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Link to: SAS FORKS adds sales staff in New England States USA
Link to: Auto Parts City Grand Opening in Gurnee IL
Link to: CA Visits
Link to: American Metal Market Best Innovation Proposal
Link to: American Recycler Equipment Spotlight
Link to: Locator Supplier Profile & History of SAS FORKS
Link to: Pennsylvania Auto Recyclers partners for safety webinar
Link to: SAS Scorpion Engine Puller has great demo at 2009 IT Show
Link to: Horse-Power TV highlights salvage yard
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8/25/2010 Brian Drastal, NJ, joins SAS FORKS as Outside Sales
Brian Drastal is the newest member of the SAS Sales Team and will be handling the Northeast Territory as our first Outside Salesman. Brian comes to us with an extensive background in equipment and attachment sales and experience in the power sports industry. Brian resides in the Northeast and will bring to SAS a unique understanding of the territory and the special needs of our customers there. We welcome him and the experience he brings to SAS. (Contact info)
4/22/2010 Auto Parts City / 21st Century Auto Recyclers
On April 22, 2010, Earth Day was celebrated at the location of Jay and Larry Brosten's Grand Opening of their new auto recycling yard. Their company name "21st Century Auto Recyclers" tells it all. They truly have designed and implemented all the best 21st century practices and equipment to ensure they process and recycle cars in an environmentally conienciouos manner - and yet excel at providing a facility that flawlessly delivers auto parts and services to their retail customers. Visit www.21CenturyAutoRecycling.com for more info.
Photo below: Left, Jay Brosten, Right Larry Brosten,
3/15/2010 SAS FORKS conducts onsite customer visits in CA
Paul Secker, President of SAS FORKS and Operations Manager Tim Oshefsky visited several customers in sunny Southern California. "Our goal," states Paul Secker, "is to visit customers to understand more about their needs. We like to hear what they like about our products, but more importantly, identify what they would like to see improved."
Allied Auto Salvage, Inc, Chris, Rachel and Bill Whetstone own and operate a SAS Scorpion Engine Puller - Class 20 on John Deere 544J. Chris's comments included, "This Scorpion is great. You can't quantify the benefits you get with this. The versatility is end less. I not only pull engines, but dashes to get the copper. Also the jaws allow me to lift residual cut off panels you couldn't lift with regular forks. One thing that has helped me reduce my hauling costs for my prepared frames, is the Scorpion's jaws allow me to grab frames and set them into a roll off container in an organized fashion. Now I can get twice as many frames in a roll off container than in the past." "We looked at the competition's and SAS very closely before we bought. The quality of the design and versatility with the SAS Scorpion is what we wanted. This stood out far and away as a better product. We are very happy with our decision."
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3/26/10 SAS FORKS submits application to American Metal Market for Best Innovation Proposal.
"There has been much excitement in this product [SAS SCORPION ENGINE PULLER] beginning when we started our R&D through introduction and opportunities have unfolded for our customers to experience the value of this product." Three key objectives of this innovation, "To allow auto recyclers and scrap processing facilities to increase performance of their operations in several critical areas:
1. Revenue and profitability
2. Safety
3. Operation efficiency"
Adam Lindley, Sales Manager for SAS FORKS has had tremendous feedback from customers (owners and operators) of the SAS SCORPION ENGINE PULLER. "This product has really hit home with the owners desire to increase revenue and safety, and the operators desire to be able to process more cars with less work -and faster!" "We feel honored to have a product of this stature to be able to submit to American Metal Market."
Engine Pullers
by Mark Henricks
The automobile recycling business runs on the knowledge that cars that have outlived their usefulness as a means of transportation still have value as sources of recyclable materials. But while nearly every junked car is worth something, some parts of the car are worth more than others.
Engines and transmissions are among the most valuable parts of many older cars, so scrap yards commonly remove these large components from automobiles for separate sale or processing before crushing or shredding the bodies and other parts. The problem is that engines and transmissions are exceptionally hard to remove. And that’s where today’s engine pullers come in.
Engine pullers are attachments for wheel loaders that use the vehicles’ weight and a hydraulic system to pin down a car, grapple the engine and then forcibly yank it loose from motor mounts and other attachments. The concept seems brutally simple, yet the development of today’s engine pullers has required decades of trial-and-error experimentation.
Recyclers initially removed engines from scrap vehicles the same way they were installed, with wrenches. Some tried burning through connections with a cutting torch, then prying the engines out with one tine of a wheel loader’s fork. “It was real primitive methodology,” said Paul Secker, president of S.A.S. of Luxemburg, Ltd., an engine puller manufacturer in Luxemburg, Wisconsin.
Primitive or not, cutting with a torch and prying with a fork did remove engines and transmissions, and it was faster than detaching the components with a wrench. But the process was cumbersome, resulting in low production throughput. It was also dangerous and costly.
