Towing trucks are used all over Australia to move vehicles from one part of the country to another. Of course, they are frequently used in emergency situations where 24-hour emergency towing is called for, usually following an accident or a mechanical breakdown. However, towing services also include many planned-for events too, like transporting a motorcycle or moving a heavy-duty vehicle, such as a tanker, to a maintenance depot. The two principal options available for towing most sorts of vehicles are flatbed and wheel-lift trucks. What are their main differences, and when is it best to opt for one truck over another?
Flatbed Towing Trucks
A flatbed towing truck offers a safe and highly reliable means of towing most vehicles. These trucks are a relatively economical means of transporting single loads from one place to another. Crucially, they can be loaded with relative ease and lift a car clear from the roadway so that each of its four wheels are supported by the flatbed of the truck. Towing firms have specially trained personnel who are equipped with lifting equipment to safely lift even larger saloon cars and four-by-fours. These personnel commonly raise the flatbed at a modest angle and then winch the car into position with the front wheels going on first.
Once the car is in place, the flatbed is then dropped back down to the horizontal, and strapping is applied at appropriate places around the wheels before the driver sets off on a journey. It is fair to say that a flatbed towing truck doesn't truly tow cars, except for when it winches them on board. When they are being transported, cars remain free from any likely damage or road wear, making this a preferred approach for anyone with a high-value vehicle, such as a sports car or vintage motorcycle.
Wheel-Lift Towing Trucks
Much used in North America and parts of Europe, wheel-lift towing trucks tend to be used to tow lighter vehicles. Ideal for breakdown recovery operations where a tow to the nearest mechanic is all that is required, these hard-working vehicles tend to be cheaper and more efficient than flatbed tow trucks. They do not need the vehicle to be fully raised, and the truck simply lifts the front two wheels of the towed car off the road in order to make a journey. However, since the rear wheels of the towed vehicle remain in contact with the ground, wear and tear can continue to occur on the tyres, rear suspension and axle. The laws relating to how wheel-lift towing trucks can be used differ from state to state in Australia.
Talk to a company such as United Tilt Tray Service to learn more about your towing options.
