Tow Times Miller Industries

ON CALL 24/78503 HILLTOP DROOLTEWAH TN 37363

001_247_v04i03cvr:001_247v0102cover 10/8/08 11:25 AM Page 1

002_247v0402chevron:Layout 1 10/8/08 1:23 PM Page 2

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 3

ON THE COVER

Tom Luciano, Miller Industries’ Director of Training andNortheast District Manager, stands on top of an overturned mixerto explain the recovery technique he is going to demonstrate. Thiswas the seventh rotator seminar that Tom has conducted alongwith John Hawkins, Miller Industries Vice President of Sales,Heavy-Duty Products. The Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, was thelatest site for a class. Many thanks to O’Hare Towing in Chicago,for hosting the rotator class in conjunction with PTROI(Professional Towing and Recovery Operators of Illinois) annualtow show. Seventy operators from nine states attended along witheight Century rotators supplied by Beaupre’s, Double T, Senica’s,Bert’s, Joe’s, Lin-Mar and O’Hare.

Miller Industries is a staunch supporter of training and educa-tion to help operators maximize the potential of their equipment ina safe, productive manner.

Table of Contents

4 Inside ViewWeathering the economic storm.

6 Different Conditions May Require You to “Think Out of the Box”Demonstrating quick clearance techniques in the U.K.

12 Trick My Truck to the RescueBarger Wrecker Service gets tricked into a refurbished carrier.

14 Learn, Remember, Honor, EnjoySharing the industry’s most celebrated weekend.

18 Diggin’ InWinching techniques from the side of a rotator.

20 Racing and Auto SafetyContributions by auto racing to passenger vehicle safety.

21 Safety on the Track and RoadwaysStaying safe no matter what car you’re recovering.

23 Side-Pull Recovery – Pioneered and PerfectedThe power and performance of Miller’s SP 850-XP.

30 Thunder Down Under Stops the ShowAustralia’s first two rotators take the show.

The year has been filled with many challenges that have insome way affected most of us - from the economy and fuel pricesto natural disasters. Through all of this challenging time, one thingthat doesn’t seem to be affected in this industry is the sense offamily that exists among its members.Having recently attended the Ohio Tow Show, it was great to

see a large turnout and the number of children who attended theshow and enjoyed the hotel’s indoor water park. I am sure manyof these children are the future of our industry and are making life-time friends who together will lead us in years to come.It was also great to hear stories from a number of towers in

the hard-hit areas of Texas and the Louisiana Gulf. After thestorm, towers reached out to help their brothers and sisters, offer-ing assistance and support to make sure they were all right.Families look after each other in times of need, and we in thisindustry are a family.Then there were the recent events in Chattanooga at the

International Towing Museum that to me felt more like a familyreunion than an industry event. Towers worldwide gathered torenew old acquaintances and swap stories. And how could one notfeel the sense of family between towers as Buster Hamm, whoowns B & F Towing in Lafayette, Alabama, tied the knot with hisnew bride in the wrecker compound at Talladega after the race.Buster wanted to share this most important and happy occasionwith his fellow towers from the Miller Race Recovery Team andasked them to wear their race uniforms and serve as his best men. The ties and bonds that exist in this industry are strong and

make me proud to be part of it. I would like to wish all of you, myextended family, a safe and happy Holiday Season andProsperous New Year!

Randy Olson, Editor, On Call 24/7Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. 8503 Hilltop Drive, Ooltewah, TN 373631-800-292-0330 or e-mail: [email protected]

003_247v04i03toc:Layout 1 10/9/08 11:16 AM Page 3

Contributing Editors

John Hawkins III

[email protected]

Diggin’ In

Pages 18 – 19

Randy Olson, [email protected]

Inside View

Tom Luciano

[email protected]

Different ConditionsMay Require Youto Think Out of the Box

Pages 6 – 8

Photo Credit:Rob Dragt and Jules Gooch

Kipp Felice

[email protected]

Side-Pull Recovery – Pioneered and Perfected

Pages 23 – 25

Randy Olson

[email protected]

Trick My Truckto the Rescue

Page 12

Brandon [email protected]

Thunder Down UnderStops the Show

Page 30

This year our organizationdedicated time and resourcesto assess both our strengthsand weaknesses to enhanceour overall performance. Theprocess enabled us to developa strategic plan for both imme-diate action and long-term ini-tiatives. The strategic planrequired us to also assessthreats that would impact ourperformance and defineopportunities in the market weserve. This exercise helped usset a realistic mission that wecan execute as a team.Our mission was to develop

an organizational consensusregarding goals and actionplans for achievement of thesegoals with a clear understand-ing of each person’s role andresponsibilities.I tell you this not to attempt

to impress but rather to influ-ence you to try the sameprocess. I have never been a touchy-feely type of organizational leader. Norope climbing or group exercises, just never saw the point. This exercise wasnot about that.All businesses, no matter the size require a realistic mission. We all need

to understand our core values and core competencies prior to embarking innew endeavors. We all gain value by defining our strengths, weaknesses,threats and opportunities on paper and developing written action plans tonegate those weaknesses and threats while enhancing organizationalstrengths and acting on opportunities.Let’s face it. The economy has been tough on most of us over the last year.

By going through this process, we here at Miller were able to develop plansto institute monetary savings today but also to define steps for future growthin an uncertain environment. I know each of you on an informal basis prob-ably do what I have described quite often. The extra step of formalizing thatprocess with other members of your organization, however, can yield resultsthat could have the same impact on your team as it did ours. We all know thedownside of a business cycle is not much fun. A slump, however, can beused as an opportunity. Just use the sense of urgency a downturn brings toimprove your strategy. Companies that take charge and compete in aplanned manner usually win.

By Jeff BadgleyPresident and Co-CEO

WEATHERING THEECONOMIC STORM

4 Fall 2008 On Call 24/7

004_247v04i03insview:Layout 1 10/8/08 11:27 AM Page 4

Let Miller Finance Advantage help make your wishes come true.

Miller Industries and Sovereign Bank have partnered to bring qualified

buyers like you an exclusive finance program that provides:

• An easy application process

• Extremely competitive rates

• Credit card processing services

• Internet banking

• Municipal equipment financing

• Export trade financing

Offered exclusively for Miller Industriesequipment purchased through an authorized Miller Industries distributor.

005_247v0204advantage:001_247v0102cover 10/8/08 1:29 PM Page 5

Different Conditions May Require You to“Think Out of the Box”


By Tom Luciano, District Sales Manager and Training Specialist

Recently John Hawkins and I visited England to set up some demonstrations with our U.K. Division, BonifaceEngineering. The demonstrations were geared around quick clearance highway crash events. Lee Roberts of Lexington,Kentucky, and Nick Overton of the Ashford Group of England, assisted during the demonstrations.

