Towline Conveyors by Webb-Stiles
What are Towline Conveyors?
Towline conveyors operate as floor-based systems that move wheeled carts or fixtures along a fixed path using a chain-driven tow mechanism. Webb-Stiles engineers these systems for continuous movement through manufacturing zones like assembly, wash, or inspection. Depending on layout and load, the system can be installed directly on the floor for flexible reconfiguration or embedded for permanent use.
Towlines pull carts using tow pins, pusher dogs, or custom fixtures. As the chain travels through a defined channel, it guides each load through every required station at a steady pace. Because everything stays at floor level, loading and unloading remain ergonomic and efficient—no lifting equipment needed.
Operations that involve heavy loads, high repeatability, or fixed routing often rely on this conveyor type. Towlines can support anything from small subassemblies to multi-ton vehicle frames. Systems may run in straight lines, loops, or complex layouts with spurs and switches, depending on what the process demands.
Types of Towline Conveyors
Drag Line
A Drag Line system uses an over-and-under chain to tow carts along a fixed, straight path. This setup works best in environments that demand consistent, linear movement—especially for long or heavy assemblies. Because carts follow a predictable route, Webb-Stiles often engineers these systems for truck or military vehicle lines where frame alignment must stay exact across multiple stations.
Best for: Long, straight processes with heavy products that must maintain orientation from start to finish
Deep Channel
Deep Channel systems use a trolley-supported chain with optional pusher dog or fixed-center configurations. They manage elevation changes and route products through vertical shifts without compromising flow. Webb-Stiles recommends this style for multi-level facilities or spaces with limited pit depth and floor clearance. These systems also support accumulation when the line needs to pause or buffer products between stations.
Best for: Plants with vertical constraints, buffer zones, or processes requiring elevation changes
Custom Systems
When standard formats don’t meet the application’s needs, Webb-Stiles designs custom towlines that adapt to unusual load sizes, facility layouts, or process flows. The team engineers above-floor systems, dual-chain zones, and specialty interfaces to meet tight tolerances or resolve complex spatial constraints.
Best for: Unique applications where space, load characteristics, or process complexity demand a purpose-built solution
Low Selectow
The Low Selectow uses a closed-loop layout with a 6” pitch chain and no take-up, which simplifies maintenance and keeps chain tension consistent. Webb-Stiles designs this system to keep carts captive, allowing precise routing through switches, spurs, and branching paths. It supports multiple work zones or product variations that need to circulate through the same conveyor loop.
Best for: Assembly lines with looped movement, part variations, or multiple work zones that share a main loop
Flextracker
Flextracker is a mobile, pre-engineered towline that sits directly on the floor. Webb-Stiles recommends it for layouts that change or expand over time. The system assembles quickly and eliminates the need for floor embedment, making it ideal for contract manufacturing, wiring harness builds, or pilot lines. Operators gain ergonomic access to each cart, while companies maintain the flexibility to reconfigure as production shifts.
Best for: Light-duty, reconfigurable setups where speed, flexibility, and ergonomic access are priorities
Applications & Uses
Towline conveyors are engineered for environments where repeatable movement, floor-level access, and layout-specific routing are essential. From heavy vehicle assembly to modular wire harness builds, these systems adapt to a wide range of industries and process needs.
Heavy Manufacturing & Complex Assemblies
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Webb-Stiles engineered drag line conveyors to upfit MRAP vehicles using custom tow bars.
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Tow carts move full truck chassis through multi-stage assembly lines.
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Deep channel systems manage elevation changes in space-limited layouts.
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Low Selectow systems route diesel engines through looped lines with accumulation zones.
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Parallel towlines guide trailers through wash, paint, decking, and trim stages.
Light Assembly, Flexible Layouts & Scalable Production
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Flextracker systems support wire harness builds with ergonomic, straddle-style carts.
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On-floor towlines like Flextracker enable quick setup and expansion.
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Above-floor systems support contract shops with frequent product changeovers.
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Towlines help scale production and reconfigure zones without major reconstruction.
Key Features
Towline systems can be built for raw strength, layout complexity, or fast reconfigurability—depending on what your operation requires. Every feature is selected based on load, path, and how your team needs to interact with the system.
Engineered for Load Control and Layout Flexibility
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Towlines handle everything from light assemblies to loads over 25 tons
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Supports straight paths, loops, spurs, and elevation changes
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Available in in-floor, on-floor, and above-floor configurations
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Custom tow carts, pins, and pusher mechanisms designed per load
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Compact drive and take-up units reduce pit size and structural work
Built for Scalability, Ergonomics, and Integration
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Flextracker systems offer modular, mobile layouts for fast changes
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Ergonomic carts improve operator access and comfort at each station
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Accumulation zones, switches, and branching paths available
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Seamlessly integrates with workstations, lifts, and inspection zones
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Designed, fabricated, and controlled entirely in-house by Webb-Stiles
Engineering Considerations for Towline Conveyors
Webb-Stiles engineers every towline system around the flow of your process—not just the footprint of your floor. The team evaluates how materials move, what loads the system must handle, and how each component needs to interact with operators and equipment. As a result, every system is custom-built to support efficiency, safety, and long-term adaptability.
System Layout and Movement
Webb-Stiles designs towline layouts based on much more than square footage. Straight-line systems support vehicle assembly and long builds where alignment is critical. In contrast, closed-loop designs keep parts moving through repeatable tasks like engine upfitting or powertrain assembly. Additionally, spurs, switches, and accumulation zones create flexibility for staging, merging, or parallel workflows. If your process requires elevation changes, Webb-Stiles uses deep channel towlines to provide smooth vertical transitions.
Load Handling and Cart Interface
Load requirements drive critical design choices. Heavier components may need dual tow points, reinforced carts, or fixed-position carriers to maintain balance and orientation. Lighter assemblies often use ergonomic, straddle-style carts to improve operator access. Webb-Stiles adjusts chain selection, floor mounting method, and track construction based on the weight, spacing, and duty cycle expected in your application.
Integration and Long-Term Flexibility
Towlines rarely operate in isolation. Webb-Stiles engineers each system to integrate with lifts, pop-ups, workstations, and inspection points—building around how your team works, not just how products move. Modular systems like Flextracker allow fast changes without major reconstruction. To reduce installation impact, Webb-Stiles also engineers pit sizes, drive locations, and take-up units with long-term structural efficiency in mind.
Downloads & Literature
Looking for technical details or real-world examples? Download our literature to explore towline capabilities, layouts, and engineered options.
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Additional literature is available in our full Literature Library for deeper exploration across product types.