User: eds
Asked on: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:59 am EDT
Answered on: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:07 am EDT
Question: I have a maxius tugger 3k. Couple of pulls coming up of around 200' no power available unless I load my generator. Anybody have comments on using the battery hole hawg on these tuggers
Okay, let's break down using a Milwaukee Hole Hawg (presumably the M18 Fuel Super Hawg) with your Maxius Tugger 3k for those 200' pulls, considering you don't want to use your generator.
Key Considerations
Battery Life vs. Pull Length/Load
This is the BIGGEST question. Hole Hawgs are powerful, but even with high-capacity batteries, heavy pulls drain them quickly. A 200' pull, especially with any significant friction or bends, can take a LOT of juice.
Load on the Tugger
The Tugger 3k is rated for 3000 lbs of pulling force. It's important to estimate the load of your cables. Exceeding the tugger's rating is dangerous and can damage the equipment.
Hole Hawg Speed Control
Using the Hole Hawg at a controlled speed is crucial. Jerky starts and stops will strain both the drill and the tugger.
Safety
Safety is paramount. Proper rigging, communication, and awareness of your surroundings are essential.
Using a Milwaukee Hole Hawg (Super Hawg) with a Maxius Tugger 3k - Pros & Cons
Pros
Portability
Avoiding the generator makes the setup much more portable and easier to maneuver.
Quieter
Significantly less noise than a generator, which can be helpful in certain environments.
No Fumes
No exhaust fumes to deal with, especially important indoors.
Potentially Faster Setup
One less piece of equipment to set up and take down.
Cons
Battery Life
This is the major limitation. You'll need to factor in how many pulls are required before the battery dies. A backup battery is a good idea.
Heat Buildup
Heavy use will cause the Hole Hawg motor to heat up. Allow it to cool down periodically to prevent damage.
Torque Control
The Hole Hawg delivers a lot of torque. Controlling that torque to avoid jerky pulls and potential damage to the tugger or cable is important.
Potential for Overheating/Damage to Drill
Continually pulling heavy loads can overwork the drill and shorten its lifespan.
Risk of Stripping Threads
If the Hawg and Tugger are not compatible, there is a possibility of stripping threads
Things to Consider Before Attempting
Load Calculation
Estimate the Weight of Your Cables
Look up the weight per foot of the cables you're pulling. Multiply by the length (200') to get the total weight.
Factor in Friction
Add a significant amount to account for friction. Consider the type of conduit (if any), the number of bends, and the condition of the conduit. A general rule of thumb is to add 25-50% depending on the number of bends and distance of the run. If you have multiple 90-degree bends or a long run in rough conduit, you might even need to add more.
Compare to Tugger Capacity
Ensure your estimated total load (weight + friction) is well below the Tugger 3k's 3000 lbs rating. Leaving a safety margin is crucial.2.
Hole Hawg and Maxius Tugger Compatibility
Adapter
Do you have an adapter to connect the Hole Hawg to the Maxius Tugger? Is it the correct size and strength.
Security
Is there a way to make the connection more secure?3.
Battery Management
Battery Capacity
Use the largest Ah (Amp-hour) batteries you have available (e.g., 12.0 Ah).
Full Charge
Ensure your batteries are fully charged before starting.
Spare Batteries
Have at least one, preferably two, fully charged spare batteries on hand.
Monitor Battery Level
Keep a close eye on the battery level indicator on the drill.4.
Technique
Controlled Speed
Use the Hole Hawg's variable speed trigger to maintain a slow, steady pull. Avoid jerky movements.
Cool Down
Let the Hole Hawg cool down periodically, especially if it starts to feel hot.
Listen for Strain
Pay attention to the sounds the Hole Hawg and Tugger are making. If you hear excessive strain, stop and reassess.
Proper Rigging
Ensure the tugger is properly anchored and the cable is routed correctly.5.
Testing
Short Test Pull
Before attempting the full 200' pull, do a short test pull with a similar load to gauge battery consumption and the overall strain on the equipment.
Alternatives to Consider
Portable Power Station
Instead of your generator, consider a large-capacity portable power station (e.g., those from Goal Zero, Jackery, Bluetti). They are quieter, more portable, and don't produce fumes. You could plug your Hole Hawg charger into the power station to recharge batteries on-site.
Manual Pulling
For a 200' pull, especially if the load is relatively light, consider using manual pulling techniques with appropriate pulling grips and lubricant. It might be less convenient but could be safer and more reliable than pushing the limits of a battery-powered drill.
Rent a Smaller Generator
If you really need a powered solution, rent a small, lightweight, and quiet inverter generator. They are much more fuel-efficient and quieter than older-style generators.
In Conclusion
Using a Hole Hawg with a Maxius Tugger 3k for 200' pulls is possible, but it's pushing the limits of battery power. It's crucial to carefully estimate the load, use high-capacity batteries, employ proper technique, and prioritize safety. If you are doing multiple pulls, or the loads are high, exploring alternative power solutions or manual pulling might be more reliable and safer. If you do not have significant experience in cable pulling, I strongly recommend hiring a professional.
Disclaimer: I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide professional advice. Consult with qualified electricians and safety professionals before undertaking any electrical work. Improper use of equipment can lead to injury or property damage. Flag for review