Can You Identify The Different Types of Trucks?
By owning a vehicle, there is always a risk of requiring the service of a tow truck company. Vehicles, just like most man-made machines are prone to breakdowns. However, they tend to breakdown in the most inconvenient location. It might be while you are on the road side, in your garage, or in the parking lot. Rarely will your vehicle break down while it is in the repair shop where it will be serviced right there.
With this in mind, it is probably best to acquaint yourself with the variety of tow trucks that are in the market. Although for the vast majority of vehicle owner only know of one or two types of trucks, there exists quite a variety, with each type of tow truck functioning best in a particular setting. Herein, we will look at the different types of tow trucks and the function of each tow truck.
The Flatbed Tow Trucks
The flatbed tow truck is the most common type of towing truck owing partly to its versatility and adaptability. It can also be called the slide or the rollback trucks. It consists of a truck with a long empty truck bed that has a flat top. It also has a hydraulic system that aids in moving the flatbed vertically, either upwards or downwards as needed. For towing purposes, the car in question can drive up on the flatbed. Alternatively, the car can be pulled up.
This particular truck is used to recover vehicles that had a roadside breakdowns or accidents. They are considered as the best and safest method for towing cars. However, they can also be used to transport small boats.
Integrated Tow Trucks
These are highly specialized tow trucks used only for heavy-duty recoveries. They are used to recover rigs and heavy vehicles such as buses. To give it the capacity to withstand the heavy weight of the vehicles involved, they have an extra axle, which adds extra strength and stability. Furthermore, its arm is specifically embedded in the core to the truck.
Wheel-Lift Tow Trucks
In principle, the wheel-lift is quite similar to the hook and chain tow truck. Both systems lift one end of the vehicle and drag the vehicle to its destination. However, with the wheel-lift truck, the York system that hooks under the front wheel causes less strain and, therefore, far less damage to the car than is the case with the hook and chain system.
These types of trucks can be used to tow car faced with breakdowns, much the same as the flatbed does.
The Hook And Chain Tow Trucks
When you think of the history of the towing industry, this has to be the most common type truck that was used during the onset of the business. This type of truck uses hooks and chains to lift and suspend one end of the vehicle, leaving the other set of wheels on the ground. Thereafter, it is a matter of dragging the vehicle to its destination.
The design of this truck leaves the car susceptible to damage (especially the bumper) and scratches as it puts an extreme strain on several parts of the car. Additionally, since the car is dragged, the resulting movement makes the drivetrain of 4 wheel drive and 4X4 cars susceptible to damage.
With this in mind, this type of truck is best used to tow totally damaged cars being transported to the junk yard.
Knowing the different types of tow trucks and the function of each truck will help you order the right kind of service. This makes the process of hiring the services of a tow company a tad easier.
Need a Tow Truck Memphis?
In need of a reliable and safe tow truck service Memphis TN? Look no further than Trustworthy Towing Service.
Located centrally in the heart of our proud city, we go through great pains to ensure we are where you’re at in the shortest amount of time. How do we do it? Through a fleet of versatile trucks, 24-7 availability and trained professionals – we’ve got the tools, and know-how to make it happen. All at prices that are extremely competitive.
Feel free to give us a call at 901-401-4025 and one of our knowledgeable Memphis towing service reps will gladly help to get you the answers you need.
