Groundtow

Groundtow is a term used in some technical and industrial contexts to describe the process of moving objects along the ground by towing. The exact meaning can vary by field, and the term may appear as groundtow, ground-tow, or two words depending on the source.

In aviation, ground towing refers to moving an aircraft on the airport surface with a tow tractor linked to a tow bar, typically with the aircraft engines off and guided by standardized hand signals. This operation is a routine part of ground handling, used to position aircraft between runways, gates, and maintenance areas without using onboard power.

In manufacturing and logistics, ground tow describes moving heavy equipment or cargo on the floor using tow devices such as tow tractors, pallet jacks, or automated guided vehicles. It covers both manual and mechanized methods for relocating items within warehouses, factories, or distribution centers.

Because groundtow is not a standardized term across industries, its precise meaning may vary. Practitioners generally emphasize safety procedures, clearance of obstacles, proper coupling, and checks for disengagement or trailer sway to prevent accidents during movement.

See also: towing; aircraft towing; ground handling; tow tractor; pallet jack.