واﻟ  ﻟﻠ  اﻟ  واﻟ 
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org(SASO)  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
SASO DRAFT 2971/0000  
  
 
  
TOW TRUCKS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
ICS: 43.160; 53.020.20 
This document is a draft Saudi Standard circulated for comments . It is, therefore, 
subject to alteration and modification and may not be referred to as a Saudi 
Standard until approved by SASO .
SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  Contents 
1- Scope ...................................................... ............................................................... ................. 2 
2- Complementary references ................................... .............................................................. 2 
3- Terms and definitions ...................................... ............................................................... ..... 2 
4- Classification ............................................. ............................................................... ............ 5 
5- Technical requirements ..................................... ............................................................... ... 5 
5.1 Light duty tow trucks ..................................... ............................................................... ..... 5 
5.2 Light-duty flatbed tow truck .............................. ...............................................................  5 
5.3 Light-duty flatbed tow truck with collision recovery capabi lities ................................. 5 
5.4 Heavy-duty tow truck ...................................... ............................................................... ... 6 
5.5 Heavy-duty tow truck with collision recovery .............. ................................................... 6 
5.6 Heavy-duty flatbed tow truck .............................. ............................................................. 6  
5.7 Heavy-duty flatbed tow truck with collision recovery capabi lities ................................ 7 
6- Required Equipment  ........................................ ............................................................... ... 7 
6.1 Chains or straps and hooks  ............................... ...............................................................  7 
6.2 Wheel-lift, under-lift, tow b ar, tow plate, or tow sling se curement devices  ................. 7 
6.3 Lights  ................................................... ............................................................... ................ 7 
6.4 Safety equipment  ......................................... ............................................................... ....... 8 
6.5 Additional equipment  ..................................... ............................................................... ... 8 
6.6 Motorcycle securement devices  ............................ ............................................................ 8 
6.7 Collision Recovery Equipment  ............................. ............................................................ 8 
6.8 Wire Rope Restrictions  ................................... ............................................................... ... 8 
6.9 Wire Rope End Specifications and Installation  ............ .................................................. 9 
6.10 Width, length and weight ................................. ...............................................................  9 
6.11 Axle, Wheel, and Tire  ................................... ............................................................... ... 9 
6.12 Brake  ................................................... ............................................................... .............. 9 
6.13 Mechanical components  ................................... ...............................................................  9 
6.14 Hydraulic equipment  ..................................... ...............................................................  10 
6.15 Pneumatic equipment  ..................................... .............................................................. 11 
6.16 Underrun protection ...................................... ............................................................... . 12 
6.17 Equipment conditions  .................................... ...............................................................  12 
7- Safety  .................................................... ............................................................... ............... 12 
7.1 Overload protection devices  .............................. ............................................................. 1 3 
7.2 Rated capacity charts and markings  ....................... ...................................................... 13 
7.3 Reflectors on stabilizers  ................................ ............................................................... ... 13 
7.4 Level indicators  ......................................... ............................................................... ....... 13 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
2 
  7.5 Flatbed Requirements  ..................................... ............................................................... . 14 
8 - Annex (E) ................................................. ............................................................... ......................... 15 
9 - Bibliography .............................................. ............................................................... ......... 16  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  TOW TRUCKS  
 
1- Scope  
This Standard specifies the technical requirements for tow truc ks equipment for light and heavy 
duty tow trucks. 
 
2- Complementary references 
2.1 SASO GSO 42 "Motor Vehicles - General Requirements". 
2.2 SASO 469 "Motor vehicles - Dimensions and weights". 
2.3 SASO GSO ISO 15442 "Cranes – Safety require ments for loader cranes"   
2.4 SASO GSO EN 1012-1 "Compressors and vacuum pumps. Safety requirements. Air 
compressors" 
2.5 SASO GSO ISO 2408 "Steel wire ropes for general purposes -- Minimum requirements"  
2.6 SASO ISO 3076  "Round steel short link chains for general lifting purposes — Medium 
tolerance sling chains for chain slings — Grade 8"  2.7 SASO 2913 "Retro - Reflective markings for vehicles" 
2.8 SASO 2955 "Motor Vehicles – Front under run protective devices in trucks and its 
methods of test " 2.9 SASO 2956 "Motor Vehicles – Lateral protec tion of trucks and trailers and  its 
methods of test"  
2.10 SASO  2957 "Motor vehicles-rear under run protective devices 
for truck and trailer and its methods of test" 2.11 SASO UL 1839  "Standard for Automotive Battery Booster Cables"  
 
3- Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and defi nitions are applied: 
3.1 Bed assembly  
The part of a tow truck that is located behind the cab, is atta ched to the frame, and is used to 
mount a boom assembly, hoist, winch, or equipment for transport ing vehicles.  
3.2 Boom assembly   
Device, consisting of sheaves, one or more winches, and wire ro pe, that is attached to a tow 
truck and used to lift or tow another vehicle.  
3.3 Collision recovery  
Initial towing or removing a vehicle involved in a collision fr om the collision scene. 
3.4 Flatbed   
Open platform that is located behind the cab and attached to th e frame of a truck. 
3.5 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (G.V.W.R)  
The value specified by the manufacturer as the fully assembled weight of a single motor 
vehicle. 
3.6 Hook  
Steel hook attached to an end of a wire rope or chain. 
3.7 Power-operated winch 
Winch that is operated by electric al, mechanical, or hydraulic power. SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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3.8 Snatch block  
Metal case that encloses one or more pulleys and can be opened to receive a wire rope and 
redirect energy from a winch. 
3.9 Steering wheel clamp 
Device used to secure in a fixe d position the steering wheel of  a vehicle being towed. 
3.10 Tow bar  
Device attached to the rear of a tow truck to secure a towed ve hicle to the tow truck by chains, 
straps, or hooks.  
3.11 Tow plate  
Solid metal support attached to the rear of a tow truck to secu re a towed vehicle to the tow 
truck by chains, straps, or hooks.  
3.12 Tow sling  
Two or more flexible straps attached to the wire rope or boom a ssembly of a tow truck to 
hoist a towed vehicle by chains, straps, or hooks. 3.13 Tow truck  
Motor vehicle designed, manufactured, or altered to tow or tran sport one or more vehicles, 
the 
following are tow trucks:  
a) A truck with a flatbed equipped with a winch;  
b) A motor vehicle that has a boom assembly or hoist permanentl y attached to its bed or frame;  
c) A motor vehicle that has a tow sling, tow plate, tow bar, un der-lift, or wheel-lift attached to 
the rear of the vehicle.  
3.14 Under lift  
Electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic device attached to the rea r of a tow truck used to lift the 
front or rear of a vehicle by its axles or frame. 
3.15 Wheel lift  
Electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical device attached to the rea r of a tow truck used to lift the 
front or rear of a vehicle by its tires or wheels. 3.16 Winch  
Device used for winding or unwinding wire rope. 3.17 Wire rope  
Flexible steel or synthetic strands that are twisted or braided  together and may surround a 
hemp or wire core. 
3.18 Work lamp  
Lighting system that is mounted on a tow truck capable of illum inating an area to the rear of 
the tow truck.  3.19 Light Duty Vehicles Vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 3,500 kg and which are primarily used to 
transport passengers or goods. 
3.20 Heavy Duty Vehicles  Vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3,500 kg. 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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4- Classification  
4.1 Light duty tow trucks 
4.1.1 Light-duty tow truck 
4.1.2 Light-duty flatbed tow truck  4.1.3 Light-duty flatbed tow tru ck with collision recovery capa bilities. 
 
4.2 Heavy duty tow trucks 
4.2.1 Heavy-duty tow truck 
4.2.2 Heavy-duty tow truck with c ollision recovery capabilities  
4.2.3 Heavy-duty flatbed tow truck  4.2.4 Heavy-duty flatbed tow truck with collision recovery capa bilities 
 
5- Technical requirements  
The truck shall be comply with SASO/GSO standards   
5.1 Light duty tow trucks has a minimum of 
5.1.1  A G.V.W.R. of 4500 kilograms;
 
5.1.2  A boom assembly with a rated capacity of 3600 kilograms, which  complies to SASO 
GSO ISO 15442, if so equipped; 
5.1.3  A power-operated winch with a line pull capacity of 3600 kilog rams and wire rope with 
a breaking strength of 5500 kilograms, if so equipped; Refer to  the SASO Standard in item 
6.8; 5.1.4  A tow sling, tow plate, or tow bar shall have a manufacturer w eight rating capacity that 
exceeds any load carrier on it, or a wheel-lift or under-lift w ith a lifting capacity of 1100 
kilograms when fully extended; 5.1.5  Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6.1;  
5.1.6  Axles, wheels, and tires that meet the requirements of item 6. 11; 
5.1.7  Brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12; 
5.1.8  Dollies or supplementary wheels (optional); 
5.1.9 vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0. 
 
