I will call you when my mom needs to tow her smart car. I just don't know if you could handle something as beastly as a smart car. Might need a bigger truck. 😂
Ron Pratt thank the Lord everyday Ron and I thank him everyday myself he's an amazing awesome God and is a great I am on the great physician have to meet you sometime Ronna really Warrior near Great explanation flush and plus I know you're rude and I find you very very fascinating big huge fan of the yours whole all to The Great I Am Great I Am
Ron Pratt hope whatever needs you hope I didn't call you if I run Mississippi area lever broke down I'm going to ask for you or do I do I ask for Callum like that for you Ron I really would like that for you and then adult the things you can do you and you probably own place
Thank you for the tour. Much has changed, for the better, since the 70's/ 80's. We started with one Ready Built/Chev 4X4 and went from there. Cold weather and old bones took me out of the picture and into over the road trucking. It's in the blood I guess. Your videos are a pleasure to watch and I thank you for being family friendly. God bless and continued good fortune. Denny
I started with my mom and dad in the mid 80's. Our first truck was a Marmon conventional with a Holmes 750. I am glad you enjoy the family-friendly format. It has been well received and I intend to continue in the same manner. Thank you and God bless.
Thanks Ron for taking your time to answer all my questions. Watched the video with the roller function in operation and I can see how that adds to the versatility of that wrecker. Amazing machine.Again thank you for your time.Best regards,Lisa
As a new subscriber, I've just found this video, and, I'm pleased to hear that you run your Truck with a Cummins Engine up front, for my sins, I used to live almost right across the road from the Factory in Scotland where Cummins built Diesel Engines, they also started a lot of development, so much so, that Cummins spent £m's building up the plant, they even spent further £m's putting in their own road to connect with the nearest Motorway (Highway), and, when it was all done, and production was going great guns, they shut the plant down, paying about 700 staff off, and once everyone was paid off, Cummins then moved everything, lock stock and barrel, to England, but thanks for the tour Ron, a very good informative video
I am also a new subscriber. Thanks for this walk around.. its a fantastic truck with a ton of neat accessories. I enjoy seeing this in use when you open the doors and pull out whatever shackle, strap, ladder, chain, radios, remote or what-ever. Thanks for your public service and sharing your business with we youtubers.
It took me several months organizing and reorganizing the tool bays before I felt comfortable with everything. I still add and have to move things around, but I'm out of room for anything else!!!! Time for a bigger truck??? Thanks for watching and God bless.
Top operator Mr Ron excellent description of your very expensive vehicle. Expert understanding of all the vital and essential equipment on board and ready for any emergency response. Well done Ron you are the a Star ⭐️ Operator
Very nice truck. When I worked very shortly in the towing industry (maybe 3 months) kids took priorities so I found a local job in a asphalt plant. I drove small truck, a worn out 1 ton wrecker. The set up we had was work 24 hours then an 8 hour shift. Then go home for 12 hours and back to a 24 + 8 . I lived to far away to be on rotation or take a truck home. So we had hot bunks we split with. Thank God they were all very clean and respectful guys. But no time to be with my son as a single father with an absent wife. I really enjoyed the work and had my sights set on heavy rescue but as I said my son came first. I often wonder how I would have made out if things were different. But I am happy the way my kids turned out so it was well worth the trade I made. My little rant is finished now and very much enjoy your videos. And I must say you sir have the patience of a saint. Thanks for sharing what you do with us. Stay safe.
I believe in the end, things usually turn out as they were meant to. I love what I do, but there would be no option of this if my wife and extended family didn't support it. My wife has become accustomed to me rushing out on family dinners, events, movies and other activities when duty calls. After our daughter was born, there was a terrible ice/snow storm and she sat at home alone with our newborn for 3 days, answering the phone and dispatching us. I agree that family comes first and it takes a lot of them to make this happen. I am so glad you found your alternate career and could spend time with your kids. Nothing like someone calling you Dad is there? God bless you sir and thank you for watching.
I’m a new subscriber Ron. I’m a truck driver and while I’ve had trucks towed, I’d never been able to have a thorough walk around of an efficient truck. I’d watched several of your videos before I hit the subscribe button, and I have to give you an attaboy for making your job look so incredibly simple; although I know it isn’t. I also enjoy the camaraderie that you have with not only your co-workers, but with local authorities that you seem to know on a first name basis. Keep up the great work, Ron ! Have a Merry Christmas, everybody
Beautiful truck spec'd to a T! But the most amazing is the store-house of equipment on board, for just-in-case. Amazing, very impressive and mind-boggling!!! But, what; no breath mints? :~) Thanks much for the great vid and explanations, Ron!
If you are having trouble finding some of my videos, you can click the "subscribe" button on the lower right hand side of the screen on any of my videos and that will allow you access to my full video library. It will also alert you when I post a new video. You can also go to my Home Page and look through all of my videos. Thanks and God bless.
Thanks for a very informative video. I am just a fan of towing vehicles and I respect what you guys do. I have always wondered what was on one of these monsters. Very, very interesting. I just found your channel but I do like your videos. You keep makin' 'em and I'll keep watchin' 'em! Stay safe out there!
I'm glad you enjoy them. I have quite a few that I'm trying to process and upload now. It just takes a lot of time. Hope you keep watching. Thanks and God bless.
Since two weeks I am watching your videos, starting with the oldest. I love your improvement with the cam! You have an interresting job! May God give you the strenght en healthy to keep going. Kind regards from The Netherlands!
I love the content my friends! I found the channel recently and can't stop watching until I see all the videos. I love how interesting, physical, dynamic, and intellectual your work is. It's fun watching y'all solve problems on the go and figure things out in a timely and safe manner. So it's been 3 years now and from your videos I have noticed some minor changes to some things like light bars and some odds and ends. If you ever time to do it I bet the community would love another breakdown video of the trucks. Again love the content and keep putting out this awesome stuff! Good luck and god bless y'all!
