Are you looking to buy or lease a terminal tractor this year? It’s important to know about all of the different facets of terminal tractors so that you can make the best decision for you and your business.
Understanding Terminal Tractors
Terminal tractors are vehicles used to move semi-trailers and shipping containers in warehouses, ports, and distribution centers. They are also known as yard, spotter, or shunt trucks. They are Class 8 vehicles with a single-person cab and a hydraulically powered fifth wheel. The fifth wheel makes it easy to pick up, drop off, and transport trailers. Terminal tractors can be used for on-road or off-road use.
Key Features
Let’s dive into the key features that terminal tractors offer and how the features work!
- Compact wheelbase: Terminal tractors have a short wheelbase with a solidly mounted rear axle.
- Single-person cab: They have a cab offset to the side of the engine with a rear-opening door for easy trailer access.
- Fuel-efficient engine: Terminal Tractors have a low-power diesel engine or an alternative fuel engine.
- Fifth-wheel coupling: Terminal tractors have a coupling with a lifting mechanism that allows the semi-trailer’s legs to remain lowered while moving.
- Rear window: The rear windows provide a 360-degree view.
- Auto-locking kingpin couplers: Terminal tractors have couplers that lock automatically.
- Space-efficient cab: A cab design that saves space.
- Simplified transmission: A transmission that is simplified.
Types of Terminal Tractors
Multi-Directional Terminal Tractors
A multidirectional terminal tractor is a Class 8 vehicle that can move semi-trailers and containers in multiple directions. They are used in warehouses, ports, and other cargo yards. They can travel parallel and perpendicular to racking.
Heavy-Duty Terminal Tractors
Heavy-duty terminal tractors are impressive tractors that can have different lifting capacities, depending on the model. For example, the Kalmar TT618i and TRL618i have a standard lifting capacity of 25,000 kg but can be upgraded to 32,000 kg.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Terminal Tractor
Load Capacity Requirements
Terminal tractors are capable of moving very heavy loads from 85,000 pounds up to over 200,000 pounds depending on the type of tractor you have. With such a range of weight capacities available, you should have no trouble finding the terminal tractor that’s right for your business.
Maintenance and Support
Turbo offers top-tier support when you buy or rent a terminal tractor from us. Be sure to look at all of the perks of our maintenance and support plans. We offer a dependable 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week program that keeps your terminal tractors running through Turbo Service Solutions.
Cost Considerations
Terminal tractors vary in cost, so it’s important to consider how much you would like to spend and the functionality of each type of terminal tractor in your price range. The prices can range from $65,000 to $350,000. Cost depends on the engine type, volume capacity, features, and if the vehicle is new or used. Renting terminal tractors is also a good option.
Versatility
One of the most impressive things about our terminal tractors is the versatility they have. Our tractors can do a multitude of things, including both on-road and off-road applications. They are used to move semi-trailers and shipping containers in warehouses, ports, and other facilities. Their maneuverability and versatility help reduce labor costs and turnaround times. They also enhance productivity within your yards.
Conclusion
If you need assistance finding the type of terminal tractor that best suits you or your company, please give Turbo Terminal Tractors a call at call at 844-GOTURBO or contact us today. We would be happy to assist you.