5.2 Light-duty flatbed tow truck has a minimum of 
5.2.1 A G.V.W.R. of 4500 kilograms;  
5.2.2  A power-operated winch with a line pull capacity of 3600 kilog rams and wire rope with 
a breaking strength of 5500 kilograms, if so equipped; Refer to  the SASO Standard in item 6.8; 
5.2.3 A bed assembly with a distributed load capacity of 3400 kilogra ms;  
5.2.4 Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6 .1;  
5.2.5 Axles, wheels, and tires that meet the requirements of item 6.1 1; 
5.2.6 Brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12; 
5.2.7 vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0. 
 
5.3 Light-duty flatbed tow truck with collision recovery capabi lities has a minimum of  
5.3.1 A G.V.W.R. of 6350 kilograms;  
5.3.2 A power-operated winch with a line pull capacity of 3600 kilogr ams and wire rope with 
a breaking strength of 5500 kilograms, if so equipped; Refer to  the SASO Standard in item 6.8; SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  5.3.3 A bed assembly with a distributed load capacity of 3400 kilogra ms;  
5.3.4 Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6 .1;  
5.3.5 Axles, wheels, and tires that meet the requirements of item 6.1 1; 
5.3.6 Brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12; 
5.3.7 Vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0; 
5.3.8 Tow truck with collision recovery  capabilities shall be equipped with a crane, which 
complies to SASO GSO ISO 15442 . 
 
5.4 Heavy-duty tow truck has a minimum of 
5.4.1 A G.V.W.R. of 15800 kilograms;  
5.4.2 Tandem rear axles;  
5.4.3  A boom assembly with a rated capacity of 22700 kilograms compl ies to SASO GSO 
ISO 15442, if so equipped; 
5.4.4  Two power-operated winches with a line pull capacity of 11350 k ilograms  each and  
wire rope with a breaking strength of 12250 kilograms, if so eq uipped; Refer to the SASO 
Standard in item 6.8;  
5.4.5 A tow sling, tow plate, or tow bar shall have a manufacturer we ight rating capacity that 
exceeds any load carrier on it, or a wheel-lift or under-lift w ith a lifting capacity of 5450 
kilograms when fully extended;  
5.4.6 Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6 .1; 
5.4.7 Axles, wheels, and tires that meet the requirements of item 6.1 1; 
5.4.8 Air brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12;  
5.4.9 Vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0. 
 
5.5 Heavy-duty tow truck with co llision recovery capabilities h as a minimum of 
5.5.1 A G.V.W.R. of 15800 kilograms;  
5.5.2 Tandem rear axles;  
5.5.3  A boom assembly with a rated capacity of 22700 kilograms compl ies to SASO GSO 
ISO 15442. 
5.5.4 Two power-operated winches with a line pull capacity of 11350 k ilograms each and 
wire rope with a breaking strength of 12250 kilograms, if so eq uipped; Refer to the SASO 
Standard in item 6.8;  
5.5.5 A tow sling, tow plate, or tow bar shall have a manufacturer we ight rating capacity that 
exceeds any load carrier on it, or a wheel-lift or under-lift w ith a lifting capacity of 5450 
kilograms when fully extended;  
5.5.6 Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6 .1; 
5.5.7 Axles, wheels, and tires that meet the requirements of item 6.1 1; 
5.5.8  Air brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12; 
5.5.9 Vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0; 
 
5.6 Heavy-duty flatbed tow  truck has a minimum of 
5.6.1 A G.V.W.R. of 15000 kilograms;  
5.6.2 A power-operated winch with a line pull capacity of 9100 kilogr ams and wire rope with 
a breaking strength of 9700 kilograms, if so equipped; Refer to  the SASO Standard in item 
6.8; SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  5.6.3 A bed assembly with a distributed load capacity of 9100 kilogra ms; 
5.6.4 Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6 .1; 
5.6.5 Axles, wheels and tires that meet the requirements of item 6.11 ; 
5.6.6  Air brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12; 
5.6.7 Vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0; 
 
