Swedish manufacturer Kalmar has launched its sixth generation straddle carrier which it claims is lighter and more efficient than earlier models.
The new straddle carrier features a new rope hoist system, which Kalmar calls Smoothlift, combining the simplicity and reliability of a cylinder hoist with a rope hoist. With only one cylinder in the hoist system the machine is lighter and the new design allows gravity to lower loads at full speed without needing to run the engine.
Kalmar says that the Smoothlift design, with vertical rope sheaves at the spreader, gives the driver a clearer view of the load space. It also claims that hoist movement can be more precisely controlled.
It is powered by a new generation Sisu 634 diesel engine, using 20% less fuel than previous models, and has a ZF Ergopower transmission which, like the engine, is regulated by Sisu’s programmable logic control system.
Hamburg in Germany is the first port to see the new machines; operator Hamburger Hafen und Lagerhaus took delivery of 10 units at the start of the year.
