What is a Tilt Tray and Why is it Used?

When your car breaks down on the M1 or you need some heavy machinery moved safely to site, a tow truck is normally your first port of call. But regular towing methods don’t always work for moving heavy or awkwardly shaped equipment. That’s where tilt trays come in.

A tilt tray is a specialised truck with a flatbed that tilts back until it touches the ground, making it a great method of transporting for everyday motorists and commercial clients throughout South East Queensland. Here at Harvey’s Towing, our tilt trays can handle everything from cars and motorbikes to tractors and boats.

But what exactly is a tilt tray, and when do they come in handy? In this article, we’ll explain how they work, their advantages, and how we use them for fast and professional towing.

What is a til tray and how does it work?

A tilt tray features a flatbed mounted on a truck chassis that hydraulics can tilt and lower to ground level. This clever design makes loading and unloading heavy or disabled vehicles simple compared to regular towing methods.

Loading a tilt tray is a simple process. The operator positions the truck near the vehicle or equipment with enough space for the tray to slide forward. A hydraulic system underneath the tray manages the tilting mechanism and powers the sliding function that moves the tray backwards.

A powerful winch sits at the tray’s front, which is attached to the load with a sling or bar. The truck backs up slowly as the winch pulls the load, and, once the load is secure, the tray moves back to horizontal position. Some modern models come with an under-lift arm that extends beneath vehicles to provide better stability and flexibility.

Why tilt trays are the smarter choice

Safety is the main reason you should pick a tilt tray over regular towing methods. Regular tow trucks are generally smaller than tilt trays, making them more maneuverable for tight city streets and car parks. But they also drag vehicles behind them, which has the potential to cause extra damage or wear out the tyres. The tilt tray’s flatbed design keeps your vehicle level and secure for the whole trip.

Loading your vehicle is a much safer process. The tray tilts right down to ground level, which means there’s almost no chance of scratches, dents, or damage to the underside of the vehicle. That’s a big benefit when it comes to transporting luxury cars or sensitive equipment, since you won’t need to worry about dragging or winching that could harm your vehicle.These trucks can also handle cars with broken wheels or damaged axles, which makes them the safer choice for most recovery jobs.

Road safety gets better too. Your vehicle sits flat on the tray instead of having two wheels on the ground, which cuts down the risk of parts falling off or dragging on the road. Drivers also get a clear view without anything blocking their mirrors.

The best part is the peace of mind you’ll get knowing your vehicle or equipment is staying flat and secure during the entire process.

When and why you should use a tilt tray

Tilt trays help industries all over Australia thanks to their flexible loading capabilities. These versatile trucks remain a popular choice because they can handle tough transportation jobs quickly and safely.

Heavy haulage

Tilt trays make it easy to move agricultural equipment, earth-movers, plant machinery, mining gear, and construction equipment. Their smart design means you don’t need extra lifting equipment, and there’s less chance of damage during the move. Harvey’s has a fleet capable of handling whopping loads up to 20 tonnes for all your heavy haulage needs.

Race car or fleet transport

Race cars and vintage vehicles aren’t just expensive pieces of machinery – they’re passion projects and works of art. So you can’t trust any old piece of equipment to handle their transport needs. By lifting them completely off the ground, tilt trays protect their complex engineering and keep them safe from harm. Some Aussie operators, like us, have specially built tilt trays to protect high-end vehicles from weather, dust, and road debris.

Shipping containers

Tilt tray trucks can move shipping containers of all sizes, from 10ft to 20ft and 40ft. Companies that receive containers often find tilt tray services are a great way to get their logistics sorted, especially when they don’t have their own lifting equipment.

Hauling site sheds and portable buildings

Tilt trays work great for moving steel-framed portable buildings built on skids. These buildings slide onto the tray without damaging their base, much like loading a vehicle. Australian transport companies use mega tilt trays designed for building transport that can handle structures between 8 and 14.5 metres long.

Need a tilt tray tow? Get in touch with the team at Harvey’s!

Tilt trays are a great option for safe, quick transportation for vehicles and equipment of all types. The hydraulic and winch system prevent any damage during loading and unloading, and the flatbed eliminates dragging during transportation.

But when you’re in a stressful situation like a breakdown or accident, some things are better left to the experts. The expert team at Harvey’s can help you make the best decision to tow your vehicle to safety. Contact us today on (07) 3297 0911 if you need breakdown or accident towing in Brisbane, or give us a call if you need our 24/7 emergency towing service!