Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel lift for mounting on a chassis of a towing vehicle wherein the bed carrier is pivotably connected to the chassis and first motive devices extend between the chassis and the bed carrier for tilting the bed carrier. The wheel lift is positioned below the bed carrier and pivotably connected thereto. Second motive devices extend between the wheel lift and the bed carrier for independently tilting the wheel lift relative to the bed carrier and the chassis.

Abstract: A two wheeled towing trailer having a tongue for connecting to a towing vehicle, with an upright support post mounted to the center of an axle tube on which the wheels are rotatably supported. The support post has a cross arm pivotally attached to the upper end of the axle tube allowing the support post and cross arm to be lowered by swing down on the axle tube, allowing attachment of a vehicle to the cross arm by a pair of chains. A lever arm and winch are operated to raise the cross arm and hoist the vehicle to be supported on the support post. The lever arm is locked in the lowered position for towing. The cross arm pivots to improve maneuverability.

Abstract: Wheel cradles for a wheel lift towing system are quickly and easily coupled to or uncoupled from opposing ends of a cross arm assembly associated with a towing vehicle. The cradles are coupled to the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from outside the ends of the cross arm. Such lateral insertion facilitates coupling of the wheel cradles to the cross arm in situations of difficult access to the towed vehicle's wheels, for example, when the towed vehicle is positioned with two of its wheels abutting a curb. An arrangement for coupling a back-up safety line, such as a safety chain, between the towing and towed vehicles provides additional protection against accidental dislodgement of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opeing and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provieed at the forward end of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.

Abstract: A towable dolly having a wheel lift mechanism for towing a vehicle by lifting the towed vehicle by its wheels so that contact with the vehicle's bumper, undercarriage, or axle is avoided and the vehicle rides on its own suspension system. The towing dolly is provided with an inclined rail carrying a carriage with a wheel lift mechanism extending generally horizontally and rearwardly therefrom as the carriage moves along the rail. An inflatable bag may be used to assist the wheel lift, or in lieu thereof.

Abstract: In conventional towing vehicles the front wheels of the aircraft are pulled or pushed onto a lifting shovel or the like and the aircraft or the towing vehicle must be maintained in motion so that the front wheel assembly can be acted upon by undesirable forces.In order to ensure gentle and reliable retention and lifting of the front wheel assembly from a state of standstill as well as equally reliable and gentle towing away of the aircraft, there are provided for each front wheel four gripper arms which engage the periphery of the front wheel. The rear gripper arms are pivotable inwardly in a vertical plane. The idle positions of all gripper arms are selected by a computer which is programmed in dependency on the respective aircraft type.

Abstract: An AGHV comprising a chassis 10 having front 11, 12 and rear 15, 16 wheels thereon, a support platform 25, 26 being movably mounted on the chassis 10 and jib 30 being provided on the chassis 10 for loading the nosewheels of an aircraft onto the platform 25, 26; said platform 25, 26 being longitudinally movable between the first position wherein said nose wheels can be loaded thereon so as to be supported by the platform 25, 26 on the chassis 10 and a second position which is clear of said first position.

Abstract: Apparatus for wheel lift towing vehicles for supporting the tires of a vehicle to be lifted and towed thereby includes a tire support cradle having front and rear support members for respectively engaging the front and rear surfaces of a tire of the vehicle to be towed. The front and rear members include an auxiliary foot in the form of a plate which is selectively connected to the members when operative or removed when inoperative for storage. Each plate when connected to the support members is disposed at an angular inclination for providing a support surface for engaging and aiding in supporting a respective surface of the tire. The rear plate may be connected after the rear support member has been positioned behind the tire beneath a low ground clearance disabled vehicle so that no interference with the vehicle occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing vehicles that is fixedly attached to the towing vehicle, so as to provide a longitudinally retractable load bar extension with provisions for coupling to the towed vehicle, and a vertically rotatable load bar to maintain vertical lift of the towed vehicle during movement. The vehicle to be towed is fitted with a mounting bar having inverted coupling seats compatible for towing attachment with the coupling box mounted to the rearward extending end of the load bar extension, such that the operation of the towed vehicle, when uncoupled from the towing apparatus, is not impeded by the mounting bar remaining in place.

