Motor options for electric tug

speedystu · Feb 28, 2022

Hi Everyone

I'm sorry if this is not in the right area.
I am building my own small house, I need some help moving materials around the site, I like the electric tug type design in the pic attached.

I am able to design and fabricate my own custom version.

I want a off the shelf low torque motor, preferably 12v but can do single phase from an inverter.

The cart puller will need to pull weight, approx 1/1.5 tonne.

Want forward and reverse ( is speed control possible?) Brakes outtavthw question

I will fabricate the steel work myself but I need advice on the best way to go to propel it and around rough ground.

What sort of electrical circuit and Motor could do this job?

Should I use chain an sprockets pillow block bearing s?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Live footage can be seen at

DPG · Feb 28, 2022

Might be worth getting hold of a damaged electric wheelchair and using the motor, gearbox and wheels.

speedystu · Feb 28, 2022

DPG said:
Might be worth getting hold of a damaged electric wheelchair and using the motor, gearbox and wheels.

That's a good idea, trying to think of things that might work. Looking at videos of wheelchair motor projects. Would wheel chair motors have enough power to pull a tonne to tonne and a half?

DPG · Feb 28, 2022

speedystu said:
That's a good idea, trying to think of things that might work. Looking at videos of wheelchair motor projects. Would wheel chair motors have enough power to pull a tonne to tonne and a half?

Mmm, not sure to be honest.

speedystu · Feb 28, 2022

DPG said:
Mmm, not sure to be

DPG said:
Mmm, not sure to be honest.

The controller s on a chair would be ideal though.
The weight is probably too much for the wheelchair motors.
I need this to work flawlessly, don't mind spending some money on it. Saw a similar machine on sale for 15 k . I have all the steel needed but how best to propel I need to work out.

brianmoooore · Feb 28, 2022

Look at "caravan movers" on ebay. Most will be the type that attach under the caravan and drive the tyres directly by gritted or fluted rollers, some are powered jockey wheels, but a few are the tug type that have a tow ball on them, and they generally sell for not too much money.
They are mostly intended to be used on tarmac type surfaces, but there might be something suitable, even if you have to fix different tyres.

speedystu · Mar 1, 2022

brianmoooore said:
Look at "caravan movers" on ebay. Most will be the type that attach under the caravan and drive the tyres directly by gritted or fluted rollers, some are powered jockey wheels, but a few are the tug type that have a tow ball on them, and they generally sell for not too much money.
They are mostly intended to be used on tarmac type surfaces, but there might be something suitable, even if you have to fix different tyres.

Thanks, Yes have seen them, one or two of those together should move a tonne, they are
on the short list