The new vehicle features excellent manoeuvrability, low operating costs, superior cabin comfort, easily accessible service points and proven reliability, says Kalmar. The TT612d features the company’s proven power line including the cleanest in engine standards with Stage 3a/Tier 3 technology. It allows faster transfer operations as it has the industry’s smallest turning radius. Time is also saved with its hydraulically-powered elevating fifth wheel, eliminating the need for the driver to crank the trailer’s landing gear. 


With driver comfort a top consideration, the TT612d’s cabin has been totally redesigned to include a taller rear doorway, while only one low step separates the cabin from the rear deck. The tractor also has wide stairways on both sides of the rear deck and the industry’s largest level work space.


Timo Matikainen, director in charge of terminal tractor sales in Europe, says that the innovative design and functionality of the new TT612d is the result of thorough ergonomic research and input from operators. He continues:
“Traditionally, road trucks have been used at distribution centres to move trailers between loading docks and parking areas. However, with several key improvements to the cabin and rear deck, the TT612d now offers the ultimate in efficient duty cycles.”


Meanwhile, in the US the 45,000th terminal tractor recently came off the assembly line at Kalmar’s manufacturing plant in Ottawa, Kansas. The milestone machine was delivered as part of an order from Parsec, Inc, the intermodal division of Cincinnati-based O/B Leasing.
Kalmar’s purpose-built terminal tractors have been in use at ports, intermodal facilities and distribution centres for 50 years. Its popularity has grown more rapidly in recent years, according to the company. In June 2006, the Ottawa factory produced its 40,000th unit. It took 41 years to build the first 25,000 units and less than nine years to build the next 20,000 units.
Kalmar has driven the product’s development to include many industry firsts. Besides being the original manufacturer of terminal tractors, the company was the first to engineer its machines with automatic transmissions, rear door entry, integral air conditioning units, power cab tilt and ABS brake systems, among other innovations.