Very good. Video glad I watched it finally I have started watching all of your videos from the bottom of the list to the latest thank you for taking all of the time to upload your videos.
Ever since I saw this truck in action for the first time I've wondered what the power plant was. I've seen you and your crews working a few times on 55 (luckily not for me!) and found your channel about a year ago. After watching a few videos, I knew that you were a very smart and professional operator. I figured you had an 18 speed but wondered about the engine itself. 15 years ago, you'd probably have spec'd a Cat engine, but, these days, Cummins every time! Actually, I've always run Cummins. I know they're all good, but, I couldn't justify the extra cost of a Cat when they built on highway engines and the Detroit engines just don't seem to have the bottom end torque to pull that Cummins does. I'm also a faithfull man. I didn't used to be, but, my wife is literally a preachers daughter. I've always believed, but, she has REALLY put me on the right path over the last 31 years! God bless you and yours!
Thank you for this video of what you actually carry in your big rotator. I think the only thing you are missing is the fridge and camp stove ;) Stay safe and God bless.
I like the fact that when you open the tunnel door there's a flashing light on there. also like the extra room on the cab as a truck driver I know the standard day cabs can be awful tight quarters so it's like an extra cab on a pickup but not quite.
Actually, all of the box doors that open outward have the flashing light built into them....on both sides of the truck. And, yes, I like the extra 10" cab space, but it is nothing compared to what I had been used to for the last 20+ years. My first truck was a Marmon with a 64" sleeper. The truck that I drove before the rotator, the one we traded in towards it, was a 379 Peterbilt with a stand up, 2 bed sleeper. So I have been used to having closet space for extra clothes, hard hat, gloves, boots, rain gear, water, snacks....you name it. I love the Rotator, don't get me wrong, but I do miss the storage space and a place to change clothes, lay down, or carry passengers.......oh well. Trade-offs. I don't want to go back. This truck is too amazing. Thanks and God bless.
I did not know that there was a control panel on each side. Very nice walk around description of the Rotator. No wonder that truck weighs 72,000 LBS and costs almost 1 million dollars. There is nothing that Ron can not do with his biggest toy. Love it.
That is a beautiful truck Ron! Amazing how much technology for heavy recovery has changed over the years. It doesn't seem all that long ago that the Holmes twin boom 750's were state of the art machines, now all that seems like Flintstone towing. One question, what does the overhead control panel in the cab operate? I've see it used for the lights but does it control other things? You may have answered that in another video but I haven't come across it yet. Stay safe!
Ron, you are amazing! I was wondering what you carried in the rotator! You are prepared for just about everything! I like the way that it was organized! Every item was it is place with easy access! No wonder the rotator weights so much! i asked before in one of your videos if you were ever in the military, USAF, perhaps! You are very disciplined!
Ron Pratt Yes!!! New subscriber here as well. And I'm trying to figure out what you are missing on this truck. Lol Great video and very nice rig. I have family in Perryville MO. Stay safe, Keep up the good work, watch your six and for the others move over when you see the ambers, blues, and red!!!
Thanks for nice video. Question: What is the unit that you access (upper right reach in the cab) when first starting on a call and at other times? Log book????
I really enjoy your videos... Thanks for going to the trouble of doing the recording... I have a number of questions.. First, you are always so careful on positioning your chains etc.. Have you every had one break under load? The pressures that are place on various chains, belts etc is amazing.. I am astounded how how much force can be applied to a wheel of a vehicle without breaking... Second, has a traffic accident ever occurred during a recovery? Finally, now with a number of years under your belt using the rotator, are there improvements you would like to see? Has Miller contacted you for feedback... Are there features on the new rotators you wish were on your truck? Have you had any fails? Things going wrong. Life doesn’t alway work out as planned... Anyway thanks again, you do amazing work and letting is be part of that is a wonderful thing you do...
For your first question, yes, I have had chains, straps, and cables brake under load. Second, yes, there have been other crashes while I've been on the site of a crash. I actually caught one on video last winter. It can be quite dangerous out there. Improvements on the Rotator, yes, several that I would like to have, but they are available as options from Miller, so they have not sought my opinion. ..... I'm not that important, really.....I'm just a God-loving, family oriented, patriotic, hard working man. I mean that with all sincerity. I don't see myself as a celebrity as some of my viewers may. Have I had any fails? That would be a huge YES. Any operator that has worked in this field for any length of time who claims they've never had a fail, well, I'll just leave that open..... I had one recently and I'm still beating myself up over it. It was a simple mistake that could have been catastrophic. I did catch it on video, but I don't yet know if the customer is going to allow me to post the footage. I hope so. I would like to use my mistake to help others possibly to not make the same or similar mistake. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Fast forward to now 07/8/2020 and do another tour of the boxes and what you have added and deleted. They sure seem to have a lot more in them today!!. Love your videos
thanks ron been waiting to see this video!! discovered your channel not long ago. your truck is awesome and well organized!!! like the lessons your videos teach me. if you know the causes of these accidents, could you let us know, ithe knowledge might save lives in the future !!