The theme was tight, confined work areas, which is what recovery operators face daily in the U.K. One scenario was astraight box truck that ran off the road, up an embankment and overturned in the opposite flow of traffic. The goal was toleave one lane of traffic open while the box truck was being recovered.

The 24-foot box truck was three-quarters loaded with old furnitureand shelving. The truck had already been in an accident so the front ofthe cab was heavily damaged. The unit was positioned up an inclinewith the rear doors facing down the hill and to the roadway. We used a1075 Rotator owned by CMG (Cowan Group) located off the M1 motor-way about 50 miles northeast of London. As with Traffic IncidentManagement in the United States, our goal was to move the recoveryvehicle as little as possible to keep traffic flowing. As you know from my

earlier articles, steps like removing the driveshaft should always be com-pleted before the recovery is started so towing can occur as promptly aspossible after the recovery is completed.

We used the rotator boom at a 30-degree angle off the tailgate of therecovery unit, ideal for setting the outriggers in their blocked position. (JohnHawkins covered this in his previous article in ONCALL 24/7.) The underliftwas positioned unfolded and in the down position because when the unitwas uprighted, it would end up on top of the underlift.

2

1

006-008_247_v04i03lucy:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 11:16 AM Page 6

See Different Conditions on Page 8

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 7

The recovery winches were set up so the drag winch line ran up to asnatch block in the second stage D-ring, then routed to a V-strap that wasunder the box of the casualty. This became our uprighting winch line. Theright side winch of the main boom was also routed through a snatch blockin the second stage D-ring, allowing the boom to become a spreader barand eliminate the casualty from spinning when lifted. This is a very usefultrick of the trade and serves a great purpose since this keeps the casualtyfrom rolling down the hill into the back of our recovery unit. We positioned aV-bridle that was attached to the end of each frame rail just behind the ICCbumper. The chain was 1/2–inch Grade 8. We positioned it to come over therear doorframe because it is steel and the strongest part of the rear of thebox. Finally, the left main winch was routed to a large screw shackle whichsupported two endless loop straps that were attached to each of the frontwheels then routed on the outside of the cab and in front of the box. Each ofthese straps was 10 feet long, but longer straps would have worked better.

During uprighting, our rear attachment kept the unitstable while our V-bridle on the bottom of the box liftedthe lower side and also stabilized the unit from rolling.The V-chain on the rear door area could now be posi-tioned around and placed above the rear doorframe toassist the lifting and rotating of the casualty off the road-side hill.

This was the first of this type of recovery for CMG’sowner, Mark Cowan, who operated the controls. We ranthe rotator on idle only - no throttle. This is where experi-ence teaches finesse and it is a must in some recover-ies. As the drag winch uprighted the unit, only slight ten-sion was applied to the right winch, which stabilized therecovery boom and kept the casualty from rolling. Noticethat the rear chain walked up the steel doorframe as theunit came up.

3

5

4



Now the left winch, which was attached to the front two strapsattached to the front wheels, was engaged. It is critical that both ofthese straps be the exact same length and attached to the samepositions on the chassis to attain an even lift and balance the frontof the unit. The rear right main winch was also engaged, whichallowed the operator to get the feel of balancing the completeload. This balance resulted from the use of bridles on the front andrear of the casualty.

Very often it takes more time than you expect to rig a job butthe result of proper hook-ups is a balanced recovery. Now that theunit was upright, it could be lifted off the ground and rotated to theback of the rotator.

We were now ready to tow the casualtyaway after it was properly positioned on theunderlift. Always remember to secure allloose or hanging parts before you tow.

Hopefully you’ll think of this articlenext time you face a challenging recoveryand are required to think out of the box ofnormal recoveries. Just remember, thegoal is to minimize the number of timesyou reposition your recovery vehicle.

I would like to thank all of our friendsand customers for the hospitality while inEngland and a special thanks to Darrelland Jo Mansfield for their special friend-ship. We are in a unique profession andI’m blessed to have friends all over theworld.

6

8

7

Different Conditions From Page 7


On C

all 24/71-800-292-0330

9

009_247v04i03inter:Layout 1 10/8/08 1:32 PM P

age 9

Industry News

As we previouslyreported last issue,significant increasesin the amount of taxdeduction for newequipment purchaseswas included in theEconomic StimulusPackage Act of 2008.The potential tax sav-ings for the first yearof service can be ashigh as 34%. The important thing to remember is that the newequipment must be purchased and placed in service before theend of 2008, and time is quickly running out. As with any tax orfinancial decision, be sure to consult your accountant or tax advi-sor to determine what works best for you.


DON’T LET TAX SAVINGSPASS YOU BY

BE FAMILIAR WITH THENEW FEDERAL SAFETYREQUIREMENTS

WALL OF THE FALLENSTATUES RELEASED

We are all aware of the dangers that operators face on theroads and the safety precautions we should practice to protectourselves, including wearing protective garments. Under newfederal requirements that take effect November 24, 2008, allemergency responders, including towing and recovery opera-tors, working on or near a federally funded roadway must wearhigh visibility garments.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)defines garments into three classes, depending on their levelof protection. With towers working in a wide variety of loca-tions, your best choice for your safety and visibility is the high-est rated ANSI 3 garments with a fluorescent background andminimum of 2-inch-wide retro-reflective stripes around thebody and over the shoulders.

Cheryl Mish, Executive Director of the International Towingand Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, stands in front ofthe Wall of The Fallen monument and shows Randy Olson,Miller Industries V. P. of Marketing, one of the new limited edi-tion replica statues the museum has commissioned.

The original statue is part of the Wall of the Fallen monu-ment and was sculptured by Cessna Decosimo, a well-knownartist who also produced monuments for fallen peace officers.The Miller Family Foundation donated The Wall of the Fallento the Museum and the industry to help honor and remembertowing professionals who have lost their lives in the line ofservice. The monument was dedicated on September 9, 2006.

The replica statues stand about 7 inches high and areexquisitely cast in resin with the appearance of aged bronzepatina and black marble. A self-adhesive brass dedicationplaque is also included and can be engraved to personalizethe statue. The Wall of the Fallen has become an extremelyimportant symbol to the industry, paying respect to our fallenbrothers and sisters as well as increasing public awareness tothe dangers towers face every day while performing theirduties. If you would like to order one of these limited editionreplicas to display in your business or home, they are availableat the Museum or can be ordered for $79.95 plus shipping andhandling by calling 423-267-3132.

Each year on the third Saturday of September, a new setof names will be unveiled on the Wall. Every tow operator cando his or her part to push for more “Move Over Laws” and fol-low safe practices to help lower the number of names eligibleto be added.

