SmartMover SM100+ moving a roll cage on a shop floor

Are there electric tugs for retail & supermarket environments?

Our compact SmartMover electric tugs are ideal for supermarket and retail environments, making it safe and easy to move heavy roll cages and trolleys. A single operator can safely unload a tail lift, handle loads over pavements and slopes, as well as move cages through distribution with no operator licence required.

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Tail-lift unloading

Clamp onto a loaded roll cage on the tail lift and drive it down to ground level, with no second person needed to prevent toppling.

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Slopes & ramps

Safely and easily take heavy, loaded roll cages up loading ramps and inclines; our SmartMovers are rated for 30° slopes.

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Waste & recycling

Move cardboard recycling cages and waste bins to the compactor or collection point, without putting physical strain on your team.

Warehouse Rollcages

Multi-cage moves

Link several laden roll cages or push a train of nested carts

Benefits of our range of retail & delivery electric tugs

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Improve staff productivity

A safer workplace leads to happier staff – increase morale and productivity by eliminating manual handling.

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Eliminate manual handling

Electric tugs move roll cages with ease, reducing injuries, tipping risks, and enhancing safety.

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Safe solo deliveries

Electric tugs enable safe, single-person retail deliveries in city centres.

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Move even more

Easily move multiple cages at once, driving operational efficiency to meet demand.

Appleby Case Study Overview

Success story

SPAR Wholesaler reduces roll cage injuries by 42%

By switching to SmartMover electric tugs to transport roll cages from delivery vehicles to convenience stores, Appleby Westward Group cut manual handling injuries among its delivery drivers by 42% in just six months.

 Read the full project breakdown > 

Since using the tugs, we’ve seen a significant reduction in the number of roll cage-related handling injuries to delivery drivers of 42 per cent.

Trusted by leading retailers and logistics providers 

With an expansive customer base made up of the world’s leading retailers and logistics providers, you’re in safe hands.   

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We're here to help 

If you’re looking to improve safety, remove the risk of injury and unlock greater operational efficiency, we’re here to help. Speak to our team to discuss your application. 

FAQs: Your questions, answered

Are there electric tugs suitable for retail & supermarket environments?

The MasterMover range of electric tugs allows a single operator to safely and easily move retail loads weighing anything from 500kg to 20,000kg. SmartMover tugs handle store deliveries and roll cages; MasterTug and MasterTow take on heavier loads in stockrooms and retail distribution centres; and AllTerrain tugs push trains of nested empty roll cages.

Are electric tugs safe to use in a store with customers around?

Yes, our Compact range of electric tugs operate at walking pace with a slower setting that's ideal for use in busier areas. Built-in safety features include a warning horn, flashing light, emergency stop, and an anti-crush feature for maximum safety to operators and nearby pedestrians.

Can an electric tug handle tail lifts and slopes?

MasterMover electric tugs make it safe and easy to move roll cages. A single operator can unload tail lifts, cross pavements and slopes, and take cages through to the shop floor.

How far can a retail electric tug travel on one charge?

This depends on the machine model and the load: SmartMover models, for example, cover 4.2km to 15.1km per charge and the MasterTow TOW300 about 11.7km, with charge times of 4.5–5.5 hours. Interchangeable batteries across the range as well as lithium options keep tugs running throughout longer shifts.

Is an operator licence or training required? 

No, electric tugs do not require a licence to operate. L icence-free operation makes electric tugs ideal for retailers and logistics providers looking to streamline the movement of loads and improve safety.    

Minimal training is required to safely operate an electric tug and we offer training packages to suit every requirement.      

How are electric tugs powered?

Electric tugs are battery powered, with interchangeable batteries or lithium options available, electric tugs can deliver 24/7 operation to keep your processes moving.

Offering zero emissions from the point of use, electric tugs are ideally suited for indoor use. 

Can I use an electric tug to move more than one roll cage at a time? 

Yes. If you’re looking to move multiple laden roll cages at the same time, we offer a unique system that enables you to link multiple cages together and move them using an electric tug.

You can also move trains of nested, empty roll cages using electric tugs.  

Can electric tugs work with all types of roll cages? 

With a customisable clamp, our SmartMover range can connect to most cage designs. We also provide an array of adaptors to allow you to connect to your cages.