When looking at Wreckers, Rollbacks, or Rotators, we know that it is an important business decision. Miller industries strives to provide the best products and service possible through our vast worldwide distributor network. The products we produce are top-tier and are of the highest quality. Much thought goes into the design and manufacturing of each and every product we produce.
A good example of this is found on our light-duty line of conventional wreckers where we have quality purposefully built into them. With years of experience and valuable feedback from testing and field usage we know that a 4-sided all-steel fabricated recovery boom provides maximum durability for tough recoveries. We designed significant weight savings on our heavy-duty units to help with payload, and thereby keeping you legal on the road. Providing scalability even on rotators platforms is another way that we keep the needs of our customers in mind. A perfect example of this is our Century® 1135 Rotator that can be used for tough recoveries, while also functioning as a heavy-duty tow truck.
Being the first in the industry with improvements to historical designs is something that we are used to, and further proud of. Just because that's how it has always been done, does mean its the best way. Our Patented LCG™ platform of car carriers allows for easier loading and unloading of lower profiled cars- (without the need for blocks). Just think of how many times you don't have to take those pieces of wood in and out of the tool box. With the LCG™ not only do you get a better approach angle, but you also have a lower overall deck height. This means you are able to access the tie-downs to secure the vehicle from the ground. Not having to climb up on a potentially wet or elevated deck could help to prevent injuries. Couple the LCG™ platform with features like our Right Approach™ option, and it will take your productivity to a whole other level.
Of course you don't have to take our word for it. Just ask many of the satisfied operators of our equipment or just read the reviews at the bottom of this page. If you still have questions or would like someone to contact you, just fill out the form at the bottom of this page, or reach out to your local distributor. We are here to help.
Industry Leading Quality is Intentional
Whether looking at engineering, fabrication, hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical functions, these all require a thoughtful effort toward quality. Quality is at the forefront of everything we do here at Miller Industries. Knowing how well something performs extends past the individual components and into how well the components work together- this is key.
As a manufacturer we hold a coveted ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality. Certification to ISO 9001 illustrates that we possess a robust quality management system dedicated to the repeatability of the product, control of internal processes, and continuous improvement.
This quality certification system encompasses all aspects associated with the manufacturing process to include verification of customer requirements and supplier development. Maintaining these standards is something that our team here at Miller Industries is proud to accomplish. What's more the quality we strive to maintain is best seen in the success stories of those who operate our equipment every day.
The process of building a towing and recovery unit is one that takes a lot of deliberate skill. When purchasing a Century, Vulcan, Chevron, or Holmes unit there is a lot of manufacturing foresight that proceeds you ever taking delivery of your new investment.
These are some of the steps in our manufacturing process that help to breed a quality product:
Engineering functions to reduce wear on components and to improve the durability and the longevity of a unit are critical factors of quality that we think are important. One example of this is the separate hydraulic and electrical channel routings found on our Century®, Vulcan®, and Chevron™ car carriers.
Our patented LCG™ design provides for greater versatility by providing a lower approach angle during recoveries. The LCG™ design also helps reduce the chance of injury by allowing the operator to stay on the ground while securing the vehicle to the carrier deck.
Another example of quality-by-design is found in our second-generation wheel lifts found on our Century® and Vulcan® autoloaders. The diameter of the pivot pin was intentionally made larger to three inches and the housing and grease fitting are recessed to prevent unnecessary abrasion and wear as the wheellift is deployed. Other features include enclosed L-arm hydraulic cylinders for better protection against damage and check valves located directly on the hydraulic cylinders that provide for maximum safety. An advanced hose tracking system helps prevent rubbing and damage to the necessary hydraulic hoses found on the Miller Industries™ line of autoloaders.
On Century® heavy-duty integrated wreckers, we employ rear jack spades that are angled outward so that, as they are extended, they provide a wider stance of support for the rear of the wrecker. The turret drag winches on Century® and Vulcan® rotators are engineered in a way that provides a lower center of gravity to the load due to the fact that they are mounted directly to the wrecker frame instead of being mounted up on the recovery boom. These features are just a few examples of the intentional quality that is woven into all of Miller Industries™ autoloaders, wreckers, rotators, and car carriers.
