Electric Tug Essentials

Q: "Do I need a license to operate an electric tug?"

"No, you do not need a licence to use an electric tug. This is one of the many reasons industrial manufacturers are increasingly opting for electric tugs to create fork-fee environments. Unlike forklift trucks, electric tow tugs don’t lift loads, so they do not fall under LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations ad Lifting Equipment Regulations, 1998). With an electric tug, you no longer need to wait for the availability of a licensed forklift truck driver to move a load. "

Q: "How long does the battery last?"

"Like any battery, the battery life of an electric tug or electric tow is determined by usage, specification, and environmental factors. Battery life can be influenced by variables such as: Load weight and route Run speed Battery specification/size Environmental conditions such as temperature We provide a runtime figure on each of our product pages. "

Q: "Will they work on slopes?"

"Yes, all MasterMover machines will work on slopes. The maximum angle our tugs are capable of clearing, on average, is 8°. It is important to remember that for every degree of slope involved, the maximum load capacity of the machine is reduced, just as pushing a car on the level requires less force than on a slope. Therefore, if the weight of the load is already close to the maximum capacity of the machine a more powerful tug may be needed to move the load on a slope. "

Q: "Can they work outside?"

"Yes, all our electric tow tugs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Our AllTerrain tow tug range is the ideal solution for the most challenging of environments."

Q: "What if I need a custom solution?"

"For applications where a standard solution isn’t the right fit, we have a dedicated engineering team on hand to create custom solutions. With 25 years of industry experience in providing customised solutions, you’re in safe hands with MasterMover. "

MasterTug moving a yacht in a manufacturing yard

What is an electric tug?

An electric tug is a battery-powered machine designed to move heavy-wheeled loads. They are known by many names such as ‘electric tows’, ‘electric tow tugs’, ‘pedestrian tugs’ and ‘powered tugs’.

As a type of material handling equipment (MHE), electric tugs are used extensively within industrial manufacturing environments and in sectors such as retail, biopharmaceuticals, waste handling and more.

Using electric tugs enables businesses to create processes that are more efficient and safer, enabling a single operator to push, pull and stop heavy loads.

With compact designs, electric tugs are the ideal solution for moving large loads in tight spaces - guaranteeing total manoeuvrability.

Increase operational efficiency

Reduce manual handling

No operator license required

Zero emissions

Improve workplace safety

Maximise flexibility

Traditional handling equipment – Forklift trucks & electric tow tractors

By keeping loads safely on the ground, electric tugs offer an effective alternative to traditional material handling equipment such as forklift trucks, pallet trucks and overhead cranes.

With a compact machine footprint, many businesses are opting for electric tow tugs as an alternative to an electric tow tractor to deliver the precise movement of loads in tight or congested areas.

Read more about alternatives to forklifts

Maximum Load Weight

The heavier the total load weight, the more power needed from the machine to push, pull and stop it, in a safe and controlled way.

This is often referred to as the ‘towing capacity’ or ‘maximum load capability’.

Rolling Resistance

This is the force needed to start a wheeled load moving and is influenced by factors such as floor condition, castor wheels and slopes.

Slopes can have a significant impact on the right electric tug for an application. A simple rule of thumb, the steeper the slope, the more powerful the electric tug needs to be.

Hydraulic clamp

Available on the SmartMover range, our hydraulic clamp creates an unbreakable connection to the load.

Connect directly to your trolley or with our available adaptors.

CombiCoupling

Delivering a rigid connection to loads using a male and female coupling system, our unique

Combi Coupling facilitates unrivalled weight-moving capability and manoeuvrability

Pin coupling

Enabling quick and easy connection to a wide range of industry-standard drawbars and towing arms, the pin coupling is a convenient solution for connecting to multiple loads.

Box coupling

Perfect for applications where movement is on slopes or rough terrain, the BoxCoupling ensures a strong connection to the load, enabling precise manoeuvrability.

Channel coupling

Facilitating a secure, direct connection to your trolley, the ChannelCoupling can be used on multiple loads without the need for modifications.

Hydraulic options are available for added load security.

Custom coupling

Designed around your needs. Our experienced engineering team are on-hand to create custom coupling solutions that prioritise security, ease-of-use and suitability.

Material types & environmental ratings

The construction material needed for an electric tug or specialist environmental protection such as required ingress protection (IP) or explosion-proofing all impact the specification.

Electric trailer mover

Our Trailer Moving System is designed to move heavy articulated trailers and HGV trailers safely and offers a safer alternative to shunters and lorries.  

Electric wheelie bin tug

A range of BinMover tugs are available to remove the physical effort in the movement of heavy waste bins in facilities management.

Electric tugs vs electric tow tugs

The phrases electric tug and electric tow tug are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion around what the differences are.

The two terms describe two different machine designs designed for different jobs...

Traction is essential when it comes to moving heavy loads and the key difference between an electric tug and an electric tow tug is how they generate traction and in turn, move loads.

Electric tugs utilise a weight transfer system and a specialist coupling set-up designed to get your load moving, steer it, and bring it to a controlled stop. Weight transfer involves a machine transferring an element of the loads weight down onto the drive wheel of the machine to gain traction, allowing compact machines to move very heavy weights.

