What is an electric tug?
An electric tug is a battery-powered machine designed to move heavy-wheeled loads. They are known by many names such as ‘electric tows’, ‘electric tow tugs’, ‘pedestrian tugs’ and ‘powered tugs’.
As a type of material handling equipment (MHE), electric tugs are used extensively within industrial manufacturing environments and in sectors such as retail, biopharmaceuticals, waste handling and more.
Using electric tugs enables businesses to create processes that are more efficient and safer, enabling a single operator to push, pull and stop heavy loads.
With compact designs, electric tugs are the ideal solution for moving large loads in tight spaces - guaranteeing total manoeuvrability.
Traditional handling equipment – Forklift trucks & electric tow tractors
By keeping loads safely on the ground, electric tugs offer an effective alternative to traditional material handling equipment such as forklift trucks, pallet trucks and overhead cranes.
With a compact machine footprint, many businesses are opting for electric tow tugs as an alternative to an electric tow tractor to deliver the precise movement of loads in tight or congested areas.
Manual handling solutions
Where wheeled loads were moved manually, an industrial electric tug takes the strain – increasing safety and reducing the risk of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.
Material types & environmental ratings
The construction material needed for an electric tug or specialist environmental protection such as required ingress protection (IP) or explosion-proofing all impact the specification.
Electric trailer mover
Our Trailer Moving System is designed to move heavy articulated trailers and HGV trailers safely and offers a safer alternative to shunters and lorries.
Electric wheelie bin tug
A range of BinMover tugs are available to remove the physical effort in the movement of heavy waste bins in facilities management.
Roll cage material handling
Our Roll Cage Mover is also specifically designed to make the movement of heavy retail cages safer for supermarkets.
Electric tugs vs electric tow tugs
The phrases electric tug and electric tow tug are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion around what the differences are.
The two terms describe two different machine designs designed for different jobs...
Traction is essential when it comes to moving heavy loads and the key difference between an electric tug and an electric tow tug is how they generate traction and in turn, move loads.
Electric tugs utilise a weight transfer system and a specialist coupling set-up designed to get your load moving, steer it, and bring it to a controlled stop. Weight transfer involves a machine transferring an element of the loads weight down onto the drive wheel of the machine to gain traction, allowing compact machines to move very heavy weights.
Unlike tugs, which utilise a weight transfer system to generate traction, an electric tow ultimately uses its own weight to gain traction and get loads moving.
Technology & control options
Electric tugs are available with various technology and control options, designed to maximise the benefits of safety and efficiency. From pedestrian operated electric tugs to fully autonomous solutions - there are electric tow tug solutions to meet every requirement.
Remote control operation provides operators with complete flexibility, allowing them to take up the ideal vantage point when making a movement delivering maximum visibility.
Innovative MultiLink technology on our PowerSteered range allows multiple machines (up to 12) to work in synchronisation via one remote control, perfect for the movement of large, awkward loads that require precise positioning.
Take advantage of Line Follow navigation on AGV electric tugs to easily automate the repeated movement of heavy loads to drive operational efficiency. Or benefit from a totally integrated and autonomous solution with a full AGV system that utilises intuitive natural navigation.
