For the hard-working towing proFessional

VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 | jANUARy 2008

www.jerr-dan.com An Oshkosh Truck Corporation Company

PAgE 10 Side

RecoveRy SyStem

PAgE 4 No Limits

PAgE 16 ALL iN the

fAmiLy

Jerr-dAN owNer profiLeHammett’s Wreckers has no limits.

CompANy News/ who’s who

produCt profiLeSide Recovery System busiNess mANAgemeNtThe future for tow trucks — diesel-electric hybrids are here. mANufACturiNgQuality processes ensure quality products.

CompANy NewsAmerican Towman Expo 2007 Roundup

Jerr-dAN owNer profiLeAlong with family, valued employees arethe backbone of this Florida operation.

distributor profiLeTodd Equipment Inc.Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers produCt review

show & go

ruNNiNg hArd

iNterNAtioNAL review

our missionTo provide you with timely information about towing and recovery equipment technology, products and safety. “Since 1992”

Run Hard is published on behalf of Jerr-Dan Corporation, an Oshkosh Truck Corporation Company, and Jerr-Dan Distributors. Editorial office: 1233 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-0803. Phone: (800) 547-7377. E-mail: RunHard@cygnusb2b.com. Printed in the United States, © 2008 Jerr-Dan Corporation Volume 16, Number 4, January 2008. For Canada: Agreement Number 40064547.

WoRk SmaRteRNot HaRdeR

RUN HaRd v o l . 1 5 , n o . 1 m a r c h 2 0 0 6

3

For the hard-working towing proFessional

Contents

vol.16, no.4 january 2008

Comment

n today’s business environment, working smarter isn’t just a good idea. In many cases it’s a business

survival strategy. Here at Jerr-Dan, we recognize the

importance of working smarter — this realization is one of our driving forces to develop towing equipment that helps you work smarter. After all, working smarter increases your bottom line!

At this year’s American Towman Expo, held November 16-18 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Jerr-Dan displayed numerous products to help you work smarter:

• Side Recovery System (SRS). The SRS is engineered and built for the most demanding recovery jobs. This ingenious unit is both a carrier and a wrecker — all in one — and it delivers the ultimate in versatility. For more information on the SRS, see Pages 10-11.

• Rotator. This 60-ton heavy-duty powerhouse is a combination of heavy-duty capabilities, incredible rotation, unsurpassed pulling capacity and superior design. It features a boom that rotates a full 360 degrees, is rated at 120,000 lbs. while the boom is retracted and can handle a side pull of more than 68,000 lbs. No matter what the situation, extreme stability is provided

by the widest double outrigger spread in the industry: 112 by 264 in.

• MPL. As part of the Jerr-Dan MPL Series, which includes the redesigned MPL wrecker as well as the MPL40 wrecker, the MPL is prepared to work even harder than before. Best-in-class visibility, a long underlift reach, patented LOCKLINK overcenter L-Arm, Standard Underlift Level Stop Assist System,

greaseless major pivot points and a motorcycle adapter are all top reasons to make this wrecker yours.

• Pioneer Steel Carrier. These carriers set the standard for towing and recovery performance. They last longer with less maintenance because all major pivot points are greaseless. Available with removable rails or optional polished aluminum rails, each has a 10,000-lb. capacity.

At Jerr-Dan, we do it all with this goal in mind: to help you work smarter by

creating quality equipment that works every time — and lasts — so your time is freed up to concentrate on what you do best: handle the tough tows.

i

Working smarter is a business survival strategy.

Let us help. We know how hard you run.

Jeff weller, president

WWW.jeRR-daN.com

4

6

10

12

14

15

16

18

22242627

hen Scott Hammett describes his career as a wrecker driver,

he readily admits, “If you cut me open, I’d bleed wrecker.” Since 1985, Hammett Wrecker Service, Henderson, Texas, has carved out a niche serving the oil field industry in east Texas. No job is too difficult, or too far away. Heavy-duty Jerr-Dan wreckers have hauled 140,000-lb. pumping units throughout a four-state area. Hammett Wrecker is a full-service operation with 10 employees. Whether it’s an oil rig that’s tipped

over, a loaded semitrailer blocking a road, or even a house in the way of a development project, Hammett will tow it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fleet includes four Jerr-Dan heavy-duty wreckers and two rollbacks. All rollbacks are Jerr-Dan standard-duty models with 21-ft. beds. The heavy-duty wreckers are two triaxle HDL 1000/530 50-ton wreckers, one on an International chassis and the other on a Western Star. The 35-ton 700/350 unit rides on an International and the 25-ton 500/280 sits on a Peterbilt chassis.

Looking for challenges Hammett started the company while he was a service manager at a local car dealership. He saw opportunities in the wrecker business working for municipalities. It wasn’t long before he branched out beyond the typical jobs of clearing accidents and pulling vehicles out of ditches. “I like the challenge of being told I can’t do something,” he says. “I’ve always had the ability to look at a situation and figure it out. We’ve had jobs on a one-lane road with a large vehicle off in a ditch and all

4 RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

W

Alan (Scott’s son, at left) and Scott Hammett say their heavy-duty Jerr-Dan wreckers have handled everything that’s been expected of them.

