A pushback tractor is a low-profile tow vehicle that pushes aircraft back from the gate and tows them around the ramp and hangar. Victory GSE sells and leases used pushback tractors from brands such as TUG, JBT, Hough and NMC Wollard. Every unit shown below is in stock in Los Angeles. Request a quote for pricing and lease terms.
PUSHBACK TRACTORS
Used Aircraft Pushback Tractors for Sale or Lease
How to Size a Pushback Tractor
Size a pushback tractor by its drawbar pull and the heaviest aircraft you will move. Tractor weight matters as much as engine power, because traction limits how hard a tractor can push.
- Business and regional aircraft: compact tow tractors such as the NMC Wollard MB-4 and Grove MB-2.
- Narrow-body airliners: mid-size conventional pushbacks. The TUG GT-35 is rated at 28,000 lb drawbar pull and lists the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families as compatible (Textron GSE, 2026).
- Wide-body aircraft: heavy conventional or towbarless tractors.
Conventional vs. Towbarless Pushback Tractors
A conventional pushback tractor connects to the nose gear with a towbar. A towbarless tractor cradles and lifts the nose wheel, so no towbar is needed. The FAA covers both methods in Advisory Circular 00-65, which tells operators to train ground crews on the published towing procedures for each aircraft type (FAA, 2010).
Most used pushback tractors are conventional. They are simpler machines, but each aircraft type needs a matching towbar or towbar head. Budget for the towbars along with the tractor.
Matching Towbars and Hitches to Your Fleet
A conventional pushback is only as useful as the towbar on its hitch. Each aircraft type has its own nose-gear fitting, shear pin rating and turning limits. Operators with mixed fleets often run one universal towbar with interchangeable heads instead of a towbar for every type.
List the aircraft types you will move when you request a quote. That lets us recommend a tractor class and hitch setup that fits your operation.
Military Tow Tractors: MB-2 and MB-4
The MB-2 and MB-4 are U.S. military-specification aircraft tow tractors. Civil operators use them for hangar moves, maintenance towing and pushing business and regional aircraft. Both models are common on the used market, which keeps parts and know-how easy to find.
Buy or Lease a Used Pushback Tractor
Lease a pushback when you need coverage for a new gate, a seasonal schedule or a fleet gap. Buy when the unit will work daily for years. Ground damage costs airlines almost $5 billion a year (IATA, 2022), so confirm these points before either:
- Drawbar pull matches your heaviest aircraft.
- Towbar or hitch fits your fleet.
- Hours and service records are available.
- Parts are supported for the engine and transmission.
Pushback Tractor FAQ
What does a pushback tractor do?
A pushback tractor pushes an aircraft backward away from the gate, since most jets cannot reverse safely under their own power. The tractor driver steers during the push. Pushbacks also tow aircraft to and from hangars.
How much drawbar pull do I need for a Boeing 737?
Textron lists the TUG GT-35, rated at 28,000 lb drawbar pull, as compatible with the 737 and A320 families. Confirm towing limits in the aircraft manufacturer’s manual before you buy.
Are pushback tractors gas or diesel?
Most mid-size and large pushback tractors run on diesel. The TUG GT-35, for example, is offered with Deutz or Cummins Tier 4 Final diesel engines (Textron GSE, 2026). Smaller tow tractors may use gasoline engines.
Do you lease pushback tractors?
Yes. Victory GSE offers used pushback tractors for sale or lease. Call (323) 581-7272 or send a quote request.
Is there FAA guidance for aircraft towing?
Yes. FAA Advisory Circular 00-34B, issued in July 2024, covers aircraft ground handling and servicing. AC 00-65 covers towbar and towbarless movement. For baggage carts and light aircraft, see our used baggage tractors.