Innovative Heavy-Lifter: Erkin Knuckle Boom Rotator

Joe Notarianni, owner of Protech Auto Collision Center in Philadelphia, recently unveiled a groundbreaking addition to his fleet: a 2007 Western Star tow truck featuring a 40-metric-ton rotating knuckle boom crane with a wrecker body custom-built in Turkey.  

Originally a drywall knuckle boom truck, this 2007 Western Star was stripped down and rebuilt to accommodate the 40-metric-ton rotating knuckle boom crane manufactured by Turkish company Erkin. "We bought the truck down in Florida, stripped it all down, and then shipped it to Turkey," Joe explained. "Erkin designed and built the custom wrecker body, which was then shipped to Baltimore and installed here." 

The result? A fully functional, all-wheel-drive tow truck equipped with a rotator crane that can handle loads up to 88,000 pounds at a 360-degree radius. This level of capability places it on par with 75-ton rotators from other established wrecker manufacturers —but with a significant cost advantage. “My truck cost $750,000 to build,” said Joe, noting that similar rotators from competitors could cost nearly $1 million. 

Joe’s decision to go with Erkin wasn’t just about price. “I’ve been working with knuckle boom cranes for years,” he said. “Unlike traditional straight booms, knuckle booms fold in the middle, offering greater strength and stability at low angles. This makes them more versatile for certain applications, like working under power lines or in confined spaces.” 

Erkin’s introduction to the U.S. market came through a chance meeting at a towing show in Baltimore in 2016. Joe met representatives from the company’s U.S. distributor, Create Solutions, who were looking to expand into the towing industry. A prototype was designed, and the completed truck was showcased at the 2017 Baltimore show, garnering significant attention. 

While the truck is fully capable of heavy recovery work, Joe has found it particularly useful in construction-related jobs. “I’ve used it for placing 30,000-pound sewer system boxes and working at the airport where traditional cranes aren’t allowed due to height restrictions,” he explained. “The knuckle boom’s ability to operate at low angles is a game-changer.” 

Joe’s truck also complies with Pennsylvania’s strict weight limits. At 78,000 pounds, the truck required modifications like a wheel lift and drag winches to bring it under legal weight, ensuring it can operate without special permits. 

The truck’s striking green paint job and minimal lettering make it standout. “My graphic guy came up with the design,” Joe said. “I wanted something simple but distinctive.” The truck’s boom features "Protech PCI," highlighting its technology and advanced engineering. 

As Joe continues to explore the truck’s potential, he’s optimistic about the future of knuckle boom technology in the towing industry. “It’s more versatile, stronger, and, in many ways, more efficient than traditional setups,” he said. “I think we’re going to see a lot more of these in the U.S.”