Owner Profile

No LimitShammett wrecker goes anywhere — and does anything

the angles are different. We really have to use our heads.” Heavy-duty experts The company’s level of expertise naturally led to oil field heavy recovery. Normal tows are 100,000 to 120,000 lbs. “We’re the only service in a 300-mile radius to tow work-over rigs,” Hammett says. “Our competitors simply can’t handle the weight. It’s a slow process. We’re often traveling 45 to 50 mph and the job could take five to 10 hours. But we’re well compensated.” For the past several years, Scott Hammett has been behind the wheel of the 50-ton Jerr-Dan on the Western Star chassis. “This vehicle handles the load like it wasn’t even back there,” he says. “For 12 years I was in a 40-ton wrecker made by another manufacturer and thought it didn’t get any better. But I have been thoroughly amazed by this Jerr-Dan. It makes me want to throw sticks at the other model. The Jerr-Dan just handles a load so much more easily and safely. It’s more operator-friendly than any truck I’ve ever driven, and I’ve been in everything under the sun.” Hammett especially likes the vehicle’s setup. “Jerr-Dan has a true tilt; not a lifting tilt,” he says. “I don’t have to pull the unit in forward or reverse by lowering or raising the tilt. And, the unit has great strength; I’m often looking at 42,000 lbs. on the front end. I could run down the highway, but I never tow anything faster than it’s supposed to be driven, which in the case of these rigs is 45 to 50 mph. The oil field people pay us for safety. With my HDL 1000/530 50-ton wrecker, I can get the rig up

in the air and am in complete control. I don’t worry about anything. I feel that comfortable with the Jerr-Dan. “What we do almost on a daily basis most wrecker services would love to do one time in a year,” Hammett continues. “We do this day in and day out; it’s normal for us. An experienced driver with a good piece of equipment can move big iron down the highway safely. There’s an art to this, and we’re an organization with the knowledge, ability and equipment.”

Good relationship with jerr-dan Hammett’s first rollback was a Jerr-Dan, and he’s never looked at another brand. “I’m pretty fond of them,” he says. “I had another model heavy-duty wrecker when I switched to a new 50-ton Jerr-Dan in 2005. It’s done everything I’ve expected it to do. Even some of our competitors have swapped after seeing what our

Jerr-Dans can do. They’re awesome units. I like a wrecker built from good quality materials. The unit might be a bit heavier, but we’ve had so much success with their technology. I had a brand-new truck from the competition, but it didn’t hold up to what I needed it to do. Our Jerr-Dans have out-performed them.” ■

oWNeR PRofiLe

Hammett Wrecker ServiceHenderson, Texas

jerr-dan fleet Profile:Wreckers: One HDL 500/280 25-ton heavy-duty wrecker One HDL 700/350 35-ton heavy-duty wrecker Two HDL 1000/530 50-ton heavy-duty wreckers

Carriers: Two standard-duty rollback carriers with 21-ft. steel beds

Services• Light-, medium- and heavy-duty towing and recovery• 24-hour roadside assistance• Vehicle storage

RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

5

Tool compartments allow the Hammett’s wreckers to have the tools to tackle any job.

This HDL 1000/530 50-ton Jerr-Dan wrecker has hauled 140,000-lb. pumping units throughout a four-state area.

WWW.jeRR-daN.com

Company News/Who’s Who

RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

6

Larry and Joyce Green, of Green’s Garage in Hampstead, Md., were the winners of Run Hard’s “Win a Trip to Nascar” contest. The Greens’ name was drawn as one of those that appeared in the magazine’s “Show & Go” and “Running Hard” sections through August 15, 2007.

The Greens joined Jerr-Dan staff for an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Texas Motor Speedway in early November. The all-inclusive package included airfare and hotel accommodations, motorcoach transportation to and from the race, all meals including lunch at the Speedway Club, race tickets for two, garage and pit access credentials and a welcome gift package. Would you like to be our next winner? Submit your photos for our “Show & Go” or “Running Hard” sections (See pages 24-26). You could be next year’s lucky winner!

a free triP tO NasCar!

Who’s WhoDenny Buhrman, Jerr-Dan product specialist, catches a few customer visits on film. Left to right: Linda Unruh of All-Rite Towing in Tucumcari, N.M., chats with Buhrman about Jerr-Dan’s Best-in-Class Carrier Series. James (Bozo) Cordover of Bozo’s Garage in Santa Rosa, N.M., talks it up with Buhrman about the new MPL Series. Chuck Day, left, and Jeff Day, center, of Meier Towing in northern Iowa, discuss the features and benefits of Jerr-Dan’s auto loading MPL40. Unfortunately, weeks after this photo was taken, Chuck passed away.

These images of Green’s Garage’s 21-ft. steel B.I.C. Jerr-Dan carrier appeared in the September 2007 issue.

Bristol trip winnersRonald and Carolyn Taylor of Taylor’s Towing and Auto Wrecking in Cottage Grove, Ore., attended the Sharpie 500 Nascar race in Bristol, Tenn., in August, courtesy of Jerr-Dan as the winners of the TowPartners/Jerr-Dan “Win a Trip to Bristol” Sweepstakes.

v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8RUN HaRd 7

Open HOuseWorldwide Equipment Sales recently celebrated with customers and vendors at the grand opening of their new 10,000-sq.-ft. facility in Rockdale, Ill.

The Jerr-Dan 60-ton Rotator was a centerpiece of the event. Photo at right: Jeff Ripley, pictured on the left, of Paddack’s Wrecker Service in Westfield, Ind., chats with customers about the Rotator’s features.

upComiNg shows

April 3-6Florida Tow ShowCoronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney WorldOrlando, Fla.www.floridatowshow.com

April 3-6Florida Independent Tow ShowFlorida State FairgroundsTampa, Fla.www.newfloridatowshow.com

May 17-18New Hampshire Tow & Trade ShowHampton Beach State ParkHampton Beach, N.H.

May 28-31CTTA Western States Tow ShowSilver Legacy Resort & CasinoReno, Nev.www.ctta.com

August 17-18Professional Towing & Recovery Operators of IllinoisWyndham Lisle-Chicago HotelLisle, Ill.www.ptroi.com

DateShow

Location

CityWebsite

DateShow

LocationCity

Website

DateShow

LocationCity

DateShow

LocationCity

Website

DateShow

LocationCity

Website

Pat and Cathy Winer, owners of Worldwide Equipment Sales in Rockdale, Ill., hosted the

Open House event, complete with band, vendor booths, fireworks and equipment demonstrations.

