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BENSALEM, Pa. – Yard Truck Specialists, a distributor of yard trucks and terminal tractor equipment, announced that the company is now accepting orders for the new Kalmar Ottawa T2 terminal tractor. Described as “the next generation of yard management equipment,” the T2 is a complete redesign of the flagship line of Kalmar Ottawa trucks and will replace and will replace existing 4×2 and 6×4 models in January 2015.
According to David Wood, vice president of sales and marketing, when the company started designing the T2 nearly two years ago, the first step was talking with customers and dealers. Their advice helped the company’s engineers build a terminal tractor with an eye towards greater driver productivity, serviceability, and performance.
Improvements over the previous line include a strengthened chassis and an emphasis on composite materials for reduced weight and enhanced durability. Like its predecessor, the cab of the T2 is framed with steel for durability and strength, but the T2 now offers Rollover Protection System certification for added safety. The exterior has also been redesigned with a more angular body style to improve ergonomics and functionality.
Both off-road and on-highway models are powered by Cummins sourced diesel engines, all of which meet stringent EPA certified emissions standards. The T2 for off-road applications features a Cummins Tier 4i 6.7L QSB diesel motor with either 165 hp and 546 lb/ft of torque or 173 hp and 590 lb/ft of torque. On-highway DOT/EPA certified trucks come equipped with a clean idle certified Cummins 6.7L ISB diesel outputting 200 hp and 520 lb/ft of torque or 250 hp and 660 lb/ft of torque.
Also benefiting from the new design is the driver. Wood pointed to the superior ergonomics of the vehicle and emphasized that the cab has been redesigned for more room, while the layout of cab components and environmental systems have been reworked to make the vehicle easier to operate. Additional changes include a taller and wider door opening and reworked step system and grab handle, which makes entering and exiting the cab safer and easier.
Serviceability is also addressed with the new design. The reworked front cab access panel is now easier to remove, which allows oil and transmission fluid checks to be made from ground level. Other enhancements include a faster lifting fifth wheel, electric cab tilt and tapered three-leaf springs.
Kalmar Ottawa, the largest producer and market share leader in the terminal tractor industry, first unveiled the new trucks in late February. “There’s been a lot of interest in the new T2 since the announcement,” explained Terry Hopkins, general manager at Yard Truck Specialists. “Terminal tractors are a key cog in the supply chain and are used throughout the material handling industry, from warehouses to port and rail operations. We’re already seeing strong demand for these trucks from our customers across all sectors.”
Yard Truck Specialists, which recently became the primary dealer of Kalmar Ottawa trucks for the entire state of Pennsylvania also counts southern New Jersey, Delaware and parts of Maryland in its territory.
“We’re well positioned to sell the T2 thanks to our locations in both Bensalem and Pittsburgh.” said Steven Croasdale, vice president of Yard Truck Specialists. “This will allow us to more efficiently reach our customers when we begin demoing the trucks in August.”
In addition to the exterior makeover and mechanical improvements, Croasdale also noted Kalmar Ottawa’s above industry standards two-year, 60,000 mile warranty.
“We’ve already started taking orders on the T2 for delivery in February,” Croasdale added. “That there’s this much demand shows that customers recognize the dependability inherent in the Kalmar Ottawa brand and are excited about the value and opportunity this new truck provides.”
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