Tow Truck
From RitchieWiki
Contents |
[edit] History
Although Gottlieb Daimler invented the first motor truck in 1896, the first tow truck did not appear until a couple decades later.
The invention of the tow is credited to Ernest Holmes of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1915, Holmes was helping a friend with a car wreck that resulted in the vehicle being river-bound. Tying ropes to the end of the car, Holmes and several other men spent eight hours pulling the car out of the river.
This event caused Holmes to think about what could be done as the popularity of motor vehicles, and the subsequent likelihood that they would need to be towed, increased. Although Holmes already owned a repair shop, due to the increasing usage of vehicles, he believed there needed to be a way to bring these vehicles to his repair shop in the event that they were wrecked and rendered immobile.
Three months later, Holmes invented the world’s first tow truck. Building upon a 1913 Cadillac, Holmes installed three poles onto it and attached a pulley and chain device; the tow truck was then complete. After patenting the truck, he opened the first tow truck company.
An instant success, Holmes’ tow truck became world-renowned, even supplying 7,238 trucks during World War II, some of which remain still remain in use.
Some of Holmes’ early tow trucks are on display in the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame Museum in Chattanooga. Among the most famous trucks is the Holmes W-45, comprising a Diamond T chassis.
The W-45 was used during World War II as a delivery and supply truck, traveling from Normandy to Belgium. The truck recovered many stranded and broken-down vehicles. Used by the French army until 1973, the truck was thought to contain incredible strength with its ability to pull up to 15 tons. [1]
After Holmes died, the business was taken over by his son, Ernest Holmes, Jr., who ran the company until 1973, when he retired. Dover Corp. took over the business shortly thereafter.
The same year, the third generation Holmes left the Dover Corp. and started his own company, Century Wreckers. He became a major competitor, due to his hydraulic tow trucks.
Miller Industries eventually purchased both companies.[2]
Most of the early towing systems relied on chains and hooks that wrapped around the axle or the frame of the vehicle, and some still use this method. The most common, most effective method used today involves lifting the tire or wheel and fitting a yoke to the front or back wheels. This requires little contact with the vehicle’s frame, making it less susceptible to scratching and other damage.
[edit] How it Works/Types
There are three main types of tow trucks: hook and chain, wheel-lift, and flat bed.
[edit] Hook and Chain
Hook and chain tow trucks, also known as sling tow trucks, use hooks and chains that are extended around the axle or frame of a vehicle. Because this causes frequent scratches and other damage to vehicles, it isn’t used as often as other types. It can be beneficial in that it can easily haul vehicles that are missing front or rear wheels.
[edit] Wheel-lift
Wheel-lift tow trucks use a metal yoke that is hooked under a vehicle's front or rear wheels. With a hoist operated hydraulically or pneumatically, the front or rear of the vehicle is hoisted into the air and the vehicle is towed.
[edit] Flat Bed
Flat bed trucks, also known as rollback tow trucks, consist of an empty bed that is turned into an inclined position with the help of hydraulic controls. This turns the bed portion into what resembles a ramp, allowing the vehicle to be driven aboard. When the vehicle is successfully situated on the ramp, a hydraulic operation levels out the flatbed and the vehicle is towed.[3]