When making the decision to purchase a Car Carrier, Light-Duty or Heavy-Duty Wrecker, or a Rotator the first choice for some is whether to buy used or new. It is the same with automobiles, or is it? Wreckers and Carriers while mounted on a vehicle of there own, are used for work purposes, and often carry heavy loads. While our brands of Century, Vulcan, Chevron, and Holmes, are the highest quality in the towing & recovery industry, they still require routine maintenance just like every other piece of industrial grade equipment.
Purchase price is a factor where typically a used unit can be cheaper, but that isn't the end of the story. Often while a used unit might save you money on the front end, it can cost you a year or two down the road in maintenance costs. As any unit and chassis ages or it approaches the end of its duty cycle it will require more and more maintenance.
Chassis maintenance cost is something to consider heavily. On a new unit you have a best-in-class warranty from Miller Industries, where as on a used chassis your maintenance cost is essentially unknown. With the prevalence of clean diesel engines there are a whole new level of considerations from days passed. The longterm maintenance expense of a clean diesel is high, thereby making the chassis warranty, specifically the warranty length and what coverage is included, that much more important.
Maintenance is critical to the longevity of any wrecker or carrier, and with used units it is up to the previous owner to ensure the equipment was maintained. While units are designed for specific uses, those ratings can be affected by not only maintenance, but also by improper usage and environmental conditions such as weather(heat/cold), road chemicals, and rust. If looking at a used unit, always make sure you purchase it from a one of Miller Industries exclusive distributors. Our vast network of distributors will ensure that the used equipment is up for the challenge and that you get everything possible out of your investment.
The decision of buying either a used or a new wrecker or carrier, presents a few other things to consider outside of general age and wear on the unit. Another that can cost you when selecting a used unit is the lack of efficiency and performance. Depending on the age of the unit, MPG's of the chassis and overall speed and performance of the unit can be the difference between catching that next tow in time or missing it. Efficiency and performance are something that is constantly improving here at Miller Industries, and the same is so in the truck/chassis manufacturing industry. In addition, their are other features found on new units, such as integrated telematics, programable light bars, onboard power inverters, advanced controls for efficiency, and overall design features like the channel routings found on our newer generation car carriers and tool box designs for more storage. When it comes to used units, our distributors can often provide after-market upgrades to provide some of the same features found on newer units. All of these factors lend themselves to the old adage "You get what you pay for", and this is even more relevant if what you pay for is what your business depends on.
When deciding the right choice for your business, whether new or used, our knowledgable distributors can help you select the right Century, Vulcan, Chevron, or Holmes unit for your needs.
In today's world of towing and recovery one this is still the same; trucks are still an integral part of the wrecker or carrier. All the way back to the early days of Holmes wreckers they relied on trucks to support the wrecker unit. Today is no different. What is different is that pretty much everything about trucks has changed from those early days. Today we see high-end after treatment and emission control systems being the standard for many truck chassis. On a class-6 or class-8 chassis they are an integral part of the overall cost of ownership.
Key Factors to Consider for a Chassis Warranty.
Please see these helpful guides on Miller Industries chassis warranties:
These reference sheets can be used to compare with other chassis warranties out there. If you have questions, our network of knowledgeable distributors is ready to help.
Miller Industries has the largest and most experienced network of distributors who sell and service our products within the United States, Canada, and worldwide. You can use our convenient distributor search tool to find a distributor in your area. As a global provider, we also have distributors outside of the U.S., to include England, France, Japan, Australia, South Africa, to name a few.
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We would say that Miller Industries takes care of their customers and goes out of their way to ensure that we are happy. When we had a fire at our business and lost several tow trucks of all sizes, Miller was there to help us get the trucks and other equipment replaced as fast as possible. Knowing the team at Miller really cares makes all the difference and is why we choose Miller equipment.
John Kearse Hanifen Co., Inc., Des Moines, IA
Our company has been in the towing business since 1954. In 1978 we began purchasing Century wreckers. Since then, we have owned nothing but Century and Miller products. The biggest reason we have remained so loyal through all these years is the quality of their products. Our operation uses light duty wreckers, LCG carriers, Industrial carriers and heavy-duty wreckers. And they are the best in the world. We are proud to be one of their oldest customers.
Mike Bolin Bolin Services Incorporated, Florissant, MO