Tow tugs are becoming increasingly popular for use in horticulture. They are great to use in garden centres, greenhouses, and nurseries thanks to their compact structure and ease of use. There is a wide variety of tow tugs that are suitable for a range of horticultural applications. Their ability to operate effectively on different ground levels makes them an ideal piece of machinery for improving the efficiency and safety of horticultural operations.
So, how exactly can tow tugs benefit your horticultural business? This quick and easy quide will explain everything you need to know about tow tugs and how they can work to increase productivity and safety whilst protecting your produce.
What is a Tow Tug?
Tow tugs are an alternative to traditional forklifts for lifting heavy objects and materials safely and efficiently. They provide a more cost-effective and versatile solution than forklift alternatives as they are powered by electricity, and their smaller size makes them able to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Tow tugs can also be easily stored on-site because of their compact size, which is ideal for smaller workspaces. There is no operator license required for using a tow tug; however, undertaking training is essential for operator health and safety.
How are Tow Tugs Used in Horticulture?
These machines have proven extremely useful in multiple industries. Their energy efficiency, small turning circle, and ability to work well on varying ground levels make them an excellent alternative to much larger forklift trucks. These features are particularly useful for the demands of the horticultural industry. Tow Tugs can perform an array of horticulture tasks, including:
- Moving heavy materials such as plants and pots
- Moving Danish trollies and trailers
- Manoeuvering around nurseries, greenhouses, and growing facilities
Advantages of Using Tow Tugs in Horticulture
Tow tugs have a wide range of benefits that span a variety of industries. It is the following features make them particularly useful in horticulture:
Easy to Use
One massive advantage of tow tugs is that they only need one operative, meaning minimal disruption to work performance. Also, tow tugs are easy to get the hang of. Just turn it on and “go”! Your employees will be able to operate the tow tug within minutes. This is a big positive in nurseries where there may not be many employees working on one area of the site; produce and equipment can be moved alone!
No License Needed
Thanks to the fact they are so easy to use, no license or qualification is required to use tow tugs, unlike forklifts and cranes. This will save time and money, which is always a big positive! Many horticulture nurseries are small, family-run businesses, so not having to splash out on licenses is a massive help financially.
Environmentally Friendly
Electric tow tugs do not produce emissions which is great for the environment. No pollutants also mean their use will not harm your produce. Being electric means tow tugs are extremely quiet when in use, so there is minimal disruption to colleagues/customers in your garden centre.
Compact Design
Tow tugs have a small footprint compared to forklifts; this means they can manoeuvre around tight spaces. There are often many tight corners in nurseries and garden centres, and it is also vital that no produce is damaged when manoeuvering.
They are also easy to store, thanks to options such as the foldaway handlebar. This is a significant advantage if you don’t have a lot of storage space; your tow tug will not take up unnecessary space when not in use.
Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use
There is a range of tow tugs available, depending on how rough the ground is. Because of this, tow tugs are suitable for use indoors and outdoors. This is perfect for garden centres where you will be using tugs inside and outside when transporting produce. They can be used on grass and gravel and also used indoors.
Personalised to Your Needs
There is a wide range of optional extras available for tow tugs. They can be fitted with different attachments so that you can move other loads without having to reconfigure the machine completely. Also, there is a variety of tyres available to suit various terrains such as concrete or grass. Thanks to these customisable parts, the device can be changed to best suit your needs.
Operating Your Tow Tug Safely
Alongside all these notable positives, tow tugs also have some fantastic safety features to keep your employed and customers safe:
- Emergency Stop Button
- Anti-trap button
- Automatic Handbrake
- Lights and Beacons
- Key Switch Ignition
These features are essential for ensuring the safety of the tow tug operator and those around them. Horticultural settings are often rural areas or often involve people working in isolation, this makes it difficult to access help should any accidents happen. Having all the essential safety features along with sufficient tow tug training will ensure you all horticultural tow tug operators remain safe.
Choosing the Right Tow Tug For Your Horticulture Operation
Getting the right tow tug for your unique applications can be tricky. That is why we offer a wide range of tow tug models here at Industar. Our experts can help you find the right machinery for your business needs and provide a full demonstration and operator training on request. You will need to consider the size and weight of the items that require moving. This will determine the dimensions of the tow tug you require for safe operations.
Improve Your Horticultural Business Performance with Industar
If you are in the horticulture industry and are looking for tow tugs to enhance performance and ease the workload, here at Industar, we offer some fantastic benefits. We offer a one-year manufacturer warranty and both on and off-site servicing and maintenance. To get a free quote or demo, e-mail us or contact a member of our team.