Even if you haven’t had your car towed before, you’ve certainly seen different varieties of tow trucks out on the road. Each type of tow truck has a unique purpose and towing function. Here are four of the most common types of tow trucks and their uses.

4 Types of Tow Trucks

1. Wheel-Lift

This type of towing truck uses a stainless steel or metal yoke that’s looped under a vehicle’s front or rear wheels. Once secured, a hydraulic or hoist system lifts the car or truck from the front or rear so that it can be transported. Wheel-lift trucks are commonly used for offering better stability when transporting vehicles.

2. Flatbed

As this truck’s name implies, it uses a flat, level bed to securely store vehicles. To get a car or truck loaded, the truck’s driver presses a button that moves the flatbed into an incline using hydraulics. Winches hoist the vehicle onto the bed so that it can be safely fastened with chains. In addition to towing cars, flatbed tow trucks can also transport motorcycles, ATVs, and boats.

3. Hook and Chain

Towing companies once used this type of truck more than any other. A hook is attached to a vehicle’s axle, and a chain connects the hook to the tow truck. Once secured, the driver can safely haul the car or truck away. Hook and chain trucks are widely used for towing vehicles damaged in an accident or those on their way to a junkyard.

4. Integrated

When the job calls for transporting school buses, 18-wheelers, and larger vehicles, an integrated tow truck is typically the one that does the hard work. They come equipped with additional axles to transport heavy-duty equipment. This tow truck also has a stronger embedded towing arm to help stabilize the massive weights of bigger vehicles.

If you need a vehicle transported, OHS Towing in Columbia Falls, MT, is the company to call on. The locally-owned towing firm is available 24/7 for everything from emergency roadside assistance to vehicle recovery. Call them at (406) 892-1600 or visit their website for details on other offerings.