Added: Jan 20, 2008
From: hopper1
Duration: 7:47
Believe it or not, even mechanics occasionally have to deal with their own vehicles breaking down. One of our service trucks had a u-joint fail which, in turn, caused other driveline failures. My coworker made it to where he was going before the truck broke down. The terminal where he left the truck had a lockable, barbed wire-topped fence. We had no problems leaving it there until we could go get it and the terminal manager was kind enough to let us leave it for a few days. The recent cold snap has kept us extremely busy. So, like a dumbass, I volunteered to go get the truck and bring it back. On a day off. I don't do much towing and this truck made for some good practice. I had planned to fork the front axle, but I forgot that this truck has independent front suspension. The wheel lift was used instead. Yes, I strapped the cross member to the wheel lift and then ran safety chains ;) EDIT: Holy crap! I got some honors on this video. First time that's happened :) #95 - Most Discussed (Today) - Autos & Vehicles
Channel: Autos
Tags: diesel ford holmes600 l8000 mechanic tow truck wrecker
Rating: 4.80 (5 ratings) Views: 274 Comments: 13
northstar2007 Says:
Jan 20, 2008 - Is that the infamous brown beast? Cool video
tammychris1 Says:
Jan 20, 2008 - If ya cant find'em grind'em right Bro! Just joking, this weather sucks butt!
hopper1 Says:
Jan 20, 2008 - I certainly ground 'em. :)
hopper1 Says:
Jan 20, 2008 - That is the brown beast. She's ugly, but she works hard.
hopper1 Says:
Jan 20, 2008 - An old truck with a sloppy shifter can cause a few missed gears every now and again ;)
northstar2007 Says:
Jan 21, 2008 - I dont think she's ugly, and yes a hard worker
zebidee55 Says:
Jan 21, 2008 - Hey, any cog in the box will do.
MRSketch09 Says:
Jan 21, 2008 - Good Video. Thanks for sharing the trip with the rest of us.
GordyMari Says:
Jan 22, 2008 - Is the wheel lift all hydraulic? except for the fold up? raise/lower extend/retract etc? The 600 I used to operate had no wheel lift no frills but the booms splitting was a major asset back in dem days. Also was curious if it has dollies? I know I know, I ask too many questions LOL Good vid Tim!
hopper1 Says:
Jan 22, 2008 - The wheel lift is all hydraulic. It's supposed to go up into the storage position, but it hasn't been the last few weeks. I had the winch hooked to it because there wasn't anyone else around to give it a push. Negative on the dollies. If they were ever part of this wrecker, they're long gone. I'd like to have the other boom back and a tow bar, too.
TheNameIsBEATTIE Says:
Feb 6, 2008 - Nice too see a real towman at work, we don't get to work in fine weather all the time,With fancy equipment built for shows. But when the call comes in- we come out, whatever the weather. WORK SAFE,LIVE LONGER
hopper1 Says:
Feb 7, 2008 - Thank you for the nice comment. I'm a rookie towman, though. I have a lot to learn, but there's some good people who are helping me out with good advice. Drive safe.
zebidee55 Says:
Jan 20, 2008 - I actually laughed a couple of times - when you checked that it was stil there, and when you missed a gear. Good to know you're human! Thanks for taking the time to set the camera up for the shots. It must be a pain in the cold. It's hard to think of those temps now I'm back in an Australian summer!