Electric Tugs

Verhagen Leiden is a manufacturer of electric tugs. The V-move electric tow tugs and electric tow tractors are developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Load weight range from 500 to 40,000 kilograms.

Frequently asked questions

• What is an Electric Tow Tug?

  An electric tow tug is a vehicle with an electric motor, transmission and battery. Thanks to the high torque of the electric motor in combination with a transmission an electric tow tug can effortlessly move heavy loads.Verhagen Leiden develops and manufactures electric tow tugs and tractors in-house.

  V-move walking models
  Walking versions of electric tugs are mainly used when short distances have to be covered. With the V-move electric tow tug line developed by Verhagen Leiden, any load on wheels can be moved quickly and without physical effort. From laundry carts in hospitals to large industrial loads in factories. View our electric tugs here.

  V-move sit or stand models
  For longer distances, electric tow tractors are used. These robust machines are used at auctions, industrial plants, hospitals, market gardens, supermarkets, warehouses and airports. At Schiphol Airport alone there are more than 200 of our electric tow tractors in use. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.

• How much towing capacity do I need?

  On our website there is an indication of what a certain type of electric tug can pull / push. This does not mean that the machine can always move it. The towing capacity is determined by several factors. The surface, tires, slopes, wheels of the cart and speed can affect the traction of the machine. The net weight of the electric tug is particularly important. The heavier the machine, the more traction, the more towing capacity. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.

• What kind of coupling do I need?

  The coupling between the electric tow tug and the cart is one of the most important parts to take into account. Because without a good coupling, the electric tug will not function properly. We have standard couplings for many trolleys. Because every cart and situation is different, we often produce tailor-made couplings. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.

• What type of batteries are used?

  We use 3 types of batteries in our electric tugs, divided into wet (traction), maintenance-free and lithium batteries. Each type of battery has its advantages and disadvantages. Wet batteries, for example, have a lot of capacity, can withstand deep discharges, have a long lifespan but must be regularly topped up with demineralized water.

  Maintenance-free batteries have the advantage that they do not need to be topped up and are therefore maintenance-free. The disadvantage is that these batteries are less able to withstand deep discharges and have a shorter lifespan than wet batteries.

  Lithium batteries are increasingly being used in our electric tugs because they are becoming more and more interesting in terms of price compared to traditional batteries. Lithium batteries are maintenance-free, have a very long lifespan and can be charged in the meantime. The disadvantage is that lithium batteries are relatively expensive to purchase compared to traditional batteries, although the return on investment is high. View our range of tow tractors here or contact us directly.

• How do I charge the batteries?

  Our electric tugs are supplied with an internal or external battery charger.

  It is a misunderstanding that the battery must always be run empty before it can be charged. In fact, all batteries must not be more than 80% discharged. A wet or maintenance-free battery can safely be charged at 50% discharge as long as the charge is completely completed (this is displayed on the battery charger).

  In practice, this means that the electric tug is usually charged at night because the charging process can take 6 to 8 hours with a discharge of 80%. For the lifespan, it is advisable to regularly discharge the battery to at least 60-70%.

  Lithium batteries can be charged in the meantime (for example during the break), which has no negative influence on the lifespan. In addition, our lithium batteries have a built-in battery management system to prevent deep discharge.

  Always store the tow tractor with full batteries if you will not be using the machine for a long time. Charge the batteries at least once every two months. Our battery chargers have a drip function as standard, so that the batteries can remain connected to the charger for a longer period of time without any problem. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.

• Does an electric tug need maintenance?

  Every vehicle needs regular maintenance. We try to design our electric tugs in such a way that maintenance is kept to a minimum. Electric tow tugs require virtually no maintenance because they have almost no wear parts. The batteries and tires are the only wear parts.

  Electric tow tractors, on the other hand, do have wear parts such as mechanical brakes. In addition, electric tow tractors drive faster and longer, which causes more wear on tires and battery. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.

• How much warranty is there on an electric tug?

  We give at least 1 year full warranty on the machine and standard batteries. We give a 6-year expiring warranty on large traction batteries, of which the first two years are complete. Lithium batteries have a minimum of 2 years warranty. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.

• Do you also perform maintenance?

  We have an extensive service department that can service your electric tug on location. Because we develop and produce our electric tugs ourselves, we have all the knowledge and parts to maintain your electric tug. View our range of electric tugs here or contact us directly.