What is Heavy Duty Towing?
Heavy duty towing is a specialized towing service designed to handle large commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and heavy machinery that exceed the capacity of standard tow trucks. This service requires powerful equipment and specialized expertise to manage vehicles weighing several tonnes.
Unlike light-duty services for passenger cars, heavy duty towing involves complex rigging, specialized equipment, and often multiple units working together to safely recover and transport commercial vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Expertise
Heavy duty towing requires understanding of air brake systems, hydraulics, weight distribution, and commercial vehicle regulations that don't apply to passenger car recovery.
Heavy Vehicles We Service
- Semi-trailers and articulated trucks
- Delivery trucks and box trucks
- Buses and coaches
- Construction and farm machinery
Specialized Equipment
- Heavy-duty rotator trucks (up to 75+ tonnes capacity)
- Integrated boom and winch systems
- Hydraulic underlift and wheel-lift attachments
- Specialized rigging and recovery chains
Heavy Duty Towing Scenarios
Heavy duty towing is required in various commercial situations:
- Commercial breakdowns - engine, transmission, or mechanical failures
- Commercial accidents - collision recovery and scene clearance
- Load shifts - correcting cargo distribution problems
- Jackknifed trailers - repositioning articulated vehicles
- Off-road recovery - extracting vehicles from soft ground or ditches
- Bridge strikes - removing over-height vehicles from structures
Towing Methods for Heavy Vehicles
Heavy duty towing employs various specialized techniques:
- Rotator recovery - using rotating booms for complex positioning
- Underlift towing - lifting by the front or rear axle assembly
- Combination lifts - using multiple attachment points
- Trailer separation - recovering truck and trailer independently
- Winch-assisted recovery - pulling vehicles from difficult positions
Safety Considerations
Heavy duty towing operations involve significant safety challenges:
- Load distribution - ensuring proper weight balance during lifting
- Hydraulic systems - managing air brakes and suspension
- Traffic management - controlling access to work areas on highways
- Environmental hazards - managing fuel spills and cargo releases
- Structural integrity - assessing vehicle damage before lifting
Regulatory Compliance
Heavy duty towing operations must comply with strict regulations including VicRoads heavy vehicle regulations and commercial vehicle safety standards.
- Weight restrictions - adhering to bridge and road load limits
- Route planning - following approved heavy vehicle paths
- Permit requirements - obtaining necessary transport permits
- Driver licensing - appropriate commercial driving endorsements
Emergency Response
Heavy duty towing services work closely with emergency services, Victoria Police, and traffic management authorities to:
- Clear traffic incidents - restoring highway capacity quickly
- Manage hazardous materials - coordinating with environmental authorities
- Preserve evidence - maintaining accident scene integrity
- Coordinate resources - deploying appropriate equipment and personnel
Cost Factors
Heavy duty towing costs vary based on several factors:
- Vehicle weight and complexity - heavier vehicles require more specialized equipment
- Recovery difficulty - complex situations need additional time and resources
- Equipment requirements - specialized rotators and rigging increase costs
- Time and location - after-hours and remote locations affect pricing
- Additional services - cleanup, traffic control, and permit fees
Preparing for Heavy Duty Towing
When calling for heavy duty towing, provide:
- Vehicle specifications - weight, dimensions, and type
- Location details - precise coordinates and access information
- Damage assessment - description of mechanical problems or accident damage
- Cargo information - type and weight of load
- Special requirements - hazardous materials, permits needed
Insurance and Liability
Professional heavy duty towing services maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for high-value commercial vehicles. Operators work with commercial insurers and regulatory authorities to ensure proper coverage and claims handling.
Related Services
Heavy duty towing often requires complementary services:
- Commercial vehicle transport - scheduled delivery services
- Interstate transport - long-haul commercial recovery
- Commercial roadside assistance - on-site repairs and support
- Specialized recovery - complex extraction services