5.7 Heavy-duty flatbed tow truck with collision recovery capabi lities has a minimum of 
5.7.1 A G.V.W.R. of 15000 kilograms;  
5.7.2 A power-operated winch with a line pull capacity of 9100 kilogr ams and wire rope with 
a breaking strength of 9700 kilograms, if so equipped; Refer to  the SASO Standard in item 
6.8; 
5.7.3 A bed assembly with a distributed load capacity of 9100 kilogra ms; 
5.7.4 Chains or straps and hooks that meet the requirements of item 6 .1; 
5.7.5 Axles, wheels and tires that meet the requirements of item 6.11 ; 
5.7.6  Air brakes that meet the requirements of item 6.12; 
5.7.7 Vehicle width and length that meet the requirements of item 6.1 0; 
5.7.8 Tow truck with collision recovery  capabilities shall be equipped with a crane, which 
complies to SASO GSO ISO 15442.  
6- Required Equipment 
6.1 Chains or straps and hooks requirements 6.1.1 A light-duty tow truck shall be equipped with straps and a minimu m breaking strength of 
the strap should be between 2 and 3 times the gross vehicle mas s (GVM) of any vehicle it is 
used with and/or chains with hooks on each end of each section and shall be comply with SASO 
ISO 3076. The straps or chains shall have an identifiable mark indicating a minimum working 
load limit strength of 1770 kilograms. 
6.1.2  A heavy-duty tow truck shall be equipped with straps and a min imum breaking strength 
of the strap should be between 2 and 3 times the gross vehicle mass (GVM) of any vehicle it is 
used with and/or chains with hooks on each end of each section and shall be comply with SASO 
ISO 3076. The straps or chains shall have an identifiable mark indicating a minimum working 
load limit strength of 5450 kilograms. 
 
6.2 Wheel-lift, under-lift, tow bar, tow plate, or tow sling se curement devices requirements  
Appropriate load securement devices if equipped with a wheel-li ft, under-lift, tow bar, 
tow plate, or tow sling. 
 
6.3 Lights requirements  
6.3.1  A warning flashing light assembly with a minimum of two light emitting sources. The 
lights shall: a) Be mounted on the tow truck as h igh as practical and be visibl e from the front and rear of 
the tow truck for a distance not less than 300 meters under nor mal atmospheric conditions. 
b) Show amber to the front and amber or red to the rear.  
c) Be wired independently of all other electrical circuits. 
6.3.2 A minimum of two work lamps. The lamps shall: 
a) Have clear lenses.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  b) Be capable of illuminating the area directly behind the tow tru ck for a distance of 15 meters.  
c) Be wired independently of all other electrical circuits. 
6.3.3 Two portable lamps consisting of tail lights, brake lights, tur n signals, and emergency 
flashers, if a tow truck is equipped with a wheel-lift, under-l ift, tow bar, tow plate or tow sling. 
Each portable lamp shall be visible from not less than 300 mete rs under normal atmospheric 
conditions. 
 
6.4 Safety equipment requirements  
6.4.1 A fire extinguisher.  
6.4.2 First aid kit.  
6.4.3 Road triangles and road cones. 
6.4.4 Work gloves. 
6.4.5 Fire blanket. 
6.4.6 Safety glasses.  
6.4.7 High visibility reflective vest with reflective strips. 
 
6.5 Additional equipment requirements  
6.5.1 A steering wheel securement device of sufficient strength to lo ck the steering mechanism 
in a straight, forward position, if a tow truck is equipped wit h a wheel-lift, under-lift, tow bar, 
tow plate or tow sling.  
6.5.2 Jumper cables shall be comply with SASO UL 1839 . 
6.5.3 Lug wrench and jack. 
6.5.4 Assortment of wood blocks and boards.  
6.5.5 An operational battery-powered flashlight.  
6.5.6 Assortments of tools. 
 
6.6 Motorcycle securement devices requirements  
A flatbed tow truck used to transport motor-driven cycles shall  be equipped with at least: 
a) Motorcycle loader, chock, pit/trailer stop, or brackets. 
b) Ratchet straps (motorcycle tiedowns). 
c) Handlebar straps. 
 
6.7 Collision Recovery Equipment Requirements  
A tow truck with collision recovery capabilities shall be equip ped with at least: 
a) One #2 or larger square-point shovel. 
b) 1 large push broom. 
c) 19 liters or 9 kilograms of fluid absorbent material stored in  a weatherproof container. 
d) One snatch block for each installed winch on the tow truck. Ea ch snatch block shall be of a 
size and rating compatible with the size and rating of the inst alled wire rope. 
 
