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.

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 2002, 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: 9000 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.

Visit our utility vehicle page to request a demo, contact us online or by phone at 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926). 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

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