Abstract: A mobile crane is disclosed, particularly adapted for a towing truck, as including a boom which may be extended or retracted in length and angularly related for lifting and towing purposes by a pair of hydraulic rams, which are specifically oriented for their full extent of movement at an acute angle relative to the plane of the bed of the truck upon which the hydraulic rams are pivotally secured. Extension and retraction of the boom is provided by a hydraulic ram mounted within the boom and arranged when activated to extend the boom outwardly during the pick up of a load and the retraction prior to towing of the load. The boom is pivotally mounted on a mast structure which is braced against a pivot structure secured to the bed of the truck and to which the hydraulic rams are pivotally mounted.

Abstract: Wheel cradles for a wheel lift towing system are quickly and easily coupled to or uncoupled from opposing ends of a cross arm assembly associated with a towing vehicle. The cradles are coupled to the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from outside the ends of the cross arm. Such lateral insertion facilitates coupling of the wheel cradles to the cross arm in situations of difficult access to the towed vehicle's wheels, for example, when the towed vehicle is positioned with two of its wheels abutting a curb. An arrangement for coupling a back-up safety line, such as a safety chain, between the towing and towed vehicles provides additional protection against accidental dislodgement of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel lift towing apparatus includes a crossbar with opposing end portions; two collars, one being mounted to each crossbar end portion; two wheel retainer locating struts, one being connected to each crossbar end portion via one of the collars; and two wheel retainers, one being mounted to a free end of each of the locating struts. The wheel retainers each have a central arm with first and second wheel engaging elements disposed at the opposing ends of the central arm. The wheel retainer support structure associated with each strut is configured to position each wheel retainer so that the retainers' respective first wheel engaging elements are located below a center axis of the wheels of the vehicle to be towed and so that the retainers' respective second wheel engaging elements are located above the center axis of the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: Wheel cradles for a wheel lift towing system are quickly and easily coupled to or uncoupled from opposing ends of a cross arm assembly associated with a towing vehicle. The cradles are coupled to the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from outside the ends of the cross arm. Such lateral insertion facilitates coupling of the wheel cradles to the cross arm in situations of difficult access to the towed vehicle's wheels, for example, when the towed vehicle is positioned with two of its wheels abutting a curb. An arrangement for coupling a back-up safety line, such as a safety chain, between the towing and towed vehicles provides additional protection against accidental dislodgement of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft ground handling tractor (1) includes a manoeuverable boom (6) mounted on it. The free end of the manoeuverable boom (6) includes a connector (18) capable of being connected to an aircraft nosewheel assembly so that the tractor (1) can be connected to the nosewheel assembly through the boom (6) to enable it to pull or push the aircraft. The manoeuverable boom (6) is retractable completely within the outer limits of the tractor (1) so that, when the tractor (1) is not pulling an aircraft the manoeuverable boom (6) is wholly retracted so that it is protected from damage. Preferably the tractor (1) includes a longitudinal tunnel (7), and the manoeuverable boom (6) is received within this tunnel (7) in its retracted position. Preferably the movement functions of the boom (6) are all powered and all controlled from a driving cab (2) of the ground handling tractor (1), and the tractor (1) includes a separate, hand held control unit which enables them to be controlled remotely from the driving cab.

Abstract: A low ride saddle mount for use in the transportation of trucks comprising a pair of laterally spaced supports adapted to be mounted on a tow truck, and a shaft extending horizontally between and supported for axial rotation above the supports. A platform is secured to the shaft. A saddle is mounted on the platform for rotation about an axis extending at right angles to the longitudianl axis of the shaft. Clamps on the saddle are adapted to clamp onto the front axle of a truck to be towed. The saddle mount may be inverted so that the shaft is below the supports, to permit a lower ride.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to be disposed on a first motor vehicle for lifting a second motor vehicle at least partly from the ground whereby the first motor vehicle can tow the second motor vehicle comprising a first arm pivotable about a first pivot point on the first motor vehicle and extending toward the rear of the first motor vehicle, a force supplying device coupled to the first arm and further coupled to the first motor vehicle for providing a force to the first arm to move the first arm about the first pivot point, thereby raising a rearward end of the first arm, and further comprising a second arm coupled to the rearward end of the first arm and disposed transverse to the first arm and having two ends, respective third arms being disposed at the ends perpendicular to the second arm and extending rearwardly, the third arms further including at least two retaining projections disposed thereon and extending upwardly and spaced an adjustable distance apart for engaging an undercarriage portion of the second moto

Abstract: A towing hitch which includes three or more power cylinders to effect adjustment of the hitch along a central axis in horizontal and vertical directions to accommodate road or site conditions. The hitch may also be used as a rear end jack for the towing vehicle to provide access to the rear tires.

