Tow Tractors & Electric Platform Trucks

What is a tow tractor and when does your operation need one?

A tow tractor is an electric vehicle that pulls trailers, carts or trolleys, used for horizontal transport over long distances in factories, yards, rail terminals and airports. It does not lift pallets into racking; it moves a large volume in a single trip, leaving forklifts in the loading and racking areas.

Consider adding an electric tractor when:

• Forklifts shuttle between warehouse and production, one pallet per trip, returning empty.
• Distances between halls and yards are long, with outdoor sections or ramps.
• Production lines need material supplied at a fixed cycle by a tugger train.
• Bulky goods need to be carried directly on the truck deck.

Route design and supply stations are covered in our article on electric tractors and in-plant tugger trains; this page focuses on choosing the model.

STILL electric tractors in this range

The range comprises five product lines in three families by operating style and towing capacity, all electric with zero local emissions.

Compact stand-on tractors: LTX 20 and LTX 50

The STILL LTX 20 pulls 2,000 kg at 8 km/h and, at only 600 mm wide, fits tight aisles. The STILL LTX 50 pulls 5,000 kg at up to 14 km/h, with a Li-Ion version and the automated LTX 50 iGo systems. Both offer pedestrian mode, so there is no constant getting on and off at closely spaced stops.

Versatile rider-seated tractor: LTX 70

The STILL LTX 70 delivers up to 8,000 kg of drawbar pull, a top speed of 20 km/h and a 48 V battery, and works both indoors and outdoors. A sprung forklift-style seat reduces fatigue on long routes; the battery is changed from the side, which helps in multi-shift operation.

Heavy-duty tractors and platform trucks: LXT 120/350, LXW 20/30

The STILL LXT 120/350 is an 80 V heavy-duty series with drawbar pull from 12,000 kg to 35,000 kg depending on the model, twin-motor drive and a configurable cab. The STILL LXW 20/30 shares the same platform but adds a load deck for 2,000 kg or 3,000 kg while still towing 6,000 kg behind it – one truck doing two jobs.

STILL tow tractor models compared

Model	Truck type	Max. drawbar pull	Max. speed	Battery voltage	Key features
STILL LTX 20	Stand-on tractor	2,000 kg	8 km/h	24 V	600 mm width, pedestrian mode
STILL LTX 50	Stand-on tractor	5,000 kg	14 km/h	24 V	STILL Easy Drive steering wheel, Li-Ion and iGo systems versions
STILL LTX 70	Rider-seated tractor	8,000 kg	20 km/h	48 V	Three braking systems, STILL Ramp Indicator
STILL LXT 120 – LXT 350	Heavy-duty tractor with cab	12,000–35,000 kg	22–25 km/h	80 V	Twin-motor drive, DSR, Li-Ion versions
STILL LXW 20 / LXW 30	Platform truck and tractor	6,000 kg	20–23 km/h	80 V	2,000 / 3,000 kg load deck, DSR

Figures are taken from the manufacturer's data sheets; the exact configuration (coupling type, battery, cab) may vary by order.

How to choose a tow tractor by load, route and environment

Total weight to be towed. Add the weight of goods and trailers, and choose a tractor with spare pulling capacity where the route has ramps. Light supply routes suit the LTX 20 and LTX 50; heavy goods or many trailers call for the LTX 70 or the LXT series.

Route characteristics. Short routes with many stops suit stand-on trucks; long, fast routes need a seat and a cab. In narrow aisles, truck width and the turning radius of the whole trailer train are decisive.

Indoors or outdoors. Routes across yards or ramps call for an automatic parking brake, gradient display and cab, as on the LTX 70, LXT and LXW. Towing baggage and air cargo has its own requirements, see our article on the airport tow tractor.

Energy and shifts. Single-shift work can run on lead-acid batteries charged overnight; multi-shift operation should consider Li-Ion with opportunity charging, or lateral battery change. See our energy solutions.

Safety and connectivity on STILL electric tractors

A long trailer train passing through pedestrian areas always carries risk. The STILL SafetyLight 4plus projects blue spots approx. 5 m in front of and behind the truck, warning at blind corners. On the LXT and LXW, Descent Speed Regulation (DSR) automatically limits downhill speed according to load and inclination. The LTX 70 combines an electric brake, a hydraulic brake and an automatic parking brake that engages as soon as the truck stops.

The trucks can connect to STILL neXXt fleet and STILL FleetManager for access control and impact detection, managed alongside your forklifts. TCID supports route surveys, configuration proposals and maintenance for every product line in this range.

Frequently asked questions

What determines the price of a STILL electric tractor?

The price depends on the model, towing capacity, battery type, cab, coupling and safety options. TCID quotes once we know the weight to be towed, the route layout and the number of shifts.

Can an electric tractor pull trailers from other brands?

Usually yes, if coupling and load rating match. STILL trucks offer various couplings; send us details of your existing trailers so our engineers can check.

Can a towing route be automated?

Yes. The LTX 50 iGo systems is an automated stand-on tractor that integrates with transport control software, suited to supply routes repeated on a fixed cycle.

Is maintaining an electric tractor complicated?

Electric trucks have fewer wearing parts than combustion-engine vehicles. According to the manufacturer, the LTX 70 has service intervals of up to 1,000 operating hours; the actual schedule should follow usage intensity.