Ram length?

[Barry Friesen]

Our department is looking at replacing our aging Hurst tools with new Hurst,Holmatro or Amkus tools. Our budget will allow for only 1 ram, so, in your experience what lenght would we need most. (dash displacements etc.) We currently have only a spreader and cutter. Thanks.

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Barry Friesen, Captain
Altona Emergency Services
Manitoba, Canada

[DD]

Get a multi-stage telescoping ram, if you can just get one. It's large range of push will provide you with more options than a single stage ram.

[ffguy083]

We don't use our rams as much these days, so I would think a medium sized one would work best. We do dash rolls, etc using the spreaders now so we don't have to change tools.

We do use rams on cars upside down when the roof is smashed... seems to work pretty good to lift everything up, and if you stabilze as you go we don't have any problems.....

[Chops]

I'll agree with ffcuy on using cutter/spreader to do a dash lift when possible, what a difference. However, I would recommend a medium size (30-40" range) a maybe an extension kit. I know some do not like the extension kit but the use of a ram as a substitute for a crushed post on a rollover is one of those situations where you need the long ram. I think my experiences have shown a far greater need for long rams vs. short ones.
FYI

[Engine69]

Take a look at the Phoenix 25/60 Super Ram. 25 inches closed, extending to 60 inches open. Your spreader can get you to the 25 inch range... once you get this ram in the opening, 5 foot is a big opening if you need one.

[Barry Friesen]

Thanks guys! When using spreaders for dash rolls that tool is committed till that operation is done, right? Or do you block as you go ,or what? What if spreaders are needed elsewhere? Also, do you put the tips into the relief cut at the bottom front of the door? Thanks again!

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Barry Friesen, Captain
Altona Emergency Services
Manitoba, Canada

[skip rupert61]

Barry, If Hurst is one of the tools you are looking at, look at the two stage ram. 18" closed and 40" open (I think). The design was done by LUKAS. If you have not bought yet, take a look at LUKAS. They have a 3 stage ram. 18" closed 51" open. Lots of pushing power behind it as well. But this is just another thought. My department runs LUKAS and we wouldnt go with anything else.

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Skip Rupert
Shrewsbury Fire CO, PA
[email protected]

[lutan]

Check out the Holmatro 3000 series telescoping rams.

Good size in both the open and closed position. Heaps of spreading/pushing distance available with heaps of power to match.

[RSQLT43]

First, we have not used our rams on an extrication in about a year, we mainly do a dash lift with the spreaders.

The first thing that you need to consider before buying a telescoping ram, is the fluid capacity of your pump, if the reservoir is to small then you may not have enough fluid to operate the ram and another tool at the same time.

[lutan]

RSQLT43 made a good point abouth the size of the oil reservoir for telescopic rams.

We did have these problems when we initially purchased our tools, until we updated the pump. This problem became very apparent when using two tools consecutively.