2025 represents an exciting milestone within the Oshkosh AeroTech business – 80 years of innovation of LEKTRO® towbarless tractors! What began as a pioneering vision in a workshop in Oregon has grown into a globally recognized and trusted name in ground support equipment. Today, LEKTRO towbarless aircraft tractors drive reliability, safety, ingenuity, and performance across airports large and small, from corporate flight departments and local FBOs to some of the busiest commercial airline hubs in the world.
A Groundbreaking Beginning
LEKTRO tractor’s humble beginnings go back to 1945 when the Willamette Aircraft & Engine Co. (originally known as "Electric Vehicles Inc.") was founded and quickly evolved into an electric vehicle manufacturing company developing electric golf carts, forklifts, factory stock-carts, motorized stairs and more. Introduced in the 1960s, the all-electric LEKTRO towbarless tractor was the first of its kind — decades ahead of the industry's electrification wave.
By eliminating the need for a traditional towbar and streamlining aircraft handling, LEKTRO tractors helped transform how ground crews move aircraft. The benefits were immediate promoting fast turnaround times, excellent maneuverability, efficient maintenance and safe towing operations. Over the past 80 years, thousands of LEKTRO towbarless tractors have been delivered to over 100 countries. Whether on the tarmac of a small regional airport or amid the nonstop bustle of a major international gateway, LEKTRO’s presence is felt — quietly and powerfully — in pushbacks, maintenance tows and countless other repositioning operations.
“The Oshkosh AeroTech team is proud to carry the rich legacy of the LEKTRO brand,” said Jesse Long, Director of Sales & Customer Care, LEKTRO. “We’re honored to celebrate 80 years and look forward to continued innovations, now as part of the Oshkosh AeroTech family, supporting the ‘airport of the future’ and the unique and continually evolving needs of the aviation industry.”
Pioneers in Electric Power
Long before sustainability became an industry imperative, LEKTRO tractors were leading the charge with all-electric powertrains. Zero emissions, low noise, and efficient operating costs made the LEKTRO product ideal for many operations and a natural choice especially for environmentally conscious operators - well before these metrics became mainstream.
Today, Oshkosh AeroTech builds on that legacy, ensuring the LEKTRO line continues to meet and exceed modern expectations for energy efficiency, safety, and smart performance.
“From the ramp to the hangar, LEKTRO towbarless tractors are built with the operator in mind – helping to achieve the perfect aircraft turn,” said Will Lunt, Engineering Manager for Towbarless Tractors. “We engineer each machine for precise, agile, all-electric operation. We continue to refine and innovate our designs and solutions to ensure we’re ready to support our customer’s needs both today and in the future.”
Honoring the Past. Looking Forward.
Every LEKTRO tractor is built with the same commitment to craftsmanship, customization, and quality that defined its origins. We honor the company’s founder and team of innovators who laid the foundation for what has become an iconic name in ground support equipment. With a robust global service, support and parts network, and continued product evolution, LEKTRO equipment is built to last — and built to serve.
As we celebrate 80 years of Oshkosh AeroTech’s LEKTRO product line, we do so with gratitude to our customers, partners, and team members — past and present — who have powered the brand forward. After joining the Oshkosh Corporation portfolio in 2023, the focus and passion on serving aviation continues with Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK) having a deep technology bench in electrification, autonomy, mobility and more.
Here’s to 80 years of innovation!
Want to learn more about the LEKTRO tractor's legacy and the latest in towbarless technology? Visit https://oshkoshaerotech.com/products-and-services/ground-support-equipment/lektro-tow-vehicles/ or contact our team today.
