recommendations on extrication tools

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

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

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

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

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

Holmatro Core hoses have two big problems...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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