer; this facility was built in 2000 and has been in full use since 2004 when a fire destroyed the East Aurora, N.Y., location.

services such as education for the towing industry, and workmen’s compensation. They also put out a newsletter for their members, titled “The Hook”, which Jim always writes one article for.

“One of the things that he has always stressed is the professional in the industry,” said Don. “And the importance of respect to yourself and to your family.”

The tow show is also a big part of ESTRA. They held their 27th annual event in June, with both industryrelated events such as equipment and service exhibits, roll-over recovery demonstrations, and other events including a reception with a live band and raffle prizes. One of the benefits of the show is to help unify towers, who may be competing with each other for business.

“Collectively, it’s easier to do, but when you get two guys from the same area competing with each other, that can always be an issue,” Jim said. “It seems like when they all go to a tow show, or a towing seminar or a training seminar, they leave that behind and try to work together.”

Working together as a family is something the Bachs emphasize. Don’s wife, Carol, is one of their three dispatchers, and their mother, Mary, was heavily involved in the business until 20 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

she passed away four years ago. Jim’s three sons that he raised with his wife Susan, Matthew, Jonathan and Stephen, and Don’s daughters Amanda and Katie also contributed to their businesses in their formative years before choosing other occupations.

Their employees appreciate the feeling of family in the business.

“I used to do a lot of work with Bach’s. We’ve always worked well on jobs together. It was a lot of fun,” said Bill Kalenda, the project manager for Bach’s, who joined them four years ago and has been in the business for 18 years. “It was basically eye-opening to come to work here and they’re definitely a family organization. Before I even came to work here, they were known as the company that can get it done. When you’re out here and broken down, everyone here knows Bach’s. They have such a good reputation. It’s fun working with them. It’s fun talking about jobs. It’s a family atmosphere here. I don’t know if I can ever say that enough. I don’t dread ever coming to work, no matter how tired I am. It’s enjoyable working here.”

From their beginnings, the Bach’s businesses have grown from just the two of them to 20 employees. They have four mechanics and a service writer in their auto repair shop, plus

three dispatchers, and including Jim, nine drivers. They have 24-hour dispatching service, with each worker covering eight hours. Three more employees come from the Aktion Club, an organization that Don started through the Kiwanis Club for people with developmental disabilities who want to be part of the community and perform community service.

“Jim and myself have had the pleasure of hiring these three special needsfolks who actually work on our premise a few hours a week. I think our personel are better for it as well as the folks with special needs. It’s a nice relationship between them and it’s an opportunity for them to be a part of what we do and gives our folks an understanding of the abilities that they have to offer, too,” Don said.

Involvement in the community is also a major component of Bach’s. On one wall in their waiting room for the tow truck business is a picture of a youth hockey tournament that they helped sponsor. In their office is a whole bulletin board of newspaper pictures and clippings through the years of their community involvement, including one photo of Jim and Don wearing gas masks as they were cooking several thousand pieces of chicken for a barbecue. They are also involved

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in their local Chamber of Commerce.

Jim was recently elected to his first term as a town councilman for the Town of Aurora.

Their building that houses the towing operation was built in 2000 on land that they purchased next to a gas station that they also ran, and currently lease out. They had bought the land and built the building in anticipation of housing their tow trucks from their first location in nearby East Aurora. A fire in the old location in 2004, which luckily, no one was injured in, hastened the move to using the building full-time.

“The guys were working on a gas tank job, and a drop light fell, and the bulb broke, and the fumes caught on fire and the building burnt down,” Jim said. “My brother was the last one out of the building and they couldn’t find him. He finally crawled out of the building in the smoke. I was in Boston visiting my son, and I got the phone call saying the place is on fire. It was pretty devastating.”

Things got pretty crowded in their current location, so the Bachs rented part of the building next door from the shop to house their auto repair business.

Over the year’s Bach’s towing business has shifted significantly from motor club work (about 40% of their call volume today) to heavy duty towing and recovery, equipment transport, and car hauling. Bach’s has 15 trucks, which consists of two heavy duty

Bach’s Fleet Profile 4 light duty, 3 medium duty, 4 heavy duty, and 4 other vehicles, that are considered light duty.

1. Chevy one-ton 4X4 with a Vulcan 882 on the back.

2. Peterbilt 45-ton Vulcan 3. International with a 22-foot Vulcan two-car carrier.

4. Chevy 4X4 service truck 5. Hino 22-foot Vulcan two-car carrier.

6. A second Hino 22-foot Vulcan two-car carrier.

7. Dodge Tow Truck with a Vulcan 882 on it.

8. A Ford Vulcan 882 wrecker 9. An International Tractor with a sliding axle trailer and a 35-ton Traileze.

10. A Kenworth Tractor with a sliding axle trailer and a 50ton Traileze.

11. A Ford truck with a one-car trailer for the car shipping business.

12. A Chevy truck with a two-car trailer for the car shipping business.

13. A Ford Service truck with an extended cab.

14. An off-road four-wheel drive Blazer with a winch.

15. An off-terrain vehicle that is used to pull out snowmobiles and ATV machines.

wreckers, a tractor with a 35-ton Landoll, a tractor with a 50-ton Landoll, three flatbeds, three tow trucks, a medium duty truck with a quick swap, a service truck for heavy-duty road service, and three trucks with trailers that they use for their Dependable Auto Shipping. Bach’s will pick up the cars and bring them back to the shop, or deliver them to their residences, within a 150-mile radius.

