Sales of Kalmar new i-model tractor range are booming. Since the launch of the world first intelligent terminal tractor in Spring this year, a number of major customers in the roro handling industry have been quick to take advantage of the new technology, with more than 50 unitsordered by customers such as the Port of Gothenburg, Stena Line, Rauma Stevedoring and DFDS Tor Line.
The i-model is the first ever series of tractors to use CAN-BUS control technology, a communication standard. The advantage of this looped network is that it can be more easily connected to different modules, comparable in many ways to plug-and-play. The tractor engine, transmitter, gearbox, valves etc can all be connected simply by being plugged in.
According to Magnus Johnson, Technical Development, Port of Göteborg AB, the modern design of the i-model tractor and previous experience of using Kalmar handling equipment were key to the port's purchasing decision.
"The i-model's Can-Bus system provides for easier troubleshooting and offers a simplified electrical system, which should mean less maintenance," he said. "The system also allows for speed and load limitation, as well as providing alarm and fault statistics and an indication of fuel consumption, all of which we hope will contribute to improved machine performance."
Timo Matikainen, VP, Kalmar Terminal Tractors, says that customers facing constant demands for improved performance appreciate the productivity gains the new technology offers them.
For example, the i-model integrated CAN-BUS system enables a 33% reduction in the number of wire harnesses between the cab and the frame in comparison to traditional tractor models. Consequently, the risk of faults occurring as a result of defective wire harnesses, which require time-consuming repairs and can potentially impede the entire operation of a terminal, has been decreased. This is a remarkable improvement from a maintenance point of view.
The cab display also facilitates maintenance planning by updating the driver and technicians on service interval data and hours remaining until the next service is due. Furthermore, a fast troubleshooting system notifies the driver of any problems immediately, allowing the assessment of necessary measures without delay.
The i-model tractor offers Kalmar customers the following advantages:
- easier and faster handling
- greater power and torque
- troubleshooting in one tenth of the time of conventional machines
- simplified electrical systems and maintenance
- longer service intervals
- compliance with the latest environmental regulations.
Notes to editors:
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Kalmar Industries has already received orders for more than50unitsof its recently launched intelligent i-model range of terminal tractors.
Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world leading supplier of cargo handling equipment to ports, terminals and intermodal facilities. Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine. The company also supplies a wide range of machines to demanding industrial customers for applications as diverse as handling steel and paper to shunting road trailers at distribution hubs.
Kalmar is also leading the way in port automation applications with its application of unmanned container handling technology, on-board smart features and remote maintenance products developed in co-operation with customers and partners.
Kalmar product range is complemented by a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management.
Production plants are situated in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, China and the USA.
Kalmar net sales were EUR 1,147 million in 2005.
Kalmar is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world leading provider of cargo handling solutions, which are used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centers, and ships. In 2005 Cargotec net sales exceeded EUR 2.3 billion. Cargotec class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.