recommendations on extrication tools

Our mutual aid group has started an extrication/rescue unit. We currently have 2 sets of extrication tools that were purchased used a few years ago. With all the new metals in vehicles now, we're looking to purchase new tools in the near future.
Any recommendations and why?
Anything will be appreciated

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeremy T Bell on November 25, 2008 at 7:44pm

this really depends on what your department what your department wants to spend. We just taught an extrication class this weekend. Our old single stage 6000psi hurst performed fine. Slow, but fine. Our new 10500 two stage Lancier did good and cut fast. As far as power, TNT offers the most. Weight wise with power, I would say holmotro. They offer a wide selection of extrication gear, spreaders, combi tools, single and dual rams, cutters. I used a set at the Katy rescue school, and was pretty impressed.

Attachments:

Rescue Tools VERSION 09 2007.pdf, 5.7 MB

Permalink Reply by Sean Smith on November 27, 2008 at 10:24pm

TNT All The Way..

Permalink Reply by Luc Gervais on November 28, 2008 at 11:18am

For my oppinion i work at 1 department and we uses genesis and we don't like the tool. It was the low bid and that was what they went with. The other 2 department that i work for use Amkus and so far every body likes them. I also am an amkus service technician and if i had the choice there is only 2 brand of tools i would go 4. (Amkus or halmatro).

regards Luc

Permalink Reply by Gary Lee Brooks on November 28, 2008 at 6:12pm

TNT is the best available. We use both TNT and Hurst, I perfer TNT. The Hurst is very dependable and strong, but very heavy. Our Departments Hurst tools are over 20 years old and work great; our TNT tools are less than 1 year old super light and strong. Never get combo tools because you loose something in the process. If you don't have a ram you can use the spreaders and leave them in place while useing the cutters, if you only have a combo you are limited in ability.

Permalink Reply by Patrick on November 28, 2008 at 7:43pm

My department has Amkus, but I've used Genesis and Halmatro.. I'd go with Amkus over all other's. Our department's tools are 16 yrs old and haven't had any problems with them. We just replace the cutter blades this year.

Permalink Reply by mean15 on December 10, 2008 at 4:22pm

"TNT is the best available"??
That's what happens when you compare new TNT with 20 year Hurst. Get your hands on some of the new stuff before you jump to conclusions.

We're firefighters, not accountants. If you can't throw a Hurst tool around, maybe you should be spending time in the gym instead of on the computer.

Permalink Reply by lutan1 on December 12, 2008 at 3:27pm

Tandy, unfortunately these topics on discussion forums end up getting you nowehere as everyone has their own opinion and reasosn behind their tools!!!! (For me, it's Holmatro!)

I'd suggest you get each dealer in and go the hack on as many vehciles as possible with each set of tools.

You also need to weigh up compatability with your exisiting tools (If that is an issue).

And finally you need to weigh up budget allocaiton for the tools.

Permalink Reply by Michael Bates on December 16, 2008 at 2:39pm

quality tools are important, each have their pros and cons and it will be up to your company to decide what is right for you. I have experience with Hurst, TNT, and holmatro. They all move metal effectivly. The more important issue your Rescue co. needs to address is getting the proper extrication training. You may be able to operate the tool, but can you really use it effectivly. That all comes back to training.

Permalink Reply by Asst Chief Tim Cook on January 28, 2009 at 10:00pm

Over many years and many friends(and classes)I've used about every rescue tool ever made including the Kinman tool.I have my favorites but I find most techs tend to recommend the tool they're most familiar with.That being said,I CAN tell you they all beat a hacksaw and a porto-power when they're working right. I have taken a liking to the ResQTek EWO line.The Combi-FX6 is a good all around tool.Probably does 60% of the pin jobs we have.Beyond that heavy iron is required. Always a good idea to see what your neighbors have,product familiarity between agencies is NEVER a bad thing.

Permalink Reply by Bruce M Chapman on February 5, 2009 at 4:56pm

After 24 years in the business, I have seen alot of tools. Buy far the new Homatro Cutters and spreaders get my vote and trust me i have cut alot of vehicles apart.Jeremy is right homatro is the way to go for most depts.

Permalink Reply by Rob on February 14, 2009 at 2:20am

Here is what I would suggest...

Who sells/services hydraulic rescue tools in your area?
What manufacturers can they service?
What manufacturers do they sell?
What is turn-around time for typical repairs/service (I snapped a hydraulic fitting off, or annual service of equipment, ect.) vs. down time of your primary tools?
What have your guys used/trained with?
What kind of extrications do you typically respond on?
Do you have the money to get the big boy toys or are you still going to rely on the neighbors for that stuff?

Once you have answered these questions, go ahead and look at what others have to say. Like Lutan1 said, a lot of it is personal preference, others may have technical reasons for their likes/dislikes.

I personally have used Amkus, Genesis, and Hurst. I would never spend a dime on Amkus after breaking 2 different sets of spreaders in two different classes under normal use (not doing anything outlandish). I am not a fan of Hurst simply based on how heavy they are vs. tip pressure. I have used Genesis in many applications (training, actual call response, and product demos) and if I have the choice I go with them. I have never had a tool failure outside of the (in my eyes) slight design flaw where the hydraulic lines are tapped right in to the end of the handle and an inexperienced FF will almost certainly place a tool in a way where the fitting will get broke when rotational forces push it in to the ground. Of course this is a training issue, but some things just keep happening no matter how much you train. Thank god we have a Genesis dealer/authorized service center in our county so I can make a 20 minute drive and usually have this repaired in the time it takes to go down the road and eat some chicken wings.

I have heard a lot of good things about Holmatro so I would not rule them out for you if they woudl work well where you are, but we have no local dealer so I would not want to go that route here for logistical reasons.

Permalink Reply by Michael McClennen on March 6, 2009 at 6:05pm

We are currently looking to upgrade our extrication equipment also, Here is the things I would look at first make sure the tool is capable of cutting the exotic metals then I would try to get as many manufactures as you can come in and demo their equipment.