PJi's 2026 Guide to Aircraft Tugs by Eagle
Key Takeaways
- Aircraft tugs eliminate the need for engine power for ground movement, reducing fuel consumption and engine runtime while giving ground crews precise control over aircraft and equipment positioning in hangars and on the ramp.
- Eagle Tugs has been manufacturing aircraft pushback tractors and tugs for more than 50 years, with all-wheel drive, unibody welded chassis construction, and equal weight distribution across all wheels for consistent pushback performance in all conditions.
- Eagle's lineup covers four primary categories: electric towbarless tugs for business aviation, diesel and electric business aircraft tugs, diesel commercial tugs for narrow-body airliners, and bobtail cargo tractors for high-speed long-distance cargo hauling.
- Eagle's bobtail cargo tractors – built on a Ford Super Duty chassis that is shortened and strengthened by Eagle – are engineered to tow heavier loads at higher speeds and last more than three times as long as traditional cargo tractors.
- PJi is Eagle Tugs' number one authorized distributor, operating an OEM-authorized Eagle service center with certified technicians and offering purchase, financing, and rental options for the full Eagle lineup.
What Is an Aircraft Tug, and How Is It Used?
Aircraft tugs, also known as tow tractors, are among the most essential and useful pieces of ground support equipment (GSE). Tugs easily maneuver aircraft and large aviation equipment, such as lavatory carts, baggage carts, and air starters at airports and in hangars worldwide.
There are many benefits to using an aircraft tug to maneuver aircraft and large aviation equipment, including:
- Eliminating the need to use an aircraft’s fuel to move
- Enabling ground crews to move an aircraft in and around hangars and equipment with precision
- Reducing run time on the aircraft’s engine and turbine
- Quickly and conveniently relocating an aircraft
All aircraft tugs are designed for maneuvering aircraft and large aviation equipment, but there are several differences among makes and models. Tugs can be electric, gas, or diesel-powered. Depending on the tug, the way it moves an aircraft varies also. Some tugs use a towbar, and those that do not are known as towbarless tugs.
Why Choose Eagle Tugs?
Widely recognized as the aviation industry’s most reliable aircraft tug and pushback tractor manufacturer, Eagle Tugs has supported commercial, air cargo, military, and industrial operations for more than 50 years. Eagle's diverse line of tugs features low-profile designs, direct front and rear hitch visibility, and an ergonomic operator compartment. Eagle Tugs’ all-wheel drive (AWD) and unibody welded chassis provide smooth pushback in all conditions and environments. In addition, Eagle’s AWD tugs have equal weight distribution over all wheels, allowing operators to push or pull aircraft without losing steering or performance.
Why Choose PJi as Your Source for Eagle Tugs?
Pilot John International® (PJi®) is the aviation industry’s number one authorized Eagle Tugs distributor. Our OEM-authorized Eagle service center has certified, skilled technicians ready to provide expert service and maintenance for your equipment. Our authorized distributorships, expert technicians, exceptional customer support, and flexible payment and rental options make PJi the global source for Eagle Tugs in the aviation industry.
Explore Our Full Line of Eagle Tugs
Electric Towbarless Aircraft Tugs – eJP Series
eJP-10 – Eagle Towbarless Electric Aircraft Tug – Tow up to 100,000 lbs.
eJP-12 – Eagle Electric Aircraft Tug – Tow up to 125,000 lbs.
eJP-3 – Eagle Electric Towbarless Aircraft Tug – Tow up to 30,000 lbs.
eJP-3L – Eagle Electric Towbarless Aircraft Tug – Tow up to 30,000 lbs.
Diesel Business Aircraft Tugs – TTR Series
TTR-6 – Eagle Tier 4F Diesel Aircraft Tug – 6,000 lbs. DBP
TTR-8 – Eagle Tier 4F Diesel AWD Aircraft Tug – 8,000 lbs. DBP
TTR-12 – Eagle AWD Tier 4F Diesel Aircraft Tug – 12,000 lbs. DBP
Electric Business Aircraft Tugs – eTT Series
eTT-8X – Eagle Electric Aircraft Tug – 8,000 lbs. DBP
eTT-12X – Eagle Electric Aircraft Tug – 12,000 lbs. DBP
eTT-16 – Eagle Electric Aircraft Tug – 12,000 lbs. DBP
Diesel Commercial Aircraft Tugs – XM Series
The Eagle XM Series tug is a cost-effective solution for moving the full B737 and A320 aircraft families in dry or wet weather. This XM tug features the latest Tier 4 Final emissions-rated engine for full EPA/CARB compliance. Standard safety features and equipment include a side marker, strobe lighting, emergency brake override protection, low-oil/high-temp shutdown system, and hot-shift transmission protection.
XM-20 – Eagle Tier 4F Diesel Commercial Aircraft Tug – 16,000 lbs. DBP – 23,000 lbs. Service Weight
XM-30 – Eagle Tier 4F Diesel Commercial Aircraft Tug – 16,000 lbs. DBP – 32,000 lbs. Service Weight
Bobtail Cargo Tractors
In 1969, Eagle Tugs created the first all-weather, high-speed cargo bobtail tractor. Eagle bobtail tractors are still the leaders in high-speed cargo towing. Most top cargo handlers use them for long-distance cargo hauling. Built on a Ford Super Duty chassis, Eagle bobtail tractors have more than 100 years of automotive manufacturing experience built into their design. Eagle takes the already robust Ford chassis, shortens and strengthens the drivetrain, and upfits it into the most reliable high-speed cargo tractor on the market. The result is a high-speed cargo tractor that can reliably tow heavier loads at higher speeds, is more comfortable for operators, and lasts more than three times as long as traditional cargo tractors.
EB2-10D – Bobtail Diesel Cargo Tow Tractor – 10,000 lbs. DBP
EB2-10G – Bobtail Gas Cargo Tow Tractor – 10,000 lbs. DBP
EB2-5D – Bobtail Diesel Cargo Tractor – 5,000 lbs. DBP
EB2-5G – Bobtail Gas Cargo Tractor – 5,000 lbs. DBP
EB2-7G – Bobtail Gas Cargo Tractor – 7,500 lbs. DBP
EB2-8D – Bobtail Diesel Cargo Tractor – 7,500 lbs. DBP
The Bottom Line
When it comes to reliable, high-performance aircraft tugs, Eagle Tugs sets the standard for quality and innovation. As your trusted source for the complete lineup of Eagle aircraft tugs, PJi is here to ensure you find the perfect tug for your operational needs. Our friendly and knowledgeable aviation specialists are ready to assist you in selecting the right solution for your fleet, offering expert guidance and exceptional customer service. Call, email, or chat with us today to get started!