WWW.NeWtoWtRUckS.com

Customers were treated to a demonstration of

Jerr-Dan’s Side Loading Vehicle Retriever (SLVR).

brought to you by

March 14-16 (Phoenix)

May 2-4 (Philadelphia)

July 11-13 (St. Louis)

September 5-7 (Seattle)

October 17-19 (Atlanta)

2008 TOW INSTITUTE DATES:

Field Operations Core Classes:Company Image Starts with You

Hands-On Heavy Duty Recovery

Hands-On Heavy Duty Towing

Hands-On Light & Medium Duty Recovery

Hands-On Light & Medium Duty Towing

Incident Management for Towing Companies

Towing & Recovery - Planning the Job

Working With Your Local Police Department

You Are Not Just A Driver

Electives Available to Students in Either Track:Customer Importance

Everyone is Critical

Fleet Refreshment and Specifying Trucks

Gaining Your City Contract

Is It Time To Hire A Mechanic?

People Buy You

Pick a Number, Any Number

QuickBooks For Towing

Running a Pound / Inventory / Lien / Auction

Sales “Power Principles”

So, You Want To Expand?

Tax Tips & Estate Planning

Business Management Core Classes:Behind Your Backs

Company Image Starts with You

Dispatch & Customer Service

First Things First

Marketing in the 21st Century

Smart Hiring & Firing Practices

Understanding Your Bottom Line

Value of An Employee Manual

Working With Your Local Police

TRAA Certification Testing On-Site

Header

he new Jerr-Dan Side Recovery System (SRS), recently unveiled at the

American Towman Expo in Baltimore, has received rave reviews. The SRS is engineered and built for the most demanding runs. This ingenious unit is both a carrier and a wrecker in one and it delivers theultimate in versatility. With the boom locked into pulling position, the SRS is structurally capable of pulling from the front, side or rear.

So you can recover. You can tow. You can run hard. The SRS is the largest and the strongest in its class and it’s almost 50% bigger and stronger than the leading competitor – and it still fits within a 12 in. frame envelope. Here are just a few of its many features: • Standard hydraulic stabilizer legs assure fit with varying frame heights. • The patent pending Pivoting Recovery Boom offers a swivel

feature that allows recovery from either side. • The patent pending Independent Hide-Away Flip Down Claw/Spade with Dual Stabilizing creates a solid foundation for any type of surface. ■

t

Product Profile

side reCovery

system

v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8RUN HaRd 10

The top SIX reasons to mAke the srs yours1. Versatility – you have a carrier and wrecker all in one unit.2. The patent pending Pivoting Recovery Boom makes recovery from either side of the vehicle safe and easy.3. The Independent, Hide-Away, Flip-Down Claw/Spade with dual stabilizing feature allows for greater strength and stability (patent pending).4. Standard hydraulic stabilizer legs allow the unit to fit varying frame heights from 32 to 42 in.5. The largest and strongest in its class — 6x6 outer support tubes and 5x5 high-strength stabilizer legs.6. With the boom locked into pulling position, the SRS is structurally capable of pulling at any angle — forward, sideways and rearward — unlike competitive units.

RUN HaRd 11v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

feAtures1. Fully adjustable light pylon comes standard and easily adjusts to all popular chassis cab heights.

2. 8,000- or 10,000-lb. high-speed, planetary winch. Upgrading is easy for even greater profit potential.

3. Hydraulic stabilizer legs fit varying frame sizes from 32 to 42 in.

4. Independent, hide-away, flip-down claw/spade with stabilizing feature allows for greater strength and stability. It also alleviates the need for wood blocks to prevent road damage or bolt-on attachments to break through ice.

5. Pivoting Recovery Boom easily recovers from either side of the vehicle. A simple pin release allows the boom to swing from one side to the other.

6. Wireless remote control system standard feature allows operators to maintain a safe distance during recovery.

RUN HaRd 12v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

Business Management

tHe fUtUReBy Brent and Cheri Ellison-Carroll of Ellison’s Towing Inc.

For tow trucks

he Future. Most everyone wants to know about the

future and we in the towing industry are no different! It’s always tempting to peer into a crystal ball to discern the future in order to make sound business decisions. Let’s take a look into that crystal ball to see if there

is anything we can divine about the future.

Tow trucks and the diesel engine —

the duo has been around for a while and we all have

become comfortable with the combination. Our mechanics have become wizards with them … able

to hear a slightly loose valve that is “walking” over the rattling noise the engine makes.

However, would you like something better, more cost-effective and economical? If you answered yes, then you probably don’t have very long to wait. What’s next? Hybrids!

Hybrids are here Yes, the diesel-electric hybrids are fast approaching our industry and like it or not, both tow truck manufacturers and owners will soon be forced to deal with this new “breed” of trucks. But why, you may ask? Why can’t “they” just leave things like they are? Why am I going to be forced (the government calls it mandated) to buy and use these new

trucks, and all the headaches a new system brings along with it? Well, first and foremost, emissions. With the government’s recent clamp-down on diesels in the trucking industry, it’s a given. Have you looked under the hood of the 2008 Ford F-550 yet? In order to meet the new emissions regulations set forth, Ford was forced to add a SECOND turbocharger to their 6.4 Powerstroke diesel engine. As if the engine compartment wasn’t crowded enough before, now it is a logistics nightmare. And to top it off, our industry requires a PTO pump to be mounted there also. How that has been implemented is a small miracle in itself. Take a look at one yourself; it’s both amazing to look at and frustrating for the mechanic to service. Secondly, fuel economy. Without getting too political, allow me to state that as long as things are kept stirred up in the Middle East, coupled with our government’s unwillingness to drill and tap the massive oil fields surrounding our own country, fuel prices are going to continue escalating. With diesel in our area being over $3.00 per gal., what are we in the towing industry going to do when it rises by 30% to 60% or more? Our income from towing services is NOT going to rise that fast. So we will be forced to somehow cut our fuel usage, and that ushers in the new hybrid diesel-electric power plant.

