Kuenz launches new RTG – “The Charger”

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Kuenz launches new RTG – “The Charger”

Our exclusive partner Kuenz has entered the market for low-height intermodal RTGs.

“We are pleased to announce that Kuenz have developed a new RTG for intermodal terminals: the Charger. The Charger was developed explicitly for the so-called ‘Stripping Mode’ in intermodal terminals. With its innovative solutions, Kuenz will set a new benchmark in the intermodal industry,” said Peter McLean, Group CEO, PortxGroup.

What problem does The Charger solve for Intermodal Terminals?

The Charger is a low-height narrow-span RTG designed specifically for working on the long intermodal container trains. The Charger has fast handling rates and is less land area intensive.

Stripping mode refers to the process where an intermodal RTG ‘works’ a train progressively from one wagon to the next. The RTG does not normally ground or transfer containers between trains, which are unloaded directly to chassis and the RTG then proceeds to the next wagon. While there are some variations, these “intermodal RTGs” are mostly a low 1-over-1 height with a span less than 16m.

Two distinct advantages that an RTG offers over alternate methods is lower ground pressure resulting in a saving on pavement cost and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, RTG’s can be capitalised over a much longer term than conventional mobile equipment.

The Charger dimensions are designed for an intermodal RTG while at the same time incorporating many of the design elements from the larger Kuenz Freerider RTG. While the Charger looks like a smaller version of the Freerider, there some important differences. The Charger has 8-wheel boogies and gantry sections that are especially designed for the dimensions and requirements for operating at intermodal terminals, including a stiff gantry structure.

Gantry speed is 100m/min. This is not as fast as Freerider, which was designed to compete with RMGs and ASCs. By contrast the Charger is intended to work in stripping mode, so will not normally be gantry travelling for long distances.

The power source is a hybrid drive with a diesel genset with optimised fuel consumption and a battery. Kuenz said its hybrid solution delivers a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other equipment on the market. The Charger also incorporates other proven Kuenz components designed to deliver lower maintenance and operational costs. These include gantry travelling gear with highly efficient electrical drives for reduced energy consumption and slewing gears for axle rotation.

The Charger trolley is a four-wheel design with a trolley speed of 40m/min. The rope system uses an 8-rope configuration for optimal stiffness and minimised sway. The skew and trim system are located directly on the trolley.

Instead of being on the trolley, the operator cab is in a fixed position on one side of the gantry. This gives an optimal view as well as safe and easy access. To assist the operator, the Charger is equipped with an auto steering system for safe and precise gantry travelling, and the cab incorporates images from cameras on the spreader and in the area in front of the wheels. This increases safety and improves productivity. There are spreader options for Piggy Back and WTP operations.

Kuenz Sales, Service and Support is provided in Asia Pacific exclusively by PortxGroup.

For more information, contact PortxGroup on sales@portxgroup.com