For more information about this tribute to the industry, orto learn how to submit a name, visit www.wallofthefallen.com.

010-011_247_v04i03indnew:000_247v0000name 10/9/08 10:48 AM Page 10

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 11

MILLER INDUSTRIES SUPPORTS THE INDUSTRYThe Professional Wrecker Operators

of Florida (PWOF) recently took deliveryof their 2009 raffle truck that will be givenaway at the 2009 Florida Tow Show™,being held April 2 – 5, 2009, at theCoronado Springs Resort at Walt DisneyWorld. The truck is a Model 258 Hinoequipped with a Century 21-foot, 10Series carrier. The unit was made avail-able courtesy of Hino Truck, MillerIndustries and TruckMax of Miami,Florida. All proceeds from the raffle bene-fit PWOF’s legislative and educationalprograms. The truck will tour several dif-ferent tow shows throughout the countryand is available for test drives at many ofPWOF’s chapter meetings prior to theshow in April. For more information, visitwww.floridatowshow.com.

MILLER INDUSTRIESRECOGNIZED ASPACESETTER

Miller Industries was honored with the prestigious AAAPacesetter Award at the June AAA/CAA Automotive Conference.Marshall L. Doney, Vice President of AAA Automotive, stated,“AAA is pleased to provide this award to Miller Industries fortheir strong brand, the value they provide to AAA/CAA, and theircommitment to the industry.” Pictured from left: Mark Brown,Executive Vice President, AAA Association & Club Services; ClayTraylor, Vice President of Sales, Miller Industries; Randy Olson,Vice President of Marketing, Miller Industries; Dawn Dobosh,AAA Preferred Supplier Programs Manager; and MarshallDoney, Vice President, AAA Automotive.

Steve Cardinale earned the nickname “The Godfather of Towing”for his years of hard work and devotion to The California Tow TruckAssociation’s education program and his willingness to assist otherassociations in establishing their own programs. When Steveannounced his retirement, CTTA members thought it only fitting to com-mission a bronze bust of Steve to honor the legacy he leaves behind. Areception was held September 18 at the Museum to honor Steve andunveil the bust. Friends and guests, along with a large delegation ofCTTA members, had an opportunity to swap stories and fond memo-ries with a very gracious Steve during the event. The bust will be dis-played at The International Towing Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Miller Industries would like to thank Steve for his friendship andguidance to the industry over his long career and wish him a well-deserved retirement.

GODFATHER CARDINALEHONORED

010-011_247_v04i03indnew:000_247v0000name 10/9/08 11:00 AM Page 11


Like so many other towers, Rick Julian has a love for the automotive industryand a big heart, and enjoys helping people in distress. Rick grew up in a fam-ily business that spanned many generations and included a service station withtowing. A few years back, the service station closed and Rick purchased the fam-ily towing business located in the small town of Scottsburg, Indiana, which sits ashort distance north of the Indiana/Kentucky state line. In addition to operating thetowing business, Rick volunteers with the local police and fire departments andspends time with his son Clinton, daughter Hollie and wife Shannon.

Rick Julian Inc., dba Barger Wrecker Service, operates six wreckers andcarriers and tows for several road clubs, law enforcement and commercialaccounts - some that date back over fifty years when Rick’s grandfather ranthe business. Barger’s trucks, which include a variety of Miller products, haveseen some hard use over the years and although they may look well used,Rick claims he could always depend on his Century and Vulcan units to getthe job done. Shannon, knowing her husband’s passion for the industry,thought he would be a great candidate for the popular C.M.T. TV Show “TrickMy Truck.” So unbeknownst to him, she submitted his name and story.

The show’s producers thought it was a perfect fit for the program and thewheels started turning. The production crew showed up one day while Rickwas out towing and told him they were there to pick up his 1999 FreightlinerFL 60 equipped with a Century 21-foot carrier. The unit was taken to Joplin,Missouri, where the transformation began. The truck was named Code Red onthe episode and, considering Rick’s volunteer rescue work and passion forassisting stranded motorists, was designed similar to a rescue helicopter.

The truck was dismantled and given a new custom paint job of red with whiteand silver stripes like an ambulance. A new Century 21-foot carrier deck wasinstalled and painted to resemble a rooftop hospital landing pad in the center. TheFreightliner doors were modified with a tilt Lambo Hinge System similar to a hel-icopter. Other additions included four strobe light bars mounted on the roof for theappearance of helicopter blades along with a remote spotlight and four camerasmounted front, back and side so the operator could view all around the truck onone of the two monitors mounted inside the cab. The interior was completelyreplaced and patterned after a chopper.

If you are ever traveling up I-65 in Indiana, the truck is worth seeing.Just get off on exit 29. Or check out C.M.T.’s TV listings for the Code Redepisode of “Trick My Truck.” I had the opportunity to see the truck myself andmeet several of the drivers along with Rick’s family, who is extremely proudof Rick and his truck. Unfortunately, the evening I was visiting, Rick was twostates away on a long distance tow. It is nice to see people in our industryrecognized and portrayed on TV in a positive light for a change. My hat isoff to Rick for his dedication, and to Varuna Productions and C.M.T. for pro-ducing and airing the program.

By Randy Olson, Editor ON CALL 24/7

Wife Shannon Julian contacted “Trick My Truck”, and Rick endedup with a beautifully refurbished carrier.

012_247_v04i03trick:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 11:21 AM Page 12

Miller Industries is once again ready to “Rock Baltimore” for the finalshow of the season, The American Towman Exposition, on Nov. 21-23.Miller’s training director Tom Luciano will begin Friday evening with oneof his popular recovery technique classes before moving to the showfloor Saturday and Sunday with John Hawkins and other Miller productspecialists for virtualdemonstrations. Fridayevening, Miller Industrieswill take over the Hard RockCafe for the year’s biggestnetworking event, “MillerRocks.”

Don’t miss the excite-ment as Miller Industries,the industry leader, rolls outthe latest and greatest innew technology - its newL.C.G. carrier - along with awide assortment of otherMiller units including thepopular Century 1075S 75-ton rotator and the new1140 40-ton model.

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 13

Get Ready BaltimoreCall 800-732-3869 or visitwww.towman.com to registeror for more information.

013_247v04i03baltimore:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 11:32 AM Page 13

It seems the beautiful fall weather was specially ordered for theweekend of September 18 – 21 in the mountains of Chattanooga,Tennessee. Towers from around the world shared in a variety ofevents and activities for what the State of Tennessee has officiallydesignated “Towing and Recovery Week” to honor the dedicatedmen and women in the industry who serve the state’s motoringpublic.

