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Vehicle Towing and Recovery

Vehicle towing and recovery operations on farms is fairly common, and can be quite dangerous. Rigging can fail and chains, slings, hardware can be projected at great speed.  Tractors, dump trucks, pickup trucks, and large farm machinery can become stuck in muddy fields, snow and ice, or soft terrain.

OSHA does not specifically address vehicle towing or recovery practices; however, it is a recognized hazard and must be addressed by employers.

Towing and recovery operations are not the same, and the correct equipment and tactics should be used for each.

Vehicle Towing

Towing operations are when the object being pulled is unimpeded, and rolls freely on a flat surface. 

  • Use straps designed for "towing" that are equal to or greater than the weight of the object being towed.

Vehicle Recovery

Vehicle recovery operations involve an impeded (i.e. stuck) vehcile that must be lifted to some degree to free it. 

  • Use only certified nylon lifting slings or round slings rated for "vehicle recovery" that are equal to or greater than the weight of the vehicle being recovered (often found on the driver's side door frame).
  • Do not use tow straps, chains, cables, or web slings. 
  • Never use a lighter weighted vehicle to recover a heavier vehicle.
  • The recovery strap should be at least 20 feet in length with loops (not hooks), and in good condition.
  • Inspect the strap for damage prior to use! Follow manufacturer's recommendations for inspection criteria.
  • The minimum breaking strength (MBS) should be 2 to 3 times greater than the stuck vehicle weight.
  • Only attach recovery straps to a load-rated component (i.e. loop onto tow hooks, engineered recovery device, or on a shackle with a pin in hitch receiver). 
    • If shackles are used, make sure the Working Load Limit (WLL) exceeds the recovery strap strength.
  • Do not attach recovery straps to bumpers, ball hitches, bull bars, or tie-down eyes. They can tear free under stress, and may not be designed for the weight and forces being exerted upon them.
  • The strength of recovery straps is reduced by 25% when correctly joined. It is best practice to only use one strap.
  • The vehicle pulling the stuck vehicle should accelerate slowly to build tension in the strap and provide a sustained pull. Use low gear to assist with traction. Never resort to jerking.