Starting with sedans These hybrids have actually been

in the works for many years. But in modern times it started back in 1993, when seven federal agencies, along with the nation’s top auto makers, entered into a cooperative R&D program called the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). The challenging central goal of the PNGV was to first develop full-size sedans that achieved up to triple the fuel efficiency of their conventional counterparts. They were to meet very stringent upcoming emission standards while still maintaining levels of performance, utility, safety and cost that American consumers expected from their automobiles. Engineers studied many different advanced technologies, but ultimately each auto company decided that the diesel-electric hybrid propulsion would be the powertrain of choice for the PNGV program. The companies chose diesel technology because, as European drivers have known for quite some time, modern diesel vehicles offer significant fuel economy savings while providing high performance and reliability. Because of such inherent benefits, state-of-the-art diesel engines were coupled with electric-hybrid systems to take full advantage of the two technologies that make vehicles much more efficient.

carrying over to the heavy arena Because of the success the PNGV experienced, the technology spilled over into the medium- and heavy-duty truck arena. By their very nature,

t

Diesel-electric hybrids are here.

RUN HaRd 13v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

diesel engines are dominant in the heavy-duty trucking sector because of their power, efficiency, durability and reliability. If applied correctly, a diesel-electric hybrid system can dramatically magnify two of these important advantages: It can add more power at low engine speeds and improve a diesel’s already high efficiency. Because hybrids create some of their efficiency gains through regenerative braking and power-on demand (both to be discussed in an upcoming article), the heavy-duty applications that benefit most from diesel-electric hybrid technology are those that are driven in stop-and-go conditions such as transit buses and urban delivery trucks, and, hopefully tow trucks!

Put to the test To test this theory, the largest application of diesel-electric hybrid technology occurred with New York City Transit (NYCT) public transportation buses and a 1997 pilot program with 10 diesel-electric hybrid Orion VI buses. For more than a year, the NYCT gathered daily fuel and maintenance data and found that hybrids provided up to 22% higher fuel economy over their conventional diesel units. They discovered that bus drivers were happy about the hybrids due to their faster acceleration onto busy streets, better traction in bad weather, and smoother and faster braking. Passengers reported smoother, quieter rides and the public perception of the increased emissions benefits was pronounced. The program was such a success that in 2002, the NYCT ordered another 125 diesel-electric hybrid buses, powered by Cummins engines, and an upgraded hybrid propulsion system. The new

generation of diesel-electric hybrids achieved a whopping 40% to 60% emissions reduction. At about the same time, Allison Transmission also tested the diesel-electric hybrid against comparable CNG (compressed natural gas) systems, finding the diesel-electric hybrids produced fewer emissions than even the CNG buses. Since then, Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia, have also started converting to diesel-electric hybrids on their buses, with many more cities soon to follow. The biggest commercial endorsement of the diesel-electric hybrid occurred in 2001 when FedEx announced the conversion of its entire fleet of medium-weight delivery trucks into diesel-electric hybrids. In 2003, they chose Eaton Corporation to supply an advanced diesel-electric hybrid power plant for 20 test vehicles, leading to the replacement of all 30,000 medium-duty delivery trucks in the near future. The U.S. military is also preparing to convert to diesel-electric hybrids. Since fuel accounts for more than half the logistical tonnage needed by an army, an engine that can cut fuel consumption by more than 50% is a giant leap forward. Most recently, in August 2007, Eaton Corporation announced its crossover to the diesel-electric hybrid. The company stated that truck manufacturers, Freightliner, International, Kenworth Trucks and Peterbilt Motor Company, would be commercially available next year equipped with diesel-electric hybrid powerplants for medium-duty trucks. What to expect? This technology is here NOW. It will be in select showrooms next year, and in all shortly. You WILL be purchasing and operating one of these very soon.

What to expect? Well, the batteries weigh a lot, but the diesel engines will be smaller, thereby offsetting most, if not all, of the extra weight from the batteries. Any extra weight will, of course, be that much less you can legally load and haul on your truck. This, hopefully, will spur the tow equipment manufacturers to do even more for weight savings in their design and production of equipment. (Jerr-Dan already does an excellent job of this.) However, there is an exciting innovation in battery design that is being fleet tested currently, that if successful, will revolutionize ALL of our automotive battery requirements. Upfront purchase cost of the diesel-electric hybrid will be higher, at least initially, probably around 20%. This is sure to come down as more units are built and the technology really takes off. However, fuel cost savings even for the first year, will undoubtedly make up for this. And of course the savings you will receive from less servicing due to the decreased use of the diesel engine should be quite large. Driving techniques will be slightly different, due to both the acceleration and braking characteristics of the diesel-electric hybrid. And probably the biggest, yet still under-utilized or not even recognized benefit, is this one: A diesel-electric hybrid will run ENTIRELY on biodiesel, so you can operate it independently of all petroleum-based fuel if needed/preferred! Well, it seems that peering into our crystal ball has shown us our future is not really far away, and it holds great advances for our industry. Technology is going to change dramatically, in just a few short years. Are you ready? ■

n our last “Manufacturing” article, we detailed several process improvements to Jerr-Dan’s Wrecker operations. These improvements include the addition of two automated

robotic weld cells, the installation of a moving assembly line, the reconfigured layout of the fabrication and weld shops, and improved material handling equipment and racking systems. These process improvements line up with our ongoing commitment to our employees, our facilities and our future. At Jerr-Dan we consider investing in our employees, our facilities and our future to

be a critical step in our company’s growth and our employees’ and customers’ satisfaction. As we continue to invest in our facilities, we continue to finalize improvements to our wrecker operations. Our most recent improvements include: •Expansion of the paint line •Installation of the medium- and heavy-duty wrecker indexing assembly line •Addition of a multihead bevel high-definition plasma system

iBy Mike Baer, vice president of manufacturing for Jerr-Dan Corporation

14 RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

QUALITy Processes ENSUREQUALITy ProDUcTs

Manufacturing

part 2

the indexed assembly line The new indexing assembly line allows for demand-based manufacture at pre-established pace expectancies for consistent output and efficiencies. The moving line also enables cross-training of employees for improved reliability and increased output of operations.

the expanded paint line The new paint line is dedicated to wrecker body paint processing. The line complements our existing paint line and allows us even greater improved efficiencies, consistency and quality.

the high-definition plasma system

The new plasma system allows for improved material utilization efficiencies while increasing

our cutting capabilities with respect to length, width, thickness and beveling.

