Electric Tug Blog | Material Handling Tips, Tricks & Guides - MasterMover

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Compact (Up to 6,000kg)

Compact (Up to 6,000kg)

Compact, easy-to-use electric tugs and tows tugs designed to move loads up to 6,000kg, even in the most challenging workplace environments.

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Performance (Up to 70,000kg)

Performance (Up to 70,000kg)

Durable, powerful electric tug solutions to safely move heavy loads of 70,000kg with maximum control and precision.

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SmartMover

SmartMover

Compact but powerful, the SmartMover is the ideal manual handling solution – trusted to improve safety across industrial manufacturing, retail and logistics.

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MasterTow

MasterTow

Drive safety and efficiency with our powerful electric tow tugs, designed to safely move loads of up to 20,000kg.

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MasterTug

MasterTug

The MasterTug range allows a single pedestrian operator to easily push, pull and steer wheeled loads weighing up to 20,000kg.

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AllTerrain

AllTerrain

Delivering powerful performance in demanding conditions, choose the AllTerrain range to safely move heavy loads on rails and castors.

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MasterHandler

MasterHandler

Benefit from maximum manoeuvrability in tight spaces with the MasterHandler, designed to safely move loads with all-swivelling castors.

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PowerSteered

PowerSteered

Remote control solutions for maximum visibility when moving loads up to 70,000kg, and beyond with our patented MultiLink solution.

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Trailer Moving System

Trailer Moving System

The Trailer Moving System is the ideal solution to move unladen trailers weighing up to 20,000kg, in manufacturing and in the yard.

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ATEX/IECEx

ATEX/IECEx

MasterMover ATEX electric tow tugs can safely work in hazardous environments, allowing you to maximise workplace safety and efficiency.

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Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Constructed from high-grade 316 stainless steel and with IP ratings of up to IP55 available, stainless steel electric tugs are ideally suited to food and pharmaceutical environments.

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Automated Guided Vehicles

Automated Guided Vehicles

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have the ability to be transformational when it comes to driving operational efficiency within industrial manufacturing.

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Custom Solutions

Custom Solutions

Whether it’s a custom coupling to connect to your load, modifying our electric tugs to work in a challenging environment, or designing an entirely new solution for your application, our Customer Engineering team can help.

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Rentals

Rentals

Benefit from total purchase flexibility with short and long-term hire solutions designed around you. Rental is a flexible way to benefit from the advantages of electric tugs without capital investment.

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Aerospace

Aerospace Manufacturing

Supercharge your production with total control

Global aerospace manufacturers rely on our electric tugs to provide confidence and total control in the movement of heavy, high-value equipment.

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Defence

Safe and secure material handling across defence

From the secure movement of sensitive loads in aircraft manufacturing to the seamless positioning of satellites and spacecraft, unlock unrivalled manoeuvrability when moving heavy-wheeled loads.

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Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul

Reduce maintenance turnaround times with electric tugs

With no operator license required, electric tugs empower a single operator to safely move loads such as aero engines and repair platforms to maximise efficiency.

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Automotive & Heavy Plant

Automotive & Commercial Vehicle

Shifting efficiency up a gear

Automotive and commercial vehicle OEMs depend on electric tugs to maximise efficiency in the movement of body-in-whites, press tools, parts and kitting trolleys.

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Automotive Supply Chain

Optimising automotive supply chain efficiency

Relied on by leading automotive tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, electric tow tugs deliver the safe, efficient movement of parts, components and equipment.

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Engine, Pump & Generator

Heavy-duty solutions for powerful movements

Leading manufacturers trust MasterMover electric tugs to create flexible production processes and deliver the controlled movement of heavy-wheeled loads in confined spaces.

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Heavy Plant

Maximum flexibility to meet demand and reduce costs

Heavy plant manufacturers choose electric tugs to create flexible, scalable processes, reduce downtime and maximise production output.

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Trailer Manufacturing

Reducing downtime in trailer movement

Global trailer manufacturing facilities trust MasterMover electric tugs to eliminate manual handling and boost production efficiency.

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Tyre Manufacturing

Eliminating manual handling to accelerate efficiency

Global tyre manufacturing facilities trust MasterMover electric tugs to eliminate manual handling and boost production efficiency.

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Energy & Petrochemical

Chemical

Boost production efficiency without compromising on safety

Chemical manufacturers looking to maximise production efficiency and reduce risk trust MasterMover electric tugs to safely move heavy-wheeled loads such as vessels, tanks and hoppers.

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Nuclear

The power to maximise control

MasterMover electric tugs deliver the safe, controlled movement of heavy and sensitive loads – maximising workplace safety in hazardous environments.