One recent major project that they worked on was transporting two sculptures of eagles, made out of stainless

steel that were made for a luxury community in National Harbor, Md., just south of Washington D.C. It took eight truckloads of equipment to move the two sculptures, valued at $750,000 apiece, from western New York down to Maryland.

Providing good service for projects, big and small, is a big emphasis for the Bachs.

“I think one of the important things we’ve always tried to do is teach our people to take care of the customer and solve the problem. Make the customer happy, take care of their needs, make sure they’re safe. Customer, customer, customer, we’ve always stressed that,” Don said.

“We’ve always stressed about team effort from our employees also,” Jim added. “We’ve had some employees here 30 years. People have made careers here with us. That’s almost unheard of in this business.” For example, Jerry Fuller and Sue Fuller, a husband and wife have been working for Bach’s for 30 years. Jerry is a driver and Sue is the night dispatcher.

The message that comes across at Bach’s is that this is a great company to be part of. Maybe it has a lot to do with the two brothers getting along and having a deep respect for each other.

Maybe this is what happens when a man has deep feelings about the priesthood, and becomes a tow business owner instead.

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illegal

by Randall C. Resch

Parking Tow Trucks at Home

or Lawful?

There may be laws against parking commercial vehicles in front of your residence or operating a business from your home.

A

tremendously upset tow company owner called recently from one Southern California community after receiving several citations for parking his tow truck in his (homes) driveway. “To make matters worse,” he said, “They’re telling me I can’t run rotation out of my home because it disturbs the neighbors.”

The caller rapidly cursed the citing officer asking me, “Can they cite me for parking my truck in front of my house?”

Unfortunately dude ... yeah they can!

Tow truck parking has been a problem encountered throughout time , well, at least as long as there’ve been parking controllers, code enforcement officers, and now municipalities looking to generate income by responding to complaints about commercial vehicles. Well, it may seem like small cheese to most of us towers, but enforcing parking laws 26 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

and noise complaints has become a huge part of doing business. There’s gotta’ be ways to work around it.

The photos taken for this article were taken in a five-mile radius. The seven tow trucks I observed (in one small residential district) are the same ones that the city’s parking controllers see. Question: If big cities were to enforce municipal codes prohibiting no commercial parking in residential areas, would these trucks be subject to citation?

Identify Local Law Tow operations are highly regulated by local municipalities in areas specifically planned for commercial operations. Applying for the right to conduct business (by obtaining a business permit) is at the top of the list, but it doesn’t stop there. In order for your businesses to operate lawfully within specific areas,

your businesses location must be within a specific zoning area. And, of those zoning areas, operating a tow business out of a “residential zone” generally isn’t allowed.

While numerous codes regulate parking in commercial zones, more specifically are those areas, regions, or zones that are regulated by defining narrative of a community’s municipal code.

These are recognized as “Neighborhood Preservation Standards.” What’s that you ask? Neighborhood Preservation Standards are community rules and regulations developed into an overlay zone, which are in-place to maintain a safe, orderly, sanitary and an aesthetically pleasing environment. Now isn’t that fancy?

Where is it Written?

Many muni-codes mandate that

parking commercial vehicles in a residential zone is not lawful, where accordingly; tow trucks over 10,000-pounds cannot park on residential streets.

Although service trucks are generally the size of a pickup, if it displays commercial plates and company signs, they too may not be allowed to park in residential zones. Some muni-codes may state that certain commercial vehicles cannot be parked in a residence’s driveway or even alongside the residence’s structure. It’s all based on specific wording of the community’s code.

In nearly every city, town, community, etc., laws are specific pertaining to parking tow trucks. Parking your tow trucks or allowing your drivers to take them home may result in costly parking citations. Don’t simply assume that specific wording of your state’s vehicle code protects you from enforcement. The following narratives are examples of two different community’s exact wording regarding parking laws: The County of Riverside, Calif., is a gigantic expanse of land, east of Los Angeles, and near Interstate 15 in Southern Calif. The County of Riverside’s Transportation and Land Management Department enacted an 11-page law to address commercial vehicles parking in specific residential areas. Per RCMC Section 413, Subsection 1.17 (A), specific narrative states, “No person shall park or leave standing a commercial vehicle having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, or any commercial trailer or semi-trailer regardless of weight, on any street or highway within a residential zone in the unincorporated area of the county.”

Throughout Riverside County, specific signage per Subsection 1.17 (A) states, “No parking commercial vehicles

Operating a tow business out of a ‘residential zone’ generally is not allowed..