Abstract: A subframe structure for a tilting bed vehicle carrier. The subframe structure has an attached wheel lift and the subframe is pivotally mounted on the chassis of a towing vehicle. The subframe structure includes pivotally mounted strut members for load distribution within the subframe. The load which is distributed by the strut members tends to counteract the bending and torsion forces imposed upon the subframe structure by the towed vehicle on the rear wheel lift.

Abstract: A wheel lift type vehicle lifting and towing device which includes an extendible and tiltable boom having three telescoping sections for extension from the rear of a towing vehicle and means for raising and lowering the boom. The boom is extended and retracted by a pair of hydraulic cylinders mounted within the first and second boom sections. Another pair of hydraulic cylinders are pivotally mounted to the towing vehicle within the understructure thereof and the boom to tilt the boom. The means for raising and lowering, for extending and retracting and for tilting the boom all may be operated independently of each other. When the apparatus is in a storage position, it is retracted substantially out of view within the understructure of the body of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An object or vehicle transporting dolly supporting one elevated object end comprising of a pair of mounting pads and transporting wheels each connected to a pair of vertically pivoting control arms which have also a vertical pivot connection to a center parallel control member which then can be fixed to a draw and steering control tongue. The scissoring control arms provide for handling multiple widths of objects. A frame connection rack or a wheel well for dollying of wheeled vehicles can be fixed to the mounting pad and can optionally swivel on the mounting pad. Articulation between the towing and towed vehicles force the tongue and control arms to direct the mounting pads and the trailering wheels to maintain a longitudinal alignment to the draw control tongue, even though they are in a fixed longitudinal position to the transport object causing king-pin type of steering with the swivelling at the mounting pad.

Abstract: A motor vehicle towing aid in which the vehicle to be towed can be rolled directly onto a lowered frame assembly which also includes a turntable like assembly relative to ground engaging wheel which frame assembly can afterwards be lifted relative to the wheels for towing of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A novel one-piece hoisting and towing bracket adapted for mounting on a vehicle frame cross member. A unitary generally U-shaped bracket is formed from sheet metal providing a bridge portion interconnecting first and second upright mirror image leg portions each having a double-L-shaped cross section. The bridge portion has a forwardly extending, horizontally positioned plate portion bent therefrom provided with holes receiving self-tapping bolts which extend through associated aligned apertures in the bottom wall of the cross member. Each leg portion upper end has a forwardly offset locking blade adapted to initially project through an associated horizontal slot in the side wall of the cross member whereby threading the bolts into their aligned apertures fixedly secures the bracket on the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for wheel lift towing vehicles for supporting the tires of a vehicle to be lifted and towed. The apparatus includes a pair of tire support cradles having front and rear members for respectively engaging the front and rear surfaces of a tire of the vehicle to be towed. The rear member has a bar which mounts a moveable support member in the form of a foldable plate. The plate may be raised above the bar to provide a retaining surface for engaging and supporting the rear surface portion of the tire, and may be lowered to provide clearance for entry beneath the vehicle and behind the tire. The plate in its lowered position is also adapted to be positioned on the ground so as to provide a ramp over which the tire may be drawn into the cradle when, for example, the tire is flat.

Abstract: A tow mechanism for vehicles including a frame having front and rear ends, a platform at the front end for supporting the front wheels of a towed vehicle, a pair of cables at the rear end of the frame adapted to be secured to the towed vehicle rear end, and a winch associated with the cables which elevates the rear end of the frame in spaced relationship to the ground and the towed vehicle rear wheels establish rolling support for the tow mechanism during a towing operation.

Abstract: Wheel cradles for a wheel lift towing system are quickly and easily coupled to or uncoupled from opposing ends of a cross arm assembly associated with a towing vehicle. The cradles are coupled to the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally inward in a substantially horizontal plane from outside the ends of the cross arm. Such lateral insertion facilitates coupling of the wheel cradles to the cross arm in situations of difficult access to the towed vehicles wheels. The cradles are decoupled from the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally outward in a substantially horizontal plane following concurrent rotation of a pivotable latching member and depressible plunger release mechanism. Such concurrent actuation prevents premature decoupling of the wheel cradles during operation of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Oppositely extending telescopic wheel support sleeves with wheel support cradles are attached to open top shoes provided at the outer ends of the sleeves. Each of the cradles has a connector arm for securing the cradles to the shoes so that the sleeves and the cradles cooperate to support the wheels of a towed vehicle. The open top shoes provided at the outer end of each of the sleeves allow the end of the connector arm nearest to the shoe to enter the shoe by swinging downwardly in an arc extending from a position above the shoe into the shoe. The connector arms are locked in the shoe.