Well Mr. Pratt, you directed me here from another video as I was asking specifically about this beautiful rig. I am absolutely blown away at the amount of necessary equipment and gear you carry in those boxes and what an amazing rig! A few more questions if you will have time and allow me:1) How did you come up with that inventory of equipment in the boxes? I'm sure experience has led you to most of what you carry but it's certainly gives you a good feeling to know you have what you need to do the job.2) What does that truck weigh as it sits there and also what are the axle weights of that truck going down the road?3) Then the awkward question..... What is the value of that truck loaded and equiped like you showed it here?4) Finally do you have a video of that "roller option" in operation. Doesn't have to be loaded but I think it would be interesting to see that actual rotator assembly move back and forth? Again thank you for an amazing video and what an amazing piece of equipment you have there. I was in light towing and recovery for over 30 years and always admired you guys on the job or going down the road. That's real towing and recovery for sure. Have a blessed day my friend, Lisa
Lisa Johnson . To answer your first question, some of the equipment was purchased with the truck as options, the remaining inventory I added after the truck arrived. And as you mentioned, my experience lead me to put certain things in the boxes. I have continued to add new things to this truck, since it is a completely different animal than just a standard Heavy tow/recovery vehicle. Second, the truck weighs in around 72,000 lbs fully equipped. The steer axle is around 18,000 which leaves roughly 54,000 for the 2 drive axles and the air lift axle. Third question, fully equipped as this one is would run around $750,000 to replace. And finally, your 4th question, yes I have multiple videos using the roller function....my most recent video LONG TRAILER VS SHARP CURVE shows the roller function in action. There is also a video from about a month ago ROTATOR JOB...FORKLIFT NEEDS A LIFT that also utilizes the roller function. Thanks for your interest and God Bless
Thank you, Ron. I enjoy your videos. It's great to see a real professional at work and this description of the rotator was fascinating - an amazing piece of equipment. One question - do you have load sensors on the winches and the boom so that you stay within safe limits?
Yes he has, one of the screens on that high tech remote can show load (and even load versus load chart if I recall correctly), there are a few videos where he mentions that or asks Talon to pull that screen up.
Would you mind sharing what your total truck and equipment cost and what your hourly rate is first class operation and first class operation you make it look simple but we know that comes from experience
Really interesting video have spent a long time watching your videos so different to what we do in the uk but same problems lol biggest is slow down and move over my pet hate god bless and stay safe
A friend of mine has had one in his tow fleet for quite a while. Here in Western Pa. the truck really earns its fees, the terrain isn't nearly as forgiving.
Hey Ron noticed a few things I thought I would mention. First, no first aid kit on board? And second why not have a sticker on the door of the compartment the fire extinguisher is in, you could do the same for first aid too so it's easy to find even for a bystander in case something catastrophic happens on the job. Couple hundred bucks for a nice first aid kit and some stickers could save a life one day. Found your channel last week and cant get enough! keep up the good work man!
I didn't point it out, but there are two nice first aid kits in the cab. One behind each of the seats. As for the stickers on the doors to help identify, that is a good idea and we have that one of our trucks. We just didn't put the stickers on this truck. Thanks and God bless.
Hi Ron . I hope everyone is staying safe during this pandemic. Please can you show the screens on the control panels in a video. Also explain the gear shift pattern in the rotator please . Do you skip gears as you go up through the transmission?
How bout another vid showcasing the boom and its full extensions, and traverse.. and also the rear lift apparatus and how it extends, attaches, lifts, snd swivels. In some of the vids it appears you have different contact points mounted to it.. see the capability of that whole system would be cool. Your vids are as close as most of us will ever come to even being near such a machine.. it sure is neat you share its use with us.. Stay safe out there!
Mr. Ron, Two comments. One: I truly believe the grill lights should be bigger[just my feeling] and two with all the equipment that you have on the Rotator I think you could use a trailer on the back. Just thinking. Keep up the great videos.
Guess I should have watched this before asking about chain saws. When you buy a rig like this, do you get an option list of kit to equip it, or do you have to go shopping to pick up all the rigging? Or both? Fantastic rig, love to hear the turbos spool when you load up the winch.
The forks and wheel lift parts come with the truck if you order them. Same with the chains, straps, shackles, snatch blocks, and slings.....basic rigging. Everything else has to be added after it is delivered. The chain saw and hand saws, the K12 saw, various wood blocks, PPE, tire chains, choker cables, etc., and I keep adding more items all the time. Thanks again, and God bless
I've always liked plain big trucks and want to one day own a heavy wrecker, as an expensive toy and something to earn a little side cash with. Any thoughts on where to start?
Hi Ron, I'm sorry i know this video is an older one, but i'm just doing some research, as i'm wanting to start a business in towing...not recovery as you do but more specifically boat trailer transporting/ Vehicle transporting . I live across the pond in the Mediterranean on a small island just South of Sicily (which is also an island south of main land Italy) Very often here people purchase boats cars from Sicily and have them transported over by ferry . There are very few companies that offer a towing service for boats like that . okay enough with my back story you get the idea haha, my question is i'm trying to think of a way of mounting break away chains similar to what you have here. What would they be called? retracting break away chains ?
hi enjoyed your walk around of the rotator. I would like more info on the winch motors, whot powers them, and where that power comes from, for something as small as they are they have a high level of torque this always amasses me. all the best JB UK
OK...so, I will try to give a brief answer to your question. The winch motors are hydraulic driven. The hydraulics are driven by a PTO (Power Take Off) pump mounted on the transmission. The power starts in the engine, is transferred to the transmission, then transfers through the PTO pump, which creates the hydraulic pressure to drive the winch motors. The hydraulic system on this truck is huge and has a 2-stage pump with a high volume reservoir. I can perform multiple hydraulic functions simultaneously, under full power, however, it does slow the functions down when running multiple functions at once. The winches are made by DP Winch and are "planetary" design, which is highly efficient and have extremely long "duty cycles" compared to a worm gear or an electrical winch. Hope I have explained this well enough. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I would say put this walk around and the other walk arounds in a playlist for new viewers, as well as the livestreams you did and the video talking to the School kids. That way many of the questions are answered from the beginning. How often do you have to change hydraulic fluid? , I would assume at least once or twice a year for weather. My dad and I used to have to filter or replace hydraulic oil for a leather products manufacturer once a year, biggest machine took like 50 gallons. How long, and what diameter are the hydraulic cylinders?
