KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG

KAMAG starts "TruckWiesel" series production

Successful market launch of the new terminal tractor

The Ulm-based special vehicle manufacturer, KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG, will be presenting its TruckWiesel terminal tractor at the IAA 2008 in Hanover. The high performance, hydrostatically-driven semi-trailer truck tractor has been designed for use in terminals and logistic yards. This terminal truck differs completely to conventional special vehicles of this type because KAMAG relies on the use of serial components for the TruckWiesel. The same concept has already made the Wiesel swap body lifting truck the most successful product in its class. After a successful test phase, KAMAG has now begun serial production.



The same idea which had already been realised for the development of the Wiesel lifting truck formed the premise for KAMAG´s new product, the TruckWiesel: using series production components with all their advantages as much as possible with regard to easy servicing. Basis of the new terminal tractor from KAMAG is a robust heavy load chassis with a stable welded structure. The front axle, complete with disc brakes, originates from the ACTROS truck series from Daimler whilst the rear axle is a rigid differential type with external planetary gears and drum brakes. The 110 KW water-cooled diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz accelerates the tractor up to a maximum speed of 40 km/h. Due to the hydrostatic drive, it is possible to go from a stationery position to maximum speed without any shift jerking and without traction interruption. The maximum speed when reversing is likewise 40 km/h, the advantage of which is clearly noticeable during shunting operations. In addition, the change in direction can be carried out during driving which once again increases the rate of turnover, through wear-free hydraulic deceleration and the subsequent immediate change of direction.



One step away from a comfortable working area

The driver´s cab also originates from the large-scale production of the Daimler ATEGO series. Through the lower position of the cab, the driver requires only one step to reaches his seat. This has the big advantage that the effort needed for frequently getting in and out of the cab is kept to an absolute minimum, e.g. for releasing the semi-trailer brakes, opening the doors on the semi-trailer or placing the securing wedges. The cab has all the ergonomic advantages as found in a long-distance truck. The excellent seat position provides operating personnel with a fatigue-free working environment which thus leads to increased safety levels in daily operations. The proven joystick operating system used in the Wiesel is also utilised here.



With additional equipment such as radio, air conditioning and auxiliary heating, driving comfort can be optimized even more. The light and air connections are accessed via a wide set of stairs which facilitates easier assembly of the feeder lines. This solution is superior to previous options both from an ergonomic as well as safety point of view as light and air lines had to be frequently crossed which in turn present a potential tripping hazard. The user-friendliness of the KAMAG truck solution is highlighted when coupling refrigerated semi- trailers whose the feeder lines are positioned underneath the cooling unit.



For all semi-trailers without any cranking

In its function as a high performance and efficient truck tractor for one-man operations, the TruckWeasel from KAMAG comes complete with a hydraulically-lifted fifth wheel designed to handle fifth wheel loads of up to 18 tonnes. In order to be able to transport all types of semi-trailers, the minimum fifth wheel height is 930 millimetres. The 690 mm fifth wheel lift ensures that semi-trailers with larger fifth wheel heights can also be accommodated and cranking of the landing gear is no longer required. With a lifting speed of 50 millimetres per second, the "TruckWiesel" also raises completely unloaded semi-trailers very quickly into the driving position. Lowering the fifth wheel is just as fast thanks to the installation of double-action hydraulic cylinders. The driver has an optimal view of driving under and lifting of the semi-trailer due to the generously-sized rear wall window, and can operate the fifth wheel directly from his position in the cab.



The design of the TruckWiesel is such that permission can be given for use on public roads (as a truck) at any time if requested. This is important, for example, if a public road has to be used as part of the shunting operations.



Additional equipment

A range of accessories turns the "TruckWiesel" into a multi-functional high performance unit. Other couplings can be mounted at the front or back for shunting trailers or central axle trailers.



With this new concept for terminal tractors, KAMAG is continuing a trend whereby there is an increasing demand for in-plant transport. In the meantime, it has been proven that a specially-designed truck is economically superior to a conventional truck tractor. The well thought-out combination of serial production components together with elements of special vehicle construction provide the crucial advantages: highest level of functionality and reliability in daily operations along with the extreme loading capacity of the vehicle components developed by KAMAG. Not only do the vehicle´s safety features correspond to the very latest regulations but the service and spare parts supply have also been optimised through the KAMAG concept. The 24-month warranty is standard for the KAMAG ”TruckWiesel", and also underlines the quality of the new product which KAMAG has now made available for the international market as an extremely cost-effective and interesting investment.



"TruckWiesel" technical data

Total weight at 25 km/h approx. 41,500 kg

Tare weight approx. 6,500 kg

Permissible fifth wheel load approx. 18,000 kg

Tractive force approx. 4,000 daN

Fifth wheel height minimum approx. 930 mm

Fifth wheel lifting height approx. 1,620 mm

External turnig radius approx. 6,950 mm

Motorleistung 110 kW with 2.200 U/min

Top speed approx. 40 km/h



Photo:

The new "TruckWiesel" terminal truck tractor from KAMAG. Powerful, extremely manoeuvrable and robust. Components from serial production make this yard logistics truck a very comfortable vehicle to use.



More Information:

KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Liststrasse 3

89079 Ulm / Germany

Tel. +49 (0)731 409 80

Fax +49 (0)731 409 8109

info@kamag.com

www.kamag.com



Press Office:

Yource GmbH - Lothar Riesenegger

Magirusstrasse 33

89077 Ulm / Germany

Tel. +49 (0)731 962 8782

Mobile +49 (0)171 873 0916

lothar.riesenegger@yource.de

www.yource.de



Information on KAMAG Transporttechnik

Transporters 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 working 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 company belongs to Heilbronn industrialist Otto Rettenmaier’s company group. Within the group, the TII – Transporter Industry International heavy-load division is global market leader.