Tow / Tilt Tray Trucks For Sale in Australia

About Tow Trucks

Available in roll-back or wrecker type designs, tow trucks are equipped to haul vehicles, often transporting damaged or disabled cars and trucks. Roll-back tow trucks resemble tray trucks but have a bed that slides (or rolls) back and tilts downward using a hydraulic mechanism, effectively creating a ramp that operators can use to drive the towed vehicle onboard. Some are equipped with a winch that can pull a towed vehicle onto the bed, which is especially helpful for moving disabled vehicles. Wrecker tow trucks typically feature a hydraulic or pneumatic wheel lift or chassis lift to securely lift the front or rear axle of the vehicle and avoid damage during transit.

---

Fuso Fighter 1224 Roll-Back Tow Truck

Evolving With The Times

Wrecker tow trucks of the past lifted vehicles with a hook and chain mechanism attached the vehicle’s axle or bumper. Due to their potential to scratch or damage the towed vehicle, however, modern wreckers typically use a boom and winch or a hydraulic wheel lift that seats a metal frame or yoke beneath the towed vehicle’s body and uses a hydraulic or pneumatic hoist to lift the vehicle’s front or rear axle off the ground and pulls the vehicle along supported by the non-elevated wheels. Because they lift the entire vehicle off of the road, roll-back tow trucks further lessen the chance a towed vehicle will be scraped, dented, or otherwise damaged. These trucks are also favoured for long-haul tows and tows involving four-wheel drive vehicles to avoid damaging the vehicle’s transmission.

Wrecker Tow Trucks

Wrecker tow trucks, also called “recovery trucks,” are used by municipalities and commercial businesses to haul classic, damaged, wrecked, illegally parked, repossessed, and non-running cars. They can also haul trucks, tractor trailers, buses, RVs, and other large vehicles, providing the truck and its lift can support their weight.

Wrecker tow truck features may include outriggers to enhance the lifting capacity and stability, sleeper compartments in heavy-duty models for cross-country hauls, remote control lift operation, onboard scale systems, and rearview cameras. The versatility of the wrecker can be enhanced by components like an adjustable boom, belts, hoists, hooks and chains, slings, rubber straps, spreader bars, tow dollies, and winches.

Roll-back Tow Trucks

Roll-back tow trucks are equipped with a long tray bed that can fully support towed vehicles, construction equipment, materials, or other goods as needed. Because they minimise the chances of towed vehicle damage, roll-back tow trucks are generally a better option than wreckers for transporting new, luxury, restored, or classic automobiles. They are also superior to wreckers for towing severely damaged vehicles, which in many cases aren’t functional enough to be moved with their front or rear wheels on the ground.

Some heavy-duty roll-back trucks are capable of simultaneously carrying multiple vehicles, as well as large construction equipment that is illegal to drive on public streets. Some models feature a dual-angle deck to better load sports cars and other vehicles with low ground clearance. Platform size and construction may vary and informs what types and sizes of vehicles a tow truck is rated to carry. Roll-back two trucks generally measure approximately 6 to 7 metres (around 19 to 22 feet) in length, with platforms built from aluminium or steel.

Find The Right Tow Truck

You’ll find new and used tow trucks for sale on TruckWorld.com.au from such manufacturers as Fuso, Hino, Isuzu, Iveco, and others.