Skip to content

What Are The Most Common Types Of Tow Trucks?

All vehicles break down on occasion. A good towing company will have a wide range of equipment available so that they can use the right tools for the job, regardless of the situation. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles all come in different sizes, shapes, and weights. Additionally, they can wind up breaking down or getting stuck in a variety of different locations or situations. Vehicle recovery is particularly challenging when dealing with roads that have sharp curves, wet or slick road conditions, or steep edges. In situations like these, towing providers need access to the right tools to safely recover vehicles.

Over the years, a variety of different wreckers and towing tools have been developed to deal with just about any situation that you can imagine. Companies like Leahy’s Towing have to be ready for anything when it comes to recovering vehicles. For instance, they have large wreckers that are equipped to handle semi-trucks and other oversized vehicles. They also have a lot of other specialized tools that they can turn to when dealing with unique or challenging situations. As an added bonus, all of the operators are specially trained to handle a variety of challenging circumstances. Thanks to their expertise, they can provide assistance whenever it is needed.

Choosing The Right Wrecker For The Job

Different towing situations require different types of equipment. Ultimately, the goal of any towing company is to recover vehicles without damaging them in the process. That is why it is so important to use the correct equipment.

Some of the most common towing methods include the following:

Hook-And-Chain Towing – In the past, this type of towing was commonly used. However, because of the way the chain is attached to the vehicle, it can cause damage to the body. As a result, this method is usually reserved for vehicles that have already sustained major damage.

Boom Trucks -These trucks are equipped with large booms that are capable of recovering vehicles from ditches or other areas that are located off the side of the road. Vehicles like these are commonly used in the mountains or in areas where there is a lot of ice on the road.

Flatbed Towing – These trucks have a hydraulically-powered bed that angles down to the road, creating a ramp of sorts. A winch that is mounted on the truck can then be attached to the vehicle, pulling it up onto the bed. Once it is in place, the bed of the truck is raised back into a flat position so that the vehicle that is being towed can be hauled to its final destination.

Wheel-Lift Trucks – With this type of towing, a special yoke is secured underneath the drive wheels of the vehicle. Since it doesn’t come in contact with the rest of the vehicle, it doesn’t cause any damage. Once it is securely in place, the front or back of the vehicle is raised up off of the ground so that it can be towed wherever it needs to go.

Let Leahy’s Towing help you when you need assistance. Call us for more information, our service professionals are here to help.