MasterMover Global News
Pedestrian Operated Electric Tugs vs Remote Control – Which is right for me?
Electric tugs are designed to improve the safety and efficiency of moving heavy, wheeled loads. As technology has developed, operators can now choose from a number of control options on electric tow tugs, such as a remote control or even AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) solutions that require no operator.
But, with this new level of choice, how do you work out which is right for you?
In this blog we’ll cover:
What is a remote control electric tug?
With a remote control electric tug, the user uses a wireless remote control to operate the machine. This provides all the same functionalities as the headset on the machine but with the added benefit of increased mobility and a more hands-off approach.
Fundamentally, using a remote control releases the operator from standing next to the load.
The benefits of a remote control operation
Operators can position themselves in the ideal vantage point when moving a load by operating the machine with a remote control, moving with the load or taking up different viewing positions during a movement.
This simplifies operations, such as coupling to the load, manoeuvring in tight areas, and maximising visibility when moving large and cumbersome loads.
Using a remote control also transforms the operation into a completely ‘hands-off’ operation, delivering the effortless movement of loads.
Where required, with remote control operation a second control unit can be made available, featuring only an emergency stop function. This allows a second operator or ‘banksman’ to view the movement of a large load and stop that movement if they detect a risk.
Pedestrian operated vs remote control
| Tug Option | Features & Considerations |
|---|---|
Pedestrian operated tug |
|
Remote control tug |
|
Is a remote control always required?
Operating electric tugs using a remote control offers an unrivalled experience when moving large, and awkward loads – especially when visibility is restricted by the load itself.
However, it isn’t required on every application. If you don’t need the additional flexibility of remote control operation, where visibility is not an issue, or your movements are infrequent, a pedestrian-operated electric tug might be the better option.
When might a remote control operation be more suitable?
The addition of remote control technology to our range is designed to cater for applications where additional visibility, precision, scalability, and manoeuvrability are needed.
Each application is unique but here are some examples where a remote control operation was the right fit:
- Transportation of wing beds in a congested aerospace manufacturing facility
- Movement of 80m+ wind turbine blades out of the factory
- Mobilising 18,000kg rock-crushing chambers throughout production stages in the mining industry
Unsure of which might be best for your application? Speak to our expert technical team by calling +44 (0) 1335 347 700 or make an enquiry.