Besides the fellowship with other towers, there was an opportunityto LEARN for those who attended the popular Miller Industries RotatorSeminar or visited the factory for a plant tour; to REMEMBER as 61

new names of our fallen brothers and sisters were added to The Wallof The Fallen; to HONOR as eight more outstanding men andwomen were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their accomplish-ments and service to the industry; and to ENJOY as the week con-cluded with the Second Annual Miller Industries Motorcycle Rundeparting from the Towing Museum for a leisurely 3-hour ridethrough the Tennessee countryside. But don’t worry if you missed it.Just mark your calendar for the weekend of Sept. 18-20, 2009, whenwe do it all over again in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, birth-place of the U.S. Towing and Recovery Industry.


The Museum’s recently completed Learning Center pro-vided excellent facilities for the classroom portion of theRotator Seminar. The room is available to the industry fortraining or special events. Contact Museum DirectorCheryl Mish at [email protected] information.

Miller Industries held its eighth Rotator Seminar at theMuseum under the tutelage of Tom Luciano and JohnHawkins prior to the start of the weekend. Over 100 tow-ers from 18 states and Canada learned about the con-struction, service and operation of the number one sellingrotators in the industry.

Miller Industries Chief Engineer for Heavy-Duty WreckersMark Dyer explains the welding procedure taking placein a new robotic welding cell in the recently renovatedplant. Groups toured the Miller facilities throughout theday on Friday. But don’t wait until next year to see our latest and greatest. If you are in the area, you are alwayswelcome to stop by for a tour.

014-015_247_v04i03museum:000_247v0000name 10/9/08 11:07 AM Page 14

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 15

The ride concluded at the Miller Industries factory in Ooltewah, where everyone had achance to visit and swap stories about the experience. Over 50 bikes participated withriders showing up from as far away as Illinois and Louisiana, and from throughout theSoutheast. A great time was had by all.

Many different scenarios weredemonstrated during the RotatorSeminar, including a loaded tanker,an overturned tractor and trailer onan automobile, an overturnedstraight truck on a ramp, a side-pullof a loaded tractor-trailer and a mixerdrum filled with concrete. MillerIndustries believes that it is notonly important to build the finest tow-ing and recovery equipment, but alsoto offer seminars and demonstrationsso operators can maximize perform-ance of our equipment. We wouldlike to thank the eight operators whosupplied their Century rotators andprovided casualties. You made ourRotator Seminar a success.

Friends and family members released a white bal-loon as each of the 61 names of towers who losttheir lives in the line of service was read.

The plaques on the Wall serve as a permanentreminder for future generations of the tow operatorswho lost their lives serving the motoring public. TheMemorial serves as a reminder of the perils that towersface daily while performing their duties.

Miller Industries was proud to onceagain have a member of our team, BillMiller, honored for his unselfish supportof the community and towing industry.Each year, the International Towing andRecovery Museum holds a ceremonyto induct new members into the Hall OfFame for their contributions to industry,family and community. We congratulatethe entire Class of 2008: GeorgeConnolly, Richard Daley, William Miller,Clarissa Powell, J. Rodney Poynter,James Salentine, Stephen Shinnickand Thomas Tedford for their hard workand dedication. Nominations are nowbeing accepted for the Class of 2009.Contact Museum Director Cheryl Mishat 423-267-3132 for more information.

The Second Annual Miller Industries Bike Ridebegan on a beautiful Sunday morning followingthe weekend festivities at the InternationalTowing Museum. Two Hamilton County Sheriffcars along with three Sheriff motorcycles ledthe group on a 90-mile run up LookoutMountain and through the beautiful Tennesseecountryside.

A crowd of close to 500 attended this year’s unveil-ing. Many gathered after the ceremony to view, pho-tograph, and touch the bronze nameplates of col-leagues and loved ones.

014-015_247_v04i03museum:000_247v0000name 10/9/08 11:08 AM Page 15

8503 Hilltop Drive • Ooltewah, Tennessee 37363

www.millerind.com • 800-292-0330Call your local Miller Industries distributor for more information.

CENTURY® 10-Series Car Carriers – the most well-built,well-equipped carriers in the industry – are the foundationon which your business can grow.

With our many optional features, you can customize your CENTURY® carrier to fit your needs.

It just doesn’t getany easier thana CENTURY®

10-Series Car Carrier.

It’s Like BuildingYour Own Carrier.

CENTURY® 10-Series Car Carriers – the most well-built,well-equipped carriers in the industry – are the foundationon which your business can grow.

With our many optional features, you can customize your CENTURY® carrier to fit your needs.

It just doesn’t getany easier thana CENTURY®

10-Series Car Carrier.

It’s Like BuildingYour Own Carrier.

016-017_247_century:004_tt0205chevron 10/9/08 11:27 AM Page 16

The newly designed tailboardincludes easier access safety chainpockets, anti-theft L-arm storagetubes, shock-mounted LED FederalStandard 108 lighting and a highdump sub-frame for easier unloading.

The SP 8000 provides you a multitude of recovery options that you can perform from either side of your carrier with minimal lane blockage.

Rising fuel costs mean a focus on increased efficiency. An over-the-cabrack installed on a 21- or 22-foot Century 10 Series Car Carrier allows you to haul up to three vehicles, saving time and fuel cost.

The side-mount winch option allows youto easily adjust the front pulley assemblyso you can maintain a straight-line pullon the tow eyes that have become popular on so many automobiles.

With the ability to hinge the rear decksection to as low as a 6-degree loadangle, the Right Approach is the answerfor low clearance vehicles and is nowavailable with removable side rails.

016-017_247_century:004_tt0205chevron 10/9/08 12:11 PM Page 17

By John L. Hawkins IIIVice President of Sales, Heavy-Duty Products

Last issue, we started our discussionabout the outriggers on rotators. We refer-enced cribbing and how important it is to:1. Have the correct type and size of hard-wood.

2. Know how to use it properly to maxi-mize the rotator’s performance whileswinging heavy loads. There were a lot of good comments

and feedback from that article and I thankall of you for your input. I’m going to focuson one of the comments:

“If Mr. Hawkins suggests this is theproper way to crib a unit, then why duringthe show demonstrations on pages 14, 15and 19, is he not doing that?”

Great point. If you are going to teachand educate, you had better lead byexample, and in this case I failed. But Ialso mentioned in the article that this pro-cedure maximizes the performance ofthe unit during extreme lifts while rotat-ing. If you are lifting a heavy load or donot know what the surface content isbelow the rotator, you had better not takea chance. Crib to gain as much surfacearea as possible. For example, if you areinside a building and the owners can’t tellyou there is 8 inches of concrete floor

with reinforced re-bar, I suggest taking allprecautions.

