How to Get the Most of your Electric Baggage Tugs

What is an Electric Baggage Tug? 

The electric baggage tugs that are bought by an airport for baggage transporting are an investment that is efficient for not only the airport but also the travelers. The maintenance of these machines is equally as expensive as they are important. Without proper maintenance, they are liable to technical issues. This the responsibility of the workers who are placing the bags on the back and driving the electric tugs. The electric baggage tugs provide a warning or alert when there is something wrong so they know when to fix something. The workers are in charge of placing the travelers’ suitcases and travel bags onto the tug and transporting it to the back of the plane where they are loaded for flight. A delay in that process is a delay for the flight. 

Typical baggage tugs run similar to a small train. They are transporting people’s baggage with about 3 to 4 large compartments behind it that they place the bags on. Depending on the flight size there can range from 100-500 people that can fit on a plane. Each person has probably brought an average of 1-3 suitcases, meaning that the electric tug will need to make multiple trips. This is left to the workers to move at a pace that can allow the plane to take off before the passengers have taken their seats. To make the most out of your electric baggage tugs, you want to have a proactive team to load and unload the bags onto the trolley in a safe and timely manner. From flight to flight coming in and out, there is about around an hour and a half for both the loading and unloading to take place. 

Electric is Better

There are various forms of baggage tugs that each run differently. They can run on regular gas, diesel, and electric. The electric baggage tug is definitely the most eco-friendly option as there is no CO2 being emitted. The savings are greater with the electric tug versus the gas-fueled tug. Maintenance for the electric baggage tug consists of a constant checked up for battery life, whether it is charged or not, mechanical issues, and so forth. The electric baggage tug needs to take time to charge to its full percentage. Depending on the time it takes for the tug to charge as well as making sure it is able to be charged at an appropriate time will ensure efficiency during work hours. 

Affordability

Financially, electric baggage tugs cost more than the traditional airport baggage tugs; however, saving, in the long run, is where the focus should be. A single and slightly higher upfront payment to secure a cheaper future is a much better option than the other way around. The electric tugs will also need a charging station. That is again another minor investment that will continue to save money in the future. The price of gas that will be spent over the course of a year versus using the airport funds to invest in electric tugs saves you about $13,000 a year. The electric baggage tugs also save time by not requiring so much maintenance. For example, oil changes, gas costs, air filter changes, transmission repairs, etc. 

Eagle Tugs

There are other types of electric transport tugs that specialize in a different function. The eagle tug is an electric transport vehicle that moves the planes from one station to another. They perform this by connecting the plane to the back of the electric eagle tug and tow it along to its next location. The eagle tug has large wheels to that, along with the strength of the motor, are able to gently pull the plane to its next spot. Towbarless tugs are another form of airline tug that is placed underneath the airplane. The airplane’s front wheel is connected in a front slot at the front of the tug. From there, it guides the plane from underneath to its next destination. Electric eagle tugs are on the market that also use less energy and cost less to maintain. They are a huge help when it comes to guiding the planes to tight areas that the pilot can not drive themselves. 

Replacements

There are many different types of brands that create and sell baggage and aircraft tugs. Updated version of equipment are always on the rise that these companies can make airports aware of to make use of all of the benefits that they come with. It is always in the best interest of the establishment within the airport that manages the tugs to have replacement and repair services.  Things happen and are in need of fast and timely options whether it is to fix a broken piece of equipment or replace a needed part in a timely manner. Just like a car needs a Firestone, the tugging equipment needs its a diligent repair company to help. 

Repairing companies vary on what they carry so make sure that the one you choose has the equipment and replacements that your airport will need and could potentially utilize. Examples of the type of equipment include: Cargo loaders, bobtail tractors, air start unit, pushback tractors, belt loaders, AC generators, baggage tractors, etc. 

Summary

To get the most out of an electric baggage tug, it is best to figure out what equipment is the most efficient and can bring the fastest service at an affordable price. The workers who would be using the electric baggage tug need to pay attention to its functions. If the machines make any unusual noises or if there are red flashing lights warning them that there is something wrong. The more that technology becomes advanced, it will be smart for the airport to keep up to date with the advancements and apply it to their workforce. New products are hitting the market that are more efficient that use less energy to run ad cost less money to maintain.