In a large distribution centre goods do not only move from dock to rack. There are long, repetitive flows: from picking to packing, between buildings on the same site, from the warehouse to the delivery vehicle staging area. If every pallet or roll cage is carried individually by a forklift, empty running becomes significant. A tow tractor for retail solves this by pulling several trailers or roll cages in a single trip.
Flows that suit a tow tractor
- Roll cages by store: many retail chains deliver in roll cages rather than on pallets; a tractor takes a whole train of cages from picking to the dock door.
- Transfers between warehouses on one site: for example dry goods, bulky goods and dispatch housed in different buildings.
- Collecting empties, pallets and returns: the return trip brings empty trays and crates back to the collection point.
- Wholesale yards: outdoor transport between storage and loading areas.
Why not use forklifts for these runs?
A forklift costs more and carries only one or two pallets per trip. Using it for long horizontal runs wastes truck hours and adds traffic in shared aisles. A tow tractor runs fixed routes and pulls many units per trip, cutting the number of internal movements. The conditions are repetitive flows and routes wide enough for a trailer train to corner.
Suitable STILL models
STILL LTX 20: for narrow aisles in the warehouse
The STILL LTX 20 is just 600 mm wide and tows up to 2,000 kg. It is a stand-on tractor with a low step and folding seat, suiting a few roll cages between zones where aisles are tight and the operator gets on and off constantly.
STILL LTX 50: fixed routes over longer distances
The STILL LTX 50 pulls trailers with a total weight of up to 5,000 kg through narrow aisles at up to 14 km/h. Curve Speed Control reduces speed according to steering angle on routes with many bends – important when towing tall roll cages. The Li-Ion option allows charging between shifts, and the Blue-Q programme cuts energy costs.
STILL LTX 70: indoors and outdoors
The STILL LTX 70 tows up to 8000 kg at 20 km/h, indoors or outdoors. The automatic parking brake and STILL Ramp Indicator showing the gradient make ramps to the yard safer. Pedestrian mode lets the tractor follow the operator over short distances.
STILL LXW 20/30: platform truck for yards
For wholesale sites with large yards, the STILL LXW 20/30 carries up to 3,000 kg on its platform and tows up to 6000 kg at up to 23 km/h. Descent Speed Regulation adjusts speed to gradient and load automatically; the on-board charger allows top-up charging at any time.
Tow tractor selection by stage
| Stage | Type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Roll cages in narrow aisles | STILL LTX 20 | 600 mm wide, tows up to 2,000 kg |
| Fixed route from picking to dock | STILL LTX 50 | Up to 5,000 kg, 14 km/h, Curve Speed Control |
| Transfers between buildings, with ramps | STILL LTX 70 | Up to 8000 kg, indoors and outdoors |
| Carrying and towing in yards | STILL LXW 20/30 | 3,000 kg platform, 6000 kg towing, DSR |
Deployment tips
- Map the goods flows and identify repetitive routes before deciding the number of tractors and trailers.
- Check turning radii and gradients along the route with the full trailer train.
- Roll cages need suitable couplings and trailers; trial in practice before rolling out.
- Read electric tow tractors and tugger trains and see the tow tractors category.
Other stages are on the retail & wholesale solutions page.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mid-size retail warehouse need a tow tractor?
If the distance from picking to dock is short, an electric pallet truck is enough. A tow tractor pays off with long distances and flows repeated many times per shift.
Can a tow tractor work in an outdoor yard?
The LTX 70 works indoors and outdoors; the LXW 20/30 has Descent Speed Regulation for routes with gradients. The LTX 20 and LTX 50 suit narrow indoor aisles.
Can tow tractors be automated?
STILL offers LTX 50 iGo systems with transport control software. Routes and processes need surveying before planning automation.
Need to design an internal towing route? Send a request on the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.