Written by the Pro-Tow Team
Providing 24-hour heavy-equipment recovery in Washington State and throughout the Pacific Northwest
When heavy equipment breaks down on a busy roadway, it can disrupt traffic and create safety risks. Heavy equipment usually requires a recovery plan that’s anything but routine. Successfully moving oversized equipment takes powerful tow trucks and experienced operators who know how to evaluate changing conditions and adapt as needed.
That’s what happened when Pro-Tow responded to recover a disabled 1980 FMC belt crane on South Garfield Road in Spokane, Washington.
Belt-Crane Down!
The call came in for a belt crane that had broken down on the roadway after an engine compartment fire. The machine measured approximately 40 feet long and weighed over 50,000 pounds. We needed to bring out the big guns for this one!
With the crane blocking traffic, the goal was to remove it safely while protecting both the equipment and everyone on scene. Team Pro-Tow began by assessing the crane’s size, weight, and condition before deciding on the safest transportation method.
Starting with a Careful Plan
After reviewing the recovery, the team determined that loading the crane onto a Landoll trailer would be the best initial approach. They prepared the machine by removing the driveshafts and supplying air to the parking brake system so it could be safely winched onto the trailer.
The loading process began smoothly, but this solution wasn’t going to be the one to save the day.
Adapting When Conditions Changed
As the crane was being winched onto the trailer, the operator attempted to steer it. Because the engine was no longer running, the hydraulic steering system wasn’t functioning. Without hydraulic assist, the steering column stripped, making it impossible to safely continue loading the crane onto the trailer.
Our operators immediately stopped and reassessed the situation. Then, they repositioned one of our heavy-duty recovery wreckers, rotated the crane’s boom to the front, and secured the machine for a front tow. Once everything was properly rigged and secured, they transported the crane to the customer’s yard without further incident.
Pro-Tow’s Experience in Heavy-Duty Recovery
Successful recoveries depend on careful planning, an understanding of how different machines operate, and the ability to adjust when unexpected issues pop up. Our operators are highly trained and have a keen understanding of the physics and mechanics of lifting and moving heavy equipment.
This expertise, combined with top-of-the-line equipment, ensures safety, minimizes damage and ensures an efficient and effective recovery for our customers.
Heavy Equipment Towing Throughout Washington State
Pro-Tow regularly responds to recoveries involving large commercial vehicles and heavy machinery across Washington State. Whether equipment breaks down on a highway, construction site, industrial facility, or rural road, our team has the specialized recovery equipment and expertise needed to move it safely.
We routinely assist customers with:
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- Cranes
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Loaders
- Agricultural equipment
- Paving machinery
- Industrial equipment
- Oversized vehicles
If your heavy equipment has broken down or needs specialized transport anywhere in Washington State, Pro-Tow is ready to help.