How Does An Electric Tug Work?

How does an electric tug work?

A real-world comparison

In its most simplistic form, the operation of an electric tug works in the same way as an electric car.

Like an electric car, an electric tug is charged via a cable and powered by energy stored within rechargeable batteries.

When the throttle is pressed it sends a signal to the motor to rotate, in the same way that the accelerator pedal on an electric car works. To facilitate this rotation, the motor draws current from the batteries, which then power the motor which in turn, provides the drive.

An electric tug also uses a similar regenerative braking mechanism to that which can be found in most electric vehicles. Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy – from movement – into electricity, which is then fed back into the battery.

How does the coupling system work?

For electric tugs, the coupling systems and connection points need to be able to facilitate weight transfer. To do so, any connection point needs to be rigid to allow the machine to move heavy weights.

Typically, this utilises a female coupling (securely mounted on your load) and a corresponding male coupling (mounted on the machine). Operators then engage the hydraulics on the electric tug to facilitate a secure and rigid connection to your load.

Electric tow tugs however utilise a simple plug-and-play design that uses traditional towing couplings to connect to your load – such as drawbars, tow pins and ball hitches.