Need some help? For further assistance or more information, contact your local Toyota Dealer.

Find the parts you need to keep your operation at peak performance.
Industry leading service through the Toyota Forklift Dealer Network.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Toyota can take care of all your material handling needs.

Tow Tractors & Tuggers FAQ

Posted: February 24, 2026
Read Time:

Common Tow Tractors & Tuggers Questions

What Is a Tow Tractor?

A tow tractor is a powered industrial vehicle designed specifically for horizontal transportation, pulling wheeled carts, trailers, and other loads throughout facilities rather than lifting them. Toyota's Tow Tractors are electric-powered vehicles that can tow loads ranging from 2,200 pounds (Tora-Max® Walkie Tugger) up to 59,500 pounds (Large Tow Tractor), making them ideal for moving materials efficiently across warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers without the complexity of lifting mechanisms.

Is a Tow Tractor a Forklift?

No, a tow tractor is not a forklift, though both are powered industrial trucks. While forklifts lift and stack loads vertically, tow tractors are designed exclusively for horizontal transportation by pulling wheeled carts and trailers. Toyota's Tow Tractors lack forks and masts but excel at moving multiple loads efficiently across facilities. OSHA requires that operators be trained and certified by their employer on the specific truck type and workplace conditions under 29 CFR 1910.178.

How Is a Tow Tractor Used in a Warehouse?

A tow tractor in a warehouse is a compact, maneuverable vehicle used to pull carts and trailers loaded with materials between different locations within the facility. Toyota's Tow Tractors, including models such as the Industrial Tow Tractor and Core Tow Tractor, are essential for lean manufacturing and just-in-time delivery systems. They allow operators to move multiple carts in a train configuration, reducing trips and improving efficiency compared to individual forklift movements.

What Is an Electric Tugger?

An electrical tugger is a battery-powered towing vehicle that uses electric motors for propulsion and steering. All Toyota tow tractors/tuggers are electric, featuring AC drive motors that provide smooth acceleration, regenerative braking for extended runtime, and zero emissions for indoor use. Models like Toyota's Industrial Tow Tractor include programmable performance settings, allowing customization for different applications while maintaining energy efficiency through features like regenerative plugging.

What Is a Tugger Train?

A tugger train is a material handling system consisting of a powered tugger vehicle pulling multiple wheeled carts or trailers in a train-like configuration. This system allows one operator to transport large volumes of materials efficiently in a single trip. Toyota Tow Tractors can be configured with various hitch options to pull tugger trains, making them ideal for lean manufacturing environments where materials need to be delivered to multiple workstations along production lines.

What Is the Difference Between a Forklift and a Tow Tractor?

The main differences are function and design. Forklifts lift, carry, and stack loads using forks and a mast, while tuggers pull wheeled loads horizontally without lifting capability. Toyota Tow Tractors are more maneuverable in tight spaces, can move multiple carts simultaneously in train configurations, and typically have lower operational costs for horizontal transport. Tow Tractors are ideal for repetitive routes and lean manufacturing, while forklifts excel at vertical storage and varied material handling tasks.

Can You Use a Tow Tractor as a Forklift?

No, tow tractors cannot be used as forklifts because they lack the lifting mechanisms (mast, forks, hydraulic lift system) necessary to raise loads vertically. Toyota Tow Tractors are engineered exclusively for horizontal transportation through towing. If your operation requires both lifting and towing, you need separate equipment. Consider a mixed fleet approach with Toyota forklifts for vertical handling and Toyota Tow Tractors for horizontal transport. 

What Is the Main Advantage of a Tow Tractor With Trailers?

The main advantage is the ability to move multiple loads simultaneously in a single trip, dramatically improving efficiency over individual forklift movements. Toyota Tow Tractors with trailer trains can move multiple loads in a single trip using a cart train, reducing aisle traffic and operator time compared with making individual forklift trips. 

What Are the Different Types of Tuggers?

Toyota offers several types of tuggers to match different operational needs:

  • Walkie Tuggers (Tora-Max®): Operators walk behind, ideal for light loads up to 2,200 lbs.
  • Stand-up Tuggers (Core Tow Tractor): Platform for operator to stand, 15,000 lb. towing capacity
  • Sit-down Tuggers (Mid and Large Tow Tractors): Seated operation for long distances, up to 59,500 lbs. capacity
  • Industrial Tuggers: Heavy-duty models for manufacturing environments, 15,000 lb. capacity
  • Automated Tuggers: AGV versions for autonomous operation Each type is designed for specific applications, distances, and load requirements.

What Lifts Are Used in Warehouses?

 

While Toyota Tow Tractors don't lift, they complement lifting equipment in warehouses. Common warehouse equipment includes forklifts for vertical storage, reach trucks for high racking, order pickers for piece picking, and pallet jacks for short moves. Toyota's Tow Tractors excel at horizontal transportation between these lifting operations, creating efficient material flow by moving loaded carts and containers between receiving, storage, picking, and shipping areas.

Are Tuggers Easy to Maneuver?

 

Yes, Toyota Tuggers are designed for exceptional maneuverability. Features include power steering as standard on most models, a tight turning radius for narrow aisles, ergonomic multifunction control handles, low step heights for easy entry/exit, and excellent visibility. The Tora-Max® Walkie Tugger (2TWT22) is rated at 2,200 lb. (level surfaces) and uses a 24-V lithium-ion battery; its compact footprint and tight turning radius support precise maneuvering in confined areas.

What Is the Toyota Towing Package?

 

In the context of Toyota Material Handling equipment, towing packages refer to the various hitch options and configurations available for Toyota Tow Tractors. Options include automatic couplers, pin & clevis hitches, 42-inch tow tractor hitches, and quick-release hitch choices, depending on model. Each Toyota Tow Tractors can be customized with different hitch types to accommodate various trailer configurations and facilitate quick coupling/uncoupling for maximum productivity.

How Much Is a Toyota Tow Tractor?

 

Toyota Tow Tractor pricing varies significantly based on model and configuration. Factors affecting price include towing capacity (2,200 to 59,500 lbs.), battery type and size, sit-down versus stand-up configuration, additional options like cold storage packages, and hitch configurations. Contact your local Toyota Dealer for specific pricing, financing options, and total cost of ownership analysis for your application.

Do I Need a CDL to Operate a Tow Tractor?

 

You don’t need a CDL to operate a tow tractor inside a facility. Under 29 CFR 1910.178, employers must train and certify tow-tractor (Class VI) operators with formal instruction, practical training, and a performance evaluation specific to the truck type and workplace. In non-agricultural jobs, workers under 18 may not operate powered industrial trucks. Employers must keep certification records and re-evaluate each operator at least once every three years.

Which Is Better: a Walkie Tugger or an Electric Pallet Jack?

 

This depends on application needs. Electric pallet jacks are designed for lifting and moving individual pallets short distances. Toyota's Walkie Tugger and tow tractors are designed for pulling multiple wheeled loads over longer distances without lifting. For moving multiple loads horizontally across facilities, tuggers are more efficient. For loading/unloading trucks and short pallet moves, electric pallet jacks are appropriate. Many facilities use both for complete material handling coverage.

Related Articles