Aviation Baggage Tractors – a Short History

Have you ever been to the airport and noticed a baggage cart? The small vehicles which are constantly running around and carrying your luggage. They are everywhere, small, white, and constantly on the go. Baggage tractors, as they are officially called, are probably the most ubiquitous vehicles at any airport. Apart from airplanes, of course. They are critical components of airport logistics and one of the most important parts of ground support equipment. But what’s their story? Why are they important? How did they evolve? How can they be improved? We’ll look at a short history of these important vehicles. We will also see where you can find airport baggage carts for sale and how you can find baggage tractors replacement parts. The early days of baggage tractors Baggage tractors, like all other ground support equipment, have come a long way since their invention. It all happened during the early 20th century when commercial aviation started to become active. As a matter of fact, ground support equipment was minimal during the first 20 years of commercial aviation. Airports were poorly equipped and usually featured just a small paved runway. Some runways may not even be paved. Ground support was provided by a few mechanics or by the pilot himself, which used rudimentary tools, borrowed from other vehicles, such as cars or trucks. There was almost no special support for airplanes. The same goes for baggage tractors. There weren’t any specially designed tractors for airport use. In most cases, an agricultural tractor helped carry passengers’ luggage. In other cases, a small truck or even a car was used. Hand-pulled carts were also common at smaller airports across the world. The aviation industry was just starting out. There were simply no specialized tools or vehicles to help airport operators. One of the earliest examples of baggage tractors was the Duat Tow Tractor, designed and built by the Clark Truck Tractor Co., in 1925. The tractor was a rudimentary vehicle that could haul baggage carts along the runway. They were very common, especially in American airports. Similar vehicles were designed and used in European airports, but they were very different from what we use today. The reason was simple – there were very few commercial flights available. Only the richest individuals or military personnel used this type of transport. World War II and the 1950s The demand for air travel exploded around 1940 when the world was engulfed in World War II. Thousands of tractors were built for the U.S. Army. They were designed to haul goods and equipment to and from the aircraft. They were designed for military use, but the experience was useful for civilian models in the 1950s. After World War II, civilian aviation became popular for the average American, and demand for ground support equipment skyrocketed. Multiple manufacturers designed and produced baggage tractors. The market was huge and there were many airport baggage carts for sale across the world. Baggage tractors replacement parts were common and maintenance was done in every airport. The carts were larger, more efficient, reliable, and durable. Agricultural tractors were no longer used, being replaced by the modern airport baggage tractor. The 1960s to 1970s The 1960s were hugely important for the ground support equipment industry. This is the time when containerization became the norm. This process modernized baggage handling in airports across the world. The new cargo system was more efficient, quick, and more reliable. There were few mistakes, less lost baggage and happier passengers. Airport operations were easier, more efficient, and cost-effective. The new system included a Flite-Line loader, which helped load and unloads an airplane in just 15 minutes, increasing turnaround times. This was immensely beneficial for airlines, which had shorter downtimes. Passengers also received their baggage much quicker than ever. The early 1970s also saw the introduction of the common bobtail cargo tractor, which was heavily upgraded during the next decades. Airport ground support equipment was truly modern and operations were quicker than ever before. The 1970s to 2000s The 1970s were the boom decade for the entire aircraft industry. People were traveling all over the world and commercial aviation was affordable for the average American. Regular flights were also available to and from Europe, as well as Asia. Airports had multiple terminals and could accommodate tens of aircraft simultaneously. This meant that ground support equipment had to evolve and provide excellent service 24/7. Baggage tractors evolved tremendously. They got better engines (some models started using electric motors), were larger, had better acceleration. Also, the maintenance was easier, as they were more reliable than earlier models. Baggage tractors replacement parts were available on the market and maintenance crews were highly trained. Everything was more efficient, and the industry continued to expand through the 1980s and 1990s. An important upgrade of the era were baggage tractors with higher drawbar pulls, designed to work with larger baggage loads. Safety was also important for the operator, with multiple safety solutions included, like airbags and assisted braking technology. Modern airport baggage carts for sale often include multiple comfort features, like air conditioning or heated seats, but also in-built radio and entertainment systems. Modern-day baggage tractors Today, baggage tractors are available in multiple variants. Most models include modern features, like hydraulic brakes, telematic packages for remote diagnostics and monitoring, hydraulic steering, GPS navigation, complete cab enclosure, automatic couplers, and many others. Airport operators can choose to purchase electric-powered, diesel-powered, or gasoline-powered tractors. Here’s a short guide: Electric-powered tractors – they were launched in the early 1960s but became popular after 2000 and especially after 2010. They have an excellent ROI and are very cost-efficient. Although somewhat expensive, they are very durable. Diesel-powered tractors – they are the workhorses of the industry and they’ve been around since the 1920s. Cheap, durable, and easy to maintain, they are here to stay. Gasoline-powered tractors – similar to diesel-powered tractors, but more agile and cheaper. They can be seen in most airports around the world.