Kalmar launches new T2 terminal tractor

Finnish manufacturer Kalmar has launched its new T2 terminal tractor, targeting the European market and designed to work in distribution terminals as well as in heavier port operations such as lift-on/lift-off (Lo/Lo).

Mikko Lehtinen, Kalmar’s business development director for terminal tractors, told CM that the T2 model is the focal point of Kalmar’s strategy to compete with Terberg, the market leader in terminal tractors in Europe.

In a presentation, he said that he wanted Kalmar to sell more units to the “low-hanging fruit” of distribution centres, particularly those in the UK.

The new product is equipped with improved powertrain efficiency and modular construction, allowing optimised operational performance and reduced lifetime cost of ownership.

According to the manufacturer, which is part of Cargotec, the combination of the powertrain efficiency and electronic engine RPM management reduces fuel consumption by around 10%, leading to average fuel savings of more than €4,000 (US$4,450) per truck annually.

Chris Booth, vice president of Terminal Tractors at Kalmar, said: “The key features of the new Kalmar T2 are focused on driving down costs and optimising operational performance and flexibility.”

The tractor, which features a clear-view cabin built around the driver to improve safety and awareness through panoramic visibility, comes as standard with certification to meet roll-over and falling object protection standards (ROPS/FOPS) and noise reducing high-density cabin insulation.

The company said that its new product is expected to reduce driver fatigue and operating costs, as well as improve productivity, thanks to two points of access located into the cabin and a flat rear access platform speeding up the hooking-up process.

Booth said: “Improving cycle times for trailer movements is of vital importance when calculating cost of ownership. The new T2 provides optimum visibility and ease of use. This ensures that cycle times, machine damage and, ultimately, the cost of every trailer movement are reduced, allowing more movements per shift and greater throughput.”

Kalmar claimed that service panels provide easy access to key components and that consumable parts reduce service downtime, enabling the drivers to complete daily checks fast, thus maximising operating time.

While the revised suspension points reduce wear on components, the tractor’s chassis, which is based on the Ottawa T2 launched by Kalmar in the American markets last year, is fully-bolted and optionally-galvanised, thus ensuring the strength to move the heaviest loads with ease.

“With key features built into the T2 such as quality construction, easily-accessible controls, and innovative fuel efficiency system,” Booth added, “downtime and repairs are minimised and servicing costs are reduced.”