What is a tow train? Can it improve my internal logistics?

What is a tow train? Tow trains, or tugger trains, are used in internal logistics. Internal logistics, also known as intralogistics, involves managing and optimising the flow of materials, goods, and information within a company’s facility. Key components include:

• Material Handling: Using equipment like conveyors, forklifts and tow trains! …to move goods.
• Storage and Warehousing: Implementing storage solutions (Acres can provide lots of these!) and organising goods efficiently.
• Inventory Management: Tracking and controlling stock levels.
• Production Logistics: Coordinating materials to support production schedules.
• Information Flow: Using data systems for managing and sharing logistics information.
• Quality Control: Ensuring materials and products meet quality standards.

Objectives:

• Efficiency: Streamlining processes to reduce time and costs.
• Productivity: Enhancing material flow speed and accuracy.
• Cost Reduction: Minimising handling and storage costs.
• Flexibility: Adapting to changes in production or product lines.
• Safety: Maintaining a safe working environment.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
• Effective internal logistics is crucial for maintaining production flow, reducing operational costs, and improving overall productivity, directly impacting a company’s ability to meet targets and respond to customer demands.

 

A tow train is a material handling system used to efficiently transport goods and materials within a warehouse, factory, or distribution centre.

The tow train consists of a series of non-motorised trolleys, carts or trailers linked together and pulled by a powered vehicle, such as a AGV, Forklift Truck, Tow Tractor or Tugger Tug Unit. Acres specialise in the design and manufacture of the trolleys that are towed around facilities in a ‘train’ to form a ‘tow train’, delivering components and materials to lineside production areas. Some of these units are called E Frames, C Frames, H Frames etc.

 

This setup allows for the simultaneous movement of multiple loads, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for multiple trips.

 

Benefits of Tow Trains in Internal Logistics:

• Increased Efficiency: Tow trains can move large volumes of materials in a single trip, reducing the time and labour required for transportation within the facility.
• Cost Reduction: By consolidating loads, tow trains reduce the number of trips needed, leading to lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
• Improved Safety: Fewer vehicle movements can decrease the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, tow trains are often designed with safety features to ensure stable and secure transport.
• Flexibility: Tow trains can be configured to handle different types of loads and can be easily adapted to changing operational needs.
• Space Optimisation: By reducing the number of vehicles and trips required, tow trains can help optimise the use of space within a facility.

 

Example Applications of Tow Trains:

• Automotive Manufacturing: For moving parts and components to assembly lines.
• Retail Distribution: For transporting goods from receiving areas to storage or picking locations.
• Aerospace: For handling large, bulky components within manufacturing facilities.
• General Warehousing: For efficiently moving pallets, containers, and other goods.

 

Acres have a range of standard products but also support clients with custom machinery and medium-high volume products such as trolleys, stillages etc. 

We have manufactured lots of different tables / workstations / workbenches for various industries.

We also manufacture access platforms, jigs and fixtures and many other types of production support solutions / products. 

Talk to us today about your requirements: [email protected] / 01332695240 / Contact Us Form

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