Types Of Tow Trucks & Their Uses: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever found yourself stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle, unsure of which type of tow truck can handle the situation? Knowing the right type of tow truck for specific breakdowns or heavy transport jobs is crucial, especially in remote or less accessible areas. In this guide, we’ll break down the various types of tow trucks and their specific uses to help you make an informed choice when needed.

Flatbed tow trucks are among the towing industry’s most versatile and commonly used vehicles. These trucks feature a long, flat platform onto which vehicles are loaded. Because of their design, flatbed tow trucks are perfect for transporting vehicles that are either damaged, disabled or need to be transported long distances. If you’ve broken down in a remote area and need towing in Darwin, a flatbed is often the best choice to carry your vehicle to its destination safely.

Best for: Cars, vans, motorcycles and vehicles that can’t be driven.

One of the older types of tow trucks, the hook-and-chain model, uses a chain to hook around the axle or frame of the vehicle. While this method is still effective for moving wrecked or junk vehicles, it can cause scratches or damage to the towed car. Due to this, it’s less commonly used for newer or luxury vehicles.

Best for: Wrecked or junk vehicles that won’t be used again.

A wheel-lift tow truck works similarly to the hook-and-chain method but uses a metal yoke instead of chains, reducing the damage risk. This tow truck lifts the front or rear wheels off the ground, towing the vehicle by the other wheels. It’s a more affordable option for short-distance tows but might not suit long-distance or heavy-duty towing needs.

Best for: Quick tows of small to medium-sized vehicles.

Integrated tow trucks are designed specifically for heavy-duty jobs and are commonly used for towing large vehicles such as buses or trucks. These trucks have extra axles for stability and a built-in arm for heavy-duty towing jobs. If you’re in need of heavy haulage towing, an integrated tow truck is likely your best option, especially for larger commercial vehicles.

Best for: Buses, trucks and other large or heavy-duty vehicles.

At JEC Transport, we offer reliable towing in Darwin tailored to suit your specific needs. Our fleet of modern tow trucks is equipped to handle everything from light vehicle recovery to heavy haulage. For professional and prompt towing services, contact us today.