An airport tow tractor is an electric tug used to pull baggage carts, cargo dollies and ULD trailers, and supply trolleys between the terminal, the baggage sorting area, the cargo warehouse and the apron. This article looks at what an airport environment demands, compares the STILL electric tow tractors suited to it and explains how to choose a configuration.
What does an airport tow tractor do?
Most horizontal transport at an airport involves no lifting, so one tractor pulling several trailers consolidates trips. There are three main types of work:
- Baggage towing: trains of baggage carts run between the sorting area and the aircraft stand and return with arriving bags. STILL’s own material names the LTX 20 for baggage handling at airports and the LTX 70 for the transport of luggage at airports.
- Cargo dollies and ULD trailers: trailers carrying air cargo pallets and ULD containers are much heavier than baggage carts and need a tractor with high drawbar pull. This is the territory of the LXT and LXW series, which the manufacturer describes as able to move up to 35 tonnes at airports and train stations.
- Supplies inside the terminal: deliveries to retail outlets, catering, laundry and maintenance materials. Routes are short and pass through service corridors and narrow doors, so compact vehicles are preferred.
Operating demands of the airside and terminal
Long distances, multiple shifts
Flight schedules run from early morning to late at night. A tractor needs good travel speed and must be ready for 1–3 shifts without long stops for recharging.
Outdoor work and ramps
Routes from the sorting area up to apron level often include ramps. When a heavy train goes downhill, the biggest risk is the trailers pushing the tractor faster than the driver can control. For an airport tow tractor, reliable brakes and speed limiting matched to the terrain are criteria to check first.
Dense traffic of people and vehicles
Around an aircraft, ground staff and many types of equipment work at the same time, so the tractor must be easy to see and the driver needs good visibility. Operation must comply with the airside rules of the airport operator; lights, mirrors and cameras should be specified to meet those requirements.
No exhaust in enclosed areas
Baggage sorting halls and terminal corridors are enclosed spaces; an electric tractor produces no local emissions and runs quietly.
STILL airport tow tractor models
Within the STILL tow tractor range, four series are mentioned by the manufacturer directly in connection with airport use.
STILL LXT 120/350 – heavy-duty tractor
The STILL LXT 120/350 comes in six Li-Ion 80 V versions with drawbar pull from 12,000 kg to 35,000 kg, thanks to a twin-motor drive. A key feature is Descent Speed Regulation (DSR): the truck adjusts travel speed to the load and gradient, so it only goes as fast as the terrain allows when driving downhill. The cab can be configured with different doors, folding mirrors and a reversing camera; the STILL Easy Control display shows all vehicle information. A quick-charging socket and on-board charger allow top-up charging at stops.
STILL LXW 20/30 – carry on the deck, tow behind
The STILL LXW 20/30 has a load deck (2,000 kg on the LXW 20, 3,000 kg on the LXW 30) and a towing capacity of 6,000 kg. It suits technical teams or supply departments that carry goods on the vehicle and tow a few trailers. The LXW shares the modular platform, DSR system and cab of the LXT.
STILL LTX 70 – ride-on tractor for baggage
The STILL LTX 70 pulls up to 8,000 kg at a top speed of 20 km/h and works indoors and outdoors. Three braking systems (electric, hydraulic and an automatic parking brake when the truck stops) ensure safe starts on ramps; the STILL Ramp Indicator shows the current gradient. Various towing couplings are available for different trailer types.
STILL LTX 20 – compact tractor inside the terminal
The STILL LTX 20 is only 600 mm wide, pulls up to 2,000 kg at 8 km/h and fits through narrow corridors. Pedestrian mode lets the operator walk alongside while the tractor follows, which is useful on routes with many closely spaced stops.
The STILL LTX 50 is presented mainly for tugger trains supplying production; see our article on electric tow tractors and tugger trains.
STILL airport tow tractor comparison
| Model | Operator position | Max. drawbar pull | Max. capacity | Speed | Voltage | Suitable work |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STILL LTX 20 | Stand-on | 2,000 kg | – | 8 km/h | 24 V | Terminal supplies, short baggage routes |
| STILL LTX 70 | Seated | 8,000 kg | 150 kg | 20 km/h | 48 V | Baggage cart trains |
| STILL LXW 20 | Cab, load deck | 6,000 kg | 2,000 kg | 20 km/h | 80 V | Technical, supplies plus towing |
| STILL LXW 30 | Cab, load deck | 6,000 kg | 3,000 kg | 23 km/h | 80 V | Technical, supplies plus towing |
| STILL LXT 120 / 180 | Cab | 12,000 / 18,000 kg | 300 kg | 22 / 23 km/h | 80 V | Baggage, long cargo trains |
| STILL LXT 250 / 250L / 300 / 350 | Cab | 25,000 – 35,000 kg | 300 kg | 25 km/h | 80 V | ULD dollies, heavy cargo |
Figures from STILL technical data.
How to configure an airport tow tractor
- Total load of the heaviest train: add up trailer and cargo weight and allow for ramps. Baggage carts and ULD dollies carry very different loads.
- Route: length, gradients, turning points, door widths. Routes inside the terminal favour narrow trucks like the LTX 20; routes to the apron favour seated or cab tractors.
- Driver protection: for year-round outdoor work, consider the cab, mirrors and reversing camera of the LXT/LXW series.
- Safety equipment: LED daytime running lights, STILL Flashlight, STILL SafetyLight 4plus projecting light spots about 5 m in front of and behind the truck, and Curve Speed Control slowing the truck in bends.
- Energy: LXT and LXW use 80 V Li-Ion batteries with an on-board charger; the LTX 70 offers lateral battery change. Plan charging together with the vehicle choice; see energy solutions.
- Fleet management: FleetManager controls access by driver and records impacts; LXT/LXW offer an optional interface to STILL neXXt fleet.
Frequently asked questions
Can a STILL airport tow tractor tow aircraft?
No. The LTX, LXT and LXW are designed to pull baggage carts, dollies and trailers. STILL does not present them for pushing back or towing aircraft, which is a separate class of specialist equipment.
How many baggage carts can one tractor pull?
It depends on the weight of each loaded cart, the gradients and the airside rules on train length. Compare the total load of the heaviest train with the maximum drawbar pull of the model.
Can electric tractors work outdoors in the rain?
The LTX 70 is presented for indoor and outdoor use; the LXT and LXW have a cab and protective equipment for harsh environments. The exact protection level should be confirmed for the configuration at the quotation stage.
How does TCID help with selection?
TCID surveys routes, loads and operating schedules, recommends a model, and supports maintenance, parts and operator training.
For configuration advice and a quotation for an airport tow tractor, please send a quote request or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.
Real delivered projects
Honda Vinh Phuc plant
- 4 R06 tow tractors
- Handover: 2013
VinFast Hai Phong plant
- FM-X 20 reach truck, EXU 20S pallet mover, R08-20 tow tractor
