Pedestrian Operated Electric Tuggers vs Remote Control

Which is right for me?

Electric tuggers 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 tuggers, such as a remote control or even AGV systems (Automated Guided Vehicle) 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:

• The differences between pedestrian operated and remote control electric tuggers
• [Video] Pedestrian operated vs remote control: See them in action
• The benefits of both
• The ideal applications for remote-control tuggers

What is a pedestrian operated electric tugger?

An electric tugger is a battery-powered type of material handling equipment that moves heavy-wheeled loads. Pedestrian operated electric tugs are the most common and traditional design of electric tugs on the market.

What is a remote control electric tugger?

With a remote control electric tugger, 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.

Pedestrian operated vs remote control: See them in action

What are the benefits?

The benefits of a pedestrian operated electric tugger

A pedestrian operated electric tugger allows a single operator to easily handle loads of up to 44,000 lbs. The operator controls, steers, and maneuvers the electric tugger directly through the headset on the machine.

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 remote control, moving with the load, or taking up different viewing positions during a movement.

This simplifies operations, such as coupling to the load, maneuvering in tight areas, and maximizing 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 ‘spotter’ to view the movement of a large load and stop that movement if they detect a risk.

Pedestrian operated vs remote control

Is a remote control always required?

Operating electric tuggers using a remote control offers an unrivaled 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 tugger might be the better option.

When might a remote control operation be more suitable?

The addition of remote control technology was created to cater to applications where additional visibility, precision, scalability, and maneuverability 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
• Mobilizing 39,500 lbs. 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 980-263-2210 or request information.