Kalmar Ottawa Lifts the Curtain on Its Newly Designed Terminal Tractor

Feb. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- The next generation of terminal tractors has arrived in the form of the Kalmar Ottawa T2, a thoroughly purpose-built tractor re-designed and re-engineered for superior performance, productivity and serviceability.

Formally unveiled today at the Kalmar Ottawa annual dealer meeting here, the T2 is the product of more than two years of in-depth research, creative thinking and rigorous testing devoted to making the best tractor in the business even better and more suited to the needs of users in the next 10 to 15 years.

With features like a strengthened chassis, improved and more ergonomic cab design, faster fifth-wheel lifting, safety enhancements and easier serviceability, the T2 promises to revolutionize the typically frenetic task of spotting trailers by bringing more order, control, and efficiency to the process. The improvements build on design and performance attributes, fine-tuned over the course of some 60 years, in the form of continuous improvements that have made Kalmar Ottawa the most-recognized and best-selling name in terminal tractors.

“This is a true milestone in the company’s nearly 60-year history of making terminal tractors, carrying on Kalmar Ottawa’s tradition of durability and reliability with innovative design and performance features,” said David Wood, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Terminal Tractors Americas Region. “Nearly two years ago we began the process of creating the T2 by consulting with the real terminal tractor experts – our dealers and their customers.  We took their advice and our engineers applied advanced design processes to build a truck that offers superior ergonomics inside the cab for improved driver productivity, easier serviceability and overall better performance.”

Changes That Matter

Far from being an obligatory, superficial re-design, the T2 addresses key functional concerns that users face on a day-to-day basis. Kalmar Ottawa employed new materials, advanced computer-aided “virtual” design techniques, rigorous testing procedures and a deep understanding of ergonomics to produce a tractor whose design and construction can contribute directly to the user’s bottom line. The result is an engineering masterpiece capable of operating economically and reliably in terminal environments that are ever more demanding and unforgiving.

Sporting a slightly new look stemming from changes made to improve functionality and decrease weight – less angular and more curved than its predecessor – the T2 is made for both the rigors of the terminal and the all-important needs of the tractor operator.

While as sturdy as ever, the next-generation tractor is constructed using a larger complement of advanced composite materials that reduce weight and possibility of corrosion, and can speed repair time. Yet, safety and durability remains uncompromised. The cab’s frame structure remains high-quality welded steel, but is enhanced with the addition of a ROPS (Roll-Over Protection System) certification as a standard cab feature on all models.

Built to Perform

From the ground up, the T2 is ready for action. Its modular chassis, consisting of left, right, front and rear modules, all feature a formed open C-channel powder-coated rail design that delivers more strength, better protection against corrosion, improved serviceability and reduced maintenance. Shackle links and pins, as well as front spring lubrication are eliminated with parabolic, tapered leaf springs that deliver smoother rides and better drivability. All chassis components are pre-drilled and powder-coated for less chance of rust and corrosion. The T2’s design also serves to enhance trailer spotting with faster fifth wheel lifting speed.  As part of its purpose-built design, the tractor has spherical bushings both bottom and top, on the fifth-wheel lifting cylinders along with stronger lower lift support construction.

A Truly User-Friendly Tractor

Today, yard tractors need  to be more than brute and brawn, and the T2 shows the way with a superior operator-friendly design that opens the door to enhanced productivity. Its redesigned cab offers more interior room and better visibility .

Easier exit and entry is provided by the wider 23.5” door opening.  Operator safety and convenience are enhanced with optimized step and grab handle systems that better accommodate cab ingress and egress.

Drivers will appreciate the interior layout designed with enhanced control and convenience in mind. Features include driver-friendly rocker switches, improved belly clearance with the steering wheel, suspended brake and throttle pedals, more room behind the driver’s seat, space on the dash for yard management system devices and other electrical interfaces and a cup holder.

The T2’s ground-breaking design should also translate to easier maintenance and serviceability, another crucial component of productivity in a fast-paced terminal. The front  cab access panel has been redesigned and enlarged so that access is as easy as removing a few bolts. In turn, many routine service procedures, such as oil and transmission fluid checks, can be accomplished more quickly and safely from ground level. The T2 utilizes Kalmar Ottawa’s proven three-point air suspension system and electric cab tilt, which also helps speed-up maintenance and servicing time.

Still a Kalmar Ottawa Tractor

For all the important changes it brings, the T2 retains all of the key features that have made Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors the very best choice for discriminating, demanding users. It may look a bit different, but the T2’s core personality hasn’t changed.

The new T2 Kalmar Ottawa Truck for off-road applications is powered by the Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 4i engine that meets new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards. The engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation, a common rail fuel system, a variable geometry turbocharger, and a catalytic converter for exhaust after-treatment to reduce emissions to latest EPA  standards governing off-road engines in the 75-173 hp range.  On-road models feature the Cummins ISB6.7 EPA2013 engine as the standard power.

Besides being the original manufacturer of terminal tractors, Kalmar Ottawa was the first to offer machines with an automatic transmission, a rear door entry, integral air conditioning units, power cab tilt and ABS brake systems. Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors were also the first on the market to receive DOT/EPA certification – a paramount classification for distribution and industrial customers whose operation entails shunting trailers between yards via public streets and roadways.

The Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractor dealer network provides sales, service and support from 120 locations throughout North America. A complete listing and search tool for locating Kalmar Ottawa dealers can be found at www.ottawatrucksna.com.