Only until they need it, towing services are a truly beneficial service most take for granted. Without towing, the world would definitely be different, as most can agree. When you need it, knowing that it is readily available puts everyone at ease. Transport your vehicle to where it needs to be, and you can go about your course of action from there after a professional comes to your location with their tow truck. A towing company can get you out of jam with a simple phone call. Though these vehicles are there when you need, there are a number of variables that the tow truck can assist with you, and few consider their origins. Today, we at Citywide Towing Service would like to discuss the brief history of towing for inquiring minds and to pay tribute to the pioneers of towing.
What was the First Tow Truck Invented?
Back in 1916, Ernest Holmes, a mechanic from Chattanooga, was assigned with an unusual project. When his former professor lost control of the car, the challenge was retrieving a Ford Model T from a creek. After about 8 hours, the vehicle was finally recovered using countless blocks and a lot of tools and props. Holmes was inspired to devise a more efficient method to retrieve incapacitated vehicles following this experience. A crane and pulley system attached to his 1913 Cadillac was born was the final result after many trials and work. Holmes’ new towing system just wasn’t stable enough to recover vehicles, though logical and probable in theory, however. Holmes continued to work on his design in an effort to realize his idea. Holmes patented his first towing machine in 1919 after adding stabilizers and support for the outriggers eventually. Holmes engineered the Holmes 680, the first commercial towing truck available by evolving his towing machine. The expense was too much so Homes would recreate his design to make it more affordable and delivering the Holmes 485, unfortunately. A steam-powered vehicle with a 6-cylinder engine and 4 speed manual transmissions was mounted later on Holmes’ 1913 Locomobile. When they entered World War II, Miller Industries, bought Holmes’ company; a company known for manufacturing military vehicles for the United States by 1973.
Highly Efficient Towing Vehicles have Evolved
Tow trucks only improved through the natural course of time and technology advanced over the decades. In order to ensure safe, effective, and quick results, the development of different tow trucks has been designed. Their many towing methods to accommodate the variables are still used today including boom, integrated systems, hook and chain, wheel lift, along with flatbed.
Towing Methods
Integrated: Both the boom and the wheel lift equipment are involved in this combination system.
Boom: With a boom system, this vehicle that needs to be towed is attached and lifted.
Wheel Lift: When the yoke fits under the vehicle’s wheels and lifts part of it off the ground, two wheels are lifted off the ground and the other two stay connect.
Hook & Chain: The boom winch then lifts it a chain loops around the vehicle’s axle or frame. Because the bumpers or drivetrain can get damaged, safe use is limited to vehicles with steel bumpers without all-wheel drive, unfortunately.
Flatbed: As opposed to being dragged, the vehicle being towed sits on the flatbed and is strapped down securely. One of the top safest, most often used, and simplest methods is the flatbed towing method.
Towing Service, Roadside Assistance & More in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
When you are in need to a towing service or roadside assistance in Dallas, Texas and surrounding areas, call Citywide Towing Service today and let us assist you!
