The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Any Holmes 440 Wrecker Owners Out There?

I've got a question or two about a Holmes 440 Wrecker. My Holmes is a '69 Model.

Thanks

Hey Spanky, you’ve got a call! 😁

Never owned a 440, but I can try to answer his question, or send him to the right person, or persons.

Spanky,

I'm also talking about this problem on another site and have since learned some info, but I am having trouble with the Spring Loaded Pull Pins on the Bottom Bars. They keep interfering with my hook-ups. My Pins are facing Upward. Not sure how they came from the factory, but I've noticed today online that some 440's have them facing Downward. To me this goes against common sense and could be a safety hazard, but I'm just using the truck off road anyway. Twice last week the Pins got tangled up in the Bumper. Actually bent one of the Pins, but got it straightened out. Decided to just change them around, but just noticed that someone welded the Nuts !! This will make it a project for another time.

My other question was their purpose. I figured that the were there to extend the Bars out towards the Slings more, but there are no adjustment holes. Just the one. But just got explained to me that they were an aid on the hook-up process. Of all the times I rode with friends, they either never had it or never used it.

Holmes sure made great Wreckers, but wish they located these Pull Pins a little higher up on the Bars.

I'm assuming your referring to the towing sling arms?

All the pins I have seen were pointed down.
There is only one set of holes as you noticed.
You pull the pin and slide the sling out to attach it to the vehicle.
Once you start raising the sling comes back to it original position
And the pins lock in.

The idea was to aid in hooking so you wouldn't have to be so critical of
You distance between the hook up, and also aid in not being square to the towed vehicle.

Tom

Not sure on the light duty wreckers, but on medium duty, and heavy duty units, each sling arm had 4, or 5 holes. While making your hookup, you would pull the pins outward, and turn them to hold out. You would then back up against bumper of the vehicle to be towed, hook up your chains, and secure, then while winch is lifting vehicle up, pins latch themselves into first holes available, as sling arms slide in. hope this makes sense. I could show you better than I could explain it.

Appreciate the replies. Yes, that's what I have been finding out. Both replies are good explanations of it.

Mine Pins are upward as mentioned and a look at about a dozen 440's online today showed about 1/3 of then upward and about 2/3's down. I haven't proved it yet, but it seems like the factory sent them out upwards. But the dang things are too many times in the way, lol.

When time allows, I'll be switching them around.

Thanks again.

Every truck with a sling that I have used including my present truck had the pins pointing down. It seems to me that the pins would get caught on the bumper if they were up. I have never had a problem with the pins being in the way when they point down.
For what it is worth.
Jim

That's the problem I'm having Jim, interfering with the Bumper. Strange though as I believe they were upward from the factory and guys end up flipping them over, like I need to do.

Appreciate all the replies.