But let’s continue with Part Two of thisarticle, and that is winching from the sidewith a rotator. Several years ago, we beganto see an increased demand by towers touse their rotators in side-pull recoveries.We went to work increasing stability andperformance in our units specifically forthese situations. After seven schools, ourattempts in a severe side-pull applicationhave always been met with success. Thoseof you who have attended these classescan verify that the truck must “dig in” andyou need to know how to distribute theeffort evenly.

But what specifically did MillerIndustries do to improve these types ofpulls? The front top beam outriggersneeded to have the extend cylinder pro-tected. By using the side-pull D-ring, sup-porting the lower pad, then pulling fromthe lower pad, you neutralize the leg andlower the pull.

We also developed a very simplespade attachment that gave immediateresistance to the pull. The new H-beamsystem designed these needs directly intothe extensions. Here we pin the extensionsto take the load off the cylinder and againdesign an attachment to fit on the end togive immediate resistance.

The rear legs have a spade attachmentthat can be used to the rear or side. Thisattachment is designed to shovel itself intothe ground. This can be done either by thepull and the unit being dragged or byhydraulically extending the leg. If you usethe hydraulics to extend the legs, limit theamount of stroke used and never take theleg to full extension (i.e. Limit the extensionand maximize the overlap reducing theopportunity for twisting). It is also veryimportant to leave as much weight as pos-sible on the tires. This will provide addition-al resistance on the side-pull.

Now with the vehicle set, it is up to youto determine which line to use. Both Tomand I like to use the belly drag winch line.This gives a nice low pull and lowers thecenter of gravity. However there are situa-tions that require lift. For those applications,use the boom and the upper winches.Understand that when using the boom, itincreases the leverage and reduces yourstability during side-pulls.

When using a rotator for a side-pull,learn how to make the unit dig in to maxi-mize its performance. Carry the rightattachments and study the pull to create ashorter lever and thus a lower center ofgravity. Remember, let the unit tell youwhat’s going on, and act accordingly andprofessionally.


Diggin’ In

To bo w

018-019_247_v04i03hawk:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 12:34 PM Page 18

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 19

When rigging afront top beamoutrigger for aside-pull, use achain throughthe side D-ringdown throughthe slots in theback edge ofthe outriggerpad to helpprotect the out-rigger extendcylinder duringthe pull. A second chain is run through the slots and out to connect with the hook on your recovery line. This helps neutralize the pull on theoutrigger. Place several hardwood blocks between the chain and pad to protect the chain from sharp edges. An optional spade attachmentslides into the slots on the front of the pad for more bite.

On the front under-slung H-beam outriggers, the stages are designed to be manually pinned to protect the cylinder during a pull. A screw pinshackle can be attached on the outrigger lug for your winch line connectionand an optional spade attachment pins to the bottom pad for more grip.

A rear spadeattachmentpins to theside of yourrear outriggerfor increasedgrip on a vari-ety of sur-faces. You canget the spadeto dig in bybeginning to winch or by hydraulically extending your horizontalextension. Always maintain some overlap between stages for morestrength along with maintaining weight on your tires for more hold-ing power.

The rearspadeattachmentcan also beused on thebackside ofyour spadesduring rearpulls inplace of theflat pad. AD-ring canbe attachedfor yourwinch lineconnection to help neutralize the force on the spades during heavypulls. Keep your rear spades horizontally retracted to prevent thepossibility of twisting. In each of these cases, remember thatspade attachments may cause damage to road surfaces and youcould be held responsible.

To achieve your maximum capabilities with your rotator in most side-pull situations, use your drag winch rather than yourboom winches to keep a lower center of gravity and increase stability. By using a snatch block at the casualty, bring yourwinch line back to your rotator and make your connection at the front outrigger to help distribute the pull.

018-019_247_v04i03hawk:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 12:35 PM Page 19

Racing and Auto SafetyCONTRIBUTIONS BY AUTO RACINGTO PASSENGER VEHICLE SAFETY

In 1903, AAA sponsored road races,rallies and long-distance runs to showcasethe safety and reliability of the cars of thatera. Many of those innovations made theirway into the passenger vehicles availableto the public. Subsequent technologicalbreakthroughs continue to affect the vehi-cles we drive today, and those we will drivein the future.

Though auto racing is inherently dan-gerous, there are many advances in safetythat have saved lives, both on the track andin the vehicles we drive every day.

Rearview Mirrors - In 1911, RayHarroun was able to drive in theIndianapolis 500 using a rearview mirror,rather than depending on the mechanic totell him when cars were about to pass.

Tires - Road and track racers pio-neered rubber compounds and radialtechnology improvements, contributing tobetter traction and control for currentmodel cars and trucks. Formula One®

designers, racing under all weather condi-tions, developed tires specific to rainy con-ditions. Run-flat tires have been used byNASCAR® and similar racecars for morethan thirty years.

Traction and Stability Control -Developed in Formula One racing, these

control the position of the vehicle and thetraction of the drive wheels. If a vehiclebegins to experience understeer or over-steer, power can be added or released tohelp the driver bring the vehicle back undercontrol. These systems are now availableon cars and trucks worldwide.

Hydraulic Brakes - Invented in 1918by Malcolm Loughead, the hydraulic brakesystem was more effective and more reli-able than the mechanical systems theyreplaced. First used in the 1918Duesenberg, these brakes enabled driv-ers to drive faster because they could stopmore quickly with less effort. By the end ofthe 1920s, similar brake systems werestandard equipment on most higher-priced cars.

Vehicle Seats and Air Bags - Thoughfront air bags have been available for 30years, side air bags just recently havebecome available on many vehicles. Sidecrashes, measured by onboard computersduring auto races, determined that occu-pants in crashes of this type incurred impactto the shoulder area. This data providesinput into side body airbag and seat designto limit injuries in this type of crash, a tech-nology that translates directly into protectingoccupants of passenger vehicles.

Safety Belts - Required for cars in1965 and light trucks in 1972, safety beltswere derived directly from auto racingexperience. First required at the Daytona500 in the late 1940s, the technology hasprogressed from simple lap belts usedthen to sophisticated five-point harnessand head restraint systems in use inmotorsports today. The three-point lap andshoulder restraints available in today’scars and trucks are a direct descendant ofearlier racing restraint systems. Three-point harnesses, first offered by Volvo in1959, are responsible for saving over150,000 lives since.

Crumple Zones - Around the body of avehicle are points specifically weakened,by design, to absorb the forces of a crashbefore vehicle occupants receive theimpact. Materials used and the locations ofthese zones are a result of experiencegained in racing.

As the motorsports industry continuesto move toward a safer environment forparticipants and spectators, the motoringpublic will continue to benefit fromadvancements in vehicle and driver safetysystems.

© 2005 AAA Michigan


Roush Fenway Racing images are used by authority ofRoush Fenway Racing, LLC. The AAA logo is a registeredtrademark of the American Automobile Association.