But, I Serve the Police

over 10,000 GVWR RV’s / Trailers on county roads within residential areas – violators will be cited,” And, equally asserting that this code is applicable to all vehicles that apply “throughout Riverside County.”

Hemet, Calif., is a sleepy bedroom community near Riverside County that is composed of mostly senior citizens and younger families. Within Hemet’s city borders are housing tracts that have sprung up everywhere in the past years.

As Hemet’s population grew and vehicle ownership increased, residential areas were plagued by semi-trucks, commercial vehicles, and motor homes. Hemet’s planning commission deemed there was specific need to regulate parking of these types of vehicles. In doing so, the City of Hemet enacted, “H.M.C. 78-107” stating, “Commercial Vehicles Over 10,000 (GVW) Designated Parking Area”, requiring commercial vehicles (of that category) to park outside residential streets and only in designated areas.

When researching information for this article, I saw no reference to any narrative regarding an exemption for tow trucks responding to calls initiated by area police departments. Because tow trucks AREN’T considered emergency vehicles, they merit NO special treatment.

But, that doesn’t mean exceptions to parking laws don’t exist somewhere. If your business has the permission of the municipality you serve, then you’re company’s simply an exception and NOT the rule. This is especially true for companies serving rural locations where parking laws may still apply, but in all reality, enforcement is seldom taken.

Municipalities take on a serious mentality when enforcing all laws within their community. In most communities, they really don’t take on active enforcement until there’s need to. The norm is that police departments don’t have available resources to assemble an illegal tow truck parking enforcement team, so towers are usually left alone until someone complains. As tow operations tend to upset neighbors, towers responding to late hour requests generally are the catalyst of most complaints generated to the municipality.

Working from Home If you’re conducting tow operations from home, is your business properly zoned to operate from your residence? In many jurisdictions, it’s illegal to run a business out of your home. And, if you’re a new company or a small company just trying to get by and are working from home, if you haven’t done your homework to learn the laws to “do it right,” parking your tow truck home only broadcasts the fact that you are working from home.

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In regards to operating a business from your residence, there may be law(s) making it illegal to park commercial vehicles in front of your residence to which the next code section applies: Specific to parking tow trucks at one’s residence, The County of Riverside, Section 348 and 21.36 (e), Home Business says, “No vehicles or trailers except to those normally incidental to residential use shall be kept on site.”

Notice that the end of Section 21.36 (e) indicates “shall be kept on site.” Does your municipality allow tow trucks to be parked alongside any house, in the driveway, or even behind a fence in the rear of the property? Even if your driver simply drives home and isn’t working, is an unoccupied and legally parked tow truck (at the curb) subject to enforcement? In regards to the narrative above addressing responding to calls at night, even if they’re at the request of law enforcement, tow business operations are NOT “incidental to residential use” making their presence unlawful and subject to enforcement.

The Neighborhood Nose Every community in the world has that special personality known as, “the

continue to page 32

Number 212 on Reader Card

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Neighborhood Nose.” I’m confident that your neighborhood has its own Nose and they’re most likely complaining that your truck is parked in their neighborhood.

To profile the Nose, they generally are the odd, stay at home reclusive busybody who complains about everything and knows everyone’s personal business.

They could even be your next door neighbor who has previously complained to you before or even left emotionally scribbled notes on your truck’s windshield. There’s no escaping the Neighborhood Nose!

But remember, code enforcement officers and or parking controllers also know what’s going on in local neighborhoods because it’s their job to look for municode violations including illegal parking of commercial vehicles, motor homes, abatement vehicles, and vehicles parked over 72-hours. If your community’s code says it’s illegal to park tow trucks at home, well … it’s undoubtedly illegal and you could eventually be cited.

Be a Good Neighbor

or wheel-lift from blocking the sidewalk.

•Don’t park close to street corners (complaints of vision obstruction).

•No excessive idling (diesel engines are extremely noisy). Heavy truck brakes are noisy. Use them sparingly.

•Prevent slamming doors and side boxes.

•Don’t bring wrecked cars home for next day delivery (they’re unsightly).

•Don’t parked wrecked cars in your driveway, front yard, or in the street.

•Don’t allow your truck to drip excessive oil.

•Don’t do mechanical work in the street (in most communities, that’s a violation anyway).

•Don’t wash the truck (complaints about wasted water & down-stream Haz-mat).

•Pick up trash frequently in the nearby area (even though it’s not yours).

•Don’t run over (by accident) the neighborhood kids (parents frown on that).

Be Friendly to Everyone

If your neighbor(s) complain to you Not all neighborhoods have code about tow trucks parked in their neighenforcement officers or parking con- borhood, politely listen to their comtrollers lurking around every corner. If plaint(s) and don’t argue.

