What is Wheel Lift Towing?
Wheel lift towing is a towing method that uses a hydraulic metal yoke to lift either the front or rear wheels of a vehicle off the ground, while the opposite wheels remain in contact with the road during transport. This efficient system is mounted on a tow truck and provides a quick, cost-effective solution for most passenger vehicles.
The wheel lift mechanism cradles the tires in a metal yoke that lifts and secures them, allowing the vehicle to be towed safely without requiring a full platform like flatbed towing.
Cost-Effective & Efficient
Wheel lift towing offers the perfect balance of safety, speed, and affordability for most passenger vehicle recovery situations.
Best Applications
- Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) cars
- Standard passenger vehicles under 4 tonnes
- Short to medium distance towing
Key Benefits
- Quick setup and loading time
- More cost-effective than flatbed towing
- Suitable for most urban towing situations
- Reliable for standard vehicle recovery
How Wheel Lift Towing Works
The wheel lift towing process follows these steps:
- Positioning - the tow truck backs up to or approaches the vehicle
- Yoke placement - the hydraulic yoke is positioned under the drive wheels
- Wheel cradle - the metal cradle secures the tires
- Lifting - hydraulics raise the drive wheels off the ground
- Safety chains - additional securing chains are attached
- Transport - the vehicle is ready for safe towing
When Wheel Lift is NOT Recommended
Wheel lift towing is not suitable for:
- All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles - risk of drivetrain damage
- 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles - requires flatbed transport
- Luxury or exotic cars - better protection with flatbed towing
- Severely damaged vehicles - may require specialized recovery
- Very long distances - flatbed preferred for extended transport
Front Wheel vs. Rear Wheel Lift
- Front wheel lift - used for rear-wheel drive vehicles to prevent transmission damage
- Rear wheel lift - used for front-wheel drive vehicles to avoid strain on the transmission
- Drive wheel selection - the driven wheels are always lifted to prevent mechanical damage
Safety Considerations
Professional wheel lift towing includes important safety measures:
- Proper weight distribution - ensuring balanced loading
- Tire condition assessment - checking for adequate tread and pressure
- Vehicle stability - verifying secure attachment before transport
- Speed limitations - maintaining safe towing speeds
Cost Comparison
Wheel lift towing typically costs 20-30% less than flatbed towing, making it an economical choice for standard vehicle recovery. However, the savings shouldn't compromise vehicle safety - always choose the appropriate method for your specific situation.
Professional Standards
Wheel lift towing operations in Victoria are regulated by VicRoads to ensure safe practices and fair pricing. Professional operators maintain proper insurance and equipment certifications.
Emergency Applications
Wheel lift towing is often the preferred method for emergency situations due to its quick setup time. This makes it ideal for roadside breakdowns where rapid clearance is needed.
Related Services
Wheel lift towing often combines with other services:
- Roadside assistance - on-site problem solving before towing
- Jump start services - battery assistance
- Vehicle transport - scheduled relocation services
- General car towing - comprehensive passenger vehicle services