Wheel lift towing is a method of towing a vehicle using a tow truck that employs a hydraulic lifting mechanism to lift one end of the vehicle off the ground, while the other end remains in contact with the road surface. This type of towing is commonly used for vehicles that have become disabled or involved in an accident. Today, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to discuss the basics of wheel lift towing.
How Do You Tow a Vehicle with a Wheel Lift Tow Truck?
The wheel lift tow truck consists of a hydraulic lifting mechanism attached to the chassis of the truck. The mechanism is comprised of two arms that extend out from the truck and a hydraulic ram that moves the arms up and down. The arms are attached to a pair of wheels, which can be adjusted to fit the size of the vehicle being towed. The operator of the tow truck positions the lifting mechanism under the front or rear wheels of the disabled vehicle, depending on the drive configuration of the vehicle. The arms of the mechanism are then extended, and the hydraulic ram is activated to lift the wheels off the ground. The vehicle is then towed with the lifted end trailing behind the tow truck.
Advantages of Wheel Lift Towing
Wheel lift towing has several advantages over other types of towing methods. First, it is a fast and efficient way to move a disabled vehicle. The hydraulic lifting mechanism allows the tow truck operator to quickly and easily lift the vehicle off the ground without the need for special equipment or tools. Additionally, wheel lift towing is less expensive than other types of towing, such as flatbed towing, because it requires less equipment and labor. Another advantage of wheel lift towing is that it can be used to tow a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. The adjustable wheels on the lifting mechanism allow the tow truck operator to accommodate a variety of wheel sizes, making it possible to tow almost any vehicle on the road.
Wheel Lift Towing Disadvantages
Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to wheel lift towing. One potential issue is that the lifted end of the vehicle is not fully supported by the lifting mechanism, which can cause damage to the suspension or other components of the vehicle. Additionally, if the tow truck operator does not properly position the lifting mechanism, the vehicle may become unbalanced and sway, which can be dangerous.
To minimize the risks associated with wheel lift towing, it is important to choose a reputable towing company with experienced operators who are trained to use the equipment properly. The tow truck operator should also be careful to position the lifting mechanism correctly and to ensure that the lifted end of the vehicle is properly supported.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Wheel lift towing is a popular and effective method for towing disabled vehicles. It is a fast and efficient way to move a vehicle, and it is less expensive than other types of towing. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this method of towing and to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the vehicle being towed is properly supported and balanced. To ensure that wheel lift towing is done safely and efficiently in Irving, TX call the experts of Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance and let us take care of your towing and roadside assistance needs.
