IMPACT HANDLING TARGETS IN-PLANT TRACTOR MARKET
1 July 2014
Materials handling specialist Impact Handling is introducing a new range of specialist distribution, terminal, Ro-Ro and heavy-duty tractor units into the UK, following its appointment as sole distributor for MAFI Transport Systems.
The MAFI range will complement Impact Handling’s forklift truck and warehouse product line-up, giving companies operating distribution centres, ports, rail freight terminals and manufacturing sites access to a quality range of in-plant tractors with power outputs of up to 375hp and featuring the most spacious cabs available.
Built in Germany, the MAFI range comes with a choice of Cummins, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo engines, plus Allison or ZF transmissions, depending on the model. They also feature Kessler axles, for maximum durability.
Terry Kendrew, Managing Director of Nottingham-based Impact Handling, a division of Eqstra Holdings, says: “We see huge potential for MAFI. Many of our customers have a need for in-plant tractors and we can now offer a product for every possible application.
“Until now one manufacturer has dominated this sector of the UK market – we’re looking forward to offering genuine and healthy competition. For customers that’s a win-win situation as it means greater choice.”
Compared with a conventional road tractor, in-plant operations with a MAFI are between three and five times faster. Drivers can safely load the trailer without leaving the tractor, and there’s no need to raise landing legs. All MAFI models offer easy access for maintenance and benefit from considerably lower repair and maintenance costs, whilst offering excellent driving stability and a small turning radius for fast shunting.
Impact Handling expects the T 225 D 4x2 distribution tractor to prove most popular. Its 3,500mm wheelbase offers optimal working space between the trailer and the cab – even for trailers with nose-mounted refrigeration units. A 210 litre diesel tank enables a three-shift operation between fill-ups, whilst the specification includes rear air-suspension and a hydraulically elevating fifth wheel with a 25 tonne lifting capacity, operated via a joystick in the cab. Low profile 295/60 R 22.5 tyres guarantee a low fifth wheel height for operation with trailers parked at different heights. The cab can be specified in right- or left-hand drive, plus the XXL glass cabin features a fully glazed door for maximum all-round visibility and safety.
The T 230 4x2 terminal tractor follows a similar design, but is constructed on a shorter 3,000mm wheelbase. It is built primarily to operate with the same trailer, with its fifth wheel coupling rated to 36 tonnes.
The R 332 4x4 and R 336 4x4 Ro-Ro tractors are purpose-built for port operations. Driven front and rear axles, uprated brakes and high power and torque levels enable system loads of up to 120 tonnes, even on steep ramps inside ships. A swivel seat with change-of-direction steering provides maximum flexibility and cabin ergonomics, whilst a model with added ballast weight (R 332 Z) is available for heavy loads such as coils and steel slabs.
Completing the range is the HD 445, a bespoke-built tractor for very heavy-duty applications in steel mills, foundries and special port operations such as the movement of SECU boxes, as used at Immingham and Tilbury docks. This truck can accommodate system loads of up to 250 tonnes.
Harald Lutz, Sales Manager at MAFI, adds: “The UK has lots of distribution centres and Ro-Ro ports, so we see significant opportunity for MAFI. With more than 50 years’ experience in this sector; we’re confident that working with Impact Handling provides the ideal opportunity to grow our UK customer base.”
Impact Handling’s 150-plus service engineers include specialists trained to work on heavy-duty lift trucks and it has supported this new venture with specific MAFI training, and a comprehensive review of its parts stockholding. The first demonstrator model – a T 225 D distribution tractor – has arrived in the UK and is available for customer trials nationwide.
Impact Handling also has full access to MAFI’s line-up of trailers for terminal operators. These include container chassis and gooseneck cargo trailers, most commonly used for loading and unloading ships.
For more information about Impact Handling visit www.impact-handling.com. For more information about MAFI visit http://www.mafi.eu/.
ends
About Impact Handling
Established in 1985, Impact Handling is wholly owned by Eqstra Holdings and is the sole distributor for Cat® Lift Trucks for the whole of the UK and Ireland. Impact Handling is also an agent for some of the world’s best known materials handling brands; ranging from forklift and warehouse equipment, heavy duty lift trucks, long load handling, side loaders, articulated trucks, access equipment and cranes which makes up a full complement of materials handling equipment. As one of the UK’s largest independent materials handling companies, Impact Handling operates from nine locations and has more than 250 employees, including in excess of 150 service engineers. It operates a combined fleet of more than 5,000 rental units, plus supports 2,000 customer-owned machines and 2,000 used assets.
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