you said that you don't have batteries for these reach trucks.

no battery makes them easier to move around.

you don't really need a brake release tool, you can loosen the the locknuts that hold down the rotor.

the large locknut requires a 1 1/8th" box-end wrench and the small locknut requires a 7/8" socket.

the socket fits inside of the box-end, I've done this lots of times with no problems.

YOU MUST be extra careful when releasing the brakes this way ! be prepared to stop the reach truck from rolling, until you get those locknuts tightened again !

In what way are you attempting to tow these lifts? Just to move them once or on a routing basis? I am not sure what the manual says but I do believe it references towing in the beginning. I have seen a brake release tool used on an RC but likely need the battery. We previously used a cut off forked with welded tip to go under back lip, pick up (just enough to get drive tire off the ground)and tow