Abstract: An underlift attachment for tow trucks is attached to a tow truck by initially cutting a vertical slot in the tailboard of the tow truck's housing. A pocket member is welded in the slot flush with the tailboard, and a pivotable boom arm is mounted to pivot between a storage position journaled within the pocket, and a working position extending generally horizontally rearwardly from the tow truck. The tow truck's tow cable is extended from the tow truck's boom through the pulley hook and connected to the boom arm to raise and lower it between its storage and working positions. The boom arm of the attachment includes an extensible telescoping arm journaled within a boom arm housing, and is provided with a pivotal cross bar. The extensible arm is connected to a hydraulic cylinder which will extend or retract the telescoping arm and the cross bar. Attachment brackets are slidably mounted on the ends of cross bar and serve to hold the axle of a vehicle, or the like, for towing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle lifting and towing device and particularly to an improved low profile lifting and towing device capable of efficient placement of the lower lifting boom while providing added ballast against the tipping moment of the towing vehicle, as well as a column configuration permitting the upper boom to be generally horizontal providing improved driver vision from the cab of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for wheel lift towing vehicles for supporting the tires of a vehicle lifted and towed thereby includes a tire support cradle having front and rear members for respectively engaging the front and rear surface portions of a tire of a vehicle. The rear support member includes an elongated arm and a wheel support member. The arm is adjustably positioned in a receptacle carried by a support beam which also carries the front member of the cradle, and is secured in the receptacle by a locking bracket which is pivotably mounted on the top of the receptacle and adapted to pivot between an unlocked position to a locking position. In the unlocked position the bracket does not interfere with movement of the arm. The bracket includes a leg which carries a locking pin. In the locking position lateral movement of the arm is precluded and the pin is inserted into a bore in the arm to lock the arm against longitudinal and lateral movement.

Abstract: A lifting and towing attachment for use on a trailer cab having a conventional fifth wheel coupler, the attachment readily converting the cab for use in lifting and towing a disabled vehicle, particularly large vehicles such as dump trucks, buses, or other trailer cabs.

Abstract: Wheel lift towing apparatus has tire support cradles including front and rear support members for respectively engaging the front and rear surface portions of the vehicle tire. The front support member includes a fixed ramp for engaging a lower front surface portion of the tire and a moveable ramp in the form of a pivotable plate disposed above the fixed ramp to provide an extension thereof for engaging an additional front surface portion of the tire above the surface engaged by the fixed ramp. The pivotable plate may be rotated downwardly to a stow or inoperative position, and in such position permits the cradle to enter beneath the front of a low ground clearance vehicle to be towed. Once under the front of the vehicle and adjacent the front tire it may be rotated to the operative position and a support member pivotably journalled to the opposite surface of the plate may be positioned against stop members to hold the plate at an upstanding inclination in the operative position.

Abstract: A vehicle recovery unit is disclosed comprising a first boom (9) which is pivotally mountable on the fifth wheel (6) of a tractor unit (1), beneath which first boom (9) is pivotally mounted a second boom (11). The second boom (11) is pivotally moveable with respect to first boom (9) by a piston and cylinder arrangement (13). The second boom (11) may be secured to a vehicle to be recovered (3) by a locking pin (25) a chain under tension (26) and a load bearing member (27) so that the second boom (11) is rigidly secured to the lorry (3). When in use, the attachment of the recovery unit (2) to the lorry (3) is rigid and the combined lorry (3) and vehicle recovery unit (2) are pivotable only about the fifth wheel (6) of the tractor unit (1). The vehicle recovery unit (2) is free standing by legs (20) so that the tractor unit (1) may be detached from the recovery unit (2) and driven away to leave the recovery unit (2) free standing.

Abstract: A truck bed is provided with an upwardly projecting frame to which the front end of the upper leg of a Z-shaped support structure is pivotally mounted for movement about a horizontal transverse axis. The standard is adapted for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis, and the lower leg is pivotally mounted to the standard for movement about a horizontal transverse axis. Preferably, respective hydraulic rams are provided for producing movement about the two horizontal axes. At the rear, the lower leg of the support structure is provided with upwardly concave crandles for respective vehicle wheels. Winches, booms, safety chains and the like preferably are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a rear trailer to a front trailer in a tandem tractor-trailer assembly in which a boom attachment for a lift truck is provided with a vertical rotary lock pin adapted to be secured to a mobile connector carrier for lifting, rotating and moving the carrier to a working position between the front and rear trailers. The boom lift attachment is designed to rotate the mobile connector carrier relative to the lift truck in order to accurately position the mobile connector carrier in a working space between the trailers and to move the carrier into locking engagement with the front trailer, prior to rearward movement of the front trailer to engage the kingpin of the rear trailer with the mobile connector carrier.

