How to Save Money When Buying Electric Tow Tractor

21, Apr. 2025

 

3 Ways Tow Tractors Boost Productivity and Cut Costs

Tow tractors (also known as “tuggers”) are often seen pulling carts full of luggage across the airport tarmac. But they’re also widely used in manufacturing and material handling operations across the Mid-South.

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Tow tractors can reduce material delivery time by 50% and labor costs by 10% versus using a forklift. An automated tow tractor can reduce labor costs even more.

The graphic below shows six safety-related benefits of using tow tractors instead of forklifts:

Tuggers Get the Job Done for Less

In addition to moving items more efficiently, tuggers cost less than forklifts. You'll save money upfront, because the purchase price is much lower, and long-term because tow tractors cost less to own.

Also, unlike a forklift, nearly anyone can operate a tow tractor. The next time you see a forklift operator moving items from across your facility, think about how much the operator makes compared to other associates.

The cost savings adds up fast. By using tuggers instead of forklifts for horizontal transportation, you can significantly reduce operational expenses. One material handling operation saved $2.6 million over five years by replacing 24 forklifts with tow tractors.

Have we won you over on using tow tractors? Hope so! Here are a few we recommend:

Toyota Tow Tractors

Core Tow Tractor 8TB50 and 8TB50A

Toyota’s core tow tractor:

  • Has a 10,000 lb. capacity (on flat surfaces)
  • An AC drive system
  • Is available in a standard or automated version

If you struggle to find qualified team members, or simply want to minimize labor costs, an automated tow tractor might be a good investment. Toyota’s automated tow tractor uses LIDAR to navigate around obstacles, which means you don’t need to invest in costly infrastructure. 

  • There are no ongoing subscription fees
  • You can alter routes whenever you’d like
  • Operators can switch between automated and manual modes with the press of a button

Watch the video below to see the automated tow tractor in action at a recent automation demo day.


Toyota Mid Tow Tractor CBT4, CBTY and CBT6

Toyota’s Mid Tow Tractor does not have an automated option, but it is available in two configurations: 

  • Sit-down — for longer runs
  • Stand-up — better for frequent on-and-offs

These robust tuggers are popular with: manufacturing, warehouses and DCs, cold storage and food storage operations. Here are a few of the key specs:

  • 8,800 – 13,200 lb. towing capacity
  • A 48V DC drive system
  • Up to 11.2 mph travel speed without a load

Toyota High-Capacity Tow Tractor

Toyota's High-Capacity Tow Tractor has:

  • A towing capacity of up to 15,000 lbs. on level surfaces
  • Power steering 
  • An AC drive motor
  • Programmable customization
  • Regenerative plugging

Regenerative plugging not only reduces energy costs, it improves productivity by minimizing charging time. You’ll find Toyota’s High-Capacity Tow Tractor at general manufacturing, warehousing, cold storage and food storage operations.

Taylor-Dunn Tow Tractors

When most people think of a tow tractor, they picture a Taylor-Dunn tow tractor. These durable, reliable vehicles can tow up to 60,000 lbs. They also have a 70% lower cost of ownership compared to an average forklift.

As mentioned above, a tow tractor can also help make your workplace safer. Every year, on average, there are close to 35,000 OSHA-reportable, serious incidents involving a forklift. Since , there have only been 8 OSHA-reportable tow tractor incidents. On the manual end of things, a tugger can eliminate injuries related to dragging heavy items around using a pallet jack.

Taylor-Dunn Tiger Tow Tractors

Tiger TC-30/60 — available in gas, LPG and diesel-powered models

  • Max speed: 13 mph
  • Range: 25 miles
  • Max capacity: 60,000 lbs.

The Tiger TC-50E — the electrified Tiger

  • Max speed: 15 mph
  • Range: 30 miles
  • Max capacity: 60,000 lbs.

Compact Electric Tow Tractors

If you’re looking for something less powerful or more compact, Taylor-Dunn’s E-455 or E-453 are designed for narrow aisles and have towing capacities of 9,000 lbs. and 10,000 lbs., respectively.

Taylor-Dunn E-455 Specs:

  • Max speed: 6 mph
  • Range: 10 miles
  • Max capacity: lbs.
  • Turning radius: 90” with 180” outside clearance circle

Taylor-Dunn E-453 Specs:

  • Max speed: 7.5 mph
  • Range: 18 miles
  • Max capacity: 10,000 lbs.
  • Turning radius: 70” with 140” outside clearance circle.

Increase Productivity and Safety While Reducing Costs

If you’d like to reduce operating costs and move items around your facility in a safer, more efficient manner, a tug system might be a great fit. Our experienced and friendly material handling experts can help you choose the best option for your business needs and budget. 

We’re an authorized dealer for Toyota and Taylor-Dunn serving customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. We also sell used material handling equipment from a variety of brands.

For more information, please visit 10 ton diesel forklift.

Visit our utility vehicle page to request a demo, contact us online or by at 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-). We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. You can also stop by any of our 13 locations across the Mid-South.

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Belden, Tupelo, and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, and Kingsport

Related Reading:
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
Toyota’s Center Rider Stacker: 3 Pieces of Equipment for the Price of One
Product Review: Bastian Solutions ML2 AV


Hangcha Tow Tractors are the Solution Your Airport Needs

Your airport is a busy place. Aircraft have to shift between hangars. Luggage and cargo have to be loaded and unloaded. And all of it needs to happen right now. On top of that, airport staffing has never been more challenging.

