What Is A Tow Tractor?
Tow tractors, also known as “tuggers” are specialized vehicles intended to tow products or raw materials within a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Some special kinds of tow tractors can also be utilized in airports or other transportation hubs for towing baggage and cargo.
Tow tractors can be powered by batteries or internal combustion, and come in a huge variety of designs and capacities. They are usually set up to tow utility carts behind them, and come furnished with various types of tow hitches.
How Are Tow Tractors Used?
Tow tractors have many uses in a variety of industries. They can be a good fit for many types of operations, from light duty to heavy industrial uses.
Warehouse
In many warehouses, there is a need for horizontal transport of goods that don’t need stacking. By attaching several carts behind an electric tow tractor, workers can transport goods much more efficiently than moving individual loads on pallet trucks or lift trucks.
The same concept applies for low level order picking or goods replenishment. Many more items can be transported on carts, saving operators time by avoiding multiple trips.
Manufacturing
Tow tractors can be put to use for a variety of tasks within a manufacturing operation, from lightweight parts picking to heavy duty hauling of items like steel bar stock.
Airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Most people are familiar with the site of baggage carts being towed from the tarmac to the terminal. Tow tractors designed for airport use are responsible for hauling these carts.
Tow Tractors Available From Welch Equipment
Welch Equipment supplies warehouse tuggers from Raymond, including the 8610 Tow Tractor, which is ideal for horizontal transport of up to 10,000 lbs, or batch picking applications within a warehouse or production facility.
In addition, Raymond offers a fully automated Automated Guided Vehicle option, the 3020, which is perfectly suited for resource intensive, repetitive functions that can be automated.
Beyond the warehouse, Welch Equipment offers a broad range of LPG, gas and electric powered tow tractors from other manufacturers. This lineup includes low, medium and high capacity options, with towing capabilities of up to 120,000 lbs at the high end.
Tow Tractors Near Me
If you’re considering the purchase of a tow tractor, or need more information on available options and technologies, contact a material handling professional at Welch Equipment today.