020-021_247_v04i03race:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 12:42 PM Page 20

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 21

Safety on the Track and RoadwaysJust as many safety improve-

ments have developed over the yearson racecars that we find today onpassenger vehicles and trucks, thereare also many similarities in safetyequipment and practices used inroadside and racing recovery situa-tions. At major race events, recoveryoperators are required to wear hel-mets for head protection and high-visibility uniforms that incorporatereflective stripes for night races, justas operators are now required to doon the highways. Operators on race-tracks also wear radio headsets forquick, clear communications betweensafety crews. Many towers havefound this type of communicationequipment extremely useful in work-ing recoveries along noisy roadwaysor when visibility makes the use ofhand signals difficult. During open wheel racing events,

when the safety crews arrive on ascene, several members of the teamform a safety zone behind the casual-ty and funnel traffic away from theincident. This creates a protected areafor the recovery operators, ambulanceand clean-up crews to operate andhelps prevent secondary accidentsthat occur on racetracks. This sameconcept can be applied to roadwayaccidents and incidents where pro-tecting the lives of your drivers isimperative.If you watch any of the night races

around the country where the MillerRace Recovery Team operates, youwill notice the reflective stripes on theunits to increase visibility, along withthe latest in Whelen LED light bartechnology to make sure the units arehighly visible. All of this, along withannual safety training classes andsafety meetings prior to the each day’srace events, keep the race recoveryoperators tuned in to safety at alltimes. Many towing companies takesimilar steps on a weekly or monthlybasis to review procedures and bestindustry practices to help insure thesafety of their operators.

No matter if you are on a racetrack or roadway, you should follow the same guidelines for your own safety and protection.

1) Attend training programs and company safety meetings.2) Use personal protection equipment that includes high-visibility vests, shirts or jack-

ets, helmets, gloves, eye protection and sturdy footwear with slip resistant soles. 3) Inspect your equipment and vehicle for proper operation and condition at the

beginning of each shift. 4) When working with other operators, communicate clearly and concisely verbally or

through the use of recognized hand signals. 5) Make sure your work zone is secure through the use of cones, flares, safety

triangles and/or law or traffic officers.

High-visibility garments, gloves, head protection and good communication between the opera-tors on the scene can be critical for a fast, safe and successful recovery on the racetrack aswell as for your operators on the roadways.

Reflective stripes and/or lettering can greatly enhance your vehicle’s visibility and create a saferenvironment when working in low lighting. That’s why most emergency vehicles such as policecars, ambulances and fire trucks incorporate them into their uniforms and/or vehicles.

020-021_247_v04i03race:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 12:43 PM Page 21

22 Spring 2007 On Call 24/7

022_247v04i03kenworth:Layout 1 10/8/08 1:36 PM Page 22

Side-Pull Recovery – Pioneered and Perfected

By Kipp Felice, Assistant Editor ONCALL 24/7

There has been a lot of “buzz” in theindustry over the past year with the pres-sure on towers for quick clearance andminimal lane blockage when performingrecoveries. Several products have hit themarket with manufacturers talking aboutsome sort of new technology, but side-pulling capabilities are nothing new orrevolutionary. Miller Industries’ leadingbrands have pioneered, produced andperfected these products for years.

In 1916, Ernest Holmes’ first splitboom wrecker was equipped with sideoutrigger legs and the ability to split thebooms and winch off the side for singlelane recoveries. In the late 80s, as themechanical wreckers began to fade inpopularity, Boniface Engineering, MillerIndustries’ manufacturing facility in theU.K., under the direction of a sharp, inno-vative engineer named Michael Boniface,began pioneering a hydraulic outriggerleg that was designed for the new breedof hydraulic wreckers that allowed foraggressive side-pull recoveries. In the

mid 90s, the Boniface Sidewinder wasAmericanized and introduced in NorthAmerica on the popular Century 5030.Since its introduction over a decade ago,the SP 850 has evolved into the presentSP 850-XP to better meet the needs oftowing professionals.

The SP 850-XP, with its powerful dual35,000-lb. hydraulic planetary winchesand pivoting legs, is available on theCentury 7035, 9055, Vulcan V-70 and V-100. Just talk to one of the over 100operators who own an SP 850 or SP850-XP and you’ll be convinced of theunit’s capabilities to perform difficult side-pull recoveries and the importance of theability to pivot the leg to the properstance for maximum performance.Besides the SP 850-XP products, Miller’sengineers have done extensive research,testing and development to provide side-pull winching capabilities into the indus-try’s leading heavy-duty rotators -Century and Challenger. Many of thesetough pulls have been demonstratedacross the country during rotator trainingseminars, winching extremely heavymachinery such as bulldozers. But Miller

Industries doesn’t stop with just heavy-duty equipment. We know many of youdesire these capabilities in your light-and medium-duty units so we also offerthe SP SidePuller in three different sizes:an 8,000-, 12,000- and 20,000-lb. model.All three offer a removable outer pivotingboom head that allows you to winch offeither side of the unit along with a centerpivoting boom head. This unique designallows you the ability to winch from awide radius of angles off your SidePuller- unlike other brands that restrict you to amore direct line pull to the side of theunit. This user-friendly design eliminatesthe fear of bending a swinging boom if itisn’t locked in the proper position duringa recovery.

The SP 8000 is the most popular inthe SP family and can be installed on alight-duty tow truck, but is most popularon carriers, creating a new dimension ofrecovery capabilities with the ability tohandle a wide range of both towing andrecovery with a single carrier. The SP12,000 is an ideal match on medium size

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 23

See Side-Puller on Page 24

The versatility and performance of Boniface’s Sidewinder allows the operator to perform difficultside recoveries with one unit. Since its production in the early 90s, the Sidewinder has provenitself by handling the toughest casualties on many of Europe’s narrowest roads.

023-025_247_v04i03sidepull:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 12:50 PM Page 23


carriers in the 15,000-lb. deck capacityalong with the popular Century, Vulcan andChevron 16-ton medium-duty towing andrecovery units.

Rounding out the heavy-duty side ofthe SP models is a 20,000-lb. unit, the SP20,000. This unit is ideally suited for use onindustrial carriers or is a perfect match forthe complete line of Century or Vulcan inte-grated units ranging from 20 to 50 tons.

The SP 20,000 is equipped with a single20,000-lb. planetary winch offering the ver-satility of side-pull recoveries in a lighterweight, compact and more economicalfixed leg design.

The family of SP SidePullers was engi-neered and developed by ChuckCeccarelli, whose vision through his ownexperience was to be able to handle toughrecoveries down the steep embankmentson Idaho’s narrow mountain roads. The SPline has been successfully produced for

more than five years with over 600 units inthe field. Many first-time buyers purchasemultiple units due to the success they haveexperienced using them.