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Oil & Gas Equipment

Unlock greater operational efficiency

With powerful material handling solutions to move 30,000kg and beyond, electric tugs are relied on by oil and gas equipment manufacturers to increase efficiency and reduce process bottlenecks.

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Petrochemical

Precise and controlled movements for hazardous environments

Available to meet ATEX/IECEx standards, our electric tugs are used in refineries and petrochemical plants to move heavy, sensitive loads with total control.

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Wind Energy

Control high-value loads with confidence

Our innovative material handling solutions keep your manufacturing processes moving, delivering greater control and flexibility than traditional handling solutions.

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Facilities & Waste

Airports

Safe movement of baggage trolleys in busy airports

Electric tugs enable the safe, efficient movement of heavy loads through congested environments, improving safety and maximising staff productivity.

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Bin Moving

Bin moving made easy

Ideal for apartment blocks, hospitals, care homes, universities, schools and hotels, our bin towing solutions eliminate manual handling and improve safety.

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Facilities Management

Eliminating manual handling and improving staff safety

Electric tugs help facilities management providers eliminate the need for manual handling and reduce the risk of injuries.

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Healthcare

Remove manual handling and reduce staff fatigue

Healthcare managers trust our pedestrian operated electric tugs to move roll cages, linen cages, medical equipment and more.

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Waste Management

Effortless movement of waste bins and containers

Our electric tugs enable a single operator to effortlessly move multiple bins – even on slopes - eliminating manual handling and reducing the risk of injury.

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Food & Beverage

Beverage Processing

Boost labour productivity and production efficiency

Removing manual handling in the movement of roll cages and beverage trolleys, electric tugs enable processing and bottling facilities to boost labour productivity and efficiency.

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Dairy

A safer way to move nested roll cages

For dairy processing facilities, electric tugs enable a single operator to safely move trains of nested cages, maximising efficiency and eliminating taxing manual handling processes.

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Food Manufacturing

Eliminating manual handling in food manufacturing

Electric tugs empower a single operator to effortlessly move heavy-wheeled loads, removing the strain on operators and maximising workplace safety.

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Meat Processing

Reducing aches and strains in meat processing

By facilitating the effortless movement of heavy loads, electric tugs enable abattoirs and packing facilities to reduce staff injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.

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Manufacturing & Assembly

Boat & Yacht Building

Precise and controlled movement of high-value loads

Electric tugs enable a single operator to move the heaviest loads through tight spaces with complete control, with remote control options to maximise operator visibility.

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Brick & Ceramics

Safe control of delicate loads

A single operator can safely move heavy loads such as oven kilns, moulds and completed product without the risk of injury or fatigue.

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Cable & Wire Reel Handling

Large reels handled with precision

Electric tugs deliver the safe movement of heavy cable drums and reels, maximising operator safety.

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Glass

Seamless movement of loads, maximising control

Empowering a single operator to safely manoeuvre loads such as lamination trolleys, A-frame stillages, other glass handling equipment and materials, electric tugs enable glass manufacturers to improve workplace safety.

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Modular Buildings

Moving modular buildings just got easier

Electric tugs are used to create seamless operations and maximise productivity when moving modular buildings, pods, site cabins and other prefabricated components, through the production line or out to finishing points.

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Paper

Compact paper reel handling equipment that maximises safety

Delivering the effortless movement of large reels, electric tugs and electric pushers eliminate manual handling – maximising workplace safety and productivity.

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Plastic & Metal Extrusion

Safely move stillages and hoppers

Whether it’s transporting large stillages of finished products or hoppers to the production line, our electric tugs reduce the need for manual handling and create safer, more efficient working environments.

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Rail & Rolling Stock

Safe, efficient movement of loads in manufacture and maintenance

Boasting emissions-free designs and compact footprints, electric tugs can safely work inside and outside workshops to maximise efficiency.

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Steel & Fabrication

Reduce downtime to maximise production flow

Working alongside lifting equipment, electric tugs offer total flexibility in congested production environments.

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Textiles

Safer handling of loads in textile manufacturing

Electric tugs are used across the textile industry to eliminate manual handling and remove the risk of injury by providing the safe, controlled movement of materials and A-frame fabric rolls.

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Retail, Logistics & Warehousing

Logistics & Warehousing

Transforming logistics operations to maximise efficiency

Unlock safer, more efficient processes in replenishment and fulfilment operations with electric tugs.

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Retail & Delivery

Making safe store deliveries a one-person job

Delivering the safe and effortless movement of heavy roll cages, electric tugs empower a single operator to move loads without the risk of injury, even on slopes.

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Roll Cage Movement

A safer way to move roll cages

Removing the need for physical effort, our Roll Cage Mover takes the strain away from operators and eliminates manual handling – reducing the risk of injuries.

