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  • Writer's pictureGeoff Nienstedt

Types Of Rotator Wreckers Used For Towing

Updated: Nov 18, 2023

Rotators are specialized vehicles designed to handle heavy-duty lifting and recovery tasks in the towing industry. These rotators are equipped with rotating crane arms that allow them to lift, rotate, and position objects with precision. They are commonly used to recover overturned or wrecked vehicles, lift heavy loads, and perform complex towing operations. Here are some of the most common types of rotators used in the towing industry:

  1. Hydraulic Rotators: Hydraulic rotators are the most common type used in the towing industry. They rely on hydraulic systems to power the rotating crane arm, providing excellent lifting capacity and control. These rotators are versatile and can handle a wide range of towing and recovery tasks. Hydraulic rotators often come with various attachments, such as winches and booms, allowing them to perform complex maneuvers efficiently.

  2. Articulating Rotators: Articulating rotators feature a telescopic arm with multiple joints that allow for enhanced flexibility and reach. They can bend and rotate at various angles, making them ideal for navigating tight spaces or recovering vehicles from challenging positions. Articulating rotators are particularly useful in urban areas where maneuverability is essential.

  3. Boom Rotators: Boom rotators are specialized vehicles with long, telescopic boom arms capable of extending to significant lengths. These rotators are ideal for reaching vehicles or objects located in difficult-to-access areas, such as ravines or steep slopes. Boom rotators offer excellent reach and lifting capacity, making them indispensable for complex recovery operations.

  4. Dual Rotators: Dual rotators, also known as tandem rotators, are heavy-duty units equipped with two crane arms instead of one. This design provides enhanced lifting capacity and stability, allowing them to handle extremely heavy loads or recover large commercial vehicles like buses and tractor-trailers. Dual rotators are the workhorses of the towing industry, capable of tackling the most challenging recovery tasks.

  5. Slide Rotators: Slide rotators are unique in extending and retracting their crane arms horizontally rather than just vertically. This feature allows for precise positioning and alignment when recovering vehicles in precarious positions or recovering from confined spaces. Slide rotators excel at providing lateral support and stability during complex recovery operations.

In the towing industry, rotators are indispensable tools that offer immense versatility and capability. Each type of rotator serves specific purposes and can handle a wide range of tasks, from simple towing operations to complex vehicle recoveries. Whether it's a hydraulic rotator for general towing needs or a specialized boom rotator for accessing hard-to-reach areas, these powerful machines play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of towing and recovery operations.

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