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Tow tractors and industrial tuggers are essential assets within the UK Materials Handling Equipment
(MHE) sector. Designed to pull multiple loads safely and efficiently across large sites, these
machines play a critical role in modern factories, airports, logistics hubs, hospitals, rail
depots, and large distribution centres. As supply chains become more complex and pressure increases
to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability, tow tractors and electric tuggers have become
strategic investments rather than optional equipment.
Gable Business Finance specialises in arranging asset finance for tow tractors and tugger systems
used across the UK. We support businesses acquiring new, used, or reconditioned equipment, including
electric tug solutions from well-known manufacturers such as MasterMover and Terberg, as well as
other specialist industrial tug brands. Our role is to ensure that funding structures align with
operational demands, site layouts, and long-term productivity goals.
This in-depth guide explores how tow tractors and tuggers are used in the UK materials handling
sector, the types of businesses that rely on them, the benefits they deliver, and how Gable Business
Finance structures flexible funding solutions to support acquisition.
Tow tractors and industrial tuggers are materials handling vehicles designed to pull, rather than
lift, loads. They are typically used to move multiple trailers, carts, roll cages, or wheeled loads
in a single movement, making them ideal for environments where high volumes of goods must be moved
over longer distances.
Unlike forklifts or pallet trucks, which focus on lifting and short-distance movement, tow tractors
and tuggers excel in:
In the UK MHE sector, these machines are increasingly electric-powered, supporting sustainability
goals, reducing emissions, and enabling safe indoor operation.
Tow tractors and tuggers support internal logistics – the movement of goods between processes,
departments, buildings, or operational zones within a site. As UK facilities grow in size and
complexity, internal transport efficiency becomes just as important as external logistics.
These machines are commonly used to:
By consolidating multiple loads into a single movement, tow tractors significantly reduce vehicle
traffic, labour requirements, and handling time.
Manufacturing facilities are among the largest users of tow tractors in the UK. In automotive,
aerospace, electronics, and general manufacturing, tow tractors are used to support lean production
models such as just-in-time (JIT) and just-in-sequence (JIS) delivery.
Electric tuggers pull trains of carts carrying components directly to workstations, reducing the
need for forklifts and minimising disruption on the factory floor. This improves safety, reduces
damage risk, and supports continuous production flow.
Large distribution centres and fulfilment warehouses use tow tractors to move roll cages, pallet
dollies, and wheeled containers between inbound docks, storage areas, picking zones, and outbound
lanes.
In e-commerce environments, where speed and accuracy are critical, tugger systems allow operators
to move multiple orders simultaneously, supporting high throughput while reducing fatigue.
Airports are one of the most recognisable environments for tow tractors. These machines are used to
move baggage carts, cargo dollies, catering units, and mail containers across airside and landside
areas.
Electric tow tractors are increasingly favoured at UK airports due to their quiet operation, zero
emissions, and suitability for indoor and enclosed environments.
Hospitals and healthcare campuses rely on tow tractors to move supplies, medical equipment, waste,
and linen between departments and buildings.
Electric tuggers are particularly valuable in healthcare settings due to their low noise levels,
clean operation, and ability to reduce manual handling injuries among staff.
Rail depots, ports, and transport hubs use tow tractors to move freight units, equipment, and
support materials across large operational areas.
In these environments, robust tug solutions are required to handle heavier loads while maintaining
control and safety.
The UK materials handling sector has seen a strong shift toward electric tow tractors and tuggers.
This transition is driven by sustainability targets, indoor air quality requirements, and advances
in battery and motor technology.
Electric tug solutions offer several advantages:
Manufacturers such as MasterMover and Terberg are well known in the UK for producing electric and
hybrid tug solutions capable of handling loads ranging from a few hundred kilograms to many tonnes.
Pedestrian-operated tuggers are designed for operators to walk alongside the machine. They are
commonly used in factories, hospitals, and warehouses for moderate loads and shorter distances.
Ride-on tow tractors allow the operator to sit or stand on the machine, making them ideal for long
distances and large sites such as airports and distribution centres.
Heavy-duty tow tractors are used for pulling large trains of carts or very heavy loads. These are
commonly found in aviation, rail, and heavy manufacturing environments.
Specialist tugs are designed for specific applications, such as moving aircraft, rail vehicles, or
industrial machinery. These machines often feature advanced control systems and high torque output.
Investing in tow tractors delivers measurable operational benefits for UK businesses:
These benefits make tow tractors a strategic asset in facilities focused on lean operations and
continuous improvement.
Tow tractors and electric tuggers often represent a significant capital investment, particularly
when multiple units or bespoke systems are required. Asset finance provides a practical way to
acquire this equipment without tying up working capital.
UK businesses choose to finance tow tractors to:
Hire purchase allows businesses to spread the cost of tow tractors over time while working toward
ownership. This option is ideal where equipment forms a long-term part of internal logistics
infrastructure.
Leasing provides flexibility and predictable monthly payments. It is commonly used where businesses
expect to upgrade equipment or where technology is evolving rapidly.
Existing tow tractors owned outright can be refinanced to release capital, supporting expansion,
working capital, or additional equipment purchases.
Gable Business Finance arranges funding for tow tractors of all ages and conditions:
This flexibility allows UK businesses to choose equipment based on operational suitability rather
than lender restrictions.
Tow tractors contribute significantly to improved workplace safety by reducing manual pushing and
pulling of loads. In the UK, where manual handling injuries remain a major cause of lost working
days, investment in tugger systems supports compliance with health and safety obligations.
Modern tow tractors also incorporate safety features such as controlled acceleration, emergency
stop systems, and visibility aids, making them suitable for busy shared environments.
Yes. Electric tow tractors are commonly financed through hire purchase and leasing agreements.
Yes. Used and reconditioned tow tractors of any age can be financed, subject to condition.
Yes. Fleet finance solutions are available for multi-unit acquisitions.
Yes. Batteries, chargers, and accessories can usually be included.
Yes. Specialist and bespoke tug systems can often be funded depending on application.
Tow Tractor and Tugger Finance from Gable Business Finance supports UK materials
handling businesses acquiring electric and industrial tow tractors for factories, airports,
hospitals, and distribution centres. Funding is available for new, used, and reconditioned equipment
through hire purchase, leasing, and refinance solutions.
Tow tractors and industrial tuggers are vital to efficient internal logistics across the UK materials
handling sector. By enabling the safe movement of multiple loads across large sites, they improve
productivity, safety, and sustainability.
Gable Business Finance provides tailored funding solutions that allow UK businesses to invest in tow
tractor technology without compromising cash flow. Whether acquiring electric tug solutions for a
single site or rolling out systems across multiple locations, our expertise ensures finance supports
long-term operational success.
© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK materials handling sector.