On March 23, 2021, a brand new excavator hit a bridge, rolled over, and required heavy equipment recovery. Team Pro-Tow used our heavy-duty crane-style wrecker to lift the excavator back on solid ground.
Our skilled operators are trained in a range of rigging techniques to properly perform a crane lift on equipment and objects of all shapes, sizes, and weights. Fortunately, we lifted this excavator without causing further damage to the machine.
How To Prevent an Excavator from Tipping
Operator error and lack of planning is the leading cause of tipping excavators and needing heavy equipment recovery. You should always ensure it’s on solid, flat, and dry ground when operating. Check manufacturer guidelines for safe operating ratios if you must work on a slope. Even if you know your machine, a stump or rock could cause it to lose footing and slide. Likewise, if the edge of the excavator catches a point or base of a slope, it probably will tip over.
When driving, pay attention to the direction of travel. Most excavators allow the cab to rotate 360 degrees, but the tracks always go in the same direction regardless of how the driver is facing. It would be best if the operator is always facing forward. Otherwise, you might move the machine in the wrong direction and get the equipment in a precarious position.
Never overload the excavator when lifting, primarily if operating a mini excavator. Always read the manufacturer’s manual for lifting specifications.
Heavy Equipment Recovery
Team Pro-Tow offers extensive crane lift services that can get you and your equipment out of a pickle! We understand that accidents happen and will work hard to get your machinery upright and back to work as quickly as possible. We are available 24-hours a day for emergency crane lift services. We can also help move large, heavy objects in all shapes and sizes whenever you need us.
Our operators comply with health and safety standards and are highly trained to operate equipment and find solutions for lifting heavy machinery and equipment in challenging situations. Learn more about our crane services.
24/7 Heavy Truck & Equipment Recovery Services
Pro-Tow offers round-the-clock emergency towing services. While many of our recoveries involve semi-trucks and other heavy trucks, equipment recovery is also a service we offer. We once helped lift a military tank to change a flat tire! If you need something heavy lifted and moved, we can help. Learn more about Pro-Tow services.
Be sure to check out our other incident reports on our Recovery Blog!
If you require truck accident recovery, give Pro-tow 24-Hour Towing a call.