If you’re a driver and neighbors your company is fortunate enough to not have neighbors complaining, it’s impor- complain to you, advise your company’s tant to conduct some pre-damage control owner. For tow owners/drivers who to keep your company’s name in your aren’t neighbor friendly and create excesneighbor’s good graces. Unhappy neigh- sive noise during late-hour responses, bors are the number one reason a munic- expect your neighborhood’s Nose to complain. Once a complaint is ipality responds to filed against your trucks or at neighborhood comthe driver’s residence, code plaints to observe and enforcement will conduct freevaluate the legality of quent drive-bys to see that code parked tow trucks and law‘s aren’t violated. At worst, maybe research the some neighbor may take on validity of your busihoodlum-like tendencies by ness permit. vandalizing your tow truck, The following bulboogers in the fuel tanks, cut lets suggest how to fly Randall C. Resch is a retired tires, stolen equipment, broken “under the radar” in California police officer and windows, scratched paint, etc., making your tow trucks has been involved in the towit’s all costly and leads to violent less than conspicuous. ing and recovery industry for and unnecessary confrontations.

Consider the following: 40 years as a tow business •Don’t park more owner, consultant, and manthan one tow truck at Park Someplace Else ager. He is a freelance your home at one time If your community doesn’t writer/photographer and is (multiple cites are allow tow trucks to park at your American Towman’s Operacostly). residence, consider the option of tion’s Editor. Email Randy at •If parked in your parking elsewhere. Obviously, rreschran@aol.com. driveway, keep the deck parking elsewhere may impact

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your driver’s attitude and or response times. Taking calls from home only to drive to the tow trucks location, and then head towards the call means response times may suffer. This may spark an inquiry from your area’s tow boss or auto club’s area rep. The usual outcome in having to make up time means unsafe vehicle operations, speeding tickets and possibly having an accident.

We know that operating a towing biz in a tough economy is an important component of doing business. If you can’t park a tow truck at your home or your driver’s home, perhaps it’s time to look into acquiring your own facility. Establishing driver rotation(s) may be in order to avoid continuous enforcement or legal procedures against your business. Can your business afford to rent, lease or buy a facility to conduct operations? Should your business park and or stage trucks elsewhere? Can you agree with other businesses to leave your truck at their location?

The Bottom-Line It’s easy to see the bottom-line here. If your community’s muni-code says it’s illegal to park tow trucks in residential districts, well, it’s illegal period! Municipalities usually won’t make exceptions simply because you serve law enforcement.

Remember the good ole’ neighborhood Nose mentioned before? If for any reason you’ve made them mad at you or thumbed your nose at them for complaining, you made an enemy for life. Now, it’s their official life’s journey to complain about anything related to your business.

As long as your tow truck remains in their neighborhood, anticipate your share of the battle. I say it’s not worth it to you and your business. If you’ve got a parking problem, resolve it soon before it winds up costing you valuable time, money and confrontation.

The link below is a perfect example of one city’s firm stance against a tow business owner.

Save the link to “Favorites”, open and navigate to Section 4 C, Page 4 of 8. http://www.ci.oakdale.ca.us/images /stories/Public%20Works/Traffic/4-1610.pdf

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We arrived with a Miller 75-ton rotator and a 60-ton rotator with a combined weight of 140,000 pounds.

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n February 8, 2007 Johnson’s Wrecker Service received a call from a customer requesting we respond to the Sand Mine Company to recover a track-hoe.

Junior and Dennis Johnson responded to survey the scene and to inspect the track-hoe. Upon arrival the customer informed Junior and Dennis that they were the third company requested to respond to the scene of the incident. What better motivation than to complete a job others found just too challenging.

The customer took Junior and Dennis to the pit so they could assess the situation, decide if they would accept the challenge and offer a quote.

by Robert Johnson

Out of the Pit

The Donnie* Award for HD Recovery Sponsored by Miller Industries and B/A Products

*The Donnie Cruse Memorial Recovery Award 38 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

We'll take it!

What better motivation than a job others found too challenging.

Johnson's Wrecker Service used extra-long heavy timbers to spread out weight due to the instability of the recovery area.

When they arrived at the pit only one small corner of the track-hoe was visible. Junior inquired about the area where the track-hoe was located and was informed that the area was very soft and certainly not very stable. This is the point where other recovery companies turned down the job.

Junior requested the customer have the area leveled out and compacted as much as possible. After the estimated cost of the recovery was agreed upon,

The dive team from Russell's Towing assisted in getting the track-hoe hooked up.

Junior informed the customer he and his crew would return the following morning to start the recovery.

While on his return to the office, Junior contacted Russell’s Towing to request Russell’s dive team for a 10 a.m. recovery time the following morning. Upon Junior’s return to the office, we discussed the situation along with Robert Hicks. I began working on the calculations. I found the weight of track-hoe to be between 55,000 to 57,000 pounds. I then added 50% for resistance bringing the weight to 85,500 pounds. I then divided 8 winch lines into 85,500 pounds to arrive at about 11,000 pounds per line. This is well under the working load limit of the ¾ inch wire rope we would be using. I calculated it could be done with one wrecker but being on a soft ledge, I wanted to insure my wrecker would sit still without moving or sinking.

