Tow Tug Hire & Sales
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What is a Tow Tug?
A Tow Tug, also known as a tug or tow tractor, is a type of vehicle used in airports, ports, warehouses, and factories to move heavy cargo or equipment. These vehicles are designed to pull or push large and heavy loads that are usually mounted on wheels or a rolling platform.
Tow tugs are commonly used in large warehouses, factories, or distribution centers, where manual handling of goods over long distances would be inefficient or hazardous. They come in various sizes and power capacities, depending on the weight and volume of materials they need to transport.
Tow tugs can significantly increase productivity by allowing workers to move more goods at once, reducing the number of trips needed. Additionally, they help reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual handling tasks.
Top Tow Tug Types
Electric Tow Tugs
Electric tow tugs are a type of vehicle used in various industries to move heavy loads. They are especially useful in settings such as warehouses, factories, airports, and any location where large or heavy items need to be moved over short distances. These machines are known for their compact size, ease of use, and environmentally-friendly nature due to their electric power source.
Diesel Tow Tugs
Diesel tow tugs, also known as diesel tow tractors, are powerful vehicles used to transport heavy loads in a variety of industries. They’re especially effective in environments where substantial towing capacities are required, such as airports, warehouses, factories, and shipping yards.
These tow tugs are powered by diesel engines, which are known for their durability, high torque, and long lifespan. Diesel engines typically have greater towing capacity compared to their gasoline or electric counterparts, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Automatic Guided Tow Tugs
Automatic Guided Tow Tugs (AGTTs), also known as Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) in a tow tug configuration, are a form of industrial robot. These robots have the ability to move and transport goods autonomously within a facility.
These tow tugs utilize a variety of advanced technologies, such as lasers, vision cameras, inertial navigation, or magnetic tape, to navigate their environment. They’re equipped with sensors and software that enable them to perceive their surroundings, plan their route, and avoid obstacles.
In recent years, AGTTs have become increasingly popular in modern warehouses due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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How Much Does a Tow Tug Cost?
*based on 7 day hire in the UK
The Most Common Uses For Tow Tugs
Warehousing and Distribution
Tow tugs are commonly used in warehouses to move goods around. They can transport cages, containers, and other large items quickly and efficiently, reducing manual labor and increasing productivity.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing plants, tow tugs are used to move raw materials, components, and finished products between different areas of the facility. This helps streamline the production process and ensures that everything is in the right place at the right time.
Airports
At airports, tow tugs are used to move aircraft, luggage, and cargo. They help in positioning aircraft in and out of hangars or moving them from the runway to the gate. They also transport luggage from the plane to the terminal and vice versa.
Counterbalance Forklift Specification
| Lift Height | 3-8m |
| Load Capacity | 5-48t |
| Lift Duration | 8,000-10,000hrs |
| Weight | Up to 4,000kg |
| Dimensions (LxW) | 2m x 1.5m |
| Ground Clearance | 50-85mm |
What Our Expert Says
“The humble tow tug is an unsung hero of warehouse operations. Despite the rise of automation and advanced technology, the core principle of these powerful workhorses remains unchanged. Tow tugs provide an unrivaled combination of efficiency, safety, and versatility, making them an indispensable asset in any logistics environment. They truly are the backbone of efficient material handling and they’re here to stay!”
Will Bradley, Co-Founder at Forkify
Should I Buy or Hire a Tow Tug?
Whether you should buy or hire a tow tug is subject to several factors. If you have a limited budget or need a tow tug for a short period, hiring might be the better option. Hiring also gives you access to the latest models and saves you from maintenance troubles as these are typically taken care of by the rental company. Moreover, rental services offer flexibility, which can come in handy during unexpected breakdowns or sudden increases in demand.
On the other hand, if your operations require regular use of a tow tug, purchasing one could be more cost-effective in the long run. Owning a tow tug also means it’s always available when you need it. Another advantage of buying is the possibility of customization according to your specific needs.