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Trailer Movement

Efficient trailer movement for busy depots

Perfectly suited for congested depots and requiring no license to operate, unlock maximum visibility and efficiency.

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Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences

Biopharmaceutical

Safer pharmaceutical material handling

Electric tugs enable highly skilled staff to focus on value-adding tasks, boosting efficiency and eliminating manual handling in the movement of equipment.

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Healthcare

Remove manual handling and reduce staff fatigue

Healthcare managers trust our pedestrian operated electric tugs to move roll cages, linen cages, medical equipment and more.

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Pharmaceutical Cleanroom Equipment

Maximise safety and suite uptime

From chromatography columns to single-use mixers, our stainless steel electric tugs make moving heavy cleanroom equipment easier and safer to maximise suite up-time.

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Customer Support

Customer Support

Access dependable and responsive support and explore service packages.

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Training

Training

Unlock the full potential of your electric tug with operator training.

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Approved Parts

Approved Parts

Keep your electric tug in great condition with MasterMover genuine, approved parts.

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MasterConnect

MasterConnect

Benefit from deep analytics on the usage and performance of your electric tug, to help maximise product utilisation and uptime.  

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Rentals

Rentals

Benefit from total purchase flexibility with short and long-term hire solutions designed around you. Rental is a flexible way to benefit from the advantages of electric tugs without capital investment.

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Custom Solutions

Custom Solutions

Whether it’s a custom coupling to connect to your load, modifying our electric tugs to work in a challenging environment, or designing an entirely new solution for your application, our Customer Engineering team can help.

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Electric Tug Essentials

Ultimate guide to electric tugs

Ultimate guide to electric tugs

Learn about the various features, benefits and why businesses choose electric tugs to improve their operational efficiency and reduce manual handling

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What is an electric tug?

What is an electric tug?

An electric tug is a battery-powered, pedestrian-operated piece of material handling equipment used to move heavy wheeled loads. Continue reading to find out more.

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Electric tug price guide

Electric tug price guide

Electric tug pricing is influenced by a range of important factors and considerations.

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Why do businesses use electric tugs?

Why do businesses use electric tugs?

As more companies look to make improvements in safety and efficiency, businesses across many different sectors are turning to MasterMover.

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5 benefits of electric tugs

5 benefits of electric tugs

More companies are choosing to invest in alternative load moving solutions and unlocking the many benefits of using one of our electric tugs or tow tugs.

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How electric tugs work

How electric tugs work

Electric tugs and electric tows enable industrial manufacturers, as well as those in retail and logistics, to reduce manual handling and drive operational efficiency in the movement of heavy-wheeled loads.

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Automated Guided Vehicles

What is an AGV?

What is an AGV?

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is a material handling system that travels autonomously without the need for an operator.

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Types of AGVs

Types of AGVs

We take an in-depth look at the different types of AGV, typical applications and the benefits

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10 benefits of AGVs

10 benefits of AGVs

When deployed correctly, AGV electric tugs offer a range of benefits, offering better ROI, increased safety, and a more efficient operation.

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Common AGV myths

Common AGV myths

Despite increasing interest in AGVs, several misconceptions about the functionalities and design exist, from the ease of implementation to perceived cost and return on investment.

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Guide to buying an AGV

Guide to buying an AGV

The process of selecting and purchasing an Automated Guided Vehicle can often be seem complicated and intimidating. The technology involved is sophisticated, but the process of purchasing an AGV has never been simpler.

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Outdoor AGVs

Outdoor AGVs

Move materials between buildings regardless of the weather, AGVs can be used indoors or outside.

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Material Handling Equipment

Ultimate guide to material handling equipment

Ultimate guide to material handling equipment

Learn about the electric tugs and why they can compliment, or are a suitable alternative to, traditional material handling equipment.

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10 Principles of material handling

10 Principles of material handling

Read the ten principles of material handling that everyone should follow, whether reviewing existing methods or looking at new processes.

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Advanced material handling equipment

Advanced material handling equipment

Take a look at the different types of advanced material handling systems, what to consider when researching them, and how to implement the right solution for your needs.

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Forklift trucks vs electric tugs

Forklift trucks vs electric tugs

Forklift trucks and electric tow tugs are both types of industrial equipment used to move large, heavy loads. However, they are both designed for two vastly different purposes.

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Shunters vs electric tugs

Shunters vs electric tugs

With many of the world’s leading manufacturers investing in fork-free operations, and an array of solutions are available on the market to help.

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Towing tractors vs electric tugs

Towing tractors vs electric tugs

We compare the two most common types of equipment designed for flexible and safe transport and movement of heavy-wheeled loads.

