A totaled car that is being towed can catch anyone’s attention especially when the car looks like it’s gotten a lot of damage. But apart from the troubling sight of a gravely damaged car, have you ever taken a closer look at the vehicle towing the car.
These huge and powerful vehicles are called tow trucks. They are used to transport cars that aren’t safe to drive anymore. Sometimes people also call for towing companies to safely transport their cars even if it isn’t damaged.
But did you know that there are different types of tow trucks used by professionals? The different types also have different applications. Let’s help you get to know them so that you can correctly choose a tow truck in case you need one. Here are the different types:
The flatbed tow truck is one of the most common types of tow trucks that we see today. It is distinguishable from the other tow trucks due to its flat and long bed feature. This bed is capable of moving up or down at various angles through a hydraulic system. The flatbed itself acts as a ramp so the car can be easily pulled onto it.
One of the best things about this type of tow truck is its ability to lift off all four wheels of the car while towing. With less no direct contact on the road, the risk for damage during transport is reduced.
Another type of tow truck used by professionals is the integrated tow truck. This one has extra axles that make them stronger and more stable. They also have an arm at the center of the truck, which is responsible for lifting.
These have huge capacity and are capable of lifting or moving buses, motorhomes, or big rigs. This type of tow truck is so powerful that it can even be used for loads that are bigger than itself.
Although there are already many flatbed tow trucks used today, many people still picture the hook and chain tow truck when you talk about towing. That’s because this type of tow truck has been around for a very long time. They are the original tow trucks that are used for towing vehicles.
Using the large hook, they can tow just about anything. The large hook is attached to the car’s axle or bumper then additional chains are used to wrap the car frame and secure it in place. With the use of a boom, either the front end or the back end of the car is lifted off the ground. The remaining two wheels are left touching the ground while the vehicle is towed.
Although they are effective in towing vehicles, the hook and chain tow trucks could also damage the vehicle being towed during the process. The hook attachment can damage the bumper or the axle plus the chains used can also ruin the paint job and scratch the car’s exterior.
For that reason, this type of tow truck is now only used for cars that are already totaled and are to be brought to the junkyard. That’s because those types of cars are too expensive to repair. They could just be sold for spare parts or for scrap metal.
Wheel lift tow trucks are quite similar to hook and chain tow trucks. However, they do not damage the car as with that hook and chain tow trucks. They also lift the front or rear tires of the vehicle but instead of a hook, they use a yolk, which is much safer. This type of truck also uses hydraulic systems to raise the front or back part of the car.
With a wheel lift, two of the wheels still touch the ground. They may not offer as much protection as flatbeds but they also do not damage the car as much as the hook and chain tow trucks. The price of the towing service will depend on the tow truck used. The wheel lifts are less expensive than flatbeds too. They work great for small to medium-sized vehicles.
Are you having car trouble or are you just in need of moving your vehicle safely from one place to another? Big League Towing provides excellent flatbed towing service for those in Tampa Bay, Florida…
Towing Service – A Great Choice For Wear-Free Auto Transport