REALLY enjoy your videos. I would appreciate you addressing who does your video editing and prep and what software you/they use (i.e. Flash, iMovie, etc.). I also greatly appreciate your "family oriented" format, thank you. Respectfully, Mike in Lancaster, California.
Actually, I do all the video editing and uploading myself. My wife helps moderate the channel comments, but I make all the videos. I am not a professional, by any means, but I have learned a few things as the channel has grown. I am currently using Cyberlink Power-Director 17 software for all my A/V editing. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Hey Ron, do you use either of the 2 compartments in the rear of the truck between the rear lights and break away chains by any chance think they might have been the only part that didnt show lol
I was wondering why you skipped those doors myself. I have watched quite a few of your excellent videos and only remember seeing you go into those boxes a couple of times. U-tube says that there replies to the above question but I cannot see any...Please stay safe and be well.
Hey Ron i hope u & your family are well , i love seeing what u guys do on ur service calls. Question is that ur personal truck or are the trucks company owned ? And are u ( if desired ) are u able to purchase it??
BEAUTIFUL RIG MY FRIEND !!! I'm thinking it's a tag axle truck , very impressive truck my friend , now stupid question is .... How does that wrecker compare to Jamie Davis's truck on highway thru hell , only differences I see are , his is a western star , his has a sleeper unit on it and I think his is a tri drive unit , however I see on the towing forums that Jamie Davis has now sold his , as he says ... downsizing ... being how expensive them units are , I wish you the best with your ride my friend , keep the videos coming and stay safe out there 😉
First, thank you very much. Yes, my truck is a self-steering lift axle. Both units are very similar. They are both made by Miller Industries in Chattanooga, TN, and both are rotators. His truck has a few options that mine does not.....the light tower and on-board fire suppression system. My truck has a few newer options that weren't available when his was built. Mine is a "Roller" which means that the boom travels fore and aft 5' inside the bed, which allows for much greater reach. Mine also has the Raptor control system, which is an upgraded, hi-tech control and monitoring system that wasn't available when his was built. I'm not saying that mine is better than his, just pointing out the differences as you asked for. I believe that his was a 60 or 75 ton unit...not certain. Mine is a 50 ton unit. We opted to go with the 50 ton roller because of its lighter weight and the versatility of the rolling function not available on any other size Miller product. Thus far the truck has performed beautifully and I hope it continues to do so. Hopefully I have answered your questions satisfactorily. Thank you and God bless.
Christopher Tindall...At the 20:00 mark, you can see the passenger side entrance, and steps, up into the cab. The batteries are located inside a box that makes up the steps, and a storage compartment!
The battery box is special made and sits behind the cab on top of the frame rail. The passenger side steps are all emissions related equipment. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I will call you when my mom needs to tow her smart car. I just don't know if you could handle something as beastly as a smart car. Might need a bigger truck. 😂
My husband could not believe I enjoyed your videos so much. Thank you.
I'm glad you have enjoyed them. Thank you and God bless.
I thank God that such awesome people like you exist.
A very humble and sincere, thank you. God bless.
Ron Pratt thank the Lord everyday Ron and I thank him everyday myself he's an amazing awesome God and is a great I am on the great physician have to meet you sometime Ronna really Warrior near Great explanation flush and plus I know you're rude and I find you very very fascinating big huge fan of the yours whole all to The Great I Am Great I Am
Ron Pratt hope whatever needs you hope I didn't call you if I run Mississippi area lever broke down I'm going to ask for you or do I do I ask for Callum like that for you Ron I really would like that for you and then adult the things you can do you and you probably own place
Ron Pratt sometime it is hard to hear you. It is fantastic on the work that you do.
Thank you for the tour. Much has changed, for the better, since the 70's/ 80's. We started with one Ready Built/Chev 4X4 and went from there. Cold weather and old bones took me out of the picture and into over the road trucking. It's in the blood I guess.
Your videos are a pleasure to watch and I thank you for being family friendly.
God bless and continued good fortune.
Denny
I started with my mom and dad in the mid 80's. Our first truck was a Marmon conventional with a Holmes 750. I am glad you enjoy the family-friendly format. It has been well received and I intend to continue in the same manner. Thank you and God bless.
Surely, this needs an update, being over 2 years old! :) I just love Ron's videos. There's just something about a good guy doing things right.
Six years old now lol.
Thanks Ron for the walk around.....just found this video...God Bless.
Nice rig Ron thanks for the tour. Enjoy it and as I always say be safe.
Thanks Ron for taking your time to answer all my questions. Watched the video with the roller function in operation and I can see how that adds to the versatility of that wrecker. Amazing machine.Again thank you for your time.Best regards,Lisa
You are welcome. Thanks for watching. God bless.
As a new subscriber, I've just found this video, and, I'm pleased to hear that you run your Truck with a Cummins Engine up front, for my sins, I used to live almost right across the road from the Factory in Scotland where Cummins built Diesel Engines, they also started a lot of development, so much so, that Cummins spent £m's building up the plant, they even spent further £m's putting in their own road to connect with the nearest Motorway (Highway), and, when it was all done, and production was going great guns, they shut the plant down, paying about 700 staff off, and once everyone was paid off, Cummins then moved everything, lock stock and barrel, to England, but thanks for the tour Ron, a very good informative video
My way of thinking--EVERYTHING HAS GOT A PLACE,and EVERYTHING BETTER BE IN ITS PLACE!!
(Covers ears!)
I'm glad that this video popped up. T'was quite interesting the explanations of the equipment. I was wondering about it. Thanks for posting.
I am also a new subscriber. Thanks for this walk around.. its a fantastic truck with a ton of neat accessories. I enjoy seeing this in use when you open the doors and pull out whatever shackle, strap, ladder, chain, radios, remote or what-ever. Thanks for your public service and sharing your business with we youtubers.
