75-Ton Rotator Shines with Purpose and Pride

By George L. Nitti When Ken Jabco of S & R Towing and Recovery in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, set out to add a 2025 Peterbilt 589 with a Century 1075 rotator to his fleet, he knew it was a bold move. Though confident in his decision, Jabco admits the purchase didn’t come without hesitation. Investing in a 75-ton rotator was a major leap for his company, both financially and operationally.

“I was very nervous. Spend money to make money. So that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

For Jabco, the move wasn’t impulsive. Since taking over S & R Towing in 2015, he’s been steadily upgrading his fleet and preparing for the industry’s next chapter. With potential Pennsylvania State Police requirements on the horizon for rotator-equipped companies, Jabco wanted to make the investment on his own terms and not out of obligation.

The rotator’s build came through Miller Industries, with graphics designed by Dendy Hill Graphics of Lafayette, Georgia. The design represents a fresh direction for S & R’s fleet. “I plan to continue to do them this way — with the diamond plate lettering — and it’s all reflective,” Jabco said.

The graphics combine black, red, and chrome tones, anchored by bold chain motifs running the length of the body. Subtle custom touches personalize the rotator, including nods to Jabco’s employees and community that include a flag and purple ribbon, visible on the passenger side near the door, symbolizing cancer awareness.

“I have a guy that works for me; he’s a veteran,” Jabco said. “I wanted an American flag on it, and I wanted to honor him with that. The purple ribbon acknowledges two employees who lost their parents battling cancer.” Even the small details reflect pride and craftsmanship. “Inside the boxes I had splatter painted, which is pretty cool too,” Jabco said. “Different colors—pretty much all the colors that are involved in the wrap—splattered out over a white background.”

The rotator itself rides on a twin-steer Peterbilt 589 chassis, chosen for power and performance. “We’re right along Interstate 80 in central Pennsylvania, so it’s all about keeping the roads open now,” Jabco said. “My theory was slowly go bigger. I have a 55-ton, but it’s not a rotator.”

After more than three decades in the towing business, Jabco calls the rotator “a new journey.”

“If you’re going to go purchase something of that nature,” he said, “you might as well do it the right way — don’t cut corners. And that’s what I did.”