Författararkiv
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’…
Gasoline-Powered Ottawa Truck Meets Strict Emissions Standards
Terminal Tractor Sales on 24 May, 2012
It’s always good to try to reduce the emissions your equipment puts into the air, but if you live in an area with strict emissions standards it becomes even more critical. According to this article from Fleet Equipment, Cargotec has added a gasoline-powered model to its Ottawa Truck trailer spotter line. This new truck meets the 2012 EPA emissions and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for on-road vehicle emissions. As Cargotec’s director of Terminal Tractors in North America, David Wood, explained: “Because it utilizes standard unleaded 87 octane fuel and has an automotive type catalytic convertor exhaust system, emissions are extremely low.” Wood went on to emphasize the importance of this in places like California and in other urban areas where strict regulations can limit the use of diesel-powered terminal tractors. According to Cargotec, this gasoline-powered terminal tractor can reach top speeds more quickly and also has a higher maximum speed in third and fourth gear than a comparable diesel-powered one. The truck features a Ford 6.8L 3-Valve…
Terminal Tractors like the new Xspotter can use CNG fuel alternative
Terminal Tractor Sales on 11 May, 2012
The fuel efficiency you’re looking for in today’s terminal tractors can be delivered through a common fossil fuel substitute: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Even though CNG is a combustible fuel, it is long considered an environmentally clean alternative to the fuels mentioned above while producing cleaner emissions. CNG is also much safer than the other choices in the event of a spill: natural gas, because it is lighter than air, disperses quickly when it’s released. The Xspotter series, used in many severe truck applications, is available with a factory-built natural gas power (CNG), as well as a Cummins diesel power option. The Cummins provides a 200 HP power source @ 2600 RMP, and registers 520 ft-lb of torque. The Xspotter line also benefits from Autocar’s partnership with Balqon Corp’s technology through integrating zero-emissions, lithium ion-electric power system. One of the many efficient features includes the Xspotter’s frame: it registers 2.0 million resisting bending moment (RBM), along with 50,000 KSI steel, “C” reinforced fasteners— using Huck bolts where possible. Xspotter…
Ottawa Truck dealers order more than 250 terminal tractors at AGM
Terminal Tractor Sales on 4 May, 2012
OTTAWA, Kansas — Ottawa terminal tractor dealers assembled in Las Vegas for the Ottawa Truck division’s annual meeting in late March, and placed orders for over 250 Ottawa terminal tractors equipped with Cummins Tier 4i (Interim) diesel engines that meet new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards. Ottawa Truck is the first manufacturer to sell terminal tractors powered by the Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4i engine, the company said. The engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a common rail fuel system, and a catalytic converter for exhaust after-treatment technology to reduce emissions to new national standards governing off-road engines in the 75-173 hp range. “As the terminal tractor industry leader, we are proud to add another ‘first’ to our long list of product developments,” says David Wood, director of Terminal Tractors North America, for Cargotec USA, the Ottawa Truck parent company. “We will begin installing the new Tier 4i Cummins engines in off-road tractors in June, providing our customers with a product that will reduce particulate matter and nitrous…
