Glossary of Electric Tugs & Manual Handling Equipment

The Tractive Power Glossary this page explains the key terms for manual handling solutions used across our industry and product range.

A

Aerospace Engine Skates

Heavy-duty platforms designed to move aerospace engines safely and precisely. Used in conjunction with Tractive Power tugs to ensure safe handling during maintenance or assembly.

B

Battery Powered Tugs

Pedestrian-operated, battery-powered machines used to push or pull heavy wheeled loads without the need for forklifts. These improve safety and reduce manual strain in industrial settings.

Battery Powered Pushers

Also known as electric pushers, these are compact, battery-powered units ideal for moving roll cages, trolleys, and stillages in tight spaces.

Battery Tug

A general term for a powered handling unit designed to assist with moving heavy items on wheels. Ideal for warehouses, factories, and production lines.

Bespoke Trolleys

Custom-designed trolleys tailored to a specific application or load requirement. Often used in manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare sectors.

Bespoke Tugs

Electric tugs designed to fit unique handling challenges. Tractive Power offers custom tractive units for non-standard or complex environments.

Burden Carriers

Also known as load movers, these are flatbed platforms used to transport heavy materials, tools, or components in factories and warehouses.

C

Cable Drum Handling Equipment

Specialised equipment designed to safely move large and heavy cable drums. Can be used with electric tugs for improved safety and ease.

Cable Drum Trolley

A wheeled unit for transporting cable drums across a site or workshop, often towed using a powered pusher.

Cable Trolley

Lightweight or heavy-duty trolleys designed for transporting electrical cables. Tractive Power tugs provide safe and controlled movement for loaded trolleys.

E

Electric Car Pushers

Used in automotive manufacturing to safely manoeuvre cars through the production process. These battery-powered tugs handle weights up to several tonnes.

Electric Manual Handling

A term referring to electrically assisted devices that reduce the need for physical exertion in moving loads. Electric tugs are a key part of safe manual handling practices.

Electric Tow Tugs

Compact powered machines designed to tow trolleys, carts, or roll cages. Ideal for logistics, retail, and warehousing.

Electric Towing Tug

Another term for a powered tug unit capable of towing wheeled loads across industrial floors or production lines.

Electric Tractive Unit

A pedestrian-operated pusher or puller used to move wheeled equipment. Tractive Power’s TP series is a leading example in this category.

Electric Tug

A small, battery-powered vehicle used to move heavy trolleys or carts safely and easily. Tractive Power offers a wide range including the TP250, TP500, and TP1000.

Electric Tug Vehicle

Similar to an electric tug, these vehicles are compact and designed for maximum control when handling loads in confined spaces.

Electric Tugs

General term for the full range of Tractive Power’s pedestrian-operated electric pushers and pullers. They replace forklifts for safer, more efficient load movement.

L

Load Movers

Flatbed or wheeled machines used to move very heavy loads across shop floors. Often paired with Tractive Power electric tugs for ergonomic transport.

M

Manual Handling Tugs

Devices designed to support safe manual handling by reducing the strain of moving heavy loads. A key part of workplace injury prevention strategies.

Moving Automotive Equipment

Refers to solutions for safely transferring vehicles, chassis, or parts along production lines. Electric tugs improve safety and reduce manpower.

Moving Plastic Extrusion 

Plastic extrusions are long and often heavy. Tractive Power tugs move extrusion stillages safely with remote-control precision.

Moving Roll Cages

Common in healthcare and food logistics. Tractive Power tugs make moving loaded roll cages faster and safer for employees.

P

Pedestrian Tugs

Electric tugs designed for walking operators. No forklift licence required. Improves site safety and enables one-person operation of heavy loads.

R

Roll Cage Movers

Battery-powered tugs used to move multiple roll cages in logistics or retail environments. Remote control versions are ideal for confined spaces.

S

Stillage Movers

Stillages are large, wheeled containers used in manufacturing and storage. Tractive Power tugs safely move stillages, even when stacked and unstable.

T

Tractive Pusher

An electric pusher tug is designed to attach to a wheeled trolley or cart, allowing for easy movement. Commonly used in rail, automotive, and healthcare.

Tractive Unit

A general term for Tractive Power’s electric tugs, used to push or pull heavy loads without manual handling strain.