The following morning, February 9th, all the players arrived at the office at 7 a.m. We inspected all of our rigging to insure its good working condition. We knew this would be a one chance opportunity. The team arrived at the sand pit at about 7:30.

This would be the first time Byron Coleman and I would view the recovery together. The customer had pumped 2 feet of water from the pit.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 39

This allowed us to see the direction of the tracks and boom face. We were concerned about the stability of the recovery area and its ability to support the weight of the two heavy wreckers.

We arrived with a Miller 75- ton rotator and a 60- ton rotator with a combined weight of 140,000 pounds. We decided to use extra long heavy timbers to spread out the load on the outriggers.

While setting up the 75- ton rotator for the recovery we discovered the hydraulic oil pressure to be extremely low and barely able to operate. Dennis Johnson contacted Miller Industries for instructions to solve the problem.

Armed with the information received from Miller, Dennis grabbed his tools, climbed under the rotator and adjusted the pressure valve on the PTO as it had come loose. After 30 minutes the repair was complete.

Once the wreckers were in position, we began rigging our winch lines

40 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

with four 12-ton snatch blocks allowing for 8 lines to the load. Next we attached 5/8 grade 80 alloy chains to the snatch blocks with 17-ton screwpin anchor shackles to the track-hoe.

To insure nothing could become disconnected, we placed duct tape and tie-wires to every hook and latch.

While Johnson’s team set up the rotators and rigging, Russell’s dive team made their way to the track-hoe. During the a.m. meeting we planned where and how each of the 8 lines would be used and attached. With Russell’s dive team in place, we lowered the lines into the pit in order to avoid any confusion. The decent went perfectly.

Once the winch lines were attached and latched along with the addition of the duct tape and wire ties, it was time for the final inspection. Once the dive team emerged from the pit, the wreckers were set exactly where they needed to be and all personnel cleared the

ridge, Byron and I moved approximately 350 feet from the rotators and utilized our remote controls allowing for a clear view of both rotators and the track-hoe.

It was now 1:30 pm when we began pulling the right-side first to up-right the track-hoe. About halfway through the up-righting process, I began pulling on the left side to spin the track-hoe. It fell right into place.

Boom down. I decided boom down would make the recovery easier at the top of the pit. Keeping a close eye on the Miller rotators, we began winching the track-hoe up the side of the pit. We were aware the rotators would stand up a bit because the booms were all the way out. We did this to help clear the edge of the pit and to keep from increasing any erosion at the edge of the pit. The recovery up the side of the pit went very smooth with a little side to side steering with our remote controls and boom retraction.

The rotators did not need to be moved throughout the recovery process on the track-hoe.

The Donnie Award is presented by American Towman Magazine and WreckMaster.

Robert Johnson accepted the Donnie Award for HD Recovery 2010.

We were finally able to get the track-hoe where it needed to be without relocating the rotators. At 3:05 pm the track-hoe was at the top of the pit and stable enough to allow Byron and myself to relocate our rotators and re-rig for a pick and swing between the two wreckers. The sand was very soft and gave us a little trouble cribbing the out-riggers for the lift. We double stacked our timbers and compressed them onto the ground with the out-riggers and were finally able to stabilize both rotators. After the track-hoe was in a proper place, Sand Mine personnel backed their low-boy trailer under the track-hoe for placement, securement and finally transport.

With some mid-air maneuvering of the track-hoe it was easily lowered onto the Sand Mine Co. lowboy for transport.

Email your recovery stories to bdooley@towman.com TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 41

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Wrecker Parade Honors Owner Bob Johnson of Rochester, N.H., died Dec. 31, 2010, from heart disease. Johnson owned Bob’s Towing and Repair for 26 years. More than 30 tow truck operators from throughout New England paraded their rigs through downtown Rochester on Jan. 6, 2011, in his honor.

Corey Crossman, of Dover, said Johnson helped him start up his own towing business. He said the parade allowed Johnson to have one last ride in his truck as his cremated remains rode in one of the tow trucks.

Crossman said people were very eager to help with the memorial parade. He added that the parade offers a way for many people to say their goodbyes in a more familiar setting. Source: fosters.com

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The Mystique of The Order

By Steve Calitri

Join Lis At Our

[Jpcoming

Hands -On Classes

W

tion to the community his hy are tow company serves and to the business towing and recovery trade. owners The inscription on the Cross traveling (below the arrow being from the far corners of the pulled back on the bow) nation to Baltimore to be underscores this dedication. pinned with a maltese It reads: Intendo Fidelis, cross, saluting one another Latin for Aim True. like ancient Roman centuriOnce pinned, the recipions? The Towman Order Drew Zuccala is a ents of the Cross are “Caphas piqued the curiosity of new Captain of towing professionals, The Order. Robert tains of The Order.” As if to say, no privates here, we are industry suppliers and the Maietta, below, was awarded a all leaders. As part of the country’s police chiefs since 2nd Cross. oath, the new Captains its inception in 2007. swear to work with AmeriThe ceremony has can Towman towards betdeeply touched the towers tering the towing industry. who take an oath when The ceremony also receiving the Cross of The comes with learning the Order, and those who pin Towman Order salute, the this maltese cross on their embrace, and farewell. The chests, usually their better salute is the raising of the halves. Police chiefs who right arm, bent like a tow have attended have been awed by the attitude that towers hook. Of course. The embrace is the have about their relationship with linking of these hooks (arms). The the police, which is reflected in The farewell is again the salute.

