Abstract: An improved wheel-lift assembly is provided for towing vehicles on a wrecker. The wheel-lift assembly is adapted to be mounted on the rear deck of the wrecker. The wheel-lift tow assembly includes a relatively thin crossbar assembly, a pair of pivotal lifting arms, and multiple hydraulic cylinders. Two of the hydraulic cylinders are connected to support arms, and thereby control the position of the lifting arms. The hydraulic cylinders are positioned on an outboud portion of the wheel-lift assembly. The wheel-lift assembly includes over-center locking devices for securely locking the lifting arms in place during towing. The wheel-lift assembly may also include reinforcements on the lift arms to create a wear zone for identifying usual wear due to improper usage.

Abstract: An improved wheel-lift assembly is provided for towing vehicles on a wrecker. The wheel-lift assembly is adapted to be mounted on the rear deck of the wrecker. The wheel-lift tow assembly includes a relatively thin crossbar assembly, a pair of moveable support arms which are connected to a pair of lifting arms, and multiple hydraulic cylinders. The hyrdraulic cylinders control the position of the crossbar assembly. Two of the hydraulic cylinders are connected to the support arms, and thereby control the position of the lifting arms. The wheel-lift assembly includes over-center locking devices for securely locking the lifting arms in place during towing. The wheel-lift assembly may also include a mechanism for preventing excessive movement of the tow assembly, and it can be used in combination with an adjustable truck body.