Rotator Crane Service

At Riverside Towing, we invest in top-of-the-line rotator wreckers because not all heavy recoveries can be solved with a hook-and-haul approach. Our rotator units are specifically designed to lift, pivot, and reposition large vehicles and equipment in environments where conventional towing fails or puts operators at risk.

Our rotator crane fleet includes:

• 75-ton and 50-ton hydraulic rotators with 360-degree boom rotation
• Extended reach booms for off-highway, over-the-guardrail, or steep slope access
• Rigging and sling packages for multi-angle extractions
• Integrated winches for controlled lowering or vertical lifts
• Remote control operation for operator safety and precision placement

Our rotators can handle vehicle weights exceeding 80,000 pounds, and we often deploy them for:

• Rollover recoveries involving loaded trailers
• Uprighting buses or emergency vehicles
• Crane-assisted load shifts and restacks
• Lifting disabled vehicles from embankments, ditches, and retention basins
• Vertical recoveries under bridge decks or in flood zones

Every deployment is supported by GPS-tracked dispatch, DOT-compliant permits, and certified traffic control protocols—ensuring that the job is not only done efficiently, but legally and safely.

Certified Operators Trained in Rotator Recovery Science

Rotator crane work is a discipline that combines mechanical understanding, engineering calculations, and precise execution. At Riverside Towing, our rotator operators are WreckMaster- and TRAA-certified and undergo ongoing training to stay compliant with:

• FMCSA & DOT recovery regulations
• Iowa and Illinois commercial vehicle code
• HAZMAT and scene stabilization protocols
• NRC and OSHA best practices for recovery zones
• Load angle calculations and winch point selection

Before we deploy any rotator, we assess load weight, terrain gradient, clearance, weather impact, and scene conditions. Every recovery includes a rigging plan, safety perimeter evaluation, and communication coordination—often with law enforcement, DOT, and on-site logistics managers.

We don’t “wing it.” We plan, coordinate, and execute every job like a controlled operation—because the safety of your vehicle, our team, and the community is always the top priority.

Real-World Rotator Scenarios We Handle Weekly

Rotator crane service is reserved for high-risk recoveries where standard tow trucks cannot safely lift, maneuver, or access the vehicle. These are not basic tows—they require planning, multi-point rigging, and heavy equipment. Below are actual scenarios we respond to regularly:

• Overturned livestock trailer on US-67 near LeClaire — required a vertical lift with traffic control and biohazard containment
• Loaded semi pinned under the I-74 bridge — recovered using a multi-angle rig and side-lift technique to prevent frame damage
• Fuel tanker rollover near Eldridge — involved hazardous material precautions and a controlled lift to avoid puncture
• Dump truck trapped in a culvert in Blue Grass — extracted using boom elevation from above a soft shoulder and slope
• Motorcoach slide-off on a snow-covered incline in Moline — used boom articulation and dual winch control to restore position without underbody contact

Each job involved unstable terrain, limited clearance, or high-value cargo, making rotator deployment the only safe and effective solution. Our team plans every move and executes recoveries with precision and accountability.