Tow trucks are specialized vehicles used to move different types of vehicles from one place to another. These vehicles have different purposes and are ideal for a variety of situations. These vehicles may be used to tow wrecked cars, junk cars, and even cars in bad shape. These vehicles have evolved from the hook-and-chain trucks used to tow cars. They are equipped with a metal yoke that hooks underneath the front or rear wheels of a vehicle and then hoists it up with a hydraulic or pneumatic device. The other set of wheels remains on the ground, ready to be used for towing. There are many different types of tow trucks which we will discuss below.
Heavy Duty Tow Trucks
Heavy Duty Tow trucks are large vehicles designed to tow semi-trailers, garbage trucks, and other heavy loads. They can handle the largest loads and the most complicated recoveries. These vehicles have enormous pulling power and can handle loads of between 17,000 and 70,000 pounds. They can also be used for water recovery or storm damage cleanup.
There are many factors that go into selecting a heavy-duty tow truck. Speed and transparency are two major factors in the heavy-duty industry. If a tow takes too long, it can have a negative impact on a company’s bottom line. A well-equipped heavy-duty tow truck can save valuable time by reducing the number of delays in the process.
The towing equipment that heavy-duty tow trucks use is far more complex than just the truck. The trucks have specialized tools and can handle large loads safely. For example, special lifting gear is used for towing buses. Using specialized tools ensures that no damage to the bus will be caused during the towing process. Furthermore, heavy-duty tow trucks are equipped with extended wheel-lifts for safe towing of extreme vehicles.
Flatbed Tow Truck
A flatbed tow truck is the safest and most cost-efficient mode of towing a vehicle. Unlike hook-and-chain tow trucks, a flatbed towed vehicle sits flat on the flatbed, preventing it from swaying and posing a safety risk to passing traffic and pedestrians. The specialized flatbed platform also means that there are no chances of damage to the towed vehicle’s engine, transmission, or tires. This type of tow truck is also faster to use, saving time and money.
Flatbed tow trucks are the industry standard for car towing. Their ease of use and quality of service makes them the preferred option for many people. As their name suggests, they can lift any type of motor vehicle and machinery from the ground. Compared to conventional tow trucks, flatbed trucks can haul anything that will fit on their flatbed.
Hook And Chain types of Tow Trucks
A hook-and-chain tow truck is one of the simplest types of tow trucks. They use a hook to attach to the vehicle’s bumper or axle and a chain to pull the vehicle behind the truck. The downside of a hook and chain tow truck is that they can cause damage to the vehicle being towed. The chains can scratch the body of the vehicle, and they should not be used to tow an all-wheel drive vehicle.
Hook and chain tow trucks are useful for the transportation of difficult cargo, such as wrecked cars. However, they are not very common today. Moreover, the trucks are known to apply immense pressure to the towed vehicle, which could damage it in the process. As such, it is best used only when the vehicle is not roadworthy.
These are the four main types of tow trucks. At 24 hour towing St. Louis Mo, we specialize in all of them. So if you are in need of towing services. Give us a call.
Getting Started
24-hour towing St. Louis, MO, is the premier towing company in St. Louis. If you need a tow or any other towing service, such as flat tire, lockout, or jumper service, call us at 314-597-0075 or contact us. We look forward to serving you.