Plus, you have to tool it up, add things, make it functional. WOW, spendy. Good work Ron and Co.
It took me several months organizing and reorganizing the tool bays before I felt comfortable with everything. I still add and have to move things around, but I'm out of room for anything else!!!! Time for a bigger truck??? Thanks for watching and God bless.
Top operator Mr Ron excellent description of your very expensive vehicle. Expert understanding of all the vital and essential equipment on board and ready for any emergency response. Well done Ron you are the a Star ⭐️ Operator
Very nice truck. When I worked very shortly in the towing industry (maybe 3 months) kids took priorities so I found a local job in a asphalt plant. I drove small truck, a worn out 1 ton wrecker. The set up we had was work 24 hours then an 8 hour shift. Then go home for 12 hours and back to a 24 + 8 . I lived to far away to be on rotation or take a truck home. So we had hot bunks we split with. Thank God they were all very clean and respectful guys. But no time to be with my son as a single father with an absent wife. I really enjoyed the work and had my sights set on heavy rescue but as I said my son came first. I often wonder how I would have made out if things were different. But I am happy the way my kids turned out so it was well worth the trade I made. My little rant is finished now and very much enjoy your videos. And I must say you sir have the patience of a saint. Thanks for sharing what you do with us. Stay safe.
I believe in the end, things usually turn out as they were meant to. I love what I do, but there would be no option of this if my wife and extended family didn't support it. My wife has become accustomed to me rushing out on family dinners, events, movies and other activities when duty calls. After our daughter was born, there was a terrible ice/snow storm and she sat at home alone with our newborn for 3 days, answering the phone and dispatching us. I agree that family comes first and it takes a lot of them to make this happen. I am so glad you found your alternate career and could spend time with your kids. Nothing like someone calling you Dad is there? God bless you sir and thank you for watching.
I’m a new subscriber Ron. I’m a truck driver and while I’ve had trucks towed, I’d never been able to have a thorough walk around of an efficient truck.
I’d watched several of your videos before I hit the subscribe button, and I have to give you an attaboy for making your job look so incredibly simple; although I know it isn’t. I also enjoy the camaraderie that you have with not only your co-workers, but with local authorities that you seem to know on a first name basis.
Keep up the great work, Ron !
Have a Merry Christmas, everybody
Thank you very much and God bless you and keep you safe out on the road. Welcome to my channel.
Beautiful truck spec'd to a T! But the most amazing is the store-house of equipment on board, for just-in-case. Amazing, very impressive and mind-boggling!!! But, what; no breath mints? :~) Thanks much for the great vid and explanations, Ron!
Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy my videos. God bless.
Thanks, Ron. I'd been wondering, but this video popped up for me today.
Always enjoy watching you.
If you are having trouble finding some of my videos, you can click the "subscribe" button on the lower right hand side of the screen on any of my videos and that will allow you access to my full video library. It will also alert you when I post a new video. You can also go to my Home Page and look through all of my videos. Thanks and God bless.
Thanks, and to you as well.
Ron Pratt institute
What a great truck and it's got flashing blue and red lights and a siren ! I've started saving for one today.
Thanks for a very informative video. I am just a fan of towing vehicles and I respect what you guys do. I have always wondered what was on one of these monsters. Very, very interesting. I just found your channel but I do like your videos. You keep makin' 'em and I'll keep watchin' 'em! Stay safe out there!
I'm glad you enjoy them. I have quite a few that I'm trying to process and upload now. It just takes a lot of time. Hope you keep watching. Thanks and God bless.
Since two weeks I am watching your videos, starting with the oldest. I love your improvement with the cam! You have an interresting job! May God give you the strenght en healthy to keep going. Kind regards from The Netherlands!
I love the content my friends! I found the channel recently and can't stop watching until I see all the videos. I love how interesting, physical, dynamic, and intellectual your work is. It's fun watching y'all solve problems on the go and figure things out in a timely and safe manner. So it's been 3 years now and from your videos I have noticed some minor changes to some things like light bars and some odds and ends. If you ever time to do it I bet the community would love another breakdown video of the trucks. Again love the content and keep putting out this awesome stuff! Good luck and god bless y'all!
Wow! There is a lot of money in operating a tow truck, and a lot of knowledge/experience required too. Thanks for posting, ~ Richard in Texas
Yes there is. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Way to go Ron, I really appreciate your walk-around and explanation.
Fascinating! Thank you. This helps me understand what you are using. Then I can see HOW it is used.
AMAZING! fantastic walk around ,thank you for your time .Be safe out there Ron ,all of your crew as well.
Thank you and God bless
Beautiful Wrecker man!!...Thanks for sharing this video!!
Great videos. I love your truck God bless...
Thanks for watching and God bless.
Thank you. I am watching right now
You're welcome.
Very good. Video glad I watched it finally I have started watching all of your videos from the bottom of the list to the latest thank you for taking all of the time to upload your videos.
Ever since I saw this truck in action for the first time I've wondered what the power plant was. I've seen you and your crews working a few times on 55 (luckily not for me!) and found your channel about a year ago. After watching a few videos, I knew that you were a very smart and professional operator. I figured you had an 18 speed but wondered about the engine itself. 15 years ago, you'd probably have spec'd a Cat engine, but, these days, Cummins every time! Actually, I've always run Cummins. I know they're all good, but, I couldn't justify the extra cost of a Cat when they built on highway engines and the Detroit engines just don't seem to have the bottom end torque to pull that Cummins does. I'm also a faithfull man. I didn't used to be, but, my wife is literally a preachers daughter. I've always believed, but, she has REALLY put me on the right path over the last 31 years! God bless you and yours!
CAT no longer makes diesel engines-nor do CAT dealers work on the truck engines any longer.
Cat? Cat is no more after 2010 in truck world. They gave up.