Abstract: A lifting and towing unit mountable on a fifth wheel of a towing vehicle has an anchoring frame assembly with a king pin for coupling to the towing vehicle fifth wheel and a lifting frame assembly adapted to support a portion of a mobile load and to be releasably attached thereto and to the anchoring frame assembly in a fixed relation thereto. The unit also includes an arrangement in the form of a four-bar linkage interconnecting and mounting the lifting frame assembly rearwardly of and to the anchoring frame assembly for pivotal movement relative to the frame of the towing vehicle between lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: A wheel lift tow assembly 28 is mounted to the frame at the rear of a tow truck 20 and is movable vertically by a power cylinder 60 connected between the frame of the tow truck and the tow assembly. The tow assembly includes a telecopic tow bar 35 that is distended and retracted by a power cylinder 65, and a cross arm 36 which is pivotably mounted intermediate its ends about an upwardly extending axis 89 to the rear portion of the telescopic tow bar. Sleeve members 92, 93 are slidably mounted about the opposite ends of the cross arm, and L-shaped wheel cradles 37, 38 are releasably connected to the sleeve members.

Abstract: Trailer unit for transporting constructional machines and the like, in particular tracked excavators, by means of a conventional truck or similar towing vehicle. The weight of the machine during transporting is resting in part on the towing vehicle and in part on the trailer unit (1, 2, 3, 4). The unit can be assembled on the basis of a bogie having at least two wheel and axle sets on an undercarriage (4). At either side thereof there is provided a supporting cradle (3) for carrying a portion of the tracks or wheels of the machine, said cardles being tiltable about a transverse, horizontal axis (5) between a lowered loading position and an elevated transporting position. The horizontal tilting axis (5) is located somewhat forwardly of the rear end of each cradle (3) at an area between the two ends (3A, 3B) thereof.

Abstract: A transverse beam is disposed between and pivotally connected to the rear ends of a pair of load-receiving frame members on a tractor truck. An elongated housing is secured to and depends from the transverse beam. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the housing. A hydraulically actuated ram is mounted in the housing and is operatively connected to the sleeve. A pair of relatively spaced apart elevator arms are pivotally connected at one of their ends to the truck frame members and at intermediate positions to opposite sides of the sleeve, and a hitch mechanism is secured to the ends of the elevator arms outwardly of the sleeve. The hitch mechanism includes a central rotatable portion provided with a ring-shaped hitch and a separable latch projecting outwardly in opposite directions.

Abstract: A truck axle grasping attachment for use with towing vehicles for lifting a truck by its front axle. The attachment is in the form of a cradle having a pair of spaced apart upstanding tangs, one of the tangs, that being the front tang, being fixed, and the other of the tangs, that being the rear tang, being mounted for movement so that the attachment may be slidably positioned for receipt of the truck axle within the cradle without interference of the axle by the rear tang. In one embodiment the rear tang is pivotably mounted on the base of the cradle and has an integral arm adapted to be contacted by the axle as the attachment moves into axle capturing relationship, and when so doing moves the rear tang into operative position. In other embodiments the rear tang is removably carried by the base of the cradle.

Abstract: An apparatus disposed beneath the body of a first motor vehicle adapted to lift a second motor vehicle at least partly from the ground whereby the first motor vehicle can tow the second motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a first arm disposed below the first motor vehicle adapted to be pivotable about a first pivot point disposed on the frame of the first motor vehicle, the first motor vehicle having a front axle and a rear axle, the first pivot point being located between the front and rear axles, the first arm extending toward the rear of the first motor vehicle and adapted to engage the second motor vehicle to be towed.

Abstract: A towing apparatus of the wheel lift variety is provided with wheel support members that move horizontally of vertically relative to a fixed-position support beam. The support members are mounted to the beam by pivotable, tapered collars and include a depending retainer that has both an extended height and depth to contact a substantial portion of the wheel circumference. The apparatus also provides means for rotating the support beam both above and below the horizontal. All of these features facilitate use of the towing apparatus.

Abstract: An automobile wheel lift device for use on pick-up trucks or the like to convert the truck to a tow truck for vehicles. The wheel lift device comprises a support frame secured to the truck, a vertical disposed lift bar and outwardly extending vehicle engagement arms. A secondary wheel and axle assembly stabilizes the truck during towing.