Miller products are designed, testedand field-proven with the strength andintegrity to handle your toughest recoverieswithout unnecessary weight or bulk thatreduces your payload. For more informa-tion from the industry experts in side-pulling technology, visit your local MillerIndustries distributor.

Side-Puller From Page 23

Mike Rutherford, manager for Country Repair in Nampa, Idaho, knows how to handle tough recoveries. As a Level 6/7Certified WreckMaster and winner of the Donnie Cruse Recovery Award, Mike says with the proper training and rightequipment, he isn’t afraid to tackle any job. That equipment includes five side-pullers in their fleet, three SP 8000s on carri-ers, one SP 8000 with a Chevron Renegade(pictured) and an SP 20,000 mounted with aCentury 7035. Mike’s favorite saying is, “Youwould never believe what I just did with my side-puller,” and claims he never wants another truckwithout one.

The SP 20,000 provides true versatility and per-formance for tough recoveries with minimal laneblockage or on narrow roads. The fixed legdesign is compact and only requires an addi-tional 22 – 27 inches of CA, making it ideal foryour new Century or Vulcan heavy-duty unit oras an easy add-on to an existing unit by remov-ing a 24-inch tunnel box.


On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 25

With the ability to handle a wide range of both yourtowing and recovery needs, the SP 8000 is the numberone carrier-mounted choice in the industry and is fieldtested and proven with over 600 units working today.The SP 8000 adds a whole new dimension with theability to winch directly off either side of the carrier orangled back directly off the center sheave assembly.

To handle the most difficult siderecoveries, the SP850-XP is the towoperator’s topchoice. Featuresinclude dual35,000-lb. planetarywinches and theability to hydrauli-cally pivot the leg to position with your pull, making it unmatched in side-recovery capabilities.

For medium-dutycarriers or to addside-recovery capabilities to thepopular 16-tonmedium-duty inte-grated towing andrecovery vehicles,the SP 12,000 hasthe strength andability to get the job done.


26 Spring 2007 On Call 24/7

026_247v04i03pete:Layout 1 10/8/08 1:47 PM Page 26

HELPING HOLD ‘EMWe have always said that many great ideas come from the people who use our

equipment. In a past issue of ON CALL 24/7, we discussed how a piece of retread capunder your spades can help protect road surfaces and provide better footing on hard sur-faces such as concrete. At a recent training session Miller Industries sponsored, con-ducted by the Minnesota Professional Towing Association, Jay Thompson of Lake CityTowing in Duluth, Minnesota, passed along a tip. Instead of using a tire recap that hassteel belts that can cut your hand, Jay found some old rubber track at his local Cat deal-er. The track, which was off a Cat ASV skid loader, was in the scrap pile and they weremore than happy to give it to Jay. The track is easy to cut with a cut off saw and verydurable. Jay cut the three center rows of knobs off the track leaving one row on each sidethat fits between the spades on his Century 9055 SP850 to keep it in place. He alsofound it works perfectly on his Vulcan V-70.

We welcome any tips or suggestions you would like to share. Just give me a call at800-292-0330 or send me an e-mail at [email protected].

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 27

The rubber track providesadded friction under thespades for increased holdingpower on hard packed sur-faces as well as helping pro-tect the road surface.

Jay Thompson of Lake CityTowing shares a tip for hold-ing his Century 9055 SP850.Jay said the unit is kept busyhandling recoveries north ofDuluth on the highway alongscenic Lake Superior, andeasily does the work of twotrucks earning it the nickname“NORTH SHORE KING.”

The rubber track is very durable, easy to handle and, leavingthe two outside rows of knobs, easily stays in place underthe spades.

On their Vulcan V-70, a short piece of 2 X 4 fits perfectlybetween the track knobs and under the notch in the spades,providing firm footing during difficult recoveries.

COMMITTEDIN INK

Ole Anders Stensrud started hiscareer at a young age working week-ends and evenings after school for alocal towing company in Gjovik,Norway. Ole Anders loved the varietyof challenges and at 18 years old,became the youngest licensedheavy-duty operator in Norway, driv-ing a Scania equipped with a VulcanV-70. Now with over seven yearsunder his belt as a recovery operatorholding a special license and trainingthat is required in Norway, OleAnders operates a Volvo with aVulcan V-100 for Gjovik Bilberging,one of Norway’s largest companieswith over 27 recovery trucks, allVulcan units.

This past spring, Ole Andersattended the Florida Tow Show inOrlando along with several otherNorwegian towers and their localVulcan distributor, Saferec. OleAnders enjoyed the demonstrationsand all of the new equipment andmeeting many Miller Industries per-sonnel. Pictured is Ole Anders (left)sharing stories of tough recoverieshis V-100 has performed and show-ing off his new Vulcan tattoo toVulcan Heavy-duty Specialist BrentMournahan. That’s how much heloves his Vulcan unit.

027_247_v04i03misc:000_247v0000name 10/9/08 10:55 AM Page 27

NEW HEAVY-DUTYUNDERLIFT FORCHEVRONINDUSTRIALCARRIERS

Chevron announced a new heavy-dutyunderlift option to their Series 40 industrialcarriers. The optional underlift operates inconjunction with the hydraulic stabilizer, pro-viding extreme versatility for either carrierloading or vehicle towing. The underliftextends 75 inches with a lift rating of 10,000lbs. and tow rating of 30,000 lbs. using theoptional lift forks. The underlift is designed tohandle a wide range of accessories, includ-ing standard and elevated fork holders, 3-inch or 4-inch lifting forks, 4,000-lb. L-arm kit,and a pintle hitch attachment which allowsyou to tow autos, trucks or trailers behindyour carrier.

Contact your local Chevron distributor tolearn how the 40 Series carrier with a40,000-lb. deck capacity and heavy-dutyunderlift would be the perfect match for yourtoughest loads.


New Products

CENTURY THREE-CAR CARRIER –BUILT TOINCREASE YOURPROFITS

With the increase in fuel prices, towers arelooking for ways to maximize the number of vehi-cles per loaded miles. This is especially truewhen relocating new and used vehicles for dealers, insurance com-panies and salvage pools. While four-car carriers are popular forsome operators, many find them cumbersome to maneuver in tightplaces in addition to being heavier and more expensive to purchaseand operate. Century recently introduced a new three-car hauler thatsolves these issues, making it ideal for most operators. The Centurythree-car carrier is available with a 21- or 22-foot, 10-series deck thatis much lighter than the 15 or 20 series decks generally used.

