When integration helps
A powered caster can preserve the cart’s normal footprint and make assist available without finding another vehicle. It requires battery, controls and maintenance on every equipped cart.
When a tug helps
A tug can concentrate propulsion hardware in fewer assets and move different carts through a compatible coupling. Coupler geometry, train length, reverse handling and staging become important.
Decision framework
Compare route demand, carts per shift, coupling time, storage, charging, maneuvering, emergency behavior and maintenance responsibility. Validate the preferred workflow with operators.