MasterMover Global News
What is an electric tugger?
Electric tuggers, also known as an electric tow tugger, electric tuggers and powered tuggers, are battery-powered machines designed to move heavy loads such as raw materials, high-value equipment and other resources in an industrial environment, in or around a production line or process, or in sectors such as retail, logistics, waste handling and more.
Using them to move heavy-wheeled loads can drive operational efficiency while improving health and safety. Electric tuggers help to reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual handling of heavy loads which requires physical effort from an operator.
They are available in different sizes and configurations to meet the needs of different applications. Whether moving heavy loads around a warehouse or factory, relatively short distances or further, these machines provide a safe, efficient solution due to their ability to increase productivity, and reduce injuries and physical stress.
Forklift Trucks & Other Equipment
A forklift truck is a well-known piece of equipment for moving loads but is designed to lift and move packets and pallets, not pull or push wheeled loads. This is where pedestrian tuggers – or more technologically advanced options – come in, moving loads at larger sizes and weights.
How Do Electric Tuggers Work?
These machines work by securely connecting to the wheeled load that needs to be moved. They are pedestrian operated typically but can also be used remotely with a wireless transmitter, which offers benefits such as the operator being able to move away from the load and take up an ideal vantage point.
AGV electric tuggers are also available, using sensors to detect risks and hazards, and navigation systems to manage movement between locations.
Connection is possible to a wide range of items and long trains such as trailers, carts, dollies, or large platforms carrying loads, to make movement easy and efficient. Hydraulic systems are often used to maximize connection and load security.
Generating Traction
Traction is fundamental to moving large loads or heavy weights. This is achieved often by ballast in the machine, to generate traction to the drive wheel. At MasterMover, many of our products use a patent-protected weight transfer principal, using the load to generate traction. As a result, MasterMover machines are highly compact compared to the load being moved.
Electric tow tuggers tend to pull a load using the weight of the machine to generate traction.
Rolling Resistance
The most important factor in achieving movement is Rolling Resistance. Operating on a flat terrain on a smooth, high-quality surface results in less resistance and therefore the push and pull force required is reduced.
Benefits of Battery Powered
An electric tugger works by using a series of electric motors to move the wheels of the vehicle. They are zero-emission at the point of use, making them ideal for use in manufacturing and logistics environments, as well as in industries like pharmaceutical which require a clean, sterile environment.
When Would You Need An Electric Tugger?
Tow tuggers or electric tow tractors, and models that push a load, are used for a variety of tasks. They are perfect for indoor or outdoor use (if designed to the relevant standard) and can be used for a variety of applications.
Common applications include moving heavy-wheeled loads in a factory or warehouse setting, moving heavy products and large pieces of equipment. Just a few examples of applications include:
- Industrial manufacturing – to move heavy and/or large products, parts, or equipment
- Retail sector and logistics – to move roller containers, carts, and other platforms
- Waste handling – to move waste bins, including up and down slopes
- Other industries – an electric tugger is ideal for moving luggage trolleys at airports, but they apply to any application where something heavy is on wheels and needs to be moved!
Electric tuggers can be used with remote controls and feature AGV capabilities, which are ideal for performing reliable and consistent movements commonly required in factory or production settings.
Why Would You Use An Electric Tugger?
An electric tugger can be incredibly useful for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you need to move a large object and don’t have the equipment to do so in a safe manner. In this case, such a solution can be a game-changer.
Additionally, if you’re working in a tight space, these machines are highly compact and offer precision movement, both through manual operation but also through line-following technology options.
They do not require a license to use, so anyone with training can operate the machines.
Benefits of Using An Electric Tugger
There are many advantages to using these products in manufacturing and logistics environments over traditional methods of moving materials:
1. Maximizing Efficiency & Productivity
Electric tuggers can help improve efficiency by reducing the time it takes to move materials around a facility. They also reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual lifting.
Electric tuggers are smaller than other solutions like forklifts and overhead cranes so they can maneuver in tighter spaces, helping to make the best use of available space and leading to improved productivity.
2. Reduced Costs
Electric tuggers require less maintenance and are cheaper to operate, so you can save money in the long run.
3. Improved Safety
Electric tuggers can help improve safety in the workplace by reducing the risk of injuries associated with manual handling, or equipment that results in a bigger risk of accidents.
Electric tuggers are designed to be safe for use in manufacturing and logistics environments. They are equipped with emergency stop buttons and other safety features.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Electric tuggers are more sustainable than traditional methods because they generate no emissions. This is better for the environment and can help improve your company’s sustainability credentials.
5. Automation & Wireless Options
Electric tuggers can be operated manually or with automation and remote-control options. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best solution for your needs. Automation and remote control can help improve efficiency by eliminating the need for operators to be present.
Maximizing ROI Through Multiple Applications
Electric tuggers are versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, whether pedestrian-operated, wirelessly controlled, or fully automated (AGV).
A single machine can be used to move loads up to 66,000 lbs., but the same machine can also handle a variety of smaller loads. Use our MultiLink technology to combine multiple machines and move even more.
An electric tugger is easy to use and requires very little maintenance, used by many businesses and across many industries around the world, to move multiple loads or for single applications, transporting goods during assembly stages or distributing products.
Learn more about our full range of solutions on our website or get in touch to discuss your requirements.
