Winch-out and recovery planning

Recovery is different from moving a freely rolling vehicle onto a truck. The vehicle may be stuck, unstable, off the roadway or damaged in a way that makes movement unpredictable. An operator must assess the ground, access, attachment points and surrounding hazards before choosing equipment. Explain how the vehicle became stuck and what is visible from a safe position. Do not attempt a recovery using improvised ropes, attachment points or a bystander’s vehicle. Water, traffic, unstable terrain and power infrastructure can introduce hazards that require emergency or specialist assistance.

Vehicle stuck in mud

For a vehicle bogged in mud, describe ground depth, wheel position and access route. Spinning wheels may worsen the position.

Vehicle stuck in sand

For a vehicle stuck on sandy ground, describe surface, slope and distance from firm access. Soft surface conditions affect truck positioning.

Vehicle in a roadside ditch

For a vehicle off the roadway, describe orientation, visible damage and roadway hazards. Keep people away from an unstable vehicle.

Vehicle off a driveway edge

For a vehicle beyond a driveway boundary, describe ground condition and remaining support. Do not climb beneath the vehicle to inspect it.

Vehicle stuck on a curb

For a vehicle hung on a curb, describe which wheels or underside areas are affected. Continued driving may increase damage.

Vehicle stuck on a concrete stop

For a vehicle over a parking stop, describe clearance and which components appear caught. Do not force the vehicle off the obstacle.

Vehicle recovery after a collision

For a damaged vehicle after a crash, describe injuries, traffic hazards and vehicle condition. Emergency needs take priority over transport.

Vehicle recovery from soft grass

For a vehicle on soft landscaped ground, describe soil condition and an authorized access route. Property access and ground damage should be reviewed.

Vehicle with collapsed suspension

For a vehicle with a suspension failure, describe affected corner and available wheel movement. The vehicle may not support normal loading.

Vehicle with an axle problem

For a vehicle with suspected axle damage, describe visible condition and whether the wheels roll. Avoid trying to drive a visibly damaged axle.

Vehicle stuck near standing water

For a vehicle near water, describe water level, location and safe access. Do not enter floodwater to connect recovery equipment.

Recovery near overhead wires

For a recovery near electrical infrastructure, describe wire location and any contact with the vehicle. Keep clear and contact emergency services for electrical danger.

Vehicle recovery on private property

For a recovery on private land, describe owner authorization and property access. Confirm authority to move the vehicle.

Recovery followed by transport

For a stuck vehicle that also needs towing, describe recovery conditions and final destination. The recovery and delivery requirements should be planned together.

Confirm the service and handoff

Before a vehicle or load moves, discuss the equipment, actual pickup access, destination and receiving contact. Ask what the quote covers and which details remain unresolved. A form or text is a request; wait for dispatch to confirm the arrangement.

Read about the related service, review pricing factors, or send your request. For time-sensitive coordination, call dispatch. Contact emergency services first if there is immediate danger or injury.