Any Holmatro Tools users?

[Chaplain41]

Our department has been using Holmatro for about 6 years now and have been happy with their performance. One thing that sold us on them compared to others we tried out was the hand throttle grip for activating. Anybody else want to chime in?

Every second counts! Be Careful

[Pyro128]

our rescue truck only uses holmatro equipment. They have various tools for every job. I think they are smaller and lighter than most other hydraulic tools there are. Also, our engine is equipped with a pair of door openers and we are very satisfied with them.
The heavy rescue truck is now equipped with hydraulic shoring tools from holmatro. I must say this is easy to use, but it was quite expensive (the basic set costs $2500 I think). But then, is there really a 'good' price on excellent rescue equipment?

Holmatro tools are our department's favorites, and I think we'll keep using them.

check out their website for more info: holmatro products

[bfd1071]

We have been testing them for awhile.I Didnt like them. Felt too much like a toy, and it just didnt cut it. Always had to go back to our Amkus to get the job done. On a positive note, it was light enought to carry around, just not enough power for cutting.

[Rescue101]

BFD 1071,I don't know which model you were trying out but the set we have on our rescue is neither light nor lacking in power.I cut a Chevy truck frame to acess the cab floor on a particulary bad wreck,no problem.Crush a 1960's Caddy door like paper.If you're talking their combo tool it does leave a little,but it too will do a lot of work.Two of our neighboring towns just traded up to the set we have.The only problem we've had in ten years is one loose fitting that cut a O ring.Field fixed on site.T.C.

[N2DFire]

We've been using Holmatro for so long that when our spreaders broke an arm (at the tip holder) we couldn't even buy that style arm any more because they didn't make it (The sales rep couldn't even determine for sure how old they were ).

We also bought a Combi Tool and a new O-Cutter (since they had more Ooomph than what we were currently running).

We also have one of the first production units of both size Telescoping Rams.

To date the only "problems" we've had are the standard broken cutter blade or spreader tip (most likely caused by operator mis-use).

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have a lot of hands on experience with other Mfg's. tools, but I think I'd be hard pressed to give up what I have now.

Take Care - Stay Safe - God Bless
Stephen
FF/Paramedic

[MetalMedic]

What, Holmotro is getting into the telescoping ram business now? I guess the "non-beleivers" have seen the light! LOL

[jimthefireman]

Promoted and transferred to a Pumper station after ten years doing specialist work only (Command Unit, HAZMAT, Aerials, etc) I have been pleased to hear our pumper is going to be changed to a Pump/Rescue tender and I will be doing Auto extrication again. Previously we used Hurst as the standard but after a large scale evaluation of many different makes by experienced crews (everyone used every tool for the same task) the Holmatro came out a clear favorite. I was skeptical but after use of an evaluation set recently and again today I am becomming a believer. Tools generally and power units in particular have improved out of sight from 29 years ago when I started and I know that what one group will sing the praises of another group will damn to hell. Check it out for yourselves and go with what you find works for you but I have to say the Holmatro range we tested spread, cut and rammed faster and better by far than any of the Hurst gear I have used.

Jim Maclean
Auckland New Zealand

[Mondello]

We use Holmatro combitools 2002 and cutters 3020 for racetrack rescue. These are not the most powerful tools in the range but we have yet to find anything they cannot cut or moveat the track.

We were recommended to go the Holmatro route by the station officer who runs the local heavy rescue unit. He has had a lot of experience with head on tractor trailer incidents and swears by Holmatro.

I do however prefer the Lukas finger control as I find if you are using say the combi to lever something you can activate the tool if your hand moves onto the throttle grip. This is only a minor point and easily ironed out in training.

Holmatro works for us and is our preference but that does not mean everyone else made a bad decision.


Colman Gilligan
Motorsport Rescue Services

[911WACKER]

In my area you can drive 30 miles in any direction and see most any kind of power tool brand ever made, although hurst has been the tool of choice for years many depts. in the area are taking a look at holmatro! The biggest drawback that most departments have is replacing a complete set of tools can be very expensive, while sticking with the same brand allows the tools to be replaced as budget allows.

[LACAPT]

We use nothing but Halmatro, I have used Hurst and Amkus in training and swear by Halmatro. BDF1071 you must not have been using the tools properly or something was wrong with the setup you had because Halmatro is probably one of if not the most powerful tool on the market. We have a Combi tool 2 spreaders (one older style one new) 2 cutters (one larger than the other) 2 rams 1 telescopic 1 double acting. I personaly have used all of these tools in practice and in anger and have yet to have the tools let us down due to mechanical problems, usually a human error ie. couplers not hooked up right, bypass valves not fully closed. We use these tools on a PPU ( personal power unit) except the telescopic ram because of the larger amount of fluid required to run the ram. We run the ram on an electric unit and have a 6hp gas powered unit for backup. As a side note Halmatro is the only company to have their tools to be fully NFPA and UL compliant and endorsed.

[Chaplain41]

We have the big spreaders, cutters and the ram, I'm not sure of their numbers but I know they cut spread in no time flat. I was using the spreaders to "pop" a passenger door hinges and the guy holding the door had to let go for some reason and before he got ahold of it, it popped all right and the door went flying. Thank God no one was standing in it's path. I think we got our money's worth!

[UTFFEMT]

We just went from HURST to a full compliment of holmotro Cutters, spreaders, etc. We are pretty excited about it all.

[Backtruck]

I have been using Holmatro Rescue Tools for about 10 years now. Through hands on training and research, I have found little comparison with the other tool manufactures. At the Ohio Fire School at BGSU a few years ago we used Genesis tools and all of us were very disapointed in them. Rumor has it they left last year when Holmatro was there with there tools. The best thing to do is get your hands on the tools and you will not be disapointed in the least. Holmatro is UL LISTED ,not certified, since 1994 and was the first to be NFPA 1936. Have you ever used anything in your fire house that is not third party tested? 10,000 psi systems make for lighter tools with more power and the statements about a 10,000 psi system being unsafe is total false. ANY hydraulic equipment is required to have a safety ratio. Don't think for a minute that 5000 psi won't cause any damage if you have a major tool failure. Check the web site for all the info. www.holmatro-usa.com

[Chaplain41]

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. It's great to hear from you and as far away as Ireland. HBO is showing "Band of Brothers", I believe worldwide, we are a band of brothers and bound by a common thread.
Just so you all know, I'm not employed by or am i receiving any compensation for my endorsement of these fine tools. I know i speak for the rest of you all to. I know when it comes to taking off a roof to extricate teenagers hit by a drunk driver for instance, I thank God that we have the tools and the know how to package and remove them quickly.

God Bless Brothers, be safe!

[lutan1]

We've been running Holmatro since the 1000 series tools adn absolutley LOVE them!

We've recently upgraded to 3000 series cutters, spreaders and rams with 30 metre hose reels.

Other than normal wear and tear problems/repairs, we can't fault them.