6.8 Wire Rope Restrictions 
A tow truck agent shall ensure that a wire rope is not used in a tow truck if it:  
a) Has kinks, bird caging, or knots.  
b) Is crushed more than 33% of original diameter.  
c) Has core protrusion along the length of the rope.  
d) Has more than 11 broken wires in six diameters of length.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
9 
  e) Has more than three broken wires in any one strand.  
f) Has more than two broken wires at the end connection or fitting . 
h) The wire rope shall be comply with SASO GSO ISO 2408. 
 
6.9 Wire Rope End Specifications and Installation 
A tow truck agent shall ensure that:  
a) All wire rope eye loops used on a tow truck are protected by a  thimble. 
b) Cable clamps are not used on a wire rope. 
c) Thimbles are not cracked, defor med, worn, loose, or have a str and of wire that slips. 
 
6.10 width , length and weight 
The overall width, length and weight of a towing vehicle must n ot exceed the limits imposed 
by SASO 469. 
 
6.11 Axle, Wheel, and Tire 
6.11.1 Axles shall meet the requirements of SASO 469. 
6.11.2  All Tyre shall meet the requirements according to Saudi Standa rd SASO GSO 
647 when tested in accordance SASO GSO 646. 
 
6.12 Brake Requirements  6.12.1 A tow truck shall have a power-assisted service brake system, s eparate from the parking 
brake system, capable of stopping and holding the tow truck and  its load under all conditions 
and on any grade on which the tow truck is operated. If a tow t ruck's service brake system is 
actuated by air, the tow truck shall be equipped with: 
a) A truck-tractor protection valve.  
b) An audible or visible low air warning device that actuates at a  minimum of 380 kPa.  
6.12.2 A tow truck shall have a parking brake system, separate from th e service brake system, 
which is capable of holding the tow truck and its load. If the tow truck's parking brake system 
is actuated by air, the tow truck shall be equipped with: 
a) A truck-tractor protection valve.  
b) An audible or visible low air warning device that actuates at a  minimum of 380 kPa. 
 
6.13 Mechanical components 
6.13.1 General 
All exposed components shall be made of corrosion resistant mat erial or have a corrosion 
resistant finish e.g. paint or plating. 
Components that could be affected by road dirt e.g. bearings, c ontrols and cylinder rods shall 
be sealed. Components that are intended to be handled during recovery oper ations or are accessible to 
the operator shall not have sh arp edges or rough surfaces. 
NOTE: Components which are intended to be fitted to other components during a recovery operation should be 
easy to assemble under adverse working conditions.  
 
6.13.2 Rotating shafts, housings and slideways 
Any rotating, or partially rotating shafts, housings and slidew ays shall either: 
a) be of a non-lubrication material  or self-lubricating material;  or SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  b) be provided with a means of lubrication. 
Any lubrication nipples shall be of a similar size and type and  shall be readily accessible. 
Any rotary/sliding/moving components shall provide necessary pr otection for the operator(s) 
during operation processes . 
6.13.3 Containment of motion 
The motion of the recovery equipment shall be contained within its design limits by means of 
limiters conforming to SASO GSO ISO 15442. 
Manually extending booms shall be fitted with a pull out limit stop and mechanical locking 
means for their retracted and incremental positions. 
 
6.13.4 Partially slewing booms and fully slewing booms 
NOTE: In the case of proprietary slewing rings, it is particularly important that the manufacturer is consulted 
and given details of the rated loads to be applied so that the correct components can be selected. 
Provision shall be made to enable the boom to be mechanically l ocked to prevent inadvertent 
movement. 
A slewing check device shall be fitted to prevent booms slewing  uncontrollably whilst in use. 
6.13.5 Lift and tow equipment 
Lift and tow equipment shall incorporate a means to prevent acc idental disconnection of the 
casualty vehicle during use. 
NOTE: Lift and tow equipment should allow safe and easy connection to and disconnection from the casualty 
vehicle under adverse working conditions.   
 
