Tow trucks, also known as road rescue trucks, wreckers, or breakdown trucks, are essential for handling road accidents, city traffic violations, and emergency rescues. Tow trucks can be classified into flatbed tow trucks and integrated towing and lifting trucks. A flatbed tow truck primarily pulls the accident vehicle onto the flatbed, while an integrated towing and lifting truck uses lifting and pulling equipment to lift one end of the damaged vehicle off the ground before towing it away. Today, let’s explore how a flatbed tow truck operates.
Let’s focus on the Foton Aumark S3 blue license one-tow-two tow truck, a flatbed tow truck designed for ease of operation. Its compact dimensions (4.675 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, and 2.14 meters in height) make it suitable for various towing tasks. Here’s how professional operators work with this tow truck:
Step 1: Power Take-Off (PTO) Operation
1. Engage or disengage the PTO using the clutch. Press the clutch pedal to separate the clutch, then engage or disengage the PTO, and release the clutch pedal. Never force the PTO into engagement.
Step 2: Hydraulic Winch Operation
1. Engage the PTO by pulling out the PTO handle, starting the oil pump.
2. Follow the operation diagram located below the hydraulic control handle to slowly extend the flatbed to the appropriate position.
3. Use the hydraulic handle to gradually lower the flatbed until its rear end is flush with the ground.
4. Flip the rear end of the flatbed to be level with the ground.
5. Secure the accident vehicle with a steel cable and slowly pull it onto the flatbed. Use hooks and other securing tools to fix the vehicle in place.
After successfully towing the vehicle, the tow truck can prepare to wrap up and leave the accident scene.
Operating a flatbed tow truck is straightforward with these steps. By following these procedures, you can ensure safe and efficient towing operations.