Unlike tugs, which utilise a weight transfer system to generate traction, an electric tow ultimately uses its own weight to gain traction and get loads moving.

Read more about electric tugs vs tow tugs

Technology & control options

Electric tugs are available with various technology and control options, designed to maximise the benefits of safety and efficiency. From pedestrian operated electric tugs to fully autonomous solutions - there are electric tow tug solutions to meet every requirement.

Remote control operation provides operators with complete flexibility, allowing them to take up the ideal vantage point when making a movement delivering maximum visibility.

Innovative MultiLink technology on our PowerSteered range allows multiple machines (up to 12) to work in synchronisation via one remote control, perfect for the movement of large, awkward loads that require precise positioning.

Take advantage of Line Follow navigation on AGV electric tugs to easily automate the repeated movement of heavy loads to drive operational efficiency. Or benefit from a totally integrated and autonomous solution with a full AGV system that utilises intuitive natural navigation.

Your questions, answered - FAQs

Do I need a license to operate an electric tug?

No, you do not need a licence to use an electric tug. This is one of the many reasons industrial manufacturers are increasingly opting for electric tugs to create fork-fee environments.

Unlike forklift trucks, electric tow tugs don’t lift loads, so they do not fall under LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations ad Lifting Equipment Regulations, 1998).

With an electric tug, you no longer need to wait for the availability of a licensed forklift truck driver to move a load.

How long does the battery last?

Like any battery, the battery life of an electric tug or electric tow is determined by usage, specification, and environmental factors. Battery life can be influenced by variables such as:

Load weight and route
Run speed
Battery specification/size
Environmental conditions such as temperature

We provide a runtime figure on each of our product pages.

Will they work on slopes?

Yes, all MasterMover machines will work on slopes. The maximum angle our tugs are capable of clearing, on average, is 8°.

It is important to remember that for every degree of slope involved, the maximum load capacity of the machine is reduced, just as pushing a car on the level requires less force than on a slope.

Therefore, if the weight of the load is already close to the maximum capacity of the machine a more powerful tug may be needed to move the load on a slope.

Can they work outside?

Yes, all our electric tow tugs are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Our AllTerrain tow tug range is the ideal solution for the most challenging of environments.

What if I need a custom solution?

For applications where a standard solution isn’t the right fit, we have a dedicated engineering team on hand to create custom solutions. With 25 years of industry experience in providing customised solutions, you’re in safe hands with MasterMover.

The ultimate guide to electric tugs

Looking to understand electric tugs in a little more detail?

We’ve compiled some helpful resources to get you started, covering everything from how they work, different types of batteries, getting the right connection point and more…

Compact (Up to 6,000kg)

Performance (Up to 70,000kg)

SmartMover

MasterTow

MasterTug

AllTerrain

MasterHandler

PowerSteered

Trailer Moving System

ATEX/IECEx

Stainless Steel

Supercharge your production with total control

Safe and secure material handling across defence

Reduce maintenance turnaround times with electric tugs

Shifting efficiency up a gear

Optimising automotive supply chain efficiency

Heavy-duty solutions for powerful movements

Maximum flexibility to meet demand and reduce costs

Reducing downtime in trailer movement

Eliminating manual handling to accelerate efficiency

Boost production efficiency without compromising on safety

The power to maximise control

Unlock greater operational efficiency

Precise and controlled movements for hazardous environments

Control high-value loads with confidence

Safe movement of baggage trolleys in busy airports

Bin moving made easy

Eliminating manual handling and improving staff safety

Effortless movement of waste bins and containers

Boost labour productivity and production efficiency

A safer way to move nested roll cages

Eliminating manual handling in food manufacturing

Reducing aches and strains in meat processing

Precise and controlled movement of high-value loads

Safe control of delicate loads

Large reels handled with precision

Seamless movement of loads, maximising control

Moving modular buildings just got easier

Compact paper reel handling equipment that maximises safety

Safely move stillages and hoppers

Safe, efficient movement of loads in manufacture and maintenance

Reduce downtime to maximise production flow

Safer handling of loads in textile manufacturing

Transforming logistics operations to maximise efficiency

Making safe store deliveries a one-person job

A safer way to move roll cages

Efficient trailer movement for busy depots

Safer pharmaceutical material handling

Remove manual handling and reduce staff fatigue

Maximise safety and suite uptime

Customer Support

Approved Parts

Your Electric Tug Essentials

Material Handling Tugs

What is an electric tug?

Benefits of an electric tug

Industrial tugs - An alternative solution to…

Traditional handling equipment – Forklift trucks & electric tow tractors

Manual handling solutions

Choosing the right electric tug

Couplings

Material types & environmental ratings

Specific applications

Electric trailer mover

Electric wheelie bin tug

Roll cage material handling

Electric tugs vs electric tow tugs

Technology & control options

Electric tow tug safety features & options

Industrial electric tug applications & industries

Your questions, answered - FAQs

The ultimate guide to electric tugs

Electric tug essentials