Thank you for this video of what you actually carry in your big rotator. I think the only thing you are missing is the fridge and camp stove ;) Stay safe and God bless.
Beautiful truck and everything has it's own place very organized and professional not looking for tools you know where everything is.
I like the fact that when you open the tunnel door there's a flashing light on there. also like the extra room on the cab as a truck driver I know the standard day cabs can be awful tight quarters so it's like an extra cab on a pickup but not quite.
Actually, all of the box doors that open outward have the flashing light built into them....on both sides of the truck. And, yes, I like the extra 10" cab space, but it is nothing compared to what I had been used to for the last 20+ years. My first truck was a Marmon with a 64" sleeper. The truck that I drove before the rotator, the one we traded in towards it, was a 379 Peterbilt with a stand up, 2 bed sleeper. So I have been used to having closet space for extra clothes, hard hat, gloves, boots, rain gear, water, snacks....you name it. I love the Rotator, don't get me wrong, but I do miss the storage space and a place to change clothes, lay down, or carry passengers.......oh well. Trade-offs. I don't want to go back. This truck is too amazing. Thanks and God bless.
Cool truck. nice tour. I like your organization. The tour missed one thing: the engine!
I did not know that there was a control panel on each side.
Very nice walk around description of the Rotator.
No wonder that truck weighs 72,000 LBS and costs almost 1 million dollars.
There is nothing that Ron can not do with his biggest toy.
Love it.
Amazing setup!! Very professional!
Thank you very much. God bless.
That is a beautiful truck Ron! Amazing how much technology for heavy recovery has changed over the years. It doesn't seem all that long ago that the Holmes twin boom 750's were state of the art machines, now all that seems like Flintstone towing. One question, what does the overhead control panel in the cab operate? I've see it used for the lights but does it control other things? You may have answered that in another video but I haven't come across it yet. Stay safe!
Thank you for this video. Could you do a detailed video of the light control panel in the cab, and the touch screen of the Rotator controls?
Very nice set up Ron this is the way I was going to set my W900 up buy life took a different turn and decided not to.
👍great video, impressive knowledge and expertise to outfit such a beautiful piece of equipment as the rotator.
Ron, you are amazing! I was wondering what you carried in the rotator! You are prepared for just about everything! I like the way that it was organized! Every item was it is place with easy access! No wonder the rotator weights so much! i asked before in one of your videos if you were ever in the military, USAF, perhaps! You are very disciplined!
Jose De Jesus, Yes Ron seems very disciplined. However I believe he is self disciplined, impressive!!
love that awesome fully loaded truck... miss driving the big trucks!
When you walked around front- maybe it was just that I love Tator-- but it looked like it had a big wide smile!!! :)
I sure did enjoy the tour. Thanks...
Great to hear. God bless.
This is a cool truck thanks for sharing. just about finished with my degree as a auto tech. maybe one day i can have one of these for my shop
We have a shop as well. Personally, I enjoy the towing and recovery side more than the shop. Good luck and God bless
New subscriber. great videos man, keep them coming THANK YOU
michael newcomb Thank you
Ron Pratt
Yes!!! New subscriber here as well. And I'm trying to figure out what you are missing on this truck. Lol
Great video and very nice rig. I have family in Perryville MO. Stay safe, Keep up the good work, watch your six and for the others move over when you see the ambers, blues, and red!!!
nice to see good lorry and how you keep it love looking at your videos keep them comeing as i would wacht them everyday well done
Thank you very much. God bless
Thank you so much I really enjoyed it.
ICBUS07-30 . You are welcome.
Thanks for nice video. Question: What is the unit that you access (upper right reach in the cab) when first starting on a call and at other times? Log book????
Larry Herbert I think that’s where his lights are and pto switch. I could be wrong though
Very impressive. Nice work. Who would have thought this could be so interesting and entertaining!! Thank you for sharing.
Great, I am glad you enjoy the videos. God bless.
I really enjoy your videos... Thanks for going to the trouble of doing the recording... I have a number of questions..
First, you are always so careful on positioning your chains etc.. Have you every had one break under load? The pressures that are place on various chains, belts etc is amazing.. I am astounded how how much force can be applied to a wheel of a vehicle without breaking...
Second, has a traffic accident ever occurred during a recovery?
Finally, now with a number of years under your belt using the rotator, are there improvements you would like to see? Has Miller contacted you for feedback... Are there features on the new rotators you wish were on your truck?
Have you had any fails? Things going wrong. Life doesn’t alway work out as planned...
Anyway thanks again, you do amazing work and letting is be part of that is a wonderful thing you do...
For your first question, yes, I have had chains, straps, and cables brake under load. Second, yes, there have been other crashes while I've been on the site of a crash. I actually caught one on video last winter. It can be quite dangerous out there. Improvements on the Rotator, yes, several that I would like to have, but they are available as options from Miller, so they have not sought my opinion. ..... I'm not that important, really.....I'm just a God-loving, family oriented, patriotic, hard working man. I mean that with all sincerity. I don't see myself as a celebrity as some of my viewers may. Have I had any fails? That would be a huge YES. Any operator that has worked in this field for any length of time who claims they've never had a fail, well, I'll just leave that open..... I had one recently and I'm still beating myself up over it. It was a simple mistake that could have been catastrophic. I did catch it on video, but I don't yet know if the customer is going to allow me to post the footage. I hope so. I would like to use my mistake to help others possibly to not make the same or similar mistake. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Fast forward to now 07/8/2020 and do another tour of the boxes and what you have added and deleted. They sure seem to have a lot more in them today!!. Love your videos
New subscriber. Great videos! Love that truck.
I would love if you could do an update on this Ron. Love this truck!
thanks ron been waiting to see this video!! discovered your channel not long ago. your truck is awesome and well organized!!! like the lessons your videos teach me. if you know the causes of these accidents, could you let us know, ithe knowledge might save lives in the future !!
