Train maintenance depot (TMD)
Moving Rail Bogies and Trams with Tractive Power Units
Working within a train maintenance depot (TMD) presents a unique set of challenges. Space is often tight, and the equipment being moved, such as train bogies, carriages, HVAC systems, and full tram units, can weigh tens of tonnes. Traditional material handling equipment can be bulky, costly, and impractical in confined depot settings.
That’s why many rail maintenance teams now rely on Tractive Power’s compact, battery-powered tugs. Our pedestrian-operated units offer a safer, more flexible way to manoeuvre rail assets across the depot, without the need for overhead cranes or heavy forklifts.
Real-World Success: Improving Tram Maintenance Efficiency
Our electric tugs are already transforming rail operations across the UK. At Supertram’s Sheffield depot, the TP3000-1400 Tractive Pusher helped streamline the labour-intensive process of positioning 65,000 kg trams over a wheel lathe. By removing the need to power up the tram and reducing the team from three operatives to two, the site now saves an estimated £80,000 per year.
Read the full case study to see how Tractive Power helped Supertram save time, reduce labour, and improve safety in a demanding TMD environment.
Precision Control in Restricted Rail Environments
In rail production and maintenance facilities, safety and precision are paramount. Our tugs allow staff to stand clear of the load during movement, giving them 360° visibility and eliminating the need for risky manual handling.
The optional wireless radio control system provides smooth, proportional speed control and responsive handling, perfect for navigating complex rail infrastructure where clear visibility and slow-speed manoeuvrability are essential.
Key Rail Applications
Our electric tugs are used throughout the rail industry, including:
- Moving train bogies from assembly to testing stations
- Indexing full trams or carriages during manufacturing
- Assisting with HVAC unit maintenance by precisely positioning equipment
- Transporting gantries and large components in production lines
Thanks to their compact size and impressive load capacity, our tugs improve efficiency and safety across the entire maintenance depot.
Get In Touch With Us
Have you got a question about a Tractive Power product? Want to know more about how we can supply your specific business needs? Or need help selecting the right tug for your company? Then get in touch with us
We have a team of experts who are ready to answer your questions or provide you with extra information.
Don’t forget to explore our FAQs, where we answer the most common questions we get asked. Or you can download our brochure.
Whatever your question, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Either fill out our contact form or call us!
Tractive Power Ltd
Unit 5, Churnetside Business Park
Station Road, Cheddleton,
ST13 7EE
Phone: +44 (0) 1538 360372
Fax: +44 (0) 1538 360927
Can Tractive Power tugs move full rail bogies or trams?
Yes. Our heavy-duty TP series is engineered to move rail bogies and trams weighing up to 65 tonnes safely and efficiently.
Is wireless radio control available?
Yes. Our wireless control system offers proportional speed control and enables operators to manoeuvre rail equipment from a safe, visible distance.
Do the tugs work with fixed or railed systems?
Absolutely. Our tugs are designed to operate along rails, with stable handling on straight or curved tracks in maintenance settings.
Can one person move a full tram or carriage?
Yes. Our pedestrian-operated units enable a single user to move heavy rolling stock without the need for forklifts or cranes.
Are Tractive Power units used in other parts of the rail industry?
Yes. Rail manufacturers, transport operators, and engineering teams trust our electric tugs for safe and effective material handling.