Electric tugs, also called electric tow tractors, load movers, powered tugs, tow tugs, electric tuggers, pedestrian tugs, electric tows, and electric pushers, are battery-powered machines made to move heavy items like high-value equipment, raw materials, and other resources in the industrial environment.
Using electric tugs for compact stowing to move heavy loads will help to drive operational efficiency while improving safety and health.
How They Work
In their simplest form, electric tugs operate the same way electric cars do. Like electric vehicles, electric tugs are charged via a cable and gets powered by the energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
When a throttle is pressed, it sends a signal to a motor to rotate, just like how accelerator pedals in electric vehicles work. In order to facilitate that rotation, the motor will draw current from batteries and then power the motor.
Electric tugs also use the same regenerative braking mechanism. This regenerative braking helps to convert kinetic energy into electricity.
Features
Suitable for aviation and warehouses, electric tugs should have certain features. Some of the common features electric tugs must have may include the following:
- Zero emissions
- Non-marking tires
- Low maintenance
- 12-month warranty
- Rechargeable battery
- Smaller footprint
Importance
Electric tugs are designed with a compact size, allowing them to be effective in a confined space while turning on itself. With a lower CoG (center of gravity), the risks of tipping are significantly minimized. Plus, electric tugs’ two-front steer wheels create unique stability across rough surfaces, making them suitable for various industries. Other benefits of using electric tugs include:
- Electrical strength. Electric tugs are powerful motors driven by maintenance-free batteries with a high cycling capability, and controlled/regulated by two microprocessors, offering enough driving force. The high torque also ensures smooth acceleration, especially at the start.
- Corporate sustainability efforts. Do you know that airlines often emit almost 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions? As a matter of fact, the air transport sector globally has put a plan in place to cut the output of carbon dioxide in half by 2040. If sustainability is part of every company’s culture, upgrading their fleets with several electric tugs will be a great step to ensuring greener airlines and making the world a better place to live in. Electric tugs give off zero-emission – meaning airlines will cut down the local pollution and eliminate potential health hazards for area residents and staff alike.
- Reduce maintenance and fuel costs. When comparing the maintenance and fuel costs of electric tugs and diesel, it will be clear to you that electric tugs need less. Remember, electric tugs run on batteries instead of diesel, thus eliminating the most expensive aspects of running airlines and other industrial sectors. Not to mention, electric tugs don’t need a lot of repairs, and maintenance services are often required for diesel tugs.
The Bottom Line
Using electric tugs will help your team maximize their productivity, complete tasks effectively, and simplify processes. All electric tugs are battery-powered. That means they not only work quietly but also with zero emissions.
