We are always looking for ways to make the workday easier. From using the latest technology to implementing new strategies, finding better ways to make everyday tasks more manageable is the key to creating a more productive work environment. Additionally, improving health and safety is a huge priority in all industries, and workplaces rely on machinery to alleviate physical labour for staff and establish a safer environment.
The main types of machinery businesses implement are forklifts and tow tugs. You may be more familiar with a forklift. However, electric tow tugs are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their unique benefits. In this guide, the benefits of forklifts and tow tugs are weighed up to help you decide which is a better investment for your business.
What Are Electric Tow Tugs?
Electric tow tugs are also known as tow tugs or powered tugs. They are a versatile solution to manual handling in the workplace. The primary purpose of an electric tow tug is to manoeuvre wheeled loads from one place to another. This means tow tugs do not lift items but move them safely across the floor using wheels. Tow tugs are smaller than other machinery, meaning they can be applied to many industries, including manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.
What Are The Benefits Of Electric Tow Tugs?
With its new-found popularity, you may be wondering why people are now opting for electric tow tugs over forklifts. Here, we have listed the benefits of electric tow tugs and why they might be the solution for you.
- Cost-effective solution – Generally less expensive than a forklift, electric tow tugs can save you both money and time.
- Moves heavy loads of up to 40,000kg – Tow tugs are more than capable of moving heavier loads than forklifts, meaning fewer trips need to be made from A to B.
- Highly versatile – The smaller size of an electric tow tug means it is able to fit through more compact spaces allowing for its application to many different industries.
- Battery powered – Electric tow tugs are 100% battery powered, making them extremely environmentally friendly.
- No specialist training needed – No qualifications, driving license, or special training is needed to operate a tow tug, meaning it is user-friendly even for beginners.
What Are Forklifts?
You’ve probably heard of a forklift, even if you’ve never stepped into a warehouse. Forklifts are vehicles that carry loads for short distances, but their primary function is to lift heavy loads. Carrying anything from pallets, stillages, and crates, forklifts are typically used to lift these items around warehouses and production facilities.
What Are The Benefits Of Forklifts?
Forklifts can be great when used for their proper functions, but this does mean there are some drawbacks and limitations to the range of their uses. Below, we have compiled some benefits for choosing a forklift.
- Efficient material handling – Forklifts can lift heavy loads efficiently, making tasks more manageable and convenient.
- Increased productivity – The speed of daily tasks, such as loading and unloading trucks, can be increased using a forklift.
- Reduced physical strain – Employees no longer need to manually lift heavy items, reducing physical strain and increasing staff safety.
What Are The Limitations Of Forklifts?
Although there are some benefits to using forklifts, there are also some disadvantages. They are not the safest when it comes to lifting heavy products, as there is a risk of accidents and collisions when guidelines are not followed. Additionally, forklifts aren’t able to manoeuvre around tight spaces due to their size.
One key disadvantage of forklifts is the need to have specialised training to operate a forklift. This means time and money must be set aside to ensure employees have the correct accredited training to not only guarantee staff understand how to operate a forklift safely but also to protect other employees.
7 Reasons To Choose Electric Tow Tugs Over Forklifts
There are many reasons why you should choose tow tugs over forklifts, here are just a select few of those reasons.
1. Improved Health and Safety
Visibility is better when operating a tow tug as the operator can see over the top of the vehicle, meaning blind spots are reduced. However, forklifts have limited visibility as the load has to be lifted high off the floor. Additionally, there’s a risk of the load falling from a height and causing damage to staff or stock.
2. Electric Tow Tugs Work Better In Small Spaces
Machinery in warehouses and manufacturing often need to get around tight corners and small areas, and forklifts can struggle with this precision. Tow tugs have better manoeuvrability. This means the machine is less likely to get damaged due to crashes, and harm to customers and staff is a lot less likely.
3. No License Is Required To Use Tow Tugs!
To use a forklift, users must go through training and ultimately gain a license. This process can be costly for businesses, and it takes up valuable work time. Staff can get comfortable using a tow tug within minutes! This is thanks to their design; they are easy to use and simple to operate.
4. Electric Tow Tugs Bring More Versatility
Tow tugs can be fitted with optional extras, allowing you to move different types of trollies and bogies with just one unit. You can use these extras to suit most workplace applications. Whether you need to move a train chassis, a static caravan, or a wind turbine, tow tugs can do the job! Tow tugs can also handle various surfaces, from gravel to slippy factory flooring.
5. Handy Compact Design (Great for Storage)
The fact that tow tugs have such a small footprint means they are straightforward to use. This small footprint also means they are easy to store so that they won’t be getting in the way.
There are optional extras such as a spring-back handlebar which reduces the size of the tug, making it easier to store. Forklifts can cause potential health and safety concerns as they are harder to store due to their chunky build.
6. Tow Tugs are Built to Last
The fact that tow tugs are made with quality materials and to a high standard of design reduces maintenance costs. At Industar, all of our electric tow tugs are hand-assembled in the Netherlands using top-quality components. Each unit we build goes through rigorous quality checks before delivery, meaning every tow tug meets expectations.
7. Tow Tugs are Environmentally Friendly
Our tow tugs do not produce emissions as they are battery-operated, which is good for the environment and your workplace, even with indoor use. This makes tow tugs a better choice compared to forklifts, as forklifts generally use some form of fuel, such as petrol or diesel, to power them, releasing harmful emissions.
Find Your Next Tow Tug With Industar
At Industar, we want to help you transform your workplace with the help of electric tow tugs. We offer multiple purchase options, such as hire & finance and short term rental & contract hire, to ensure you can enhance your workplace without the worry of cost. To find out more about our electric tow tugs and services, get in touch with us today.