Commonly Worn Parts of Tow Trucks

Kaʻa kalaiwas play a vital role in clearing accident scenes, removing illegally parked vehicles, and assisting in rescue operations. These trucks typically consist of a specialized chassis and an upper structure. Based on the upper structure, they can be categorized into flatbed with two towing capabilities, integrated towing and lifting, and separate towing and lifting. This article focuses on the flatbed type with two towing capabilities and the commonly worn parts associated with this type of kaʻa huki.

1. Control Box

The control box houses the kaʻa huki‘s operating valves and is typically made of PVC, a type of plastic, making it relatively fragile. If the control box is damaged, it must be replaced. Different models of kaʻa hukis have different control boxes, primarily distinguished by the number of holes. Older models generally use a 6-hole control box, while more modern ones commonly use 5-hole or 8-hole boxes. When replacing the control box, it is crucial to check the number of holes to ensure compatibility.

2. Straps/Tensioners

Straps are essential tools for towing with a kaʻa huki and are prone to wear and tear due to the inertia during towing, which can damage the straps over time. As the straps lose their elasticity, they can become a safety hazard, potentially causing secondary accidents. No laila, it is crucial to replace the straps once they lose their elasticity. There are two main types of straps:

• A three-strap assembly used for securing vehicles on the flatbed.
• A single strap with a tensioner used for securing the rear towing arm.

3. Steel Cable on the Hydraulic Winch

ʻO ka maʻamau, the steel cable on a kaʻa huki‘s winch does not wear out easily, but it can develop burrs over time, indicating that the cable needs to be replaced. Burrs can form for several reasons:

• Overloading:** The vehicle being towed is too heavy, exceeding the cable’s load capacity in a certain segment, causing the outer strands to break.
• Deformation:** The steel cable deforms under stress, usually at the hook ring. This deformation concentrates the load at the contact points, leading to cable breakage.

Several brands of flatbed kaʻa hukis, such as Dayun Aopuli One-Two Kaʻa Kaʻa, JAC Junling One-Two Kaʻa Kaʻa, and Foton Ouma One-Two Kaʻa Kaʻa, are popular in the market. Kaʻa kalaiwa operators should pay close attention to these commonly worn parts and replace them promptly when damaged to ensure the safety and efficiency of their vehicles.