Northern Strands
Northern Strands Latest News

Latest News

Northern Strands Now Selling the DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight Fall Protection System

The Northern Strands Showroom has a new product feature; The DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight System!


The DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight System is a Fall Protection system designed for confined space and manhole entry applications or retrievals. The Counterweight System has a central base unit that is best used in areas with a leading edge or large tanks that require access. The base of the system is comprised of the counterweight cart, 50 pound weight plates, adjustment legs, and extension assemblies.


This portable unit is comprised of lightweight high-strength aluminum to fit standard entry points. The cart must be used with the Advanced™ davit mast. Together these components create a high quality, rugged confined space rescue and support system. This lightweight aluminum system can be set up and dismantled in the field without tools.
At Northern Strands, Fall Protection is a serious business. Fall Protection is a responsibility and privilege that we do not take lightly. If you have any questions about Engineered Fall Protection Systems or about purchasing or renting the DBI-SALA® Advanced™ Series Counterweight System, visit us in the showroom or contact our Fall Protection Division today!

Engineered Fall Protection Division
801 57th Street East, S7K 5Z2
Email lifelines@northernstrands.com

Northern Strands' 10 Steps for Safely Pulling Equipment with a Recovery Strap or Tow Rope

At Northern Strands, we take safety seriously. It is important to learn how to properly use a Tow Strap or Tow Rope to help move a piece of heavy equipment, combine, truck, or any other type of vehicle that is stuck. 

Follow these 10 Steps for Safely Moving a Vehicle with a Recovery Strap or Tow Rope:

1. Recovery straps should be at least 6 m or 20 ft in length, with loops (not hooks), and in good working condition (no cuts        or broken stitches). 

2. Check both vehicle weights and add the weights of any loads either vehicle is carrying.

  • The vehicle doing the pulling must be equal to, or ideally, greater weight than the vehicle that is being pulled.

3. Ensure the tow strap has a Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) that is 2-3 times the total weight of the stuck vehicle. 

  • If it is less, the strap may snap under high tension.
  • If it is more, the strap will not function properly.
4. Ensure tow hooks, hitch receivers, and any shackles used are rated to the loads that exceed the recovery strap MBS.
  • In the event of excessive loads, the recovery strap should always be the weakest link and snap first. 
5. Move away as much mud, sand, or snow from under the vehicle and in front of the tires in the direction of the pull.
6. Position the pulling vehicle in line with the stuck vehicle - the pulling vehicle facing forward and the stuck vehicle being pulled from the front or the back.
  • Ensure that you are within 10 degrees of a straight line - side loading can lead to serious vehicle damage.
7. Lay out the recovery strap between the two vehicles and loop the strap onto a hook bolted to the vehicle frame or put the loop on a shackle that is properly pinned to a frame mounted hitch rated for recovery. 
  • If using a threaded shackle, hand tighten the pin and then turn it back one quarter turn for ease of release later.
  • Never tie the strap onto the vehicle. Slip the strap over a ball hitch, or attach it to anything other than a tow hook or frame mounted hitch. 
  • Only use one strap, never two in parallel. However, there are a few options for creating additional length with two straps if needed:

8. Drape a heavy coat or blanket over the middle of the strap to dampen any backlash if it snaps or releases. 
9. Ensure all bystanders are at least 2 times the length of the tow strap to the side of the vehicles.
10. The pulling vehicle accelerates slowly (to about 10-12 KPH) to build tension in the strap and provide a sustained pull. 
    Once the slack is taken up, the stuck vehicle likewise applies acceleration in low gear to assist the pulling car. 
    Neither vehicle should spin their tires.
  • Steady momentum is most effective.
  • Maintain tension throughout the pull, do not allow slack to develop in the strap at any point.


Northern Strands Tow Strap & Tow Ropes are priced 30% less than our competitors! We stock all common sizes of Tow Straps and custom sizes are available upon request. Contact us today for more information!

Saskatoon (Head Office)

3235 Millar Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Y3

Hours of Operation: 7:30am to 5:00pm Mon - Fri

Phone: (306) 242-7073
Toll Free: (800) 242-7073
Fax: (306) 934-2920

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Saskatoon (Head Office)

  • 802 60th Street East
  • Saskatoon, S7K 8G8

Regina

  • 125 Henderson Drive
  • Regina, SK S4N 5W4

Esterhazy

  • 816 Park Ave
  • Esterhazy, SK S0A 0X0

Winnipeg

  • 1137 Keewatin St
  • Winnipeg, MB R2X 2Z3
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