With Capacity of Texas’s line of terminal tractors, it seems as if there was a single value that influenced the design and abilities of the vehicles: muscle power.  Offering multiple tractors with their own specifications and strengths, this line means business, certainly to those who are capable of bench pressing over twice their own body weight and value raw intensity as much as the manufacturer clearly does.

The line is comprised of four tractors.  The first of which, the TJ5000, is available in off-road and highway options.  It has a GCW of 81,000 lbs., and for those of you non-truck aficionados, GCW represents the ‘gross combined weight’ of the vehicle.  In other words, if one were to take the weight of the TJ5000 and add in the weight of the largest possible cargo the tractor is able to carry, the total weight would be at a maximum of 81,000 lbs.

The second model is the TJ6500, which is best if a still-compact option with larger weight capacity is desired.  Described as a ‘serious workhorse that gets the job done,’ this tractor has a GCW of 125,000 lbs. and a gradeability of 90,000 lbs. at a 17% grade.

The third model is the TJ7000, which has the same GCW as its predecessor (125,000 lbs.), but the difference is in its gradeability, which is of 98,000 lbs. at a 21% grade.

The last model, which has been dubbed ‘the mother of pure muscle’ by Capacity itself, is the TJ9000, with a GCW of 242,000 lbs. and a gradeability of 100,000 lbs. at a 21% grade.  These final two models are only available as an off-road vehicle, due to their immense stature.

Now that the logistics have been explained, we can examine the actual terminal tractors themselves.  Upon a close inspection, the tractors seem to have a design reminiscent of a toy truck that a small child would play with, not of a power vehicle able to transport and perform at the level of which Capacity so boldly boasts.  The operator’s seating area seems to be quite cramped and uncomfortable, with a cab smaller than that of other tractors on the market.  The aesthetic of the tractor looks quite dated, in fact, with no visible modern or cutting-edge additions to the vehicle.

What the tractors lack in visual appeal, they hope to make up for in their innovative system called a ‘DuraRide suspension system.’  Unlike other terminal tractors on the market, the DuraRide scheme separates the vehicle from road shake that might occur from the harsh terrain one might encounter while driving a terminal tractor.  Basically, it consists of two air springs that react to the amount of weight on the fifth wheel, and assist the vehicle in maintaining consistent ride height throughout use.

The bottom line with the Capacity terminal tractors is clear.  Those who crave power, muscle, and sheer load strength will flock to these models.  Will they be compromising aesthetic appeal by using devices with such an out-of-date appearance?  Maybe.  Will they be forced to operate the tractors from a confined and tight area?  Sure.  But will they revel in the feeling of using such a dominating and brawny vehicle?  Absolutely.