Forklifts are excellent at lifting — but they are an expensive and congested way to simply move material from A to B. Lean plants increasingly use tow tractors and platform trucks for horizontal transport.
Tow tractors (tow trucks)
A tow tractor pulls a train of trailers, delivering to several line-side points in one trip — the classic milk-run. Electric models suit indoor plants; diesel for yards and airports. Towing capacities range from 3 to 25 ton.
Platform trucks
Battery-powered trucks with a heavy-duty deck built to your size carry bulky loads, tools and materials across large campuses, hospitals and factories.
Benefits
- Fewer forklifts on the floor means fewer pedestrian conflicts
- Scheduled trains smooth material flow and reduce line stoppages
- Lower energy use per pallet moved
- Quiet electric operation indoors
Getting started
Map your material routes and delivery frequencies; we can suggest tractor capacity, trailer types and a route plan.