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Overhead cranes vs electric tugs

Overhead cranes vs electric tugs

As many businesses look to optimise efficiency, a leaner, more flexible solution is emerging – electric tugs.

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Manual Handling Guide

Ultimate manual handling guide

Ultimate manual handling guide

Manual handling is part of many operations, but it's also an area that can lead to injuries. Read our guide to see how injuries can be prevented with electric tugs

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How to reduce manual handling injuries

How to reduce manual handling injuries

Uncover the essential strategies for maintaining a safe and manual handling injury-free workplace.

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7 manual handling stats

7 manual handling stats

We’ve collected 7 key statistics every Health and Safety Manager needs to see

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5 Principles of Manual Handling

5 Principles of Manual Handling

To minimise the risk of injury and maximise safety, there are 5 key principles to consider.

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Insights Blog

Insights Blog

The MasterMover blog - your hub for the latest expertise, industry insights, and essential resources to optimise material handling processes.

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Case Studies

Case Studies

Discover how our customers have transformed their operations to enhance efficiency and safety with electric tugs.

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About Us

About Us

MasterMover is a world-leading manufacturer of electric tug solutions designed to improve safety and operational efficiency when moving heavy, large or unconventional loads.

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Contact Us

Contact Us

Interested in finding out more about our products and services, or need support?

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Become a Sales Partner

Become a Sales Partner

Join our network and gain a competitive advantage over others in your market by becoming a MasterMover Sales Partner.

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Careers

Careers

With year-on-year growth and our continued investment in innovation – it’s a great time to become part of our journey. Our ambitious plans for the future mean you’ll benefit from an exciting career at MasterMover.

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Company News

Company News

Explore the latest news from MasterMover to keep up to date with exciting developments, insightful updates and company announcements.

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ATEX Electric Tugs Provide Safety and Efficiency North Sea

Energy & Petrochemical

ATEX electric tugs engineered to the specific requirements of the UK oil and gas industry have been supplied by MasterMover.

Moving Wind Turbine Blades During Manufacturing

Energy & Petrochemical

Moving wind turbine blades during manufacturing can be a difficult task. In industrial applications, they can reach up to 100m in length (in fact the world’s largest is 107m long), and weigh many tonnes.

Compact (Up to 6,000kg)

Performance (Up to 70,000kg)

SmartMover

MasterTow

MasterTug

AllTerrain

MasterHandler

PowerSteered

Trailer Moving System

ATEX/IECEx

Stainless Steel

Automated Guided Vehicles

Custom Solutions

Rentals

Supercharge your production with total control

Safe and secure material handling across defence

Reduce maintenance turnaround times with electric tugs

Shifting efficiency up a gear

Optimising automotive supply chain efficiency

Heavy-duty solutions for powerful movements

Maximum flexibility to meet demand and reduce costs

Reducing downtime in trailer movement

Eliminating manual handling to accelerate efficiency

Boost production efficiency without compromising on safety

The power to maximise control

Unlock greater operational efficiency

Precise and controlled movements for hazardous environments

Control high-value loads with confidence

Safe movement of baggage trolleys in busy airports

Bin moving made easy

Eliminating manual handling and improving staff safety

Remove manual handling and reduce staff fatigue

Effortless movement of waste bins and containers

Boost labour productivity and production efficiency

A safer way to move nested roll cages

Eliminating manual handling in food manufacturing

Reducing aches and strains in meat processing

Precise and controlled movement of high-value loads

Safe control of delicate loads

Large reels handled with precision

Seamless movement of loads, maximising control

Moving modular buildings just got easier

Compact paper reel handling equipment that maximises safety

Safely move stillages and hoppers

Safe, efficient movement of loads in manufacture and maintenance

Reduce downtime to maximise production flow

Safer handling of loads in textile manufacturing

Transforming logistics operations to maximise efficiency

Making safe store deliveries a one-person job

A safer way to move roll cages

Efficient trailer movement for busy depots

Safer pharmaceutical material handling

Remove manual handling and reduce staff fatigue

Maximise safety and suite uptime

Customer Support

Training

Approved Parts

MasterConnect

Rentals

Custom Solutions

Ultimate guide to electric tugs

What is an electric tug?

Electric tug price guide

Why do businesses use electric tugs?

5 benefits of electric tugs

How electric tugs work

What is an AGV?

Types of AGVs

10 benefits of AGVs

Common AGV myths

Guide to buying an AGV

Outdoor AGVs

Ultimate guide to material handling equipment

10 Principles of material handling

Advanced material handling equipment

Forklift trucks vs electric tugs

Shunters vs electric tugs

Towing tractors vs electric tugs

Overhead cranes vs electric tugs

Ultimate manual handling guide