heavytow

Heavytow is a term used in the trucking and road assistance industries to describe towing operations that involve heavy vehicles, large loads, or equipment beyond standard towing capabilities. The term is not strictly defined and usage can vary by region, but it typically denotes either specialized equipment, such as heavy-duty tow trucks or rotators, and the trained personnel required for such tasks. Common applications include recovery of heavy trucks, buses, construction equipment, crane components, or oversized loads after accidents or breakdowns; on-site repositioning or immobilization of equipment; and transportation of disabled machinery to repair facilities.

Equipment and methods: heavy towing relies on heavy-duty tow trucks such as wreckers with extended booms, wheel-lift units, and rotary rotators. Capacities range from tens of tons to well over a hundred tons, depending on the vehicle and configuration. Rigging often involves multiple anchors, winches, hydraulic stabilizers, and outriggers to control tilt and fatigue during lifts.

Operations and safety: operators conduct site assessment, plan lift points, secure loads, and establish traffic control if needed. Training typically covers rigging, winching, load distribution, and safety protocols to protect personnel and bystanders.

Regulation and industry context: heavytow services are offered by specialized towing companies, fleets, and some municipal road service programs. Licensing and certifications (for example, CDL or equivalent) and adherence to local regulations are common requirements.

See also: heavy-duty towing, wrecker, rotator, vehicle recovery.