6.14 Hydraulic equipment 
NOTE: It is the object of the following requirements to protect the operator and others in the vicinity of the 
recovery equipment against failures in the hydraulic or other system, caused by excessive loads on the recovery 
equipment and components. 
6.14.1 Safe hydraulic pressure 
One or more pressure relief valves shall be fitted to ensure th at the hydraulic pressure never 
exceeds the working pressure of any component within the hydrau lic system. 
Devices shall be fitted to prevent back pressures that can affe ct the safety of the recovery 
equipment. 
6.14.2 Safety of the recovery equipment and casualty vehicle 
The hydraulic system shall be fitted with devices to prevent th e following: 
a) a gravity fall of the casualty vehicle in the event of hydraul ic failure; 
b) hydraulic shock, caused by the sudden closure of any control v alve, leading to over running 
of the associated motion; 
c) uncontrolled movement or release of the casualty vehicle in th e event of loss of oil supply 
pressure or flow; d) uncontrolled movement or release of the casualty vehicle in th e event of a hose burst; 
e) runaway of the casualty vehicle in the event of a load reversa l; 
f) the overloading of any stabilizers or stiff legs. 
6.14.3 Motion drives 
Devices shall be fitted to prevent forces imposed by the casual ty vehicle from driving 
hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders beyond their limits as  specified by the manufacturer 
of the motor or cylinder. SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  6.14.4 Hydraulic fluid 
The manufacturer shall state the hydraulic fluid to be used, wh ich should be appropriate for 
the components of the hydraulic equipment and the ambient tempe rature in which it is to be 
operated. 
The fluid system shall be fitted  with a filter which gives the maximum level of filtration 
specified by the manufacturer of the components. 
6.14.5 Hydraulic fluid reservoir(s) 
The hydraulic fluid reservoir(s) shall have a sufficient capaci ty to ensure an uninterrupted  
flow of hydraulic fluid to all actuators when all hydraulic cyl inders are operating at full 
stroke.  
Provision shall be made for checking the fluid level, and the m inimum and maximum levels 
shall be clearly marked. 
6.14.6 Venting 
Any venting of fluid or pressure relief of fluid shall be withi n the system. No venting system 
shall open into the atmosphere. 6.14.7 Hydraulic hoses Hydraulic hoses shall be shielded to prevent hydraulic fluid sp raying onto operators or other 
people near the recovery vehicle in the case of a hose failure.  
6.14.8 Sink rate of booms 
When the boom is in the lift and tow configuration, the sink ra te shall be no greater than a loss 
of vertical height of 5 mm/h when subjected to the maximum work ing load. The measurement 
shall be taken between the ground and the point of lift on the boom in its normal working 
position. 
In all other configurations the sink rate shall not exceed 10 %  of the boom radius measured 
over a minimum period of 1 h with the boom subjected to the max imum working load. 
6.14.9 Protection of hydraulic components 
Hydraulic components shall be protected against physical damage  by locating them in areas 
which are free from stowed equipment and where they cannot be h it by the casualty vehicle, 
or by the use of guards.  
NOTE This could be achieved by use of an enclosure. 
Hydraulic components shall be protected from road dirt where th is would have a detrimental 
effect upon the component. 
 
6.15 Pneumatic equipment 
6.15.1 Pneumatic supply 
The rate of the pneumatic supply shall be sufficient to ensure an uninterrupted flow to the 
pneumatic system when all functions are in operation. Where the pneumatic supply to the recovery equipment is from a host chassis pneumatic 
system, then this supply shall be connected in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s 
recommendations. 
Where the pneumatic supply is from a compressor forming part of  the recovery equipment, 
then the compressor, receiver and overload valves shall be comp ly with SASO GSO EN 
1012-1.  SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  6.15.2 Safe pneumatic pressure 
One or more pressure relief valves shall be fitted to ensure th at the pneumatic pressure never 
exceeds the working pressure of any component within the pneuma tic system. 
6.15.3 Air filtration 
The pneumatic system shall be fitted with a filter which gives the maximum level of filtration 
specified by the manufacturer of the components. 
6.15.4 Protection of pneumatic components 
Pneumatic components shall be protected against physical damage  by locating them in areas  
which are free from stowed equipment and where they cannot be h it by the casualty vehicle, 
or by the use of guards. 
NOTE: This could be achieved by use of an enclosure. 
Pneumatic components shall be protected from road dirt where th is would have a detrimental 
effect upon the component. 
6.15.5 Pressure relief valves and pneumatic exhausts 
Pressure relief valves and pneumatic exhausts shall be vented t o areas where the exhausted air 
cannot come into direct contact with the operator or other pers ons during operation of the  
recovery equipment or during driving of the recovery vehicle. 
 
