The largest tow trucks can lift as much as 200,000 lbs. Your towing service probably doesn’t need that much capacity, but you still want to be sure you get the right truck for the job. When you start looking for where to buy tow trucks, you want to know which tow truck is better. You want to be sure you choose the right type of tow truck for your operation. Learn more here about some of the most common types of tow trucks. You’ll be able to decide which type best meets your needs.
Hook and Chain Tow Trucks
Hook and chain tow trucks used to be one of the most common types of tow trucks. A hook attaches to the car’s axle or bumper. Chains go around the frame of the car.
A boom lifts one end of the car, leaving the other set of wheels on the ground during towing.
Hook and chain tow trucks are less common today because they can damage the car being towed. The hook can strain the bumper or axle. The chains can scratch the vehicle.
The hook-and-chain system can damage the drivetrain of all-wheel and 4×4 vehicles.
Hook and chain tow trucks are still a popular choice for junk vehicles or totaled vehicles. Any additional damage doesn’t matter in these situations.
Wheel Lift Tow Trucks
A wheel-lift tow truck is similar to a hook-and-chain truck, but it’s safer for the car being towed.
Wheel lift tow trucks use a metal yoke instead of chains. The yoke hooks under the front or rear wheels. A hydraulic or pneumatic hoist lifts that end of the vehicle for towing.
Using a yoke prevents damage to the vehicle’s bumper or axle. It also avoids potentially scratching the vehicle with chains.
Flatbed Tow Trucks
A flatbed tow truck has a long hydraulic flatbed. The bed inclines to lower the back end down to the ground. The operator will either drive or winch the vehicle that needs towing onto the bed of the truck.
Once the operator secures the vehicle, the bed can return to its original position.
Flatbed tow trucks are the safest option for the vehicle that needs towing. The vehicle is totally off the ground.
Flatbed towing is good for vehicles with all-wheel or 4×4 drive. It’s also ideal for totaled vehicles.
Integrated Tow Trucks
Integrated tow trucks have a wheel lift and a boom. They’re larger and more powerful than standard tow trucks. They can tow vehicles like trucks and buses.
Integrated tow trucks have an extra axle to give them additional stability and strength. The tow arm is in the center of the truck.
Hooking up an integrated tow truck is faster than other types of tow trucks. This makes them a popular choice for repossessions or parking violations.
Choosing the Right Type of Tow Truck
When you’re looking for the right type of tow truck, don’t settle for just any tow truck for sale. You want the truck that best fits the needs of your towing service.
Wheel lift and flatbed tow trucks are good options for general operations. If a lot of your work is junk vehicles, you may choose a hook and chain tow truck. For towing larger vehicles, an integrated tow truck will be a better choice.
Which tow truck is better? It depends on how you want to use it. Now you can make a more informed choice.
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