The 2010 recipients of The Order Order’s rite of passage.

A tower is nominated for The of Towman are listed at Order of Towman by his or her local towman.com. Just click on the police chief, citing extreme dedica- Awards icon.

New Foundland ,PA 23 Januar y 29-30 Emlenton , PA March 5-6 Gumberlin ,MD 23 March 5-6 Sacramento ,CA 23 March 12-13 Sac ramento ,CA 45 March 16-17 Sacramento ,CA 67 March 18-20 Harrisbur g ,PA 23 March 19-20 Cochranville ,PA 45 March 26-27 Penningto n,Ni 23 April 2-3 Cochranv ille ,PA 67 Ap ril 8- 10 Pittsbur g h,PA 23 A p ril 9-10 Newbur g h,NY 23 A p ril 16-17 Milwauk ee, W I 23 A p ril 23-24 Do lgeville,NY 23 April 30 - May 1 Lyons ,OR 23 May G7 Allentown ,PA 23 M ay 7-8 Richmond ,IN 23 May 7-8

George Quint being pinned by his wife Dianna.

Allentown , PA 45 May 14-15 Newburg h,N Y 4 5 May 14-15 Chicag o ,IL 23 May 1 5- 1 G Roc khill ,SC 23 Ma y 17-18 Baltimore , MD 45 Ma y 21-22 Way mart ,PA 23 J une 4-5 New Rampton ,IA 23 J une 7-8 Golden ,CO 23 June 1 7-12 Golden ,CO 67 J une 14-16 New Ram pton ,IA 23 July 19-20 New Ram pton ,IA 23 A ug ust 23-24

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50 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Mark Your Calendar for AT EXPO XXlll Nov. 18 - 20, 2011

1-800 IM STUCK AAA AASP-PA Access Tools & Equipment Allstate Roadside Services American Eagle Accessories Group American Towman Magazine AmeriDeck Anchor Graphics ARI-Hetra AstraLease Associates Asurion Roadside Assistance

Atlantic Braids/TowWithRope.com pg. 34 Atlas Flasher & Supply Co. pg. 50 ATSA Rating pg. 24 AutoData Direct AW Direct Bad Dog Tools

B/A Products Company pg. 68 Bailey’s Towing Accessories

Beacon Software pg. 54

Big Iron Consulting Brevini Power Transmission C3 Location Systems Car-Part.com Cash 4 Cars CBIP Management

Century Wreckers pg. 2, 3 Chevron, Inc. pg. 29

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Custer Products pg. 32 Danco Products Dawgs Footwear Dangelo Auto Body

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Dual-Tech, Inc. pg. 33 Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. pg. 13

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Holmes Wreckers I Tow In In The Ditch Independent Garage & Towing Contr.

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Hino Motor Sales USA pg. 36, 37

Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing pg. 16 Intergis Int’l Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum

Jerr-Dan Corporation pg. 72 JunkMyCar.com Kalyn Siebert Korotkin Insurance Group

Landoll Corporation pg. 21 Lift and Tow pg. 4

Lodar Martens Johnson Insurance Massage Corner Massaging Insoles

Matheny Motors pg. 17 Matjack/Int’l Wreckers pg. 33

Metro Tow Trucks USA Miller Industries Towing Equipment

Minute Man Mfg., Inc. pg. 34 Minuteman Spill Response MPH Industries Muncie Power Products

National Automobile Club pg. 32 Nation Safe Drivers (NDS) pg. 42

National Fleet Products Navistar/International Trucks NBB Controls Ningbo Kingone Industrial Ningbo Longxin Machinery Factory Nissan Diesel America (UD)

North American BanCard pg. 6

Energy Safe Tech./Power Safe Jumper Cables pg. 28 Equipment Sales & Service pg. 42, 50

NRC Industries Olson & Company Penny Pockets Permco Phoenix USA Photo Card Specialists

Finex Group pg. 16

Pillow Protection Corporation Prime Industries Professional Dispatch Services (PDSI) Progressive Commercial Insurance

East Coast Truck & Trailer

Excel Sportswear Extreme Toys Eye3Data Federal Signal

FleetNet America Ford Commercial Truck Free State Nam Knights Gaither Tool GEICO GM Fleet and Commercial Goodall Mfg.