6.16 Underrun protection  
6.16.1 Front under run Protection 
a) All tow trucks shall be equipped with front under run protectiv e devices according to 
SASO 2955 . 
6.16.2 Lateral Protection 
a) All tow trucks shall be equipped with Lateral Protection Device  according to SASO 2956 . 
6.16.3 Rear under run Protection 
a) All tow trucks shall be equipped with rear under run protective  devices according to 
SASO 2957. 
 
 
6.17 Equipment conditions 
Tow truck components including, but not limited to, winches, bo oms, cables, cable clamps, 
thimbles, sheaves, guides, contro ls, blocks, slings, chains, ho oks, bed locks, hydraulic and 
pneumatic components, etc., shall be in good working order and maintained to 
manufacturer/factory specifications.  7 Safety 
7.1 Overload protection devices 
Powered recovery equipment shall be fitted with one or more ove rload protection devices to 
warn the operator of overloading and prevent dangerous movement  of the equipment. 
The device shall be such that if it is not functioning it is no t possible to start or continue the 
operation that the device is intended to protect. Where these devices are adjustab le at the time of manufacture, after adjustment they shall be 
locked and sealed by the manufacturer of the recovery equipment . 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
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  7.2 Rated capacity charts and markings 
7.2.1 General 
The recovery equipment shall be marked with the maximum casualt y vehicle mass. 
7.2.2  Non-slewing booms: vertical loads   
For non-slewing booms which have four or more rated capacities,  or where any rated capacity 
can change (e.g. due to the effect of boom angle, stabilizers/s tiff legs or number of falls from 
a winch rope) a chart shall be provided by the equipment manufa cturer. The chart shall show, 
without ambiguity, the rated capacity for each condition includ ing any lift and tow conditions. 
The chart shall be displayed on the vehicle such that it is cle arly visible from the control 
stations mounted on the recovery equipment. 
NOTE: Where there are no more than three rated capacities for a boom, unaffected by boom angle and 
stabilizers/stiff legs, the rated capacities may be simply marked on the boom at the relevant positions. 
7.2.3 Partially and fully slewing booms: vertical loads 
The rated capacity chart or markings shall be in accordance wit h 19.2.2. In addition, the chart 
shall show the rated capacities throughout the slewing range. 7.2.4 Ancillary equipment 
Ancillary recovery equipment shall be clearly marked with its r ated capacity. 
 
7.3 Reflectors on stabilizers 
Stabilizers that extend beyond the sides of the recovery vehicl e shall be fitted with reflectors. 
The forward face of the stabilizer shall be fitted with a white  reflector. The rearward face shall 
be fitted with a red reflector. These reflectors shall be withi n 100 mm of a vertical line drawn 
through the extreme outside part of the stabilizer. They shall be a minimum of 350 mm and a 
maximum of 900 mm from the ground .  The reflectors shall be comply with SASO 2913. 
 
7.4 Level indicators 
Recovery equipment fitted with a slewing boom shall incorporate  one or more level indicators 
to indicate to the operator when the vehicle is level within th e tolerances specified by the 
manufacturer for the safe slewing of the boom.  
 
 
 
  
 
     
 
 
 SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
14 
  7.5 Flatbed Requirements  
7.5.1 Rear overhang  
The rear overhang of a vehicle must not exceed the lesser of : - 60% of the distance between the center of the front axle and th e rear overhang line; and  
- 3.7 m 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
Figure1: Two axles trucks 
 
     
 
 
 
   
Figure2: Three axles trucks 
 
 
 7.5.2 Sharp edge 
  
The sharp edge of the rear flatbed shall be covered to reduce c ollision effects according to 
manufacturer design and the approval from Conformity Assessment  Bodies approved by 
SASO. 
See annex (A) for Example of des ign for The rear edge of flatbe d. 
 
 
 
SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
15 
   
Annex (A) 
(Informative) 
 
Example of design for the  rear edge of flatbed  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SASO DRAFT STANDARD                                    SASO 297 1:0000  
16 
   
Bibliography 
 
 
[1] Arizona Administrative Code - Chapter 3. Department of public s afety - tow trucks  
(Article 7-10-11)   
 
[2] BS 7901:2002 "Specification for recovery vehicles and vehicle r ecovery equipment".  
 [3] New Jersey State Police Application and Minimal Requirements fo r Vehicular Towing  
 
[4]  Louisiana Administrative Code -  Chapter 19 - Towing, Recovery , and Storage. 
 [5]  Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicle Recovery Straps) Safety Standa rd 2017 – AUSTRALIA 
 
[6]  Requirements for Tow Trucks i n Western Australia (WA).