Towing heavy machinery can be a challenging task that requires skill, experience, and the right equipment. Whether you’re moving construction equipment, industrial machinery, or agricultural vehicles, proper towing is essential to ensure the safety of both the equipment and the people involved in the process. However, heavy machinery towing is an art form that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the machinery being transported. In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to know to master the art of heavy machinery towing and ensure that your equipment is transported safely and efficiently.
What Is Heavy Equipment Towing?
Heavy equipment towing refers to the process of moving large, heavy vehicles or equipment from one location to another using specialized tow trucks or trailers. These vehicles or equipment are typically too large or heavy to be moved by standard tow trucks, so heavy equipment towing requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Examples of vehicles or equipment that may require heavy equipment towing include construction equipment like bulldozers and excavators, as well as large trucks, buses, and RVs. In addition to the specialized tow trucks or trailers, heavy equipment towing may also require additional equipment like winches, chains, or straps to ensure safe and secure transport.
Types of Heavy Machinery Towing
1) Flatbed Towing / Tilt Tray Towing / Slidebed Towing
A flatbed tow truck has a long, flat platform that is mounted on hydraulic lifts and can be tilted at an angle to make loading and unloading easier. Flatbed towing is a preferred method for towing a wide range of vehicles, in particular, heavy machinery. This is because the vehicle being towed is completely off the ground and fully secured on the flatbed, eliminating the risk of damage or wear and tear on the towed vehicle’s tires and suspension.
In addition, flatbed towing is often considered a safer and more reliable towing method as the flatbed truck can transport the vehicle without any risk of dragging or bouncing, which can occur with other types of towing methods.
2) Lowboy Towing / Float Towing
Lowboy towing is a type of heavy equipment towing that is used to transport large, heavy equipment or machinery that is too tall to be transported on a flatbed truck.
A lowboy tow truck is designed with a lower deck height, allowing it to transport taller and heavier loads. The lower deck height means that the equipment being towed is closer to the ground, reducing the risk of damage to overhead structures like bridges or power lines.
Lowboy of Float towing is commonly used to transport construction equipment like bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, as well as other oversized or overweight loads.
3) Landoll Towing
Landoll towing is a specialized type of heavy equipment towing that is used to transport large, heavy equipment and machinery over long distances. It is named after the Landoll Corporation, a company that manufactures specialized trailers designed for this purpose. One of the benefits of Landoll towing is that it allows the equipment being transported to be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily, which can save time and reduce the risk of damage to the equipment. In addition, the hydraulic system on the Landoll trailer allows for easy height adjustment, making it easier to navigate through areas with low-clearance obstacles.
4) Heavy-duty Towing
This type of towing requires specialized equipment and operators who are trained in handling the weight and size of the load being transported. Due to the complexity and risk involved in heavy-duty towing, specialized training and certification are often required for operators. This ensures that they have the knowledge and skills needed to safely transport large and heavy loads over long distances.
Safety Tips for Heavy Machinery Towing
When it comes to heavy machinery towing, several safety tips should be followed to ensure a safe and efficient towing process, which include:
- Inspection of The Towing Equipment:
– Regularly check the tow truck, trailer, and any other equipment being used for signs of damage or wear and tear
– Ensure that the equipment is rated to handle the weight and size of the load being transported
– Perform regular maintenance to ensure that the equipment is in good working order and reduce the risk of mechanical failure
- Proper Loading and Unloading Techniques:
– Ensure that the load is evenly distributed on the trailer to prevent shifting during transport
– Position the equipment being towed correctly to avoid damage during loading and unloading
– Use ramps or other equipment to facilitate the loading and unloading of the equipment safely
- Securement of The Equipment:
– Use chains, straps, and other securement devices to secure the load to the trailer
– Ensure that the tension on the straps is checked periodically during transport to ensure that they remain secure
– Use padding or other protective equipment to prevent damage to the equipment being towed
- Proper Signaling and Communication:
– Use hand signals and clear communication to ensure that everyone involved in the towing process knows what to expect
– Ensure that any personnel assisting with the towing process are aware of their role and responsibilities
-Have a plan in place to respond to any unexpected situations that may arise during the towing process
- Use of Safety Equipment:
– Wear the appropriate protective clothing to protect against potential hazards
– Ensure that any personnel assisting with the towing process are also wearing appropriate safety equipment
– Follow all relevant safety regulations and guidelines to ensure that the towing process is carried out safely and efficiently.
Choosing the Right Heavy Machinery Towing Company
Choosing the right heavy machinery towing company involves considering several key factors. These include reputation and experience, the availability of proper equipment, insurance and licensing, customer service and response time, as well as pricing and payment options.
Combined Towing is a reliable and experienced heavy machinery towing company that offers top-notch towing services for all types of heavy equipment to a maximum weight of 6 tonnes, a maximum height of 3 metres, and a maximum width of 2.6 metres. Our team of skilled professionals is equipped with the latest tools and equipment to handle any towing job, no matter how complex.
We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, and our team is always ready to respond quickly to any towing emergency. We are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind knowing that your equipment is in good hands. Contact Combined Towing today for all your heavy machinery towing needs!
