Warehouses are a necessary and lively yet dangerous setting. Stock must be stored, distributed and transported for a business to function. However, every step in warehousing introduces new health and safety risks to your workforce that you must address. How are your employees equipped to manage heavy loads without injury? Are you doing everything within your power to protect staff from straining their backs? If you’re unsure, then tow tugs could be your answer. Here is everything you need to know about logistics and warehouse usage for tow tugs, highlighting the benefits.
Firstly, Why Tow Tugs Over Forklifts?
Forklifts and tow tugs fulfil a similar objective. A primary difference is that forklifts are traditionally fuelled by petrol or diesel. At the same time, tow tugs are fully electric and emission-free. Tow tugs are also straightforward to manoeuvre, while forklifts are more cumbersome. You’ll be able to navigate tight corners around the shelves in your warehouse with a tow tug, where more oversized vehicles would crash.
Do You Need A License For Tow Tugs?
You do not need a license to operate a tug, only some basic electric tow tug training! Any tow tug or electric mover is a sensible investment for your warehouse since you won’t need to shell out for a licensed operator. Productivity is significantly improved within your workspace, as any available employee can operate your equipment! Your team needn’t suffer waiting around for managers to become available.
Can Tow Tugs Handle Multiple Loads?
With the incredible range of sizes available in tow tugs, you can accommodate single orders as well as multiple trailers. Different hitches are designed for unique loads, so you can select specific attachments to suit the job. You’ll need a more powerful motor with a strong hitch for the heavier loads. At the same time, you can also choose ride-on electric tow tugs that will carry your operator during transport.
Will Tow Tugs Increase Productivity In The Warehouse?
In short, electric tow tugs can undoubtedly boost productivity in your warehouse. They’re easy to operate; they can manoeuvre around the tightest corners and accommodate small orders to large trailers. Tow tugs are also compactly designed and highly efficient in saving space, so you’ll have more room to store stock than you would with a traditional forklift.
What Upkeep Do Electric Tow Tugs Require?
You’ll be pleased to know that electric tow tugs request minimal maintenance. Most models come with a minimum of one year warranty, so you can be confident you’ll receive at least twelve months of operation without an issue. Specialist businesses also offer affordable servicing and repairs of tow tugs, so you needn’t handle maintenance on your own. Industar recommends annual check-ups!
What Surfaces Can Tow Tugs Navigate?
Warehouse cement flooring is easy for tow tugs to move along. Still, some manufacturing routes may request equipment to navigate turf or gravel. Like with traditional vehicles such as vans and forklifts, you can change the tyres on your tow tug to increase efficiency. Foam-filled tyres are puncture-proof and ideal for spiky surfaces, while air-filled tyres can easily handle uneven ground.
Are Tow Tugs Safe For Logistics?
As well as the ability to exchange tyres for different tasks, you can upgrade your tow tug with warning systems. Beacons and lights and a motion siren can warn employees in the vicinity of the moving equipment! Accidents are less likely to occur when your entire team is aware of the risk. Providing that operators are cautious and sensible, electric tow tugs are safe to employ in the warehouse.
What Can Tow Tugs Handle In The Warehouse?
Some examples of tasks that tow tugs can undertake in logistics are:
- Transporting stock across your site.
- Moving employees, specifically with ride-on models.
- Shifting recycling and waste bins.
- Handling chains of trailers.
Contact us at Industar, and discover how an electric tow tug could benefit your workplace.