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Tow Tugs – Powerful and Efficient Load Handling for Industrial and Commercial Transport

In industrial, logistics, healthcare, and warehousing environments, moving heavy loads efficiently and safely is vital to maintaining productivity and minimising manual handling risks.

Tow tugs, also known as electric tow tractors or burden carriers, provide a motorised solution that significantly reduces the physical strain of transporting trolleys, carts, and trailers over long distances.

Whether you're shifting linen carts in a hospital, stock cages in a retail centre, or heavy trailers in a warehouse, tow tugs deliver reliable, low-effort mobility that keeps operations running smoothly.

 

Why Choose a Tow Tug

Manual pushing or pulling of heavy trolleys can result in workplace injuries, fatigue, and lost productivity. Tow tugs eliminate these issues by providing a powered towing solution that increases efficiency and reduces WHS risks.

Here’s why tow tugs are an essential investment in modern workplaces:

  • Motorised towing of loads up to several tonnes

  • Improved safety and ergonomics for workers

  • Precise control in tight or busy environments

  • Battery-powered operation with long-lasting performance

  • Suitable across a wide range of industries and load types

Whether you operate in healthcare, aviation, manufacturing, or retail, tow tugs are a reliable type of material handling equipment that can help streamline internal logistics and reduce the need for forklifts or manual handling teams.

 

Key Benefits

Enhance Efficiency and Productivity

Tow tugs allow one operator to move multiple trolleys or heavy loads in a single trip, reducing time and labour required for transport tasks.

Minimise Manual Handling Risks

By eliminating the need to push or pull heavy trolleys, tow tugs significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, slips, or strains.

Safe and Precise Movement

With features like variable speed control, emergency stop buttons, and intuitive steering, operators can transport loads safely even in confined spaces.

Battery-Powered Convenience

Most tow tugs are battery-operated with rechargeable lithium or AGM batteries, offering hours of continuous use and reduced operational noise.

Versatile and Adaptable

Tow tugs can tow a wide variety of trolleys and carts using adjustable hitches, tow bars, or custom coupling systems – suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

 

Popular Types of Tow Tugs

Load skates and tow tugs come in various styles and capacities to meet different load handling needs. Below are the most commonly used types:

1. Pedestrian Tow Tugs

Designed for walk-behind operation, these compact electric tow tractors are ideal for towing carts in healthcare, hospitality, and retail environments.

2. Ride-On Tow Tractors

Used in larger facilities like warehouses, factories, or airports. Operators ride the vehicle while towing multiple trailers or heavy cargo.

3. Compact Industrial Tow Tugs

Mid-range models used in manufacturing or logistics settings to tow bins, racks, or pallets across factory floors or distribution centres.

4. Heavy-Duty Electric Tow Tugs

Designed for industrial use, these tugs tow loads of several tonnes and are used for moving large machinery or trailers in enclosed areas.

5. Custom Tugs for Specific Carts

Tow tugs designed to work with a specific trolley system – e.g. laundry linen trolleys, bin tub trolleys, or cage trolleys – using dedicated tow hooks or attachments.

 

How to Choose the Right Tow Tug

Choosing the best tow tug for your workplace requires consideration of your load types, environment, and frequency of use.

Load Capacity

Tow tugs are rated by towing capacity, usually between 500 kg to over 10,000 kg. Ensure the tug can comfortably tow your heaviest load, including any incline or surface resistance.

Hitching Method

Different carts require different towing interfaces:

  • Pin or hook hitches for general carts

  • Tow bars for rigid trolleys

  • Custom couplings for proprietary carts or trailers

Verify that the tug and trolley can connect securely.

Wheels and Terrain

  • Solid tyres for smooth indoor use

  • Pneumatic tyres for outdoor or uneven surfaces

  • Anti-slip drive wheels improve traction and stability

Choose a model suited to your flooring and environment.

Battery Type and Runtime

  • Lithium-ion batteries offer fast charging and long life

  • AGM/gel batteries are affordable and maintenance-free

  • Most tugs offer 6–12 hours of continuous operation

Ensure battery runtime matches your operational needs and shift patterns.

Control Features

Look for features that improve safety and ease of use:

  • Variable speed controls

  • Emergency stop buttons

  • Horn and reverse alarms

  • Key start or PIN lock for restricted access

  • Hill-hold or auto-brake on slopes

 

Workplace Safety Tips for Using Tow Tugs

While tow tugs significantly improve safety, proper usage is key to avoiding accidents or damage:

  • Train staff thoroughly in tug operation and safety procedures

  • Ensure all trolleys or trailers are securely coupled before movement

  • Operate at safe speeds, especially in crowded or narrow areas

  • Avoid sharp turns or steep inclines when under heavy load

  • Keep load weight within the tug’s rated capacity

  • Inspect tyres, brakes, couplings, and batteries regularly

  • Mark designated tow routes and crossings in large facilities

Tow tugs reduce the need for forklifts in many settings, but still require attention to load handling protocols and awareness of surroundings. Alternatively, steerable skates may be a cost-effective solution to help you transport heavy and bulky goods.

 

Applications Across Industries

Tow tugs are increasingly being adopted across a broad range of industries for their reliability, flexibility, and WHS benefits:

Healthcare and Aged Care

Used for transporting linen carts, waste bins, and food trolleys between wards and facilities with minimal manual strain.

Airports and Aviation

Tugs move luggage carts, catering trolleys, and service equipment in terminals and airside zones with precision and control.

Warehousing and Manufacturing

Support internal logistics by towing product carts, equipment bins, or raw materials between workstations and storage areas.

Retail and Supermarkets

Help restock shelves by moving multiple stock cages across large retail floors or into delivery areas without causing congestion.

Hospitality and Housekeeping

Efficiently transport laundry bins, housekeeping carts, and waste trolleys across resorts, hotels, and convention centres.

 

Shop Our Range of Tow Tugs

At Verdex, we offer a premium selection of tow tugs designed for Australian industrial and commercial environments. Whether you're moving hospital linen carts or warehouse bins, we have a towing solution to suit your needs. Get in touch to learn more.