Interested in learning more about our ever-changing and improving facilities? Give us a call to schedule your own tour of our manufacturing facilities. We’d love to see you!

15RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

Company News

American towman expo 2007 rouNdup

Were you at the most recent show in Baltimore? Here’s what we saw!

Jerr-Dan had a full staff on hand to answer questions and explain product features. Staff included executives, sales and marketing staff, engineering and quality control personnel.

Customers check out Jerr-Dan’s 60-ton rotator.

This year’s Jerr-Dan booth featured a theater to preview customers in action with their Jerr-Dan equipment. Each theater attendee received a free pair of Jerr-Dan work gloves.

Jerr-Dan displayed the MPL self-loader complete with optional motorcycle towing adapter.

Jerr-Dan introduced the new Side Recovery System (SRS) for carriers. It was displayed on a 21-ft. steel carrier. Sanjeev Kuriakose, Jerr-Dan Senior Project Engineer, discusses the new Side Recovery System with customers.

Larry Steinman of L&S Truck Service in Juda, Wis., showed off his new 50-ton, HDL 100/530 heavy-duty wrecker.

Jerr-Dan displayed a 5-ton Transporter with 21-ft. bed, loaded and ready to transport JLG scissor lifts. JLG is also an Oshkosh Truck Corporation company.

Owner Profile

ur family’s name is on the side of all our trucks,” says Darrell Johnson Jr.

of Johnson’s Wrecker Service. “Our family is responsible for these tow trucks and their operators. With our name on the line, we make sure we do everything we can to ensure that our operators are safe and handle every tow the right way.” Darrell Jr. isn’t alone in his passion for the towing profession. Joining him in the business, which was started by his parents Darrell Sr. and Jackie Johnson in 1967, are his siblings Darlene, Dorie, Dennis and Dennis’ wife Jeannie. “It takes every one of us to make this company work,” Darrell Jr. adds. “We feed our families with this business, as do our employees, and

we strive to treat everyone with the same respect — whether they are related by blood or by job function.”

keeping the pace Business happens at a fast pace for the 50-plus employees working at Johnson’s Wrecker Service. The company, located in Orlando, Fla., is the sole tower for law enforcement in the city of Orlando. Call volume can exceed 100 calls per day, and drivers may impound 50 to 60 cars a day on the company’s seven-acre lot. “We tow anything and everything,” notes Jackie. “From wrecks on the interstate to forklifts to large marine mammals for local theme parks, we see it all.” “And to do the job, we need to

have the right equipment,” adds Dennis. “We keep all our equipment up to date, washed and inspected every single day.” Darlene adds: “Our drivers are all uniformed with light-reflective clothing and leather shoes. Each is trained on the ‘Johnson’ towing methods.” “There are many different ways to do the same job,” Darrell Jr. elaborates. “We prefer things be handled a certain way. This has allowed us to maintain an excellent safety record and an efficient towing business.” It’s also important to understand both the inside and the outside of the business, stress Dorie and Jeannie. Towing operators should understand the importance of accounts payable/receivable and vise versa.

v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8RUN HaRd 16

along with family, valued employees are the backbone of this florida operation.

aLL iN tHe famiLy

“o

(Left) The Johnson family, left to right: Dennis, Jeannie, Dorie, Darlene, Jackie, Darrell Sr. and Darrell Jr.

(Above) This new dispatch facility is equipped with every piece of state-of-the-art equipment you can imagine, from motion sensors to a fully computerized dispatch system.

“Every employee is cross-trained to comprehend and appreciate each other’s jobs,” adds Dorie. “There’s really no gray area here … you either love this business [most all parts of it] or you don’t!”

Work with only the best The equipment the Johnsons choose to outfit their towing company speaks volumes. With 13 pieces of Jerr-Dan towing equipment, including a new MPL self-loader, 10 carriers, a medium-duty wrecker and a heavy-duty industrial carrier, drivers can be assured they have up-to-date equipment. When asked what he likes about the units in the Jerr-Dan fleet, Darrell Sr. says simply, “I like Jerr-Dan trucks because they make us money faster.” He elaborates, “Wheel-lifts on carriers allow operators to double up, bringing back two vehicles instead of just one.” His family offers additional benefits to the Jerr-Dan fleet: good resale value, easy-to-use controls, steel beds that hold up and very few maintenance issues.

it’s all in the follow-through Experience is evident at Johnson’s Wrecker Service. Darrell Sr. is one of the original seven towers who founded the Professional Wrecker Operations of Florida (PWOF) in 1971. Since that time he has been active in the association and has helped to enact legislation beneficial to Florida’s towing and recovery industry. Darrell Sr. was inducted into the PWOF Hall of Fame last year. The Johnsons believe strongly in follow-through. Recent Florida legislation does not allow an individual to purchase a license plate unless all prior towing bills are satisfied. “It’s legislation that our towing association worked hard to pass,” notes Darlene. “It’s in our best interest to follow through on issues like this.” Business continues to grow at Johnson’s Wrecker Service and the family plans to keep it that way for some time to come. “We joined hands as an organization, and a family, to grow this business and continue to make it part of our lives,” concludes Darlene. ■

v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8RUN HaRd 17

The Johnson family standardizes its carrier fleet on Jerr-Dan steel-bed rollbacks with 21-ft. beds and wheel-lifts. Rounding out the fleet are an MPL wrecker, an MDL 280/110 14-ton medium-duty wrecker and a heavy-duty industrial carrier.

oWNeR PRofiLe

johnson’s Wrecker ServiceOrlando, Fla.

jerr-dan fleet Profile:Wreckers: • One MPL wrecker• One MDL 280/110 14-ton independent medium-duty wrecker

Carriers:• 10 standard-duty rollback carriers with 21-ft. steel beds and wheel-lifts• One heavy-duty industrial carrier