“You have fire hazard, and you have risk of injury to the people if you have someone lying under a car torching motor mounts,” said Secker. “It’s a very expensive method to remove the motors, because you’re buying oxygen and acetylene.” The technique was hard on equipment and required multiple people to get involved with every engine removal.
Later, recyclers tried skipping the torch step and simply prying at the motor and transmission with a wheel loader fork until the connections snapped and the desired parts fell out. Some still do it this way, despite the low production level, clean up problems and requirement for two operators – one on a wheel loader and one on a skid steer – required to remove and transport the motors and transmissions.
In the 1970s, recyclers began using forks modified with a set of claws or teeth that were used to reach down and snag the engine before using the wheel loaders’ weight and hydraulic force to jerk the motor from its attachments.
Next, the vertical engine puller represented a dramatic improvement over previous technologies. These devices grabbed engines with claws operated by hydraulic pressure, then pulled the engines straight up from the car body. However, installation required major modifications to the typical wheel loader hydraulic system, forcing recyclers to take their wheel loaders out of service for a week or more. “Just physically installing it carried a huge price tag,” said Secker.
After a few more incremental improvements, S.A.S. came out with its Scorpion engine puller. A recycler can install this attachment at the yard, with no modifications to the hydraulic system, and be pulling engines in a few hours, Secker said. The design features high operator visibility, because the support pillars are widely separated, allowing a straight view into the workspace.
The improvements allow a single operator to pull an engine in seconds, rather than minutes. And the machine works equally well with transmissions. Once removed, the component is securely clamped in the jaws of the puller, ready to be placed in a pile or carried across the yard and loaded into a trailer.
“The desire is to get the motor and transmission out the first time,” said Secker. “You don’t want to have to go back to that car a second time.” The Scorpion’s serrated clamping jaws and hinged pulling action remove large, valuable car parts in one tug, with minimal mess. Operator training is minor, Secker said, and the entire operation can be carried out by a single employee.
Since introducing the Scorpion, Secker has seen the market embrace it more enthusiastically than the company’s other engine puller models. “The one with the highest level of interest is the Scorpion engine puller,” he said. “That’s gotten the most positive response out of any engine puller we’ve ever built or seen on the marketplace.”
Secker sells S.A.S. engine pullers to scrap yards and other customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. While the acceptance of the new model, which was eight months in development, has been encouraging, he said S.A.S. is forging ahead with plans for a second edition.
“We have a mini-Scorpion in design right now,” he said. “It’s basically going to be a mirror image of what you see now, but it’s going to be built for smaller wheel loaders.” The present Scorpion weighs over 6,000 lbs. by itself and is intended for wheel loaders that are 28,000 lbs. and heavier. “It’s a heavy attachment, but it’s built for long-term use,” Secker said.
The smaller Scorpion was conceived because many potential customers have smaller wheel loaders. “They want this tool, because they can see it’s going to increase their revenue dramatically,” Secker said. “But the full-size one is much too large to use with a smaller wheel loader. So we’re hoping in the next 30 to 90 days to roll out the mini-Scorpion. That’ll open up a lot more opportunities.”
Fast and Rugged: SAS Forks
By Felicia Lowenstein Niven.
Elmer Secker was just trying to do his job better. As owner of SAS of Luxemburg, a salvage and repair facility, he moved his cars by tow truck – like everyone else. An engineer by training, he knew there was a better way.
“He designed our first set of 15.5 foot forks in 1972 and it was clearly a safer and more efficient way to move vehicles,” said Adam Lindley, sales manager of SAS Forks, Luxemburg, WI. “The forks soon became so popular that our salvage and auto body repair took a back seat”.
By 2003, When Elmer’s son Paul took the helm, the decision was made to close the salvage and repair business. SAS of Luxemburg became SAS Forks (SASForks.com). Although Elmer is no longer a daily presence, he’s a regular consultant.
Durable Forks
Today, the business manufactures 6 to 17-foot fork assemblies for use in auto salvage, extreme duty rock quarry, and heavy industry. SAS Forks are designed for longevity and zero downtime, even in the toughest conditions.
“We’re recyclers by training,” noted Lindley. “We know what works and what will last, so we manufacture our products to meet those needs. We also know what works for one yard may not be perfect for another, and so we often customize our products to meet specific needs, whether it’s the width of the carriage, the fork spacing, length, taper, back extensions, etc.”
The forks are manufactured on-site. Sixty percent of the material used is recycled, along with the excess and scrap material. The business unveils one to two new products a year.
Scorpion Engine Puller
The Scorpion Engine Puller and Claw is the latest in SAS Forks product line. This machine processes end-of-life vehicles in less than 60 seconds. It pulls scrap engines and transmissions in half that time. SAS Forks estimates the Scorpion can increase revenue by 30 percent because of its speed in separating materials from bodies.