Well Mr. Pratt, you directed me here from another video as I was asking specifically about this beautiful rig. I am absolutely blown away at the amount of necessary equipment and gear you carry in those boxes and what an amazing rig! A few more questions if you will have time and allow me:1) How did you come up with that inventory of equipment in the boxes? I'm sure experience has led you to most of what you carry but it's certainly gives you a good feeling to know you have what you need to do the job.2) What does that truck weigh as it sits there and also what are the axle weights of that truck going down the road?3) Then the awkward question..... What is the value of that truck loaded and equiped like you showed it here?4) Finally do you have a video of that "roller option" in operation. Doesn't have to be loaded but I think it would be interesting to see that actual rotator assembly move back and forth?
Again thank you for an amazing video and what an amazing piece of equipment you have there. I was in light towing and recovery for over 30 years and always admired you guys on the job or going down the road. That's real towing and recovery for sure.
Have a blessed day my friend,
Lisa
Lisa Johnson . To answer your first question, some of the equipment was purchased with the truck as options, the remaining inventory I added after the truck arrived. And as you mentioned, my experience lead me to put certain things in the boxes. I have continued to add new things to this truck, since it is a completely different animal than just a standard Heavy tow/recovery vehicle. Second, the truck weighs in around 72,000 lbs fully equipped. The steer axle is around 18,000 which leaves roughly 54,000 for the 2 drive axles and the air lift axle. Third question, fully equipped as this one is would run around $750,000 to replace. And finally, your 4th question, yes I have multiple videos using the roller function....my most recent video LONG TRAILER VS SHARP CURVE shows the roller function in action. There is also a video from about a month ago ROTATOR JOB...FORKLIFT NEEDS A LIFT that also utilizes the roller function. Thanks for your interest and God Bless
Ron Pratt $750K? That is actually less than I thought. Fantastic truck, I enjoy your videos very much.
Great video. I like the way you re-used the serpentine belts.
Thank you.
Thank you, Ron. I enjoy your videos. It's great to see a real professional at work and this description of the rotator was fascinating - an amazing piece of equipment.
One question - do you have load sensors on the winches and the boom so that you stay within safe limits?
I did see in one of his videos that yes, he was able to know that he had right at 13k lbs on doing a flatbed load xfer.
Yes he has, one of the screens on that high tech remote can show load (and even load versus load chart if I recall correctly), there are a few videos where he mentions that or asks Talon to pull that screen up.
I take a bit of pride on how much and how neat my side boxes on my truck are set up...you sir have completely runed that....laughs
Awesome video and I love it and I also love watching ur videos as they're all very interesting and I really enjoy ur videos.
Speaking as a former firefighter, every department in the area must have you on speed dial.
Would you mind sharing what your total truck and equipment cost and what your hourly rate is first class operation and first class operation you make it look simple but we know that comes from experience
Really interesting video have spent a long time watching your videos so different to what we do in the uk but same problems lol biggest is slow down and move over my pet hate god bless and stay safe
A friend of mine has had one in his tow fleet for quite a while. Here in Western Pa. the truck really earns its fees, the terrain isn't nearly as forgiving.
Love this video Ron!
Hey Ron noticed a few things I thought I would mention. First, no first aid kit on board? And second why not have a sticker on the door of the compartment the fire extinguisher is in, you could do the same for first aid too so it's easy to find even for a bystander in case something catastrophic happens on the job. Couple hundred bucks for a nice first aid kit and some stickers could save a life one day. Found your channel last week and cant get enough! keep up the good work man!
I didn't point it out, but there are two nice first aid kits in the cab. One behind each of the seats. As for the stickers on the doors to help identify, that is a good idea and we have that one of our trucks. We just didn't put the stickers on this truck. Thanks and God bless.
thank you I love it 👍👌☝
I just have one question Ron. I may have missed it if you did say it, but do you have a portable eyewash station?
Hi Ron . I hope everyone is staying safe during this pandemic. Please can you show the screens on the control panels in a video. Also explain the gear shift pattern in the rotator please . Do you skip gears as you go up through the transmission?
How bout another vid showcasing the boom and its full extensions, and traverse.. and also the rear lift apparatus and how it extends, attaches, lifts, snd swivels. In some of the vids it appears you have different contact points mounted to it.. see the capability of that whole system would be cool. Your vids are as close as most of us will ever come to even being near such a machine.. it sure is neat you share its use with us.. Stay safe out there!
OK thanks buddy love your videos
Mr. Ron, Two comments. One: I truly believe the grill lights should be bigger[just my feeling] and two with all the equipment that you have on the Rotator I think you could use a trailer on the back. Just thinking. Keep up the great videos.
Guess I should have watched this before asking about chain saws. When you buy a rig like this, do you get an option list of kit to equip it, or do you have to go shopping to pick up all the rigging? Or both? Fantastic rig, love to hear the turbos spool when you load up the winch.
The forks and wheel lift parts come with the truck if you order them. Same with the chains, straps, shackles, snatch blocks, and slings.....basic rigging. Everything else has to be added after it is delivered. The chain saw and hand saws, the K12 saw, various wood blocks, PPE, tire chains, choker cables, etc., and I keep adding more items all the time. Thanks again, and God bless
Excellent walkthru Ron.
thanks for taking the time...
This is beyond the ultimate T&R vehicle.
Nice I learned a lot. Thank You.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Amazing amazing .... nice rig and gear :) Namaste.
very nice truck. how did it take to realize you need at some point you need all that equipment?
Ron I am surprised you don*t have at least another rotator vehicle, especially with some of these accidents.
Wowza
Found your channel today
Brilliant job !?
Subscribing 4 sure ; )
I've always liked plain big trucks and want to one day own a heavy wrecker, as an expensive toy and something to earn a little side cash with. Any thoughts on where to start?