Services• Light-, medium- and heavy-duty towing and transport• 24-hour roadside assistance• Vehicle storage

xcellent customer service — it’s a buzz phrase that many companies claim to

offer these days. The phrase is used so often that as consumers we’ve almost become numb to the words. However, Todd Grone, owner of Todd Equipment in Phoenix, Ariz., really lives up to the claim. “When people buy a truck here, I want them to leave with the desire to come back,” he explains. “I don’t do much advertising . . . most of the business we do is repeat business.” If that doesn’t say it all, what does? Todd started his company 15 years ago in Mesa, Ariz. He’s had the same business philosophy ever

since: Treat others as you want to be treated. Customers enjoy working

with Todd, and a year ago he moved his facility to Phoenix to be able to be closer to more of his customer base. He currently offers a full line of Jerr-Dan towing equipment from light- to heavy-duty wreckers and all sizes of carriers. The market in his territory, Arizona and New Mexico, is leaning toward the B.I.C. carrier with 21-ft. bed as well the Shark carrier. Todd is looking forward to selling Jerr-Dan’s new MPL wrecker. “As Phoenix’s population continues to grow, I see a real need for this wrecker in our market,” he says.

a new home Todd Equipment’s new facility offers everything customers want, from

service to installation bays to parts. The facility incorporates six service/installation bays: three are dedicated to service and another three to new installation. Two teams are also in place dedicated to new installations; and three employees are committed to service work. A fully stocked parts department, housing almost every part imaginable, rounds out the facility. Business has been growing for Todd Equipment, and Todd plans to continue that growth in emerging vocations like the industrial market. “We see growth for our company in equipment moving applications,” he concludes. “In addition to growing our existing business, I see us moving in the direction of the industrial market.” ■

todd equipment inc.

Distributor Profiles

e

18 RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

todd equipment inc.3435 E. Elwood StreetPhoenix, Ariz.480-557-8633

www.TowTrx.com

diStRibUtoR

ith business roots dating back to 1959, the people at

Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers definitely know the special needs of towing professionals in New York, New Jersey and New England. From congested urban areas to some of the nation’s busiest throughways, this region poses some of the most demanding challenges for towing equipment. As a full-service Jerr-Dan distributor, Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers has the equipment to take on challenges in all types of towing applications. Chances are the rig you want is in stock. Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers typically has 100 new and used, ready-to-work trucks on the lot at all times. Choose from all the popular chassis including Ford, Chevrolet, International, Hino, Freightliner and Peterbilt. Trade-ins are welcomed; Nussbaum fully reconditions good trade-ins to offer an excellent selection of used trucks. If the rig you want isn’t on the ground, any of Nussbaum’s sales professionals can order the Jerr-Dan rig that’s exactly right for you. Their knowledge of this region’s needs and Jerr-Dan’s product expertise is an unbeatable combination. Many of Nussbaum’s employees have a decade or more of

experience with the dealership, and the industry. This experience benefits you through their understanding of your equipment and your needs. Nussbaum parts and service staff know that you count on your equipment for your livelihood. They have the inventory, skills and drive it takes to assure your maximum uptime. The dealership carries a wide selection of towing and recovery products including replacement parts, safety equipment and accessories.

family business “We’re a family type of business,” explains Jack Nussbaum, president of Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers, who in 1973 joined the business started by his uncle. “We care about our customers and our employees, and we treat them all like family.” The dealership recently upgraded its website to help towers browse the current selection of new and used

trucks online, if they wish, before calling or visiting the dealership. The website also includes a parts catalog and credit application. The dealership offers a wide range of acquisition options including short- and long-term financing and leasing. “If you need a truck, we’ll find a way to put you in one,” Nussbaum says. Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers is located 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge, five minutes from the Lincoln Tunnel and 15 minutes from the Newark airport. If you’re flying in to visit Nussbaum Wreckers & Carriers, they will gladly pick you up from one of the area’s airports. ■

NUSSbaUmwreckers & carriers

W

19RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

diStRibUtoRNussbaum Wreckers & carriers50-54 Route 17Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.201-288-3885

www.nussbaumwreckers.com

Live

Live

Live

Live

Ble

ed

Trim

Bleed

Trim

Live

Live

Bleed

Trim

Ble

ed

Trim

Live

Live

Ble

ed

Trim

Bleed

Live

Trim

Live

Ble

ed

Bleed

Trim

Trim

Live

Live

Rev: Galley: Date: SLUG 040207

Ad No: Park Rep: Live: DPI @ Full Size:

Agency No: Park CD: Trim: Document Scale:

Park No: Designer: Bleed: Output Size:

Media/Type: Prod. Artist: Colors: File Name:

Engraver: Retoucher:

Group CD: Print Producer: Account Super: Proofreader:

Associate CD: Direct Mail Ops: Account Exec: Traffi c:

Art Director: Data: Legal: Instructions:

Writer: Art Buyer: Product Info:

D-13541-7

FD CMA M71281

FCOM 00128

Consumer Spread 4C

The Park Prepress

08 Super Duty Comm Truck - Tow Truck

A. Ayrault

J. Wilson/pl

14.75" x 9.5"

15.75" x 10.5"

18.5" x 11.5"

CMYK

300 dpi

100%

100%

D-13541-7_Towing_ConSpd

P. Kirner

T. Kostka

C. McCarthy

J. Wojno

D. Lowe

B. Pierce

M. Kovacs

L. Foster/K. Landers

J. Harold

8 1 05/30/07

Collect them all.

commtruck.ford.com*Available 6.4L Diesel V8 engine.

