Why a flatbed?

[Iceni John]

While driving home today I saw an OCTA transit bus being loaded onto a flatbed semi-trailer.   Maybe it was a Landoll, but I couldn't really see it that well.   I'm wondering what sort of catastrophic mechanical failure would require a transit bus to be moved that way, instead of just hoisting it under the front and towing it (I've seen that done here more than once) with the rear wheels on the ground?   I don't know how far it had to be moved  - is distance a reason to choose one method over the other?

If a transmission seized solid, the driveshaft could be disconnected.   If the differential seized solid, the axle shafts could be removed.   All I can think of is the rear axle itself breaking apart  - how often does that ever happen?   And if that were to happen to one of the 60-foot rear-engine bendy-buses, then what?

Just curious.

John

[chessie4905]

Could be that the rig is owned by the transit company and they retrieve their own.

[buswarrior]

Landoll guy is desperate for money, and is towing anything for flat rate?

Contractor short on equipment?

Training exercise/practice?

Buses are damaged by towing. A government transit property has the resources to say "enough is enough, float them back!!"

In many cities, the transit tow contract is flat rate, and with the bidding, not very lucrative. The buses get yanked hard and fast, bend, snap, crush, drag whatever is in the way of the hook, and pull axles??? HA!!! Only when you know the guy at the other end checks, which can be rare in a subsidised transit environment. And that guy is 4 people removed from the tow contract administrator... and the tow company owner buys tickets to the Mayor's Ball...

A very rough, cut throat trade in many regions.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[brmax]

Heck there is dishonest people everywhere, including church.

In my opinion with local transit there should be a tech at the tow site cordinating everything. I did.

Sometimes the roads can be touchy and if the front is lifted to high that rear can be close!

In another one of my wild opinions if the coach cannot stand the front lift of a tow because it causes stress in the frame it shouldnt be on the road most likely.

But im not saying that jack?n around in the recovery/hook up is ok, thats not right and why I think a knowkedgeable tech should be there from the company.

Its understandable thats not available all the time but the company should be reorganized so that it is the norm in local areas.  Just a continous op i guess : )


Floyd

[luvrbus]

I see new transit buses I think they are made in CA they are always on low boys passing through on I 40,probably a cost saving not needing a driver with all the expensive involved,plus fuel may be a problem since most are CNG power now,Like Brmax I would think a low floor would almost be impossible for a hook tow     

[lvmci]

Could it be the gearing of a city bus,  cheaper to tow on a lowboy? Freeway speeds for a city bus, might be expensive...

[brmax]

I believe if the company has one, for sure use it. Where I was no tow company had one.

I guess one benefit of several would have to be better maneuverability to me.


Have a good day

Floyd

[kyle4501]

When I had mine towed, the wrecker was $125 per hour, the Landol trailer was $95 per hour.

They said that there were less problems when the bus was on a trailer.

[Bill B /bus]

Our transmission failed juBC. Road service sent a Landoll trailer for the five plus hour tow to Houston, BC. Short tow are OK for buses. Anything over 30-40 miles get a trailer.

Bill

[Branderson]

I'm told that the only way I should tow mine is on a flat bed b/c it can bend the frame otherwise. 

[Dave5Cs]

You can do a wheel lift also but they need to pull the rear Axle or driveshaft.

[luvrbus]

I have a investment in wrecker service here in Az we run 4 Landolls,it's our policy now we do not haul a converted bus except if it has been wrecked.
This came about from a so called friend shafting me for 2 front tires, his friggn front tires were 16 years old and he said we damaged his tires, I did pay for his tires so he would shut up.
Then 3 months later he was in Oregon and had the gall to call and try to get me to pay for front end work.I found out where he was having the work done and called the shop which I know well, the owner laughed and told me the front end was wore out had nothing to do with me. So I told the owner sue me and never heard from him again.This is why services do not want to flatbed a bus, the deductible on insurance is more than the claim so you pay out of pocket.Not all bus owners are that way fwiw but the few cause problems for the good guys,then dealing with a few of the roadside assist insurance Co. it's not worth it to us
     

[kyle4501]

Cliff,
How can a landoll tow damage a coach?
I have experienced the damage from a wheel lift tow, but, thus far, I have had great success with the landoll tows. Fortunately, height hasn't been an issue . . . . yet.

[luvrbus]

Cliff,
How can a landoll tow damage a coach?
I have experienced the damage from a wheel lift tow, but, thus far, I have had great success with the landoll tows. Fortunately, height hasn't been an issue . . . . yet.

That's my point you cannot damage a bus with a Landoll plus all of ours have sliding axles you could load eggs on 1 without breaking one,some Prevost owners believe a Landoll will damage a bus and they have a right to their opinion right or wrong,lol mine will go on a Landoll if I ever need a tow.14 ft is the legal limit here but you can do 15 ft with out a permit as long as you have a front escort so we can haul the taller buses without problems
   

[kyle4501]

That is what I thought, ( I was hoping I hadn't missed something ). . . . .

Of course, improper use of ANY tool can cause damage . . . .
Then there are the people who want the last mechanic to inherit ALL of the problems caused by their lack of proper maintenance - which is why I'm not a mechanic !

Life would be so much more enjoyable if there was a mute button for stupid idiots