Cargo truck manufacturer Capacity Group introduced a newly designed dashboard with elevated instrumentation, which will reduce driver fatigue and optimise productivity, to its terminal tractors in the fourth quarter of last year.

Additionally, the terminal tractors now offer synchronised seat and cab suspension tuning for smooth operation, as well as an efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning airflow.

Notably, South Africa-based equipment supplier BLT World supplies and supports the robust range of Capacity terminal tractors in Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

BLT World also supplies trailers to the Capacity terminal tractors to safely move heavyweight trailered cargo throughout container terminals, across docks and over airport runways. Capacity tractors are also suitable for logging operations.

These modular terminal tractors, which can be customised for every specific handling task they need to perform, are ideally suited for demanding operations in distribution and logistics centres, warehouses, and container and intermodal facilities, as well as for light industrial handling.

“Critical challenges facing the logistics sector include efficient cargo handling solutions that reduce operating costs, improve productivity and enhance safety of operations,” says BLT World MD Ken Mouritzen.

He adds that Capacity terminal tractors ensure faster handling times, reduce on-site congestion and also minimise demurrage costs for trucks waiting to be loaded and unloaded.

“By positioning trailers at discharge ramps, the road truck is able to transport further loads, instead of having to wait for a trailer or container to be discharged.”

In port operations, terminal tractors move trailers to and from vessels and storage areas to speed up operations, thus increasing operational efficiency.

Capacity terminal tractors have a robust frame construction and precise manufacturing tolerances, ideally suited to handle rigorous operations. These machines have been designed with a 30% faster actuation of the boom than previous models.

The advantage of faster actuation is reduced coupling times which enables quicker drive-aways. A lower, tapered skid ramp minimises trip-outs of the cab and for increased operator safety, there is a lower step height and new sight line designs for improved visibility.

Other features include torque ratings of 990 Nm at 1 500 rpm and lower emissions, for enhanced environmental protection.

The latest technology in fuel savings significantly reduces operational and maintenance costs. Components are easily accessible for efficient ground level serviceability.

Built-in onboard diagnostics enable operators to easily monitor the machine’s service status. Numerous service checks can be performed at ground level, which ensures more uptime for each machine.

The synchronised seat and cab suspension tuning for smooth operation, an efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning airflow, and a newly designed dashboard with elevated instrumentation, reduce driver fatigue and optimise productivity.

BLT World’s extensive portfolio of bulk handling equipment includes yellow metal equipment manufacturer Dezzi bulk handling equipment, container handling manufacturer Mobicon straddle carriers, handler supplier Taylor empty and loaded container handlers and reach stackers, as well as materials handling manufacturer Meclift variable reach trucks for swift and safe container stuffing and handling.

The company also supplies specialist handling equipment for the transport of wind turbine components and terminal tractors that can be customised for specific handling tasks.

Mouritzen concludes that the BLT World team works closely with every customer to ensure all equipment meets exact performance and safety requirements, and that the company’s support service encompasses a technical advisory and original spare parts facility.