Equipment trouble only adds to the list of woes. That's why you need aircraft tow tractors that will keep up with your facility's quick pace. You need tractors that run all day while keeping your operators comfortable and safe, even in Washington’s rainy weather. That means you need Hangcha tow tractors. Read on to learn how Hangcha's line of tow tractors stands up to the toughest jobs and still saves you money.

Your Tractors Don’t Stop for Inclement Weather

More than at any other time in history, the world is connected by air travel. Travelers depend on it to visit their loved ones. Businesses need it to keep their doors open. Goods and freight use airlines to keep the country running. So when the weather gets gloomy, your ground crew keeps working.

The X Series Lithium-ion battery also set the industry standard for efficiency and effectiveness. Rated for charging cycles with 80% capacity retention, the 2 hour charge time and maintenance-free battery will keep this machine running.

Rain or Shine Hangcha Tractors Can Hang

Hangcha's airport tug tractors are built to stand firm against punishing weather. Each features an IPX5 water resistance rating to protect against both water and dust. And sensitive electronics are installed high inside the tractor body to prevent road splash. This provides superior wading ability. Likewise, electronics are supported by forced air cooling to ensure they don't overheat even during the hottest days of the year.

Easy Maintenance Is the Second Best Kind of Maintenance

The best kind of maintenance is maintenance-free. Hangcha's brushless AC travel motor is maintenance-free. But it still provides impressive acceleration and exceptional climbing ability. In addition, models equipped with Hangcha's world-class Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries enjoy all-day power without the hassle of watering. Plus, these batteries are supported by Hangcha's 5-year or 10,000-hour warranty.

But not everything can be maintenance-free. So when service is required, Hangcha tow tractors make it easy. They feature an easy-dismount electric controller as well as front and rear hoods that open at wide, easy-access angles.

Hangcha Tow Tractors Prevent Accidents on the Tarmac

Your tow tractors literally pull their weight and more. But in the high pace environment of the tarmac, you also need them to stop that same weight. So with that in mind, Hangcha put a lot into the brakes.

Hangcha’s Braking System Sucks… In a Good Way

The braking system is assisted by an electric vacuum with a double-chamber and double-pipeline system as part of its all-wheel braking design. This provides reliable braking when fully loaded. And the vacuum assist even works when the tractor is off. The operator needs only pump the brakes 6 times, and the vacuum pump will secure the brakes.

This Tractor Offers a Smooth Ride

But braking is only half the battle. The tow tractor must also drive with precision and speed. To achieve that, the tractor uses the S-EPS synchronous steering system and a synchronous steering axle. These auto-adjust to road conditions, ensuring straight driving and reliable steering.

With solid pneumatic tires and a weather enclosure, the X Series is perfect for tugging light-to-medium planes and jets. Inside and out of the hanger, the X series can get aircrafts where they need to be.

Hangcha tow tractors also feature the IMOTION integrated control system. This onboard regulation coordinates all the tractor's drive features to deliver a smooth, accurate driving experience. This includes outstanding speed control, reverse and regenerative braking, and anti-slip functions.

Hangcha Tow Tractors Maximize Productivity

All the machinery in the world does no good unless someone operates it. To that end, Hangcha's tow tractors include a fully sealed cabin for the operator. This cabin is sealed against the elements and provides sound and heat insulation to keep the operator comfortable and safe. It even protects the operator from excessive vibration with its floating cabin design.

The large, multi-functional instrument display is positioned on the dashboard directly in front of the operator. And the combination rocker switches are similarly easy to reach.

The low boarding steps make it easy for the operator to enter and exit the spacious cabin. And the rear of the tractor includes inching buttons and an emergency cut-off switch. This allows the operator to adjust the tractor position without climbing back into the cabin.

Being Better for the Environment Is Also Better for Your Budget

There are a lot of benefits to making the switch to electric tow tractors. From an environmental standpoint, they produce much lower noise pollution. They are extremely energy efficient. And Li-ion technology doesn't release any pollution. This makes them an excellent choice to hit your sustainability goals.

But, if your airport is in Washington State, there's also a financial benefit. Hangcha's X Series tow tractors qualify as "ground support equipment" for airports under Washington's Clean Fuel Standard. This qualifies them for state incentives if used to replace internal combustion tractors.

Additionally, the Federal Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program also provides incentives for airports that switch to electric ground support equipment. There are a few more requirements for applying since it is a federal program. But it’s another way that Hangcha electric tow tractors save you money.

This also qualifies for the new Washington's Clean Fuel Standard credit program. That means the owner of a new Hangcha tow tractor could get paid for charging it. We're estimating you'd get $8,200 a year! 

MidCo Material Handling Is Your Expert on Hangcha Tow Tractors

Hangcha's line of heavy-duty electric tow tractors are powerful, resilient machines that work all day without slowing you down. Their Li-ion batteries are good for the environment and your budget. And they keep your operators comfortable and safe, no matter the weather. So if you are ready to learn more about Hangcha airport tug tractors, contact us online or visit one of our locations throughout Washington State.

Auburn 253-854-
Pasco 509-547-
Wenatchee 509-663-
Yakima 509-457-