Archive for June, 2012
Terminal Tractors: They’re Anything But “Terminal”
Terminal Tractor Sales on 22 June, 2012
What comes to mind when one thinks of the word “terminal?” If you’re like most, it’s heart attacks, brain hemorrhages, cancer, or airports–none of which sound even the slightest bit appealing. When we hear the word “terminal,” we think immediately of death, we think immediately of danger, but what if something “terminal” keep people out of danger, could save money or even human lives (not to mention enhancing the efficiency of your business)? What if there were something that could do that? There is such a thing, the Terminal Tractor! But first, what is the dang thing? and why have I never heard of them before? A Terminal Tractor is a specialty truck designed for speedy, secure, safe, and effective movement of cargo containers or semi-trailers. They’re fairly common in a lot of businesses that handle a large volume of shipping and receiving operations, you just might nor have heard of them before because they’re more than often colloquially referred to as “Yard Trucks.” You’re probably thinking to yourself, “that’s all nice. But how does it…
The hybrid Kalmar tractor uses two, parallel power sources.
Terminal Tractor Sales on 22 June, 2012
Big changes came to the line of Kalmar Truck a couple of years ago with the introduction of the Ottawa 4×2 off-highway terminal tractor; the result was a hydraulic hybrid with more fuel efficiency and cleaner operation. We’re not completely sold as problems have been reported, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. Given the rise in the cost of diesel fuel, and a need to meet emission standards, engineers moved forward to develop the hybrid Kalmar’s. The parallel power system is unlike an electric hybrid: the Kalmar transfers the energy twice vs. four times with an electric hybrid. Overall, the Kalmar hybrid design brings a new standard in operational efficiencies in the following areas: IMPROVED COST-EFFECTIVENESS: Efficiency begins in the yard where drivers operate their rigs in tight turns and a lot of stop-and-go in port facilities or distribution yards. At the core of the Kalmar’s fuel economy is the Hy-POWER hydraulic, hybrid drive that allows zero emissions and fuel savings when the engine isn’t running when the ‘inching function’…
