Tow truck businesses require the necessary equipment to carry out their daily tasks carefully and promptly. The wheel lift tow truck however is considered one of the most commonly used vehicles in the industry. This tow truck has a hydraulic lift that allows it to effortlessly pick up and haul vehicles.
In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a wheel lift to carry out your towing needs. Let’s get started!
Is a Wheel Lift Tow Truck Right for Your Towing Business?
The advantages of using a wheel lift tow truck:
- Safe to Use: Fortunately, wheel lift tow trucks are designed with safety in mind. Tow truck drivers can rest assured knowing their cargo is stable and secure throughout the transporting process with this method.
- Ease of Use: A wheel lift tow truck’s hydraulic lift technology makes it easier for one person to do the loading and unloading, eliminating the need for multiple workers.
- Cost-Effective: Wheel lift tow trucks are relatively inexpensive when compared to other kinds of tow trucks. Therefore, they’re an excellent choice for small to medium-sized towing businesses.
- Versatility: Wheel lift tow trucks are adaptable and can pull a wide range of vehicles, like mail trucks, cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and more.
The disadvantages of using a wheel lift tow truck:
- Maintenance Costs: A wheel lift tow truck’s hydraulic lift system requires routine maintenance to remain functional. In turn, operators can expect to pay more overall.
- Limited Towing Capacity: Wheel lift tow trucks oftentimes aren’t appropriate for larger vehicles, like buses, delivery vans, and heavy-duty commercial trucks due to their limited towing capacity.
- Insurance Requirements: The cost of insurance, which is a requirement for all tow trucks, can add up over time. Keep in mind, the type of tow truck you operate can affect your overall insurance premium. Talk with one of our tow truck insurance agents to get expert advice on lowering your rates.
Overall Cost
The cost of a wheel lift tow truck varies widely. For starters, the year, make, and model of the truck can greatly affect the overall price. Not to mention, additional features that make the vehicle more comfortable or safe to operate will sway the final cost.
Insurance Requirements
Before you can legally operate a wheel lift tow truck, you must have the appropriate insurance coverage in place. This includes collision and comprehensive coverage for your tow truck as well as liability insurance, which safeguards you and your company in the event of an accident. The cost of insurance can fluctuate depending on your location, driving record, the size of your business, and the value of your tow truck.
Bottom Line
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not wheel lift tow trucks are right for your business. By doing your research and speaking with industry experts, you can make an informed decision with ease on what tow truck type is best for you.
Additional Towing Resources
- If you’re wondering how much does a tow truck cost
- Tow truck business start up cost breakdown
- If you’re wondering how much is insurance on a tow truck