“The Scorpion was designed to meet the need for a high-speed product for pulling motors that could be adapted to any style wheel loader linkage,” explained Lindley. “it was eight months in research and development as we talked to customers.”
“They wanted to be able to disconnect from the machine,” he said. “They wanted it to be fast. They wanted it to have limited hydraulic additions. They wanted high visibility. And they wanted to be able to use it on several different machines, so it had to be quickly attached. We took that information and manufactured the Scorpion.”
Worldwide Popularity
All of the SAS Forks come with a minimum one-year guarantee for material and manufacturing. The forks are popular all over the world, and SAS Forks regularly ships throughout the United States as well as to Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Russia, United Arab Emirates and Australia. A broker is used for shipping to get the lowest rates possible for customers. Local delivery is available to dealers and salvage facilities throughout Wisconsin.
One of the ways SAS Forks is getting the word out is through industry events. Live demonstrations are done at the majority of the state trade shows, and some at national trade shows like ARA, ISRI, URG, ASPA, and IT. The company is currently preparing for the upcoming FADRA show, in the local market.
“We rely on the direct customer contact at trade shows,” said Lindley. “The face-to-face contact is very important. After all, we like being able to talk directly to our customers. How else could we give them exactly what they are looking for?”
6/29/09 SAS forks partners with parts.org to present webinar on safety.
Michael Berk, Executive Director/COO Pennsylvania Automotive Recycling Trade Society (PARTS) organized a live online webinar with participants from PA, MN and WI to learn about wheel loader and forklift safety. As part of a continuing commitment to the salvage industry, Paul Secker, President of SAS FORKS, has pulled current resources together for this presentation.
Paul, who has 30 years experience been in the salvage industry, and participated in numerous train the trainer sessions, as both the student and the presenter, conducted this presentation.
Dwayne from Yerty Auto Service in Roaring Springs PA who subsequently contacted Paul Secker, President of SAS FORKS for expert insight on wheel loader capabilities, commented, “The presentation was very well done. We learned a lot. “
“Thank you so much. The webinar was great.” Mike Berk
An email comment received from a participant:
“Paul, Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to conduct the seminar yesterday on rough terrain forklift operation. I felt that the material was professionally presented and very meaningful. Three of my employees and myself were attendees.
I look forward to receiving your email with the presentation so that I can use your materials as needed.
Sincerely, Claudio, Calumet Auto Parts”
For detailed information on wheel loader or forklift attachment information, contact Paul Secker paul@sasforks.com or Adam Lindley adam@sasforks.com at our web site www.SASFORKS.com
For interest in future presentations, contact Mike Berk at web site: www.PARTS.org email: mike@parts.org
May 15th and 16th 2009 Paul Secker and Adam Lindley attended the (www.meetusatit.com ) 2009 IT Auto Recyclers convention / trade show.
The 2009 IT convention was hosted by Chuck & Eddie’s Auto Parts in Southington CT. Charles Arcangelo, the owner of Chuck and Eddie’s and his staff were wonderful to work with and went out of their way to make sure everything went well for the exhibitors and the attendees enjoyed their visit. Recyclers attending this event had a unique opportunity to meet Industry experts and see live presentations and demos on software, tools and equipment to improve their productivity.
SAS had an excellent showing. Jerry S. Bruner of Advance Tire Inc. said, “Last week Tyler Equipment, Advance Tire TY and SAS Forks put together the most popular demo at the National IT Show CT".
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SAS Scorpion Engine Puller on Volvo L110F wheel loader with Adam Lindley, Sales Manager SAS FORKS (left), and Paul Secker, Owner SAS FORKS (Right) at Southington CT
SAS had an excellent demo of the Scorpion Engine Puller on a Volvo L110F. The Volvo L110F was provided courtesy of Bill Tyler of Tyler Equipment www.tylerequipment.com. The Volvo was fitted with solid rubber tires from Jerry Bruner at Advance Tire, Inc. www.advancetires.com Scorpion ran constantly throughout the two day show pulling motors as fast as the three onsite drain stations could work. All in all the Scorpion pulled almost 100 motors. There was crowd around the area watching closely to see how proficiently the Scorpion works.
JJ, the equipment operator from Chuck & Eddie’s who ran the Volvo with the Scorpion and the Hyundai with the Crushing Forks was very impressed. JJ said, “The Scorpion Engine Puller is remarkable. It pulls the motors out faster and cleaner than our excavator with the grapple.”
Flip Henry, Sales Manager www.chappeltractor.com a Hyundai dealer also had a machine onsite doing demo’s. The a Hyundai HL757-TM fitted with a quick coupler switched between 15’ SAS FORKS and 6’ HEAVY DUTY SAS CRUSHING FORKS to handle cars onsite. Constantly loading drain stations and staging cars for glass removal and other demos. Jeff Cantor from Car World www.carworldused.com
who has 2 Hyundia HL757-TM loaders from Flip equipped with SAS FORKS commented, “I am very satisfied with your product.”
