Winch Tractors

Winch tractors are also commonly referred to as winch trucks. These specialty commercial trucks feature a trailer with an added piece of equipment – the winch. 

A winch is a spool that is wound with cable and powered. The winch can be utilized to lift or pull heavy cargo. How much a winch can lift or pull depends on the size of the winch. Heavy-duty winch tractors are often used to carry large items in the oil and gas industry. Smaller winch trucks are utilized for towing and other applications. Not only do winches vary in how much they can tow, but winch tractors also vary in their length. From a small cab and winch to a full semi-trailer complete with a flatbed, winch tractors can be purchased to meet any specific towing need.

Winch trucks are used for towing large and heavy objects. These specialty trucks are utilized in an array of industries. Two of the most common applications for winch trucks are towing companies and the oil and gas industry. 

For towing companies, a winch truck makes it possible to quickly and easily tow almost any size vehicle. Towing companies utilize different sizes of winch tractors depending on the services they offer. In some cases, a towing company will invest in a full-sized, heavy-duty semi-truck style winch tractor. In the oil and gas industry, winch trucks are relied upon for their ability to transport heavy and bulky equipment. The winch is capable of pulling and lifting the large equipment needed on the job site. 

Winch trucks come in an array of styles. There are two major differences to consider before investing in one. The first difference is the size of the winch truck and its trailer. You can find winch trucks that are a simple, light-duty style. These contain a cab attached to a small trailer containing the winch equipment. Conversely, winch trucks are available in much larger sizes with full-sized semi-trailers and flatbeds. 

The other main difference between one winch truck and another is the type of winch it utilizes. The following are all different winch styles: electrical, mechanical drum-style, hydraulic, mechanical hand-operated, mechanical portable, and hybrid.

Winch tractors include an array of important components. First, the winch tractor includes the truck itself. This includes the truck cab and all the standard components. Depending on the type of winch truck, the vehicle will also include an attached trailer or a flatbed.

The most important component of a winch tractor is, of course, the winch itself. The winch is a device that can be used to pull in or let out the winch’s cable. Originally, a winch was as simple as a spool of rope with a mechanical hand crank. Today, modern winch tractors are much more complex. These winches include gear assemblies and are powered by electric, hydraulic, or even internal combustion drives. Modern winches also contain additional safety features such as a solenoid brake or a ratchet and pawl mechanism. These devices ensure that the winch does not unwind during transportation.

When choosing a winch truck, it is important to consider a few factors. First, consider the different manufacturers. Opting for a trusted manufacturer can help ensure that you are making a solid investment in the right vehicle. One trusted winch truck manufacturer is Western Star. Western Star has long been a reliable name in the commercial trucking industry.

Next, you will want to consider what style of winch truck you need. Winch trucks vary in how much they can tow and how they transport the towed cargo. For example, a smaller, light-weight winch truck is often designed to tow a vehicle behind it, requiring at least two wheels of the towed vehicle to be on the ground. Other winch tractors come equipped with full flat-bed trailers. This allows for the transportation of heavy cargo that cannot be towed behind the truck.