Electric Tugs

An electric tug is a compact, battery-powered, pedestrian-operated mover that lets one person shift heavy wheeled loads — roll cages, large trolleys, distribution trucks, bins and bespoke equipment — without manual pushing and pulling. The operator walks behind the unit and steers while the powered drive wheel does the work, so loads that would otherwise need two or three people can be moved safely by one. You may also see these called electric tow tugs or powered tugs; the principle is the same. KC Supply supplies the GPC Industries electric tug range with UK delivery.

The GPC electric tug range

Two models cover most in-house handling jobs. The standard Electric Tug is available in 1,000kg and 1,500kg towing capacities, while the Premium Electric Tug is a higher-specification 1,500kg unit. All are battery-powered and pedestrian-controlled, designed to couple to wheeled loads and move them around warehouses, factories, hospitals and distribution sites.

What electric tugs are used for

Electric tugs earn their keep wherever loads are already on wheels but too heavy to move comfortably by hand. Typical uses include towing roll cages and stillages along despatch routes, repositioning loaded distribution trucks, moving waste skips and wheelie bins (used this way, powered tugs are often sold as bin tugs), and shifting heavy one-off equipment across smooth or slightly uneven floors. Because they are pedestrian-operated, they need far less space than a tow tractor or forklift and can work in tight aisles and through standard doorways.

How to choose an electric tug

Match the tug's rated capacity to the heaviest loaded weight you need to move, then factor in floor condition, gradients and how often it will be used — frequent, all-shift work justifies the premium model. Consider the coupling: a tug attaches to the load, so the connection needs to suit your cages or trolleys. For continuous multi-shift operation, check the battery capacity and charging routine so the unit is ready when you are.

Safety and manual handling

Electric tugs are one of the simplest ways to cut manual-handling injuries: they remove the heavy push-pull effort that causes back and shoulder strain, supporting compliance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. As powered work equipment they fall under PUWER, so operators should be trained and the tug inspected and maintained in line with the manufacturer's guidance.

See the full electric tug range above, or compare with our pallet trucks and pallet stackers for lifting and stacking, and platform trucks & trolleys for the wheeled loads a tug is designed to move.