Cutters,Spreaders and Hydro tools,,, the second time around!

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Taylor on February 25, 2008 at 10:13pm

We use Genesis and have for around 10 years and have had no trouble with them. We just bought a combi tool and power unit for our second pump and tried out some other tools and decided to stick with the same tools that we already had because we have never had because we couldn't find anything better from the other tools. I have always liked the Genesis over the other tools but that is my personel oppinion.

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Permalink Reply by Brandon on February 25, 2008 at 11:09pm

I really like Holmatro. I use Holmatro at work and Hurst with volunteers. There is nothing wrong with Hurst but Holmatro is lighter and more compact and they work just as good or better.

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Permalink Reply by George on February 27, 2008 at 6:45am

We use amucus and have had pretty good experience. Part of decsion making progress was having equipment that was compatible with other stations in case of a mutual aid.

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Permalink Reply by Cannon on February 27, 2008 at 3:48pm

I've used almost every hydraulic tool out there...

Centaur - Decent

Amkus - Garbage

Genesis - HORRIBLE!

Champion - Beyond HORRIBLE

Holmatro - AWESOME

TNT - Awesome power... the arms and the cutter blades seem brittle

ResQTec - KICK ASS!!! (We have a new FULL set of these) Compatible with Hurst "SIMO Pump"

Hurst - AMAZING... We have an older set and combi-tool. The full set is on our back up engine and the combi-tool and a ram is going on our new engine.

IN the end... Myself and several other guys in my area prefer Hurst and most would say after using our ResQTec would put them number 2. Everyone around us uses Hurst... so we found tools with a better price that are compatible with everyone around us. We thought about the mineral oil system, but it's not compatible with our Hurst tools.

We're in the process of trying out the ResQTec air bags as well.. they're VERY nice!

good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Lt. Pancake on March 4, 2008 at 1:54am

We just set up the streamline connectors on our Hurst gear this evening. We did an extrication training for a local EMT-B class so we got to play with the new connectors.

Simply put, they really work well. No more dumping pressure to swap tools. No chasing the 'other' coupler of the pair as the new fittings combine the paired hose into one coupler.

Just grab and twist. The tactile feedback is very good. If you don't get a good connection, the couplers just spin apart and separate. The feel of the coupler locking is obvious and positive. The size of the couplers is also good for gloved hands. The non-skid textures on the fittings is also effective.

We swapped out the couplers on six tools, four hoses, one reel, and the pump in about an hour.

Regards.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin on February 28, 2008 at 6:07am

Brock writes like a true salesman...

We can all get every coupling to lock up if we know how. It is extremely difficult to lock up a Streamline coupling, as a matter of point... you would have to work at it! Wouldn't it be smarter to work at something more productive.

The comment about "thats why they have two hoses, one for pressure and one for return, to allow the tools to cool" ... if you had half a clue on why and how a hydraulic system works, you would know why there are two lines. Start with this... pressure open and pressure close.... 2 sides of a piston... this isn't hydraulics class.

Lifetime Warranty... my TNT warranty covers nothing for the life of the tool... as amtter of point it doesn't say when the life of the tool is over. Maybe my warranty is different but I doubt it. Okay tools... lots of hype.

ResQtec... nice equipment, works well... unlike some others... no BS story.

Amkus... they still making those tools? Better question, anyone buying them?

Holmatro... also good equipment, some dealers stretch the truth (imagine that). Hows that "three stage" power unit working out for them?? I like the video of the salesguy saying anything it takes to sell a tool.

I like Chevy... you like Ford... too bad for you!

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Permalink Reply by jmillsaps2204 on February 28, 2008 at 8:58am

just try to get whatever your buying made in U.S.A. and i don't think you will have any problems. After all do you trust china with something this important.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Orbell on March 20, 2008 at 11:01pm

Hello my name is Mike Orbell of the Inuvik NWT FD and my personal favorite type of extication tool to work with is the Jaws of Life and the brand we have is Holmatro , our unit is fairly compact and a little lighter than other brands. Though the design for the hydrolic hose connections has been an issue: the protector caps on all the ram, jaws and hydrolic hoses aren't verry durable. Making a standard car into a convertable is a breeze for easy casualty access, or popping door hinges. Weigh your options between different manufacturers.

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Permalink Reply by daniel smith on March 21, 2008 at 3:03am

Ok we did the same thing a few years ago and tested every supplier. Tnt and holmatro came out hands down on top. We picked tnt as they had better prices. Awsome does not describe these compaired to hurst. They will scare you with their speed and power. As for can't do with out? The usual combo, cutters, rams, and spreaders. Get the biggest cutters possible. In these days you'll find that you will be cutting more than spreading. Get a big ram and a medium ram. You can always use the spreaders instead of rams. Consider a sawsall with plenty of extra blades. They go through wind shields like a hot knife through butter. One tool not to waste your time with is the curtis wright powerhawk. I have never used a bigger piece of junk in my life. Twice they failed to live up to the hype! Even with a sales rep on hand. As long as the have a name you can research them find the one that works for your department hands down. I suggest having as many people on your department use the tools as possible before you buy.

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Permalink Reply by James Weaver on March 21, 2008 at 3:30am

we recently replaced most of our out hurst tools with new hurst tools and i do love them. i have had the oppertunity to use the holmatro tools alot though work and they are by far my favorite. i think they are lighter and every bit as tuff. i really cant say anything bad about them. i think both are very good but if we were replacing our entire tool box thats the way i would have gone.

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Permalink Reply by Jason on March 21, 2008 at 11:03am

I would definetly recommend Amkus. We bought our Amkus about 2 years ago and love it. It is light weight and reliable. If you have any issues the company will take care of it right away. My suggestion is to see what you neighboring departments have also because if needed on a multiple vechicle accident with mutal aid you could be using some of thier stuff as well. This way everyone is trained on the same equipment.

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Permalink Reply by Bull on May 5, 2008 at 1:04am

We just purchased TNT about 9 months ago, and our nieghboring Dept has had them for several years. They and us are very pleased and satisfied with TNT. Our Rep has been there every step of the way. It wasnt a sell then see ya later. He calls us every couple of months to see how we are doing. Nothing but great things to say about TNT.

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