Pierce Arrow pg. 25

Powerhouse Inds./VAL6HEAT pg. 28 Purpose Wrecker Sales pg. 28

Quest Towing Services RAM Trucks/Chrysler Fleet Operations

Ramsey Winch pg. 12 Ranger SST RC Industries

Recovery Specialist Insurance Group Road America Motor Club Robert Young Wrecker Sales ROI Protective Tapes

Rush Towing Systems pg. 44

Steck Mfg. pg. 43

Stertil-Koni USA Summit Software Supersprings International Superwinch Talbert Manufacturing TCF Equipment Finance Tech International Teletrac The CCTV Doctor The Corporate Thread The Insurance Professionals The Johnston Insurance Group The Rickenbacker Group Tow Canada Towing & Recovery Profs. of Maryland

Towing.com pg. 71

Towing Guru TowPartners towXchange TRAA Tracker Management Systems Trail-Eze Trailers Transfer Flow Transit Pros

Transportation Info Systems (TIS) pg. 48 Travis Barlow Insurance pg. 48 Traxxis GPS Solutions Tribal Iron Trinity Transportation Services Truck Country Trucker’s Guide United States Auto Club/MD USFleetTracking Corp.

Vulcan Industries pg. 23 Warn Industries pg. 43

West End Service Whelen Engineering Company Will•Burt Wireless Links Wireless Matrix

Worldwide Equipment Sales pg. 43 WreckMaster pg. 49 Zacklift International Zip’s Truck Equipment

TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 51

The Heroics of Modest Men 2010 American Towman Medal Recipients Towman Medal Sponsors Official Tow Truck: Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. Official HD Wrecker/Rotator: NRC Industries Official Truck Chassis: Dodge Ram

Nathan McGinnis, Interstate Towing, Holyoke, Mass.

Robbie and Skip Speed, Speed’s Garage, Mellenville, N.Y. The Chief of the Mellenville Fire Company, James Winters, nominated Robbie and Skip Speed for the Towman Commendation for their “fast and professional service” that he said saved the life of a driver trapped in his car that flipped in a ditch.

Towman Commendation

Scott Patterson, Patterson’s Wrecker, Blacksburg, S.C. Scott Patterson quickly surveyed the surroundings and the safety issues for a truck driver at the scene of an overturned tractor trailer on I-85 where the driver was pinned beneath the vehicle and wrapped around a guard rail. He hooked the tractor and advised emergency personnel that he was going to lift the truck slowly and enough so that the driver could be freed. The driver was out within 15 minutes with minor injuries.

Towman Commendation

Scott Mullen, Moon’s Towing Service, Jefferson, La. A garbage truck fell into a large, six-feet deep hole in Kenner, La.; one of the hoppers riding on the back of the truck became pinned underneath. Moon’s Towing lifted the truck enough for fire fighters to get him out. He suffered a fractured pelvis, but his injuries were not life threatening because of the expert handling of the wrecker by Mullen.

Towman Commendation 52 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

Nate responded within seven minutes to a call for a trapped motorcyclist beneath a Ford F-150. The Incident Commander on the scene cited Nate’s focus on directions from him under stress while quickly following commands and asking pertinent questions in a rescue that took only minutes following his arrival on scene.

Towman Commendation

Mike Searle, Pendleton’s Towing, West Jordan, Utah At the scene of a DUI arrest with vehicle impound, Searle pulled an officer out of harm’s way when a car came speeding down the road and would have killed the officer, according to surveillance footage. He received the Citizen of the Year designation by the West Jordan Police Department.

Towman Commendation

Robert Schear, Mackey’s Towing, Hightstown, N.J. A tractor-trailer struck another that slammed into the back of a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, crushing the car up to the back of the driver’s seat, and pushing it into a third tractortrailer. The female driver was trapped in the Chevy. It all occurred across the street from Mackey’s Towing; Schear, driver Rob Yasuk and others at Mackey’s rushed out to assist township firefighters and EMS. Schear was outside and saw the whole accident as it unfolded. He ran right over to see if the driver was OK, but she was unresponsive. He said he stood there a minute and saw her breathe a few times. Yasuk said Schear used a heavy tow truck to lift the trailer off the car while another truck was used to pull the car free to get the victim out.

Towman Commendation

Christopher Dunn, Dunn’s Wrecker Service, Raleigh, N.C. Rounding a bend, Dunn heard a loud crash and saw that the vehicle ahead of him hit a tree and the interior caught fire. Two 17-year-old girls were still in the car; the driver trying to get out, but her hip was broken in two places and her leg was broken.

Chris guided her to a safe place, called 9-1-1 and gave the phone to the driver.

Back at the car, he discovered the passenger was not alive, he opened the door and carried her body to safety.

Her father expressed gratitude from the family that they were able to have an open-casket funeral.

American Towman Medal

Kyle Evans, Fuller’s Towing, Canton, Texas Evans was driving his wrecker on I-20 in Terrell, Texas when he saw a tragic, four-vehicle chain reaction crash where an SUV burst into flames. He ran toward the fire and pulled one body from the wreckage. He saw two dead children inside as well. When he moved the car’s airbag, he spotted a man still alive, with his eyes looking around and his hands fluttering. Evans threw a blanket over his head and arm, told him to hold on and pulled him from the vehicle.

