Written by Pro-Tow by FleetEasy
Serving Auburn, Maple Valley, Spokane and all of Washington State
Pro-Tow by FleetEasy responded to a call in Auburn regarding an electric semi-tractor that needed to be towed. The customer told us the tractor’s batteries were dead and that they needed it loaded onto a lowboy trailer.
Since the truck had no power, we knew it would need a jump or charge, so we could put it in tow mode and safely winch it onto the lowboy. If the truck wouldn’t charge, we’d have to create a strategized solution, but as always, Team Pro-Tow was up for the challenge.
Tractor Was Out of Juice
When our operator arrived at the scene and checked the truck’s batteries, we found it had absolutely no juice. Jumpstarting an EV semi-tractor is tricky and can be dangerous. While EVs have a 12-volt battery that can be boosted, they’re not designed the same way as a combustion engine.
Plus, after speaking with someone on site, we learned that someone had tried to transport this vehicle two months ago, but couldn’t because the computer needed an update to charge. It wouldn’t hold any charge at all. Without voltage, there was no way to get it into neutral, so it could be rolled onto the trailer. We’d have to remove the entire axle to get it rolling, which is an extremely complicated and time-consuming process.
Lifting the entire tractor onto the trailer would be the safer, better option.
Crane Lift at Your Service
When it comes to lifting big, heavy things, Pro-Tow knows how to get the job done. This tractor weighed 28,640 pounds and required a carefully thought-out, detailed plan to do a safe and effective lift.
We used advanced rigging and a spreader bar to prepare the vehicle for lifting onto the trailer. Once it was off the ground, we swung the tractor 90 degrees to be alongside the heavy-duty wrecker. Then, we pulled the trailer next to it and boomed the tractor out to place it carefully on the trailer. Once centered on the trailer, we slowly set it down and removed all the rigging.
This Crane Lifting Requires Extraordinary Precaution
Lifting or loading a semi-tractor, or anything that weighs almost 29,000 pounds, onto a trailer is a complex operation that requires high precision, special equipment, careful safety planning and extensive specialized training. You’re managing extreme weight, and there is almost no tolerance for error.
Plus, a lowboy trailer is narrow, and the tractor had to be placed directly in the center with little room on either side. Operators need a deep understanding of rigging techniques, load angles, and lift points to prevent structural damage or instability while lifting and loading a vehicle like this.
Specialized lifting equipment, such as a swing bar and heavy-duty rigging, is essential to control the load. This equipment helps keep the vehicle balanced while it’s being raised and lowered onto a trailer. A swing bar helps distribute weight evenly and reduces stress on attachment points, reducing the risk of equipment failure or vehicle damage.
Pro-Tow Gets the Job Done
It’s not an easy job, which is why Pro-Tow always ensures highly trained and skilled operators who know how to manage these complex crane lift services safely. We have the right tools and heavy-duty equipment to ensure the lift is done smoothly and securely, protecting the vehicle and everyone on site.
Need something heavy lifted? Contact us!
