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

1 member likes this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tandy Young on March 9, 2009 at 11:18pm

holmatro taught the extrication course through the Alabama Fire College. they do have a fine tool (I love the single hyd line concept) but the only issue we had with them was the metod of engaging power. there was some concern about wet gloves & being able to keep a grip on the tool.
TNT had some interesting items that I looked at a Leadership Conference. Hurst was represented also. to be honest, so many goodies- so little money ha! we're gonna try for a grant for a new pumper rig and equipment. one of the items that our department wants to try for is extrication tools.

Permalink Reply by donald larry couey on March 10, 2009 at 11:30am

the hurst is so heavy and you can not keep a grip on it say with the holmatro because thats what we use in the department they have great tools

Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on April 12, 2009 at 11:08pm

The new Hurst tools are comparable in weight to other brands. I've never heard of anyone not being able to keep a grip on any Hurst tools other than a 30-year old set that had all of the knurling worn off the grips.

Permalink Reply by Adam Mardis on April 17, 2009 at 5:05pm

All dealers that I have had experience with are more than willing to let them prove to you there tool is the best. Use this to your advantage. I have used Amkus as a Heavy Rescue unit and I have used Holmatro as a Rescue Pumper. Both are good but both have there flaws too. What I think you need to remember over all and it's what do we intend to do? If you want to be able to start extriction until a Heavy Rescue gets on scene or you just want to pop a door then go with that. If your wanting to eventually be a Heavy Rescuen Unit then go with what you can use as building blocks for the future. You dont want to be having to replace every tool in 5 years because it obsolete to your direction of Unit operation. Also training as mentioned in other blogs is very important. You may be set as a unit with tools but should be training your team for atleast 2-3 months on all types of vehicles that are in your responce area before going online with your Rescue Unit and rescue tools. This may mean calling in another person or department that is experienced in this area to help and over see. As a last note... look at what your neighboring departments are using and use that as an evaluation tool.

Permalink Reply by LT. Darrell Wright on April 22, 2009 at 11:08am

TNT is the best over all,but you can't go wrong with Hurst. We use both and have no problem them, but if your looking for a light tool with a lot of power, go with the TNT.If you don't mind the weight and a slower tool time, Hurst will work for you, and you can find tons of used Hurst tools. But if i had to take just one, it would be the TNT.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Burr on July 21, 2009 at 10:24pm

I feel your department should review all the different companys equipment. Also find out what type warranty they offer, loaner equipment if your tools go down. ask question. and see if the dealer will let your dept. demo for a period of time.

Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on July 30, 2009 at 12:50am

Genesis has the most power of any current power hydraulic tools, and they're the only ones with cutter and combi-tool blades rated to cut boron and boron alloys. New Hurst tools are comparable to new tools from pretty much any other manufacturer. Yes, their are a lot of 30-year old Hurst tools around, but if you're comparing tools, compare apples to apples.

Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on July 30, 2009 at 12:53am

Holmatro Core hoses have two big problems...

1) With the pressure side of the circuit buried inside the return hose, you can't inspect the power hose.
2) There are heat buildup problems with extended use, because the pressure hose can't shed heat to the envronment...also because of the return hose being wrapped around it.

If you want an efficient single-coupling technology, go with the two-hose/single coupling technology that Hurst and Genesis use.

Permalink Reply by Eddie Rogers on July 31, 2009 at 2:46am

First of all good luck, that's a big responsibility to take on.

Secondly, I would advise you to see what type and brand tools your mutual aid partners use. On large and extended rescues interoperability is a must. Also consider what brands are sold and serviced in your area. Demo as many different tools as possible. Put them all throught the paces. Get recommendations from instructors in your area. They should be able to give alot of advice.

I hope all goes well no matter what tool you decide.

Permalink Reply by Allen Ray Corey j.r. on April 27, 2010 at 1:28am

Thank you

Permalink Reply by Lisa Harmon on August 8, 2010 at 12:14pm

on my truck most of my equipment is hurst i have one man and two man jaws and o cutters....i have used a number of different brands....in my opionion it's not the brand but make sure you practice with your equipment and make sure your members knows how to use the equipment proficiantly.....i just took over rescue officer recently but i am starting to have training classes to make sure my guys knows how to use it properly

Permalink Reply by Asst Chief Tim Cook on August 9, 2010 at 12:16pm