Hi Ron,
I'm sorry i know this video is an older one, but i'm just doing some research, as i'm wanting to start a business in towing...not recovery as you do but more specifically boat trailer transporting/ Vehicle transporting . I live across the pond in the Mediterranean on a small island just South of Sicily (which is also an island south of main land Italy) Very often here people purchase boats cars from Sicily and have them transported over by ferry . There are very few companies that offer a towing service for boats like that . okay enough with my back story you get the idea haha, my question is i'm trying to think of a way of mounting break away chains similar to what you have here. What would they be called? retracting break away chains ?
What are all the gauges on the dash for?? How often do you lube the truck and especially the rotator assembly??
Do you prefer vulcan or century products and is there any difference between them?
Amazing, What a truck, what however are all those buttons for inside the truck up top, other than lights
Lights and PTO controls...that's it.
hi enjoyed your walk around of the rotator. I would like more info on the winch motors, whot powers them, and where that power comes from, for something as small as they are they have a high level of torque this always amasses me. all the best JB UK
OK...so, I will try to give a brief answer to your question. The winch motors are hydraulic driven. The hydraulics are driven by a PTO (Power Take Off) pump mounted on the transmission. The power starts in the engine, is transferred to the transmission, then transfers through the PTO pump, which creates the hydraulic pressure to drive the winch motors. The hydraulic system on this truck is huge and has a 2-stage pump with a high volume reservoir. I can perform multiple hydraulic functions simultaneously, under full power, however, it does slow the functions down when running multiple functions at once. The winches are made by DP Winch and are "planetary" design, which is highly efficient and have extremely long "duty cycles" compared to a worm gear or an electrical winch. Hope I have explained this well enough. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I would say put this walk around and the other walk arounds in a playlist for new viewers, as well as the livestreams you did and the video talking to the School kids. That way many of the questions are answered from the beginning. How often do you have to change hydraulic fluid? , I would assume at least once or twice a year for weather. My dad and I used to have to filter or replace hydraulic oil for a leather products manufacturer once a year, biggest machine took like 50 gallons. How long, and what diameter are the hydraulic cylinders?
REALLY enjoy your videos. I would appreciate you addressing who does your video editing and prep and what software you/they use (i.e. Flash, iMovie, etc.). I also greatly appreciate your "family oriented" format, thank you. Respectfully, Mike in Lancaster, California.
Actually, I do all the video editing and uploading myself. My wife helps moderate the channel comments, but I make all the videos. I am not a professional, by any means, but I have learned a few things as the channel has grown. I am currently using Cyberlink Power-Director 17 software for all my A/V editing. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and God bless.
@@RonPratt You and your team are a blessing to your community. Thanks for the feedback.
Very nice rig! It is a Miller model?
Hey Ron, do you use either of the 2 compartments in the rear of the truck between the rear lights and break away chains by any chance think they might have been the only part that didnt show lol
I was wondering why you skipped those doors myself. I have watched quite a few of your excellent videos and only remember seeing you go into those boxes a couple of times. U-tube says that there replies to the above question but I cannot see any...Please stay safe and be well.
Hey Ron i hope u & your family are well , i love seeing what u guys do on ur service calls. Question is that ur personal truck or are the trucks company owned ? And are u ( if desired ) are u able to purchase it??
Do another truck have 2 way radio in them even handheld also.....?
I live in Edmonton.Alberta
BEAUTIFUL RIG MY FRIEND !!! I'm thinking it's a tag axle truck , very impressive truck my friend , now stupid question is .... How does that wrecker compare to Jamie Davis's truck on highway thru hell , only differences I see are , his is a western star , his has a sleeper unit on it and I think his is a tri drive unit , however I see on the towing forums that Jamie Davis has now sold his , as he says ... downsizing ... being how expensive them units are , I wish you the best with your ride my friend , keep the videos coming and stay safe out there 😉
First, thank you very much. Yes, my truck is a self-steering lift axle. Both units are very similar. They are both made by Miller Industries in Chattanooga, TN, and both are rotators. His truck has a few options that mine does not.....the light tower and on-board fire suppression system. My truck has a few newer options that weren't available when his was built. Mine is a "Roller" which means that the boom travels fore and aft 5' inside the bed, which allows for much greater reach. Mine also has the Raptor control system, which is an upgraded, hi-tech control and monitoring system that wasn't available when his was built. I'm not saying that mine is better than his, just pointing out the differences as you asked for. I believe that his was a 60 or 75 ton unit...not certain. Mine is a 50 ton unit. We opted to go with the 50 ton roller because of its lighter weight and the versatility of the rolling function not available on any other size Miller product. Thus far the truck has performed beautifully and I hope it continues to do so. Hopefully I have answered your questions satisfactorily. Thank you and God bless.
Thx for taking the time and giving the info and reply my friend , BEAUTIFUL TRUCK !
What is the overall length of the rotator from bumper to bumper
Hi there. How much is the total weight of the whole tator? 👀
I have a question, what is the purpose of the extra wheel lifted on the truck?
It helps carry the weight of the truck so that the truck will scale legally. Thanks for watching and God bless.
How big is the fuel tank on this truck?
It is a single 150 gallon tank. The passenger side is all catalyst system for the emissions system. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Where is the battery box on truck like this.?
Christopher Tindall...At the 20:00 mark, you can see the passenger side entrance, and steps, up into the cab. The batteries are located inside a box that makes up the steps, and a storage compartment!
The battery box is special made and sits behind the cab on top of the frame rail. The passenger side steps are all emissions related equipment. Thanks for watching and God bless.
Ron Pratt WOW! That whole thing is all emissions related??? No wonder they cost so much!!
Half the price is exhaust pipe!! Thank you government!!
1 extra heavy duty truck for sure!