ABOUT YOUR EQUIPMENT
In this lesson you will be learning about the different types of vehicles, towing equipment and rigging that a light-duty operator will use on a day-to-day basis. It is vital that an operator understands what everything on their vehicle is used for before they begin their towing operations.
PARTS OF A CARRIER
The car carrier, commonly referred to as a flatbed or a rollback, is one of the most commonly used towing vehicles. The truck is fitted with a large moveable bed that can be lowered and angled so a vehicle can be winched onto it.
Review the images below and descriptions below to understand the appearance and purpose for the parts of a car carrier.
CARRIER REAR VIEW – TRUCK & RIGGING
CARRIER REAR VIEW – LIGHTS AND BEACONS
CARRIER SIDE VIEW – TRUCK & RIGGING
CARRIER REAR VIEW – TOWING EQUIPMENT
PARTS OF A WRECKER
A Wrecker, also commonly referred to as a boom truck, is a truck that is designed to lift and tow a vehicle with a device called an wheel lift or a under reach.
Review the images below and descriptions below to understand the appearance and purpose for the parts of a wrecker.
WRECKER SIDE VIEW – TOWING EQUIPMENTS
WRECKER REAR VIEW – TOWING EQUIPMENT
WRECKER SIDE VIEW – LIGHTS & BEACONS
WRECKER REAR VIEW – LIGHTS & BEACONS
WRECKER REAR VIEW – TRUCK & RIGGING
WIRE ROPE
The wire rope is one of the two commonly used winch lines. In the towing industry, we do not refer to this piece of equipment as a cable. The line itself is capable of withstanding thousands of pounds of force and when it is connected to the power source of the winch, it can be used to pull objects towards the wrecker or car carrier.
Important information about the wire rope:
SYNTHETIC ROPE
The synthetic rope is the second most commonly used type of line used in towing. Like the wire rope, it is connected to the winch for a power source and can be used to pull thousands of pounds towards the carrier or wrecker.
Important information about synthetic rope:
CHAINS
Chains are important pieces of equipment for any operator. While they have many different uses in the towing world, as a light-duty operator you will typically be using them for secondary securement purposes.
Important information about chains:
HOOKS
Hooks are essential tools for loading casualties and come in many different shapes and sizes. They are often found in a cluster at the end of a strap or chain.
When using a hook in a cluster, WreckMaster recommends securing the loose hooks together to avoid them catching onto items such as the roadway or securement slots on the carrier bed.
REMEMBER
A hook should alwasy face up unless it will damage the casualty.
STRAPS
Straps come in a variety of lengths, grades and sizes. They should be regularly inspected for damage such as fraying and cuts.
Important information about straps:
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Here are some other types of equipment a light-duty operator will use:
SNATCH BLOCK
A snatch block is a pulley system commonly used in the towing industry. It can be employed to gain a mechanical advantage or redirect a line. It should be inspected any day that it will be in use.
BUCKLES
Buckles are a device that is used to shorten or organize straps. The can also be used to turn a strap into a bridle for towing purposes.