We’ve answered the questions we get asked most about electric tugs, load moving, and choosing the right solution. Click a question to expand the answer, or get in touch if you’d like advice on your application.
An electric tug (sometimes called an electric tow tug or battery-powered tug) is a compact, walk-behind machine designed to move heavy loads safely at low speed.
Instead of an operator pushing or pulling by hand, the tug uses a battery-powered motor and high-grip drive wheel(s) to provide the pulling force. The operator steers it using the handle controls, and the tug connects to the load using an attachment or hitch (for example to tow wheeled trolleys, roll cages, carts, or to push specialist loads like reels and drums with the right adaptor).
Electric tugs are commonly used in warehouses, factories and yards where loads are too heavy, awkward, or frequent for manual handling, helping to reduce strain and improve control and safety.
Nu-Star (trading as Power Pusher®) is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that designs and manufactures CE approved Electric tugs in the UK. The Power Pusher signature Electric Tug has been trusted for over 65 years. The Power Pusher is powerful, robust and built to last.
Nu-Star are committed to selling a solution that is fit-for-purpose. We recommend a free demonstration so we can visit on-site to make sure we provide you with the best possible solution for your material handling and load moving requirements. This can involve designing bespoke attachments for your business where needed.
Our product portfolio has developed over the years through experience, constant innovation and customers approaching us with their unique load moving problems. We love a challenge and enjoy providing innovative solutions to meet our customer needs.
Our core product range includes the: Power Pusher, Super Power Pusher, Dual Motor Super Power Pusher, PowerTug, Electric Wheelbarrow, Trailer Mover, HD Trailer Mover and 4WD Electric Tug. Check out our product range here.
We also design and build custom electric tugs and bespoke attachments, so don’t worry if the solution you need isn’t jumping out at you in our core products, get in touch with us to discuss your needs and work with our Engineering team to come up with a tailored solution.
No. You do not require a driving licence to operate an Electric Tug as all of the Power Pusher range are pedestrian-operated and as they do not lift, they are not subject to Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). Meaning that nearly all of the workforce could be trained to operate Power Pusher equipment if this suits your workplace operations.
We recommend training to ensure safe practices are followed when operating Electric Tugs in busy workplace environments. Training also provides opportunities to share top-tips to keep your Electric Tug serviced and working to its best performance every day.
You can hire a Power Pusher, Electric Wheelbarrow or in fact, any Electric Tug from the Power Pusher range direct from us. We offer short-term hire and long-term rental options. Get in touch at enquiries@powerpusher.co.uk
For optimum performance we recommend you charge your batteries after every shift. A full battery charge cycle takes eight hours to complete.
This is dependent upon application usage and frequency, however using the correct charging procedures and good maintenance a battery charge should last an entire day.
We recommend an Annual service to keep your Electric Tug in tip-top condition and running to its optimum performance. However, based on the application and environment in some instances Bi-Annual services may be more beneficial.
Yes. We offer emergency on-site repairs and maintenance consultation in the UK. Call +44(0)115 880 0070 to book a Service Engineer.
It’s always advised to use genuine parts in order to get the best out of your machine. Only by using genuine parts can we guarantee optimum performance of your Power Pusher Electric Tug.
Complete our quick enquiry form or give us a call on +44 (0)115 880 0070 to buy your spare parts direct from us, the manufacturer.
In the HSE 2020 Health and safety at work summary, 19% of all reported injuries were a result of manual handling, which equates to 12,000 accidents in the workplace, the full report is available here.
Once you’ve received your new machine, you should spot an activation tag on the tug handle. Simply scan the QR code and enter your Company Name, Machine Serial Number (normally found under the handle or depending on the model under the lid of your tug) and Email Address. By activating your warranty you’ll also be sent your Electric Tug Manual to the email address provided.
Get in touch at enquiries@powerpusher.co.uk or give us a call quoting your machine Serial Number and we’ll be happy to help.
For minor machine faults or parts replacements you’re able to purchase spare parts direct from us and we have a selection of handy How-To guides with a step-by-step process to help you complete minor repairs yourself.
For larger more complex repairs it’s advisable to get in touch with our Service Department who are always on hand and happy to help. Give us a call or get in touch at service@powerpusher.co.uk
For new machines we offer a 12 month warranty and a 6 month warranty period for the purchase of used tugs.
Power Pusher Electric Tugs are manufactured in the UK and are available to purchase direct and shipped worldwide.
We also have a network of dedicated Distributors who you can contact in your local area.
Yes, we have a dedicated Design Engineer Team who create unique and innovative solutions to meet your needs, from completely bespoke machine builds to creating custom attachments for our existing product range. Our signature Power Pusher has over 100 application-specific attachments available! Here are some custom tug examples created over the years.
If you have any questions or need advice from our experts, please complete the form below, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible. To attach images/drawings to help with your enquiry please use our detailed enquiry form.