American Towman Medal

Keith Leathers and Jeremy Dorsey, Bill’s Towing, Baraboo,Wis. During heavy storms, Leathers and Dorsey responded in the early morning to a car caught in raging waters. En route with his flatbed, Dorsey had trouble navigating over a flooded bridge and called Leathers to take his wrecker a different route. Leathers even had to winch a tree from the roadway on his route. The car was partially off the roadside, on a bridge, being pushed by raging waters. A log was pushing the car farther off the road and the water was up to the seat of the car, with an elderly woman inside. She was panicked and out of oxygen from her tank.

Dorsey sat in the car and tried to calm her, while Leathers hooked up the car and winched it as fast as he could fighting the current as the weather and torrent got worse. Leathers got the car stabilized, they removed the scooter from her trunk and delivered her home.

American Towman Medal

Good Ink and One Amazing Buckle

G

oogle the Towman ACE and you’ll see local newspapers from around the nation giving our industry good ink for a change. What pops up are sundry articles lauding towers who have received this prestigious award for service excellence…tow companies that rank in the top one percent of the trade for service reliability. An article in Merced, Calif. went further than the information included in the press release sent out, as many of these papers do, and talked about how Advanced Roadside Towing has donated its services to their community through several non- profit programs.

The Aroostook Repuplican reported that C&J Service Center of Caribou, Maine and brothers Milo and John Haney have received the Towman ACE award for the third time.

Many other ACE recipients have proudly showcased their ACE Certificate on their internet site, as has American Eagle Towing in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Hayles Towing from Jackson, Miss. on its web site noted motor clubs who nominated towers for the ACE. The Sun Journal article on J&J Towing in Santa Clarita, Calif. and northern Colorado’s Greeley Tribune in its article on Another Towing Company (that’s the name) also noted nominating clubs. So did the Idaho Statesman reporting on Pegasus Transport & Towing in Boise receiving the ACE. The Towman ACES who trekked to Baltimore, of course, received the 2010 ACE Buckle, pictured on this page. While these towers found the Exposition well worth their time, the Buckle alone was well worth the trip.

The support of the motor clubs sponsoring the 2010 ACE helped make the good ink and the legendary buckle a reality. They are: Asurion, Coach-Net, GEICO, National Automobile Club, and Nation Safe Drivers.

For a list of the 2010 ACE Recipients, go to towman.com and click on the Awards icon.

By Steve Calitri TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 53

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56 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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58 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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2008 Mack and Vulcan V70 60 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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62 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

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TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 63

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TOWMAN.COM - February 2011 • 67

Hino Engines Score High with Customers Hino Trucks engines rank highest in customer satisfaction among conven-

tional medium duty truck owners for a third year in a row according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Medium Duty Truck Engine and Transmission Customer Satisfaction Study.

The study measured customer perceptions of 2009 model year Class 5, 6

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77

enas a it . ailab Ie. : Number 147 on Reader Card

and 7 gasoline and diesel engines, and provided manufacturers with a comprehensive and objective measure of customer satisfaction with the products and related dealer service. Eight factors are measured to determine overall engine satisfaction and include: engine reliability and dependability; accessibility to components for service/maintenance; engine warranty; engine control module; maintaining speeds on grades; average fuel economy; vibration at idle; and acceleration when fully loaded.

In addition to the engine award, Hino Trucks ranks highest among conventional medium duty trucks in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Medium Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study.

During the 2011 Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Hino, the world leader in commercial truck hybrid technology, will introduce its next generation proprietary hybrid system in a newly designed class 4 and 5 cab over engine truck line-up. Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Co., assembles, sells and services class 4-7 commercial trucks in the United States and is headquartered in Novi, Mich.

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Number 108 on Reader Card

68 • February 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

SIDE RECOVERY

GUIDES

See our Web Site for Videol

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Copyright 2009 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

Effective Internet Advertising

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We don 't oversell it, our plan is simple: Charge a low monthly rate and make sure thai you get an excellent valne for your money.

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One way we are adding valne right now is thai featured listings can directly benefit from the simple Towing.com domain. See below more information on this great new feature. It is offered at no additional cost.

There is no contract or commitment , so we earn your business every month. If you find we oren t worth the $45 per month, just cancel.

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Introducing the Jerr-Dan® XLP-6 Low Profile Car Carrier The new XLP-6 low profile car carrier from Jerr-Dan features low deck height, a better 10.5° load angle and comes with a 3-year warranty. A dual-angle deck is available to handle super low load angles. And, with 6-ton capacity and 3,500 lb wheel lift, you’ve got performance without compromise.

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An Oshkosh Corporation Company. The Jerr-Dan name and Jerr-Dan logo are registered trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation. ©2010 Jerr-Dan Corporation.

Number 124 on Reader Card