Paul Stevenson, National Sub Haul Coordinator for Copart AutoAuction, one of the largest salvage auctions in the country, said manyof their contractors have found three-car carriers to be the perfect fit.Stevenson said that since most of their pickups are scheduled andpredictable, it is easy to group them by area. Since there is a singledrop destination, three-car carriers are ideal.

“Two men working two three-car carriers provide the same trans-port ability as three men with three two-car haulers, drastically reduc-ing the operating cost per hauled vehicle mile,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson said they [Copart contractors] also find the three-carhaulers useful for other commercial towing and road club work thatcan be easily coordinated along with the salvage pickups. The maneu-verability of the shorter wheelbase allows drivers to position for easyloading/unloading. The Century three-car carrier is designed for a29,000-lb. GVW chassis and is available in aluminum or steel.Aluminum is the preferred choice due to the weight differential thatequates into even more payload opportunity.

Visit your local Century distributor to learn how a three-carcarrier can add to your bottom line.

028-029_247_v04i03nprod:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 1:05 PM Page 28

REACH NEW LOWS WITH A MILLER INDUSTRIES L.C.G.

Many towers have found having adiversified customer base is key to thesuccess of their business. One of the mostversatile units in their fleet to handle thiswide range of customers is a carrier. Inaddition to normal transport work, a carri-er can haul a wide variety of equipmentand machinery. Height has been one ofthe biggest restrictions in hauling manyloads, with equipment such as fork lifts,loaders and backhoes sitting too high on astandard carrier thus requiring transporton a sliding axle or drop deck trailer.

Miller Industries’ engineers and DaveJaeger, owner of American Enterprises,a longtime Miller distributor, have beenseeking a solution for this height con-cern. Dave is well known for his ingenuityin the customization of many Miller bod-ies, and developed a concept to lowerthe deck height.

Miller Industries carrier facilities beganbuilding several prototypes under thedirection of Director of CarrierEngineering, Ron Nespor, and a revolu-tionary new industrial carrier was born thataddressed several areas of concern fortowers. The new Miller L.C.G. (Low Center of Gravity) carri-er with patent-applied for design, uses dual slide cylindersthat are mounted outboard of the frame rails. This allowed fora redesign of the carrier sub-frame and reduced the overalldeck height 7 to 9 inches, depending on the particular model.In addition to better clearance for taller loads, the lower deckprovides increased stability with the lower center of gravitywhen hauling heavy concentrated loads, and a lower loadangle that prevents many pieces of equipment from draggingor hanging up during the loading or unloading process.

The new L.C.G. is available in deck lengths from 24 to 30feet with a deck capacity of 20,000 or 30,000 lbs. The L.C.G.is built to be mounted on a chassis equipped with super sin-gle tires on a single axle with a pusher, tandem or tri-axleconfiguration for optimal payload capacity. Your L.C.G. canalso be ordered with a stationary or hydraulic dock stabilizerfor even more versatility. A hydraulic wheel-lift/dock stabilizercombination with a tow capacity of up to 20,000 lbs. on the30 series is available.

The beauty for most towers in this type of transportwork is the ability to plan loads, which are usually not astime sensitive as most other towing and recovery work,making it ideal to schedule around other jobs. The L.C.G. isalso ideal for transporting equipment such as loaders to anaccident scene as well as moving away cargo or wreckage.Miller Industries has a long list of options to design theL.C.G. around your particular needs. Contact MillerIndustries to find out why your next heavy-duty carriershould be an L.C.G.

The Low Center of Gravity Carrier reduces the overall deck height of thecarrier, providing better stability when hauling heavy loads as well asadditional clearance for many taller loads.

The unique patent-pending design utilizes twin slide cylinders that aremounted to a heavy-duty subframe mounted outboard of the chassisframe to achieve the low deck height.

The low-mount design provides a low angle for easy loading and unloading of equipment.

On Call 24/7 1-800-292-0330 29

028-029_247_v04i03nprod:000_247v0000name 10/8/08 1:05 PM Page 29

Thunder Down Under Stops the Show


Brandon Glass, Export Sales Manager

White truck after white truck, that ispretty much all that you will see when yougo to a commercial truck show thesedays. This was the case once again asone strolled through the aisles at theNational Truck and Commercial VehicleExpo held at Sydney’s Olympic Park dur-ing the first weekend in August. That isuntil you reached the Truckworks booth.Miller Industries Australia and NewZealand distributor Lyndon Reynolds takegreat pride and go to extreme lengths tostand out above the competition, and thatwas very evident once you stepped footinto his booth. The bright colors and mas-sive equipment acted as a magnet for allin attendance. People wanted to get upclose and take as many photos as theycould to see the attention to detail that

went into these extraordinary tow trucks.The three main attractions were a

Century 9055 three-stage boom mountedon a Kenworth 904, a Ford F-650 super caboutfitted with a Century aluminum car carri-er, and a Century 1075S2 mounted on aPeterbilt 388. Both the Ford and the Peterbiltwere installed in the United States, shippedacross the world, converted to right-handdrive, and painted to meet Lyndon’s highquality standard. The buzz around the boothalso caught the attention of the Sydneymedia outlets. The Herald Sun and theSydney Evening News both featured theseeye-catching tow trucks that Miller Industriesand Truckworks brought to the show, bring-ing a positive image of the towing industry tothe general public Down Under.

But Truckworks’ Century units weren’tthe only units catching the media’s atten-tion. Power Torque magazine, one of

Australia’s leading truck publications,printed an article on Wheeldon’s Towinglocated in the Gold Coast. The articlefocused on owner Bob Wheeldon’s latestand most prized possession - a brand newCentury 1075S that had been mounted ona Peterbilt 388 from the United States pur-chased through Truckworks. This unit isactually the first 75-ton rotator in Australiaand was delivered to him in late 2007.Bob’s plan for his new baby? To work it atall the Gold Coast docks for the retrievaland storage of yachts, which in the pastrequired him to rent a crane at a cost of$10,000 a month. Any free time for therotator will be put to use handling localcommercial work.

No matter where you are in the worldtoday, you can count on finding a proudowner with his Miller towing and recoveryequipment stealing the show.

030_247v04i03thunder:000_247v0000name 10/9/08 11:13 AM Page 30

031_247v0402freight:Layout 1 10/8/08 1:40 PM Page 31

Tough. Unyielding. Gets the job done.The Vulcan Intruder is your answer to repossessions, illegally parked vehicles, garage work, highway clearance of disabled cars... any towing requiring fast, efficient work.Your Intruder is ready when you are.

AT VULCAN, MAKING YOU LOOKGOOD IS OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL.

www.millerind.com • (800) 489-2401

032_247v0403vulcan:004_tt0205chevron 10/8/08 1:42 PM Page 32

Documents

Tow Times Miller Industries