Whatever your decision be it buying new, hiring or buying used the team at Forkify can arrange the very best deal with independent local dealers for you!
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Popular Tow Tug Brands
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a Tow Tug?
There are several reasons why businesses choose to use tow tugs in their operations:
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Efficiency: Tow tugs can move heavy loads quickly and efficiently, making them an excellent choice for improving productivity in a warehouse or industrial setting.
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Safety: By using tow tugs, you can help reduce the risk of injury to employees. They are designed to handle heavy loads that might otherwise be moved manually, reducing the risk of strain or overexertion injuries.
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Versatility: Tow tugs are versatile machines that can be used to move a wide variety of loads, including pallets, large pieces of equipment, trailers, and more. This makes them useful in many different industries.
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Space Saving: Because of their compact size, tow tugs can manoeuvre in tight spaces where larger vehicles cannot. This makes them ideal for use in crowded warehouses or production facilities.
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Cost-Effective: Over time, using a tow tug can be more cost-effective than manual labor. They can move large loads quickly, reducing the time and manpower needed for these tasks.
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Reduced Damage: Using tow tugs can help reduce damage to goods. Manual handling of heavy items can sometimes result in dropped or damaged goods, but a tow tug provides a more secure and stable method of transport.
Who makes the best electric Tow Tugs for warehouse operations?
When it comes to warehouse operations, choosing a reliable and efficient electric tow tug is crucial. Here are some top manufacturers of electric tow tugs that are well-suited for warehouse use:
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MasterMover: Known for their robust and versatile electric tugs, MasterMover’s products, like the MasterTow range, can handle heavy loads, making them suitable for warehouse operations.
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V-Move: V-Move offers a range of electric tow tugs designed for various industrial applications including warehouse logistics. Their products are known for their reliability and ease of use.
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Movexx: Specializing in compact, powerful electric tugs, Movexx offers models like the T1000, which is ideal for moving roll containers or other wheeled loads in warehouses.
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Linde Material Handling: Linde offers electric tow tractors in its product range that are specially designed for transporting goods over short distances in warehouses.
Remember, the best manufacturer will depend on your specific needs, such as load capacity, manoeuvrability, and budget.
How much can a Tow Tug lift?
The lifting capacity of a tow tug can vary greatly depending on the specific model and type of tow tug. Generally, tow tugs aren’t designed to lift loads but rather push or pull them.
However, they can handle impressive weights. Smaller electric models can typically tow loads from 1,000 to 10,000 pounds (approximately 0.5 to 4.5 tonnes). Larger, industrial-grade models, often diesel-powered, can handle significantly more, towing anything from 50,000 pounds (approximately 22.7 tonnes) up to several hundred thousand pounds in some cases.
Should I choose an electric or diesel Tow Tug?
The choice between an electric and diesel tow tug largely depends on your specific needs, operational environment, and sustainability goals.
Electric tow tugs are generally quieter, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper to run and maintain because they have fewer moving parts and do not require fuel. They’re ideal for indoor operations or areas with noise and emission restrictions. However, they need charging infrastructure and their battery life can be a limiting factor if continuous operation is required (source: mastermover.com).
Diesel tow tugs, on the other hand, are typically more powerful and have a longer range, making them suitable for large outdoor facilities and heavy-duty tasks. They can run continuously as long as there is fuel available. However, they emit exhaust gases, can be noisier, and may have higher maintenance costs due to their internal combustion engines (source: grainger.com).
In conclusion, the decision should be based on a thorough evaluation of your operational needs, budget, and environmental considerations.
Do I need a license to drive a Tow Tug?
In the UK, you do not typically need a specific license to operate a tow tug in a private facility like a warehouse or factory, as these vehicles are not intended for public road use. However, appropriate training on the safe operation of these vehicles is strongly recommended to ensure safety in the workplace. It’s always best to check with local regulations and the manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure you’re compliant.