THE NEW ’08 SUPER DUTY.®

An impressive 47'8" turn radius. Clean Diesel technology that churns out 325 horsepower and

600 lb.-ft. of torque.* The bold, new look of the ’08 Super Duty.®

Live

Live

Live

Live

Ble

ed

Trim

Bleed

Trim

Live

Live

Bleed

Trim

Ble

ed

Trim

Live

Live

Ble

ed

Trim

Bleed

Live

Trim

Live

Ble

ed

Bleed

Trim

Trim

Live

Live

Rev: Galley: Date: SLUG 040207

Ad No: Park Rep: Live: DPI @ Full Size:

Agency No: Park CD: Trim: Document Scale:

Park No: Designer: Bleed: Output Size:

Media/Type: Prod. Artist: Colors: File Name:

Engraver: Retoucher:

Group CD: Print Producer: Account Super: Proofreader:

Associate CD: Direct Mail Ops: Account Exec: Traffi c:

Art Director: Data: Legal: Instructions:

Writer: Art Buyer: Product Info:

D-13541-7

FD CMA M71281

FCOM 00128

Consumer Spread 4C

The Park Prepress

08 Super Duty Comm Truck - Tow Truck

A. Ayrault

J. Wilson/pl

14.75" x 9.5"

15.75" x 10.5"

18.5" x 11.5"

CMYK

300 dpi

100%

100%

D-13541-7_Towing_ConSpd

P. Kirner

T. Kostka

C. McCarthy

J. Wojno

D. Lowe

B. Pierce

M. Kovacs

L. Foster/K. Landers

J. Harold

8 1 05/30/07

Collect them all.

commtruck.ford.com*Available 6.4L Diesel V8 engine.

THE NEW ’08 SUPER DUTY.®

An impressive 47'8" turn radius. Clean Diesel technology that churns out 325 horsepower and

600 lb.-ft. of torque.* The bold, new look of the ’08 Super Duty.®

HeaderProduct review

v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8RUN HaRd 22

wr

eC

ker

sC

Ar

rie

rs

STANDARD: System pressure gauge is mounted in the driver-side control station.

OPTIONAL: Comprehensive tool kit package for dual 78-in. toolboxes includes scotch block, shovel, broom, lug wrenches, floor jack, axe, wood crossbeams, air tank, trash cans, pry bar, flare, bolt cutters, triangle kit, first-aid kit, snatch block with hook and built-in storage brackets for all tools.

OPTIONAL: Custom 78-in. toolboxes offer 10% more storage room than two 36-in. toolboxes. Made from galvanized steel with powder-coated finish, they utilize Jerr-Dan’s exclusive beaver-tail latches and come with plug-and-play LED marker and stop/tail/turn lighting.

STANDARD (ON MPL AND MPL40): Adjustable underlift level stop assist system; provides an interrupt to the remote control signal to stop the underlift travel at a desired loading position (available on units with in-cab controls only).

OPTIONAL: LED stop/tail/turn and marker lighting for the MPL and MPL40 wreckers.

OPTIONAL: LED stop/tail/turn, marker and back-up lighting for heavy-duty wreckers.

OPTIONAL: Wireless remote control allows convenient operation of all valve functions on the MPL or the underlift functions on the MPL40.

OPTIONAL: Tire lift storage brackets are located in a 24-in./49-in. crossover tool compartment or stand-alone tool compartment for heavy-duty (14,000-lb.), shown at left, or super heavy-duty (25,000-lb.) tire lifts, shown at right.

OPTIONAL: Actuating Remote Mechanism (ARM) is a wireless remote control of just one function or as many as all functions. It is available factory installed or as an aftermarket field retrofit.

STANDARD: LED stop/tail/turn and marker lighting are special LED marker lights that meet DOT reflectivity requirements, eliminating the need for additional reflectors.

STANDARD: Cast forks and receivers result in weight reduction without compromising performance.

check out these new items for your jerr-dan wreckers and carriers. w ww w

RUN HaRd 23v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

STANDARD (ON 5-TON AND 7.5-TON STEEL DECkS): Cor-Ten steel channel crossmembers improve corrosion resistance, quality and durability.

STANDARD: Integrated ball hitch mounting plate is now standard on wheel-lifts with manual or T37 wheel grids.

STANDARD (WITH EMERgENCy LIgHT PACkAgE): Low-profile, amber, eight-head LED lightbar includes four corner LED modules, four center LED modules, two stop/tail/turn modules and two high intensity work lights.

DODGE RAM 5500 CHASSIS: Jerr-Dan is able to mount a 19-ft. Standard Duty Carrier on the new Dodge RAM 5500 chassis.

OPTIONAL: Winch air free spool control is available for 8,000- and 10,000-lb. worm gear winches and is operable from either control station.

OPTIONAL: Motorcycle towing adapter is available on the MPL and MPL40 with self-loading wheel grids.

OPTIONAL: Tow sling with modular, stowable design for additional towing versatility.

OPTIONAL: Grid-mounted recovery sheave can be used for recovery in difficult situations. The sheave comes standard with tow sling option.

OPTIONAL (ON HEAVy DUTy WRECkERS): Under-body incandescent or LED lighting.

OPTIONAL (ON MPL & MPL40): Self-loading tow dolly with storage brackets.

WWW.jeRR-daN.com

For more information, call Jerr-Dan at 800-926-9666

yoUR jeRR-daN Look Like? WHat doeS

Rob Garibaldi, owner of Broadmoor Towing in

northern Calif. shows off his B.I.C. Jerr-Dan carrier with 21-ft. steel bed. The truck rides on a 2007 Ford F-650 chassis.

Dave Burttram,

owner of Dave’s Towing in Ocala,

Fla., is the proud owner of a new 50-ton Jerr-Dan

wrecker mounted on a 2007 Peterbilt 379

tri-axle chassis.

show & Go

24 RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

Direct Towing, owned by Joe Spina, is based in Sarasota, Fla. This Jerr-Dan 50-ton

wrecker includes a 3-stage boom and is mounted on a 2007 Kenworth 800 chassis.

Owners Mark and Tracie Cole of M&T Trucking in Pavilion, N.Y. use this 15-ton Jerr-Dan industrial

rollback to move equipment and material. A Cormach 38000 E4 Knuckleboom crane will extend to 34 ft. horizontally with a 6,000-lb. lifting capacity.

yoUR jeRR-daN Look Like? Owners Buddy and Darleen Dickman

of Remco Towing in Roswell, N.M., are proud of their first Jerr-Dan: a 21-ft. steel carrier mounted on a 2002 F-650 extended cab chassis.

25RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

wiN A trip to

NAsCAr

How to win:Share your Jerr-Dan truck photo!

Submit your photos via:

E-MAIL: to RunHard@cygnusb2b.com (High-res photos only. Please set your digital camera to take photos as large

of a size and as many pixels as possible.)

MAIL: to Editor, Run Hard magazine, 1233 Janesville Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

In addition to your photo, please provide your complete contact information. Also tell us what model of Jerr-Dan you have, what model chassis you have and why you are

submitting your truck.

nascar trip details:- All-expenses-paid trip for two to the Texas Motor Speedway, October 31 - November 3, 2008- Airfare and hotel accommodations included- Motorcoach transportation to and from the race included - All meals included (welcome reception, breakfast, dinners)- Lunch at The Speedway Club (private club at Texas Motor Speedway)- Race tickets for two- Credentials (garage & pit access)- Welcome-gift package

* Winner will be drawn in September 2008 and will be notified via phone/ e-mail. Deadline for submissions is August 15, 2008.

Herndon Brothers in Baldwin and Jacksonville, Fla., recently added two new Jerr-Dan trucks to their fleet: an

HDL 1000/530 50-ton wrecker and a 15-ton industrial carrier with a 28-ft. bed. Owner, Thomas Herndon, is very happy with his trucks.

This MPL40 with custom aluminum and stainless

trim, a Solaris LED lightbar and great detail work on the striping and murals, belongs to Carl’s Towing in Great Falls, Mont.

This MPL40 is owned by Red’s Towing in Missoula, Mont. The truck incorporates customer accessories,

including a front-mounted winch, six-head self-contained LED Strobe kit and custom taillight housings.

RUN HaRd 26v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

running Hard

Another tough job handled by a Jerr-Dan Rotator. Stepp’s Towing moves and assists in the recycling of a 53,000-lb. transformer. The equipment is more than 20 ft. tall, and the insides of the transformer that were removed and replaced weigh 47,000 lbs.

Stepp’s Towing uses a Jerr-Dan Rotator to pull a dump truck from a lake in the Tampa Bay, Fla. area.

wiN A trip to

NAsCArnascar trip details:

- All-expenses-paid trip for two to the Texas Motor Speedway, October 31 - November 3, 2008- Airfare and hotel accommodations included- Motorcoach transportation to and from the race included - All meals included (welcome reception, breakfast, dinners)

- Lunch at The Speedway Club (private club at Texas Motor Speedway)- Race tickets for two- Credentials (garage & pit access)- Welcome-gift package

* Winner will be drawn in September 2008 and will be notified via phone/e-mail. Deadline for submissions is August 15, 2008.

E-MAIL: to RunHard@cygnusb2b.com (High-res photos only. Please set your digital camera to take photos as large of a size and as many pixels as possible.) MAIL: to Editor, Run Hard magazine, 1233 Janesville Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

In addition to your photo, please provide your complete contact information. Also tell us what model of Jerr-Dan you have, what model chassis you have and why you are submitting your truck.

How to win:Share your Jerr-Dan truck photo! Submit your photos via:

WHat caN yoUR jeRR-daN do?

Jerr-dan around the world

Jerr-Dan distributor Ligthart sold and built this Jerr-Dan MPL40 self-loader for Leerentveld in the Netherlands.

Carlos Quintero, owner of Tenka in Medellin, Colombia, shows off his Jerr-Dan MDL 280/110 14-ton wrecker (left) and his Pioneer carrier (right) with 19-ft. aluminum bed. The MDL 280/100 rides on a Navistar 4300 chassis and the Pioneer carrier rides on a Hyundai chassis.

Ravenscroft in Fleet Hampshire, England, owns this Jerr-Dan MDL 280/110 14-ton wrecker that rides on a Scania P94D chassis. Jerr-Dan distributor Cee Jay Systems in the United Kingdon handled the mounting and modifications.

Alejandro Reyes of Comerzia in Monterrey, Mexico, announces the opening of the company’s new facility.

This Jerr-Dan Side Loading Vehicle Retriever is busy in the Portsmouth region of the United Kingdom, towing for the police and local authorities. Robert Doney of Boarhunt submitted these photos.

27RUN HaRd v o l . 1 6 , n o . 4 j a n u a r y 2 0 0 8

international review

RUNHARD is sent to you compliments of

Postal Agreement Number 40064547

©2007 JERR-DAN CORPORATION®JERR-DAN AND THE JERR-DAN LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF JERR-DAN CORPORATION, GREENCASTLE, PA.

TAKES ANYTHING YOU THROW ON IT OR AT IT.Jerr-Dan® aluminum and steel carriers are built to withstand years of hard use. That’s because Jerr-Dan builds the toughest materials and most innovative technologies into superior designs. STEELBEAMTM technology on aluminum carriers means lightweight mobility with heavy-duty durability. No-LubeTM pivot joints on all Jerr-Dan carriers mean no mess and even less worries. And all that means you can handle the most difficult towing and recovery jobs over and over again. Whatever the job throws at you, throw it at Jerr-Dan.

RUNHARD is sent to you compliments of

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDLebanon Jct., KY

Permit #246

©2007 JERR-DAN CORPORATION®JERR-DAN AND THE JERR-DAN LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF JERR-DAN CORPORATION, GREENCASTLE, PA.

TAKES ANYTHING YOU THROW ON IT OR AT IT.Jerr-Dan® aluminum and steel carriers are built to withstand years of hard use. That’s because Jerr-Dan builds the toughest materials and most innovative technologies into superior designs. STEELBEAMTM technology on aluminum carriers means lightweight mobility with heavy-duty durability. No-LubeTM pivot joints on all Jerr-Dan carriers mean no mess and even less worries. And all that means you can handle the most difficult towing and recovery jobs over and over again. Whatever the job throws at you, throw it at Jerr-Dan.