How Electric Rail Tuggers and Shunters Enhance Railway Work

Rail electrification is providing our networks with reliable, energy-efficient transport that’s better for the environment. Yet when it comes to day-to-day rail carriage movement, we continue to rely on inefficient infrastructure to do the job. Electric rail tuggers and shunters are a fantastic way to automate your workflows and protect your workforce.

Our guide is here to take a closer look at how using an electric shunter can boost efficiency and help your organisation make long-term savings. With numerous advantages over diesel locomotives, electric moving equipment can help you decarbonise your logistics and eliminate inefficiencies when loading and unloading cargo, maintenance operations and moving rolling stock.

Why do railways need better moving equipment?

Traditional rail carriage movement with diesel shunters can be fuel-heavy and labour-intensive. Handling heavy rolling stock and carriages can be inefficient and dangerous — your workforce is constantly at risk of accidents from runaway loads. As an alternative, an electric rail shunter reduces operation costs while enhancing efficiency and worker safety as you move vehicles for maintenance. 

Fixed infrastructure, such as cranes and pulleys, represents a substantial investment. But when you need to incorporate them into new workflows, alterations are both costly and time-consuming. An agile electric rail tugger is designed to fit into compact spaces, making it a fantastic way to do the same job without the hassle.

There are other compelling reasons why railways need better moving equipment. A battery-powered rail shunter automates labour-intensive processes, enabling a single operator to do the job. As no special licence is required, you won’t be waiting for a specialist operative to become available, letting you reap the benefits of more efficient equipment moving with cost-effective shunter hire.

How modern moving equipment is boosting railway efficiency

Electric shunters have a central role to play in heavy-duty railway tasks. Here’s how incorporating modern equipment into your workflows can boost your overall efficiency:

●      Rail carriage maintenance: An electric rail shunter is a safe and efficient way to move railway carriages across the yard for maintenance, eliminating the risk of runaway loads.

●      Cargo loading and unloading: Compact and agile rail tuggers and shunters are highly manoeuverable and eliminate the need for heavy cranes and other fuel-hungry infrastructure. Our tow tuggers make loading and unloading safe, with forceful acceleration and powerful braking capacity.

●      Moving rolling stock: Electric handling solutions reduce the risks of handling rolling stock, minimising the risk of strain and injury when moving stock in busy rail yards. Our shunters have a tractive effort of up to 10,000 kg and are ideal for moving railway carriages and rolling stock.

What are electric rail tuggers and shunters?

So, what are electric shunters and rail tuggers? These moving machines make light work of handling heavy loads for improved efficiency and safety across multiple sectors. They’re well-suited to rail operations when you need enhanced logistics capabilities with zero emissions.

Let's break down the differences between the two:

Handheld electric rail tuggers for heavy loads

An electric rail tugger is perfect for moving heavy loads over short distances. Using a tugger lets your organisation improve safety practices, enabling a single operative to move heavy loads in confined spaces without the need for expensive infrastructure. An electric tow tug increases productivity and protects your workforce against injury and accident.

Our electric rail tuggers can lift up to 12,000 kg with a maximum push and pull force of 40,000 kg. Operators don’t need to be licensed, and their powerful electric engine produces zero emissions while improving workplace efficiency. Easy and quiet to operate, with minimal operating costs, a tugger is perfect for sectors including rail freight, warehouses and airports.

Zero-emission rail shunters for freight loading and rolling stock

Rail shunters are an environmentally sustainable solution to day-to-day railway work. Rail shunter options include electric and hybrid operating systems, depending on your requirements. Autonomous operation via remote control means your teams can operate at a safe distance during shunting operations.

With a towing capacity of up to 1.5 tonnes and 700 to 1000 tonnes train weight, electric shunters are a fully automated solution for loading and unloading freight and moving carriages and rolling stock for maintenance. With minimal operating costs, electric rail shunters are virtually maintenance-free for hassle-free operation.

Electric shunters have significantly lower operating costs than diesel shunters, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Our shunter hire options provide an affordable alternative to costly infrastructure investments and are an ideal way to transition away from a dependence on diesel alternatives.

The benefits of electric rail tuggers and shunters

Decarbonising your freight handling and shunting operations is a great way to bring innovation to your logistics. There are plenty of benefits beyond reducing your carbon footprint when you hire specialised electric handling equipment for safety and efficiency.

Here’s why you should consider tugger and shunter hire for your organisation:

●      Reduce the risk of workplace injuries from strain and runaway loads

●      Move heavy loads effortlessly without the need for a team of operatives

●      One person or fully automated operation increases efficiency and reduces accident risk

●      Eliminate the need for overhead cranes, large locomotives and other diesel-dependent infrastructure

●      Improved safety and efficiency in handling heavy loads in confined spaces

●      Significantly lower operating costs

Electric handling equipment minimises energy consumption while maximising efficiency with direct power transmission. Maintenance costs are also significantly reduced, saving your organisation time and money. In short, electric moving equipment can take your logistics to the next level while meeting your sustainability targets.

Multi Mover UK’s rail solutions

At Multi Mover UK, we provide complete moving solutions to suit your needs. From equipment rental to servicing and support, we cover multiple sectors, including the rail industry. With our electric tugger and shunter hire, you can improve efficiency and safety across your organisation with fuss-free solutions tailored to cargo handling and rail shunting.

Looking for a reliable moving machinery supplier for your business? Contact the team at Multi Mover UK and streamline your rail operations for greater safety and efficiency today.