Abstract: A tow truck of the wheel-lift type is provided. In a first embodiment, a telescopic boom is supported by parallelogram linkage which is actuated by a hydraulic motor which is slightly inclined to the horizontal, the inner end of the boom, in its travel position being above and somewhat forwardly of the ring gear housing of the rear axle of the tow truck. The parallelogram linkage supports the boom through a boom support structure which permits it to be swung in a substantially horizontal plane, about substantially vertical pinions. The grid, which engages the wheels, includes a movable member which engages a wheel and raises it relative to the boom and grid, without movement of the boom. In a second embodiment, a substantially vertical post supports a parallelogram linkage which in turn supports a substantially horizontal extensible boom having a wheel grid at its outer end.

Abstract: A vehicle transporting apparatus of the car carrier variety is provided with a platform that is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the transporting vehicle at a location forward of the centerline of the vehicle's rear wheels and above the chassis. A powered actuator is employed for pivotally moving the platform to either forwardly inclined or rearwardly inclined positions. A rearwardly projecting wheel lift boom is also pivotally mounted to the chassis below the platform and is capable of supporting a vehicle to be transported at least partially beneath the platform.

Abstract: A towing apparatus of the wheel lift variety is provided with wheel support members and stop means to enhance the resistance of the apparatus to roll-out by operator misuse.

Abstract: A multi-purpose recovery vehicle comprising a wheel mounted chassis, a continuously slewing crane mounted on the chassis and a recovery assembly including an extensible and retractable towing assembly, a retractable anchor assembly and a retractable stabilizer assembly mounted at a rearward end of the chassis at a location which does not interfere with the operation of the crane.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a conventional hostler tractor to which equipment has been added to enable the vehicle to also lift and move separable rail bogies. The added equipment includes a boom arm apparatus which is pivotally mounted to the tractor for movement from a stowed position adjacent the vehicle cab to a deployed position wherein it is resting upon and disposed across a fifth wheel coupling device of the tractor. The boom apparatus can be coupled to the rail bogie with a pick up shoe assembly, for example. Then, the boom apparatus can be lifted by elevating the fifth wheel coupling device so that the tractor can transport the rail bogie. When the vehicle is used to tow semitrailers, the boom apparatus can be lifted for example with a hydraulic cylinder, so as to be in its stowed position adjacent to the vehicle cab.

Abstract: A towing apparatus having a wheel lift assembly, a bumper assembly, a boom assembly and a sheave assembly, all of which may be utilized independently. The wheel lift assembly includes a pair of wheel cradles for receiving the wheels of a disabled vehicle. The wheel lift assembly has a horizontal towing position but the assembly is selectively pivoted into a folded highway position. The bumper assembly has a pair of bumper members, each attached to a support arm that is fixed to a vertically movable upright member at a separate pivot. The bumper assembly may be used to bumper tow a disabled vehicle. The bumper members are selectively detachable for folding the bumper assembly in a highway position. The boom assembly includes a pair of boom arms that are caused to be moved vertically in conjunction with the upright member. Each boom arm is attached at a separate pivot and, like the wheel lift assembly and the bumper assembly, the boom assembly includes members which are selectively elongatable.

Abstract: An elongated upright motor extendible and retractable support member is provided including relatively extendible upper and lower end sections and the upper end section is pivotally mounted from a rear upper portion of body of a tow truck for oscillation relative thereto about a first horizontal axis extending transversely of the chassis and the upper end section. The support member is swingable between a generally vertical lowered position and a raised inclined position with the lower end section swung outwardly and upwardly from the vehicle rear end and a motor extendible and retractable light and tow arm having relatively extendible front and rear ends as provided and the front end is mounted from the lower end section of the support member for oscillation relative thereto about a second horizontal axis extending transversely of the arm and the lower end section. The arm is swingable between a lowered position with the arm disposed generally 90.degree.

Abstract: A truck for towing disabled vehicles is provided with a cab controlled or a remote controlled vehicle lifting assembly including pairs of claws which may be positioned to engage a pair of the wheels of a vehicle and then be actuated to cradle the wheels and enable the vehicle to be lifted and towed, the vehicle being carried on its own suspension system during towing. The assembly includes a crane mounted and arranged so that the load thereon is carried forward of the rear axle of the tow truck--this increases the tow capacity of the truck and provides stable operation of the crane. The positioning of the claws is effected by hydraulic actuators of the like which may be operated by remote control.