Tow tractors are equipped with what to facilitate towing?

Tow tractors are primarily equipped with automatic tow couplers to facilitate the towing of aircraft and other heavy equipment. Automatic tow couplers provide a significant advantage in terms of safety and efficiency. They allow for a quick and easy connection between the tractor and the aircraft or load without requiring the operator to manually engage or disengage the coupling mechanism. This design reduces the risk of human error during the towing operation, as the automatic system can securely lock in place, ensuring a stable connection.

Furthermore, the automatic feature often includes mechanisms that can provide visual or audio signals to indicate whether the connection is secure, further enhancing operational safety. In contrast, manual tow couplers require direct operator involvement for connecting and disconnecting, which can be less efficient and increases the chance of mishaps.

The other options do serve important functions but do not directly relate to the primary requirement of facilitating towing operations in tow tractors as effectively as automatic couplers do. For instance, pneumatic brakes are essential for stopping and controlling the vehicle but do not relate to the coupling mechanism. Digital towing systems could enhance towing operations through advanced tracking or control, but the core necessity for towing relies on the effective coupling used, making automatic tow couplers the most suitable choice.