What can be removed by a tow truck, and what platforms are used for this purpose

Auto wreckers are used in order to transport cars that have been in an accident. They are used to remove improperly parked vehicles to a special parking lot and deliver new cars from the factory to the places of sale. Let's consider what platforms auto wreckers have and what can be transported on them.

Types of tow truck platforms

There are several types of tow trucks, which differ in their design and purpose:

• Sliding platform tow trucks with a hydraulic system are characterized by the fact that their base is sliding and set on the ground. This makes it easy to pull a passenger car, SUV or minivan onto them. They are indispensable for cars with low clearance and sports cars. The platform is raised and fixed on the tow truck.
• Partial-loading tow trucks are compact and maneuverable. They have a shortened platform. The car is placed on it only with the front or rear wheels. The second pair of wheels moves on the ground. Such a tow truck is suitable for cars that do not have a blocked wheelbase. Evacuators with partial loading are used on narrow streets, in cities with active traffic on the roads.
• Evacuators are available with a stationary platform, which is stationary. They are used if there is enough free access to the car or other cargo.

Evacuators are distinguished by the lifting mechanism. A winch is the simplest device. However, it can not be used to lift cars with automatic transmission. It can be damaged. Auto wreckers with a winch are used only when the car is located as conveniently as possible for loading.

Also tow trucks are equipped with a special crane-manipulator with a moving boom. It is used to load a badly injured car, to get cars out of a ditch, snowdrift or a narrow space to which access is difficult.

Evacuators come in two-story versions. Depending on the size of the platforms and the power of the machine, from two to eight cars can be placed on them one above the other. Universal models of auto wreckers are equipped with a winch and a crane-manipulator. They have a sliding platform and the ability to extend it on the ramps.

What can be removed by a tow truck?

The following types of vehicles and cargoes are transported by tow trucks:

• motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs;
• passenger cars;
• minibuses;
• tractors, pavers and other special equipment;
• motor boats, boats;
• building materials, reinforced concrete rings or concrete blocks;
• containers, empty or loaded;
• market stalls;
• machine tools and other equipment;
• tanks and other large containers.

A passenger car without serious damage can be lifted onto any type of platform. If the car is broken and there is enough space near it, it is better to use a sliding platform with a crane-manipulator. It will be easier to move the car. Non-standard loads are better transported on a sliding platform. Since it is lowered to the ground, it is convenient to drive a heavy paver, drag a boat, construction concrete blocks and other loads onto it.