Ergonomic, hydrostatically-driven and as comfortable as a truck
- the new "Truck-Wiesel" terminal truck tractor from KAMAG
At the "transport logistic" trade fair in Munich, the Ulm-based special vehicle manufacturer - KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG - is presenting its latest innovation: the Truck-Wiesel tractor which has been designed for use in terminals and logistic yards. The conception of this high performance, hydrostatically-driven semitrailer truck tractor is completely different to conventional special vehicles of this type because, with the Truck-Wiesel, KAMAG has focused on the use of serial components in the construction. The same concept has already made the Wiesel swap body lifting truck the most successful product in its category.
For KAMAG´s new Truck-Wiesel, the same concept that had already been used in the design of the Wiesel swap body lifting truck formed the basis for the development of the vehicle: using as many as serial production components as possible with all their advantages regarding technological maturity, availability etc. The basis of the new terminal tractor from KAMAG is a robust chassis in a stable welded construction. The front axle, complete with disc brakes, originates from the ACTROS truck series from DaimlerChrysler whilst the rear axle is a rigid differential axle with an external planetary gear set and drum brakes. The water-cooled diesel engine from Mercedes Benz, with a performance of 110 KW, accelerates the tractor up to its maximum speed of 40 km/h. Through the hydrostatic drive, this is possible without any jerking movements and no disruption to the traction power, from a starting position up to top speed. The maximum speed of 40 km/h, which is also possible when reversing, clearly makes a positive impact on the handling speeds. In addition, the change of direction can be carried out when driving which, through wear-free hydraulic braking with subsequent immediate change in direction, results in an acceleration of the handling times.
Only one step to a comfortable working areaLikewise, the driver´s cab originates from the serial production of DaimlerChrysler´s ATEGO range of trucks. Due to the low position of the cab, easy access is provided through a single step. Thus, the driver has the advantage that he knows that frequent leaving and entering the cab is an effortless task – a reassuring thought, for example, when required to release the trailer brakes, open the doors on the semi-trailer or install the safety wedges. The cab has all the ergonomic advantages of trucks used in long-distance haulage. The excellent seating position provides the driver with a non-tiring working environment and results in more safety in daily operations. The proven joystick control function used in the Wiesel is also a feature. With additional equipment such as radio, air conditioning system and auxiliary heating, comfortable conditions for the driver can be optimized even further. Access to the lighting and air connections takes place using a wide stairway which allows easier assembly of the feeder lines.
This solution is not only ergonomically better compared with previous designs but also superior with regard to safety-related issues as lighting and air lines often had to be often crossed thus presenting a tripping hazard. This solution on the KAMAG truck proved itself especially user-friendly when coupling refrigerated semi-trailers whose feeder lines are positioned underneath the cooling unit.
For all semi-trailers without crankingFor achieving its task as an efficient truck tractor for one-man operations, the Truck-Wiesel from KAMAG has been designed to include a hydraulically-liftable fifth wheel for a fifth wheel load of up to 18 tons. In order to be able to transport the entire range of semi-trailers, the minimum coupling height is 930 millimetres. The 690 mm fifth wheel coupling height ensures that semi-trailers with larger fifth wheel heights can also be accommodated and cranking up of the landing gear is no longer required. With a lifting speed of 50 millimetres per second, the Truck-Wiesel can also raise completely unloaded trailers up to a driving position very quickly. Lowering the fifth wheel is just as fast due to the installation of double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The driver, who has a perfect view of when driving under and picking up the semi-trailer through the generously-sized rear window, operates the coupling directly from his position in the cabin.
Additional equipmentA range of accessories turns the Truck-Wiesel into a multi-functional high speed piece of equipment. Additional shunting couplings can therefore be installed at the front or back for moving trailers or central axle trailers.
With this new concept for terminal tractors, KAMAG is continuing a trend which is increasingly demanded for in-plant transportation. Then, in the meanwhile it has been proven that a special truck is economically superior compared to a conventional tractor. The well thought-out mixture of serial production components with elements of the special vehicle construction, provide decisive advantages: highest levels of functionality and reliability in daily operations and the great resilience of the vehicle parts developed by KAMAG. Thus, not only do safety regulations correspond to the best available technology, but the service and spare parts supply have also been optimized through the KAMAG concept. The 24-month warranty, which is standard with the KAMAG Truck-Wiesel, also underlines the quality of the new product that KAMAG is now offering on the international market as a very cost-effective and interesting investment.
"Truck-Wiesel" technical data
Total weight at 25 km/h approx. 41,500 kg
Dead weight approx. 6,500 kg
Perm. fifth wheel load approx. 18,000 kg
Tractive power approx. 4,000 kNm
Semi-trailer coupling height (min.) approx. 930 mm
Height of 5th wheel coupling approx. 690 mm
External turning radius approx. 6,600 mm
Engine performance 110kW at 2.200 U/min
Top speed approx. 40 km/h
Photo material:The new "Truck-Wiesel" terminal truck tractor from KAMAG. Powerful, manoeuvrable and robust. Components from mass production make the in-plant vehicle a cost-effective and efficient investment.
More information: KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Daimlerstraße 14
89079 UIm / Germany
Tel. +49 731 4098-0
Fax +49 731 4098-109
info@kamag.com
www.kamag.com
Press office:Yource GmbH - Lothar Riesenegger
Magirusstraße 33
89077 Ulm
Tel. +49 731 96 287 82
Mobil +49 171 873 0916
lothar.riesenegger@yource.de
www.yource.de
KAMAG TransporttechnikTransporters from KAMAG are recognised across the world for their advanced technology and special product quality. Reliability in daily use, high load capacity and a long service life make the vehicles a very important component of modern logistical operations. The history of vehicle technology for heavy transport vehicles is closely connected with the name of KAMAG. The enterprise belongs to the group of companies owned by the Heilbronn industrialist, Otto Rettenmaier. Within the group, the TII – Transporter Industry International heavy-load division is the global market leader.