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Different Types of Tow Trucks and Their Uses

A Guide to Tow Trucks

Wondering about the different types of tow trucks you see on the road and their specific uses? We want to give you a glimpse into the world of towing and help you understand the variety of tow trucks and how they serve different purposes. Whether you’ve seen a flatbed carrying a luxury car or a heavy-duty truck hauling a broken-down bus, each type of tow truck has a unique role to play when customers ask for our Imperial towing service. Let’s have a closer look.

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The Versatile Flatbed Tow Truck

What is a Flatbed Tow Truck?

Flatbed tow trucks, also known as rollback trucks, feature a large flatbed on the back that can be hydraulically inclined to ground level. This allows vehicles to be driven or winched onto the bed, making it a versatile option for many towing scenarios.

When to Use a Flatbed Tow Truck

Flatbeds are ideal for transporting vehicles that cannot be driven, such as cars with significant damage, classic cars that need careful handling, or vehicles that need to be transported long distances without adding wear and tear. We often use flatbed tow trucks for our Imperial towing service to ensure safe and secure transportation of high-value vehicles.

The Reliable Hook and Chain Tow Truck

What is a Hook and Chain Tow Truck?

Hook and chain tow trucks, one of the oldest types in the towing industry, use chains to wrap around the vehicle’s axle or frame. The vehicle is then lifted and towed on its remaining wheels. While less common today, they are still useful in certain situations.

When to Use a Hook and Chain Tow Truck

These tow trucks are best suited for transporting wrecked cars to the scrapyard. Due to the potential for damage to the towed vehicle, they’re not recommended for all-wheel-drive or 4×4 vehicles. However, when executing an Imperial Towing service job, we employ chain trucks for specific tasks where the vehicle’s condition makes other options impractical.

The Modern Wheel-Lift Tow Truck

What is a Wheel-Lift Tow Truck?

Wheel-lift tow trucks have a metal yoke that fits under the front or rear wheels of the vehicle to lift it off the ground, similar to hook and chain tow trucks but with less potential for damage. These trucks are equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic hoists.

When to Use a Wheel-Lift Tow Truck

These trucks are great for quick tows, such as removing illegally parked cars or transporting vehicles a short distance. They’re a staple for every towing service when dealing with urban towing scenarios, offering efficiency and minimal vehicle damage.

The Heavy-Duty Integrated Tow Truck

What is an Integrated Tow Truck?

Integrated tow trucks, also known as self-loader or snatcher trucks, have extra axles for added stability and strength. They often combine the features of boom and wheel-lift trucks and are used primarily for heavy-duty tasks.

When to Use an Integrated Tow Truck

These tow trucks are perfect for larger vehicles such as buses, RVs, or heavy machinery. Their robust build allows them to handle heavy loads safely and efficiently. When deploying for an Imperial towing service job, we use these trucks for the most challenging towing tasks, ensuring even the largest vehicles are handled with care.

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Trust Ives Towing to Deliver a Top-Notch Imperial Towing Service

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of tow trucks. We at Ives Towing, are proud of our diverse fleet of tow trucks. Our team is trained to handle any Imperial towing service situation with and care.

Whether you need a simple tow or a complex recovery, our Imperial towing service ensures your vehicle is in good hands. We are committed to providing top-notch service, ensuring your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently. 

By understanding the different types of tow trucks and their specific uses, we can appreciate the expertise required in the towing industry. Next time you see a tow truck, you’ll know exactly what it’s capable of and how it contributes to keeping our roads safe and clear.

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