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SAS Crushing Forks on Hyundia HL757 wheel loader with Flip Henry of Chappel Tractor, Milford, NH USA
“All in all, we had a great show on the SAS Scorpion Engine Puller. Many yard owners could see how quickly they could pull engines before crushing cars to capture more dollars in today’s down market. “ noted Paul Secker. Alan Chuckran, owner of Chuckran Auto Parts, who operates a SAS Scorpion Engine Puller said, “We are very happy with the SAS Scorpion Engine puller and the service we get from SAS. We depend on the Scorpion everyday to add to our bottom line and make more money.”
5/5/2009 SAS Displays Scorpion at 2009 Concerned Auto Recyclers of WI "CARs" Upper Midwest Convention and Trade Show
Paul Secker and Jordan Baitinger both of SAS Forks made the drive over to Eau Claire, WI for the annual Upper Midwest Convention and Trade Show May which was May first and second. SAS brought a Scorpion Engine puller along for the ride and displayed outside the convention hall on a L70 from Airing Equipment in Eau Claire. It gave many interested auto recyclers and salvage yards an opportunity to seen the Scorpion in person for the first time.
SAS Forks also had the chance to participate in a local convention. It is important to SAS to support the local state associations who do so much for their members including but not limited to:
· ▪ Retain a lobbyist who monitors the state legislature for actions which affect members.
· ▪ Works with local and State governing bodies on issues affecting the recycling industry.
· ▪ Provides educational and training opportunities for members.
· ▪ Provides several association-wide networking opportunities.
SAS is grateful for all that our local associations do and looks forward to supporting them in the future.
For more details on the bonus or for contact information please visit www.depreciationbonus.org.
2/16/2009 Clean Diesel Programs for Non/Off Road Equipment
1/29/2009 Lindley Travels to the Rockies
SAS Forks Sales Application Engineer, Adam Lindley, recently traveled to Colorado for the Colorado Automotive Recyclers (C.A.R.) regional meeting exhibit. The meeting gathered 70+ local auto salvage and auto recyclers at the PPA event center in Denver, CO.
JoLane Hochstetler, the Executive Director, said “the round table topics were a huge success.”
The popular round table topics varied from VIN verification systems to CAR/ARA question and answer session. The event also featured awards luncheon and several industry updates.
Lindley took advantage of being in Colorado by visiting several local yards. Lindley took time to visit the following people/yards:
Gary and Alice Corns @ Colorado Auto Parts http://www.coloradoautoandparts.com/
Phil Toley @ Western Metal Recyclers
Tim Fox @ Western Metal Recyclers
Ed Ford @ U-Pull & Pay Aurora
Joe Pineda @ U-Pull & Pay Denver
Mike Mc Entee @ LKQ Pull-n-Save
Joe @ All Recyclers Denver
Dan @ Sims Metal Management
Jolane @ C.A.R.
1/18/2009 Lindley visits the Lone Star State
SAS Forks Sales Application Engineer, Adam Lindley, made the trip to Texas to visit several customers. Lindley met with customers face to face in order to gain valuable insight on their work processes and procedures.
While in Texas Lindley learned of the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP). TERP allows grants for companies to upgrade older equipment to reduce air pollutants. To learn more about programs like TERP for your state please check back on our website at www.sasforks.com/cleandiesel, March 1, 2009.
1/17/2009- Certified Auto Recycling Featured on Horsepower TV.
On a recent episode of Horsepower TV, which aired on Spike TV, titled “Boneyard Bowtie LS-1” the crew heads to Bruce Barber’s Certified Auto Recycling to find engine parts. Barber stated “It was a real positive experience for us”. They have received many inquires for parts since the show aired for the second time in January, but they have also received positive feedback from the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA). Barber said, “We stress the importance of being environmentally friendly in the way we recycle our cars”. It is important for market leaders like Certified Auto Recycling to be given the platform to show that it is possible to be profitable and “green” at the same time.
The episode showed off Barbers 50,000 square foot state of the art facility as well as their industry leading technology. That same technology was used to find the perfect engine for their rebuild. After they located the best engine for the job, Certified Auto used SAS Long Forks to move the truck from the yard into the garage. Barber was happy with the way our Forks performed on the small screen, “Your forks worked great”. From there they were able to remove the engine from the truck and take it back to the horsepower garage to rebuild it.
This will not be the last time Barber’s yard will be featured on Horsepower TV. Horsepower just recently re-visited Certified Auto Recycling to film another episode, which will air sometime this spring.
SAS forks would like to thank Bruce Barber for taking the time to share his experience with us.