Vehicle Stabalization Jacks

[firemanjh28]

Our department is looking to purchase some vehicle stabalization jacks. I know there are alot of different brands what recommendations does anyone have. Are there any that are better than others or any to diffently stay away from. I appreciate the input.

[mcaldwell]

If all you want is a basic vehicle strut, there are tons of options. Any will do as you will be unlikley to max them out. The composite ones will save weight, but durability can be argued back and forth. In the end, very few depts without major heavy rescue teams will max the capability of any major brand.


When we went through the process, we decided to purchase the Res-Q-jacks. Rescue 42 composite struts were a very close second. We wanted a universal strut that did our v-ex, shoring, lifting, rescue tripod, elevator cribbing, rope rescue gin, etc. The Res-q-jacks are steel, idiot proof (so FF proof), and we liked the one-piece lifting strut. They are heavy, but that didn't bother us. There are cheaper options if you are budget limited and don't need the features.


The crib notes from my evaluation process.

Z-Mag Strut caps - cheapest option for build your own strut accessories.

http://www.arnoldfire.com/stabilizers.html


Paratech - Too specialized for us, but very slick and air powered optional.

http://www.paratech.us/


Kodiak - The simpler/cheaper version of the Paratech

http://www.howellrescue.com/toolpages/stabilization/Kodiak/kodiak.htm


Rescue 42 - Light and easy to use multi-function strut.

http://www.rescue42.com/


ARS - Steel version of Rescue 42, cheaper and same design team.

http://www.arsrescue.com/


Res-Q-jack - simplest to use (one peice), steel and strong. Liked the accessory tips, and custom peices better.

http://www.res-q-jack.com/


The dealers are all very willing to come and give you a demo, and several will even allow you an evaluation period. So call them up and make then work for it. ;) :D

[Catch22]

My volunteer department has been looking into this as well. Right now, I've been impressed with the Paratech system, mainly due to it's multi-functionality. We don't do a lot of collapse or trench rescue, but we're looking at getting into it more. The closest department with the capabilities is an hour away and it takes a little more time than that for them to get organized and responding. The nice thing about it is that three of us work for that department and are on the special response team.

Anyway, with the ability of the Paratech system to be used for more than just vehicle stabilization, we're leaning that way. The big stumbling block is the cost. You can bet I'm going to look into the links mcaldwell posted, though. ;)

Just some food for thought.

You might also post this in the vehicle rescue/extrication forum, you might get a few more responses.

[PureAdrenalin]

Res-q-jack, or Paratech. I've used both, and they are just fantastic..to be honest though, you need to look at your requirements, and what exactly you need from these tools. If all you need is a simple strut or jack, then the Rescue 42 struts may work just fine..if you need something more complex, then you may need an extensive system from Paratech.

[Dickey]

We just went through this 3 months ago.

I was very impressed with Paratech and ResQ Jacks. We opted for ResQJacks just because they were just a bit more versatile than Paratech. Both are designed to be used with firefighters in mind and very easy to work with, gloves on and all.

[CALFFBOU]

I have been using the Rescue42 units and have to admit, they are pretty easy to use and very effective.

Hope that helps...Bou

[MG3610]

Junkyard Dogs.

http://www.junkyarddogindustries.com/

[KAPNKRNCH]

Another vote for Res-Q-Jack, we have the orignal style and are very happy with them, over the years they have made improvements that make them even better.

[KyleWickman]

We use the Paratechs. Mainly because we already use them for trench resuce.

[Geinandputitout]

I've used a lot of different ones, but we have ResQJack and Paratech on the Rescue. They both function well.

[gatoremt]

I vote for Rescue 42. We have them at my department and they work really good.

[jercvfd]

Our volunteer dept. is also looking for struts. We like the rescue 42 struts however we do not have the money in our budget to purchase them. So our dept is trying to have a set made locally.I misplaced the prints that I had,so If anyone has any blueprints on homemade struts could u please post them ,it would be of great help.


jenjershow2@msn.com

[mcaldwell]

Our volunteer dept. is also looking for struts. We like the rescue 42 struts however we do not have the money in our budget to purchase them. So our dept is trying to have a set made locally.I misplaced the prints that I had,so If anyone has any blueprints on homemade struts could u please post them ,it would be of great help.


jenjershow2@msn.com


If you cannot afford the 42's, look at the ARS struts. They are EXACTLY the same design, but made out of steel instead of composite, so they are a little heavier. Load capabilities are the same, and they are up to 50% cheaper than the 42's.

The original design/production team for that strut split, and one went on to produce the composite, while the other made the steel line. There is no sacrifice on either product, you just choose either lower weight or lower cost.

For example, the basic 2 strut starter kit from ARS is barely $1000 US, and the whole 8 strut heavy rescue kit is only $4000. That is a steal, and you cannot make anything at home cheaper that is truly comparable for weight, strength, and quality (not to mention liability if a member/victim is ever hurt by a failed unit).

;)

[jercvfd]

Thank you very much for the info. I agree with you on the liability part. I have not looked at the ARS line. The basic 2-strut kit is what we are looking at to start with, and for $1,000 dollars you can not beat that price. thanks again.

[ADSNWFLD]

If you can I would get struts that have multiple use.
We carry prospan trench shores and picked up the vehicle rescue attachments. They can also be used for structural collapse.

Airshore is good, paratech is OK but has some drawbacks in trench use.

If I purchased again I would get Airshore because of the large amount of accessories.

[CALFFBOU]

Looks like Riverside Co. and Murrietta are putting the Para-Tech in service here...

http://www.rvcfire.org/pics/Traffic_Collisions/caddy_on_top_of_pickuup2.JPG