Features Of A Tow Truck And Its Use

By Linda Sanders


Motor vehicle accidents are common things likely to be encountered in major towns, highways and other places. It does not matter the extent of the accident. What matters the most is that the right people should be able to reach the accident scene in order to investigate the cause and how to dispose of the damaged vehicle. It is important to note that the tow truck is not only used in accidents alone, but it also used to move disabled vehicles that have that are stuck as a result of bad weather.

The invention of the truck dates from way back in 1916. Ernest Holmes was a Tenessee resident who made a breakdown by moving blocks through ropes. Other people who came after him took it from where he had left to develop a modern breakdown. Many of us owe it to him for coming up with a reliable form of transport.

What distinguishes the tow vehicles from the motor carriers are the functions. These trucks can be able to accommodate a multiple number of vehicles in one piece during most transport operations. Most of the vehicles involved in the transportation mostly have a mechanical damage or are disabled.

There are three main models to distinguish the trucks according to their functions. The first model is the wheel lift truck that contains a metallic yoke used to lift a vehicle. One simply needs to place the metallic yoke onto the bumper on the vehicle in order for it to be towed. It has become one less popular as a means of transport.

Another type of truck is known as the hook and chain. The vehicle has a hook and chain attached to it, just as the name sounds. It functions by dragging a vehicle using hook. Most experts do not advocate for this kind of breakdown because of the way it operates. Dragging a vehicle using its bumper will lead the vehicle to more damages. That is why they are mostly used during car accidents.

Another common one is the flatbed breakdown that has a flat bed-like feature that can hold a number of vehicles. The car is driven onto the bed and a winch is used to position the vehicle. Thereafter, hydraulics is used to secure the vehicles on board until they are taken down again. It is arguably the most effective to use on new cars that need extra care.

Most private business owners use the trucks only as long as the incident does not occur in the major highways or anywhere else where the government can step in. In fact, most businesses that are involved in sale of vehicles or package delivery services, can use the breakdowns to tow them.

The towing business is one that cannot be ignored simply because of the convenience it offers companies. Many of those who want to ferry their vehicles to other places can use the flatbed breakdown. In cases of accidents, the rest of the other types are applicable.




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