Figure 5-9.Righting an overturned truck.
Figure 5-10.Highway tow.
could be another vehicle, the wrecker boom, or a rope
block and tackle with manpower.
The attachment for the holding force is a holding
sling attached to the same points on the overturned truck
as the pulling sling. The holding sling is then attached
to the holding force with wire rope, rope, or chain,
making sure the holding force is attached to the center
of the sling. If a holding vehicle is not available, use the
wrecker boom to hold the load, as shown in figure 5-9.
Apply power gradually to the winch until the
overturned truck is past the vertical position. Then lower
the truck on its wheels with the hoist winch, rather than
booming out with the crane.
NOTE: Maximum use of the boom jacks and
outriggers should be employed when this method is
used.
Towing
A wrecker truck is capable of towing vehicles in
several ways. The proper procedures and safety
guidelines for towing are important factors in
preventing damage to vehicles and injury to personnel.
The basic procedures and guidelines for highway
towing and cross-country towing are as follows:
HIGHWAY TOW. Attach the tow bar to the
lifting shackle eyes of the disabled vehicle and the
wrecker truck tow pintle. All wheels of the towed
vehicle should be on the ground. With the tow bar, a
driver is not required in the towed vehicle. (See
fig. 5-10.)
CROSS-COUNTRY TOW. Over rough terrain,
across-country tow controls the towed vehicle well. The
procedure for rigging for the cross-country tow is as
follows: (1) attach a chain lifting sling or the hoisting
bar between the front lifting shackles of the truck;
(2) attach a tow chain from the wrecker tow pintle to the
lifting shackles of the disabled truck; (3) place the hoist
hook block in the lifting sling approximately 12 inches
off the ground; (4) extend the boom to remove the slack
from the tow chain, and keep the towed vehicle from
ramming into the rear of the wrecker truck; and
(5) support the boom with the shipper braces to prevent
impact loads on the crane mechanisms. (See fig. 5-11.)
If the front end of the vehicle is damaged, use
cross-country towing even though the disabled vehicle
is being towed on the highway. Use the tow bar instead
of a tow chain.
5-10