2012-02-15 06:53:38 - Cargotec USA Inc., has expanded the appeal of their Ottawa Truck trailer spotter line with the introduction of a gasoline-powered model. Featuring a Ford 6.8L 3-Valve V10 Gasoline Engine, the truck meets 2012 EPA emissions and California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards for on-road vehicle emissions.

OTTAWA, KANSAS - The new Ottawa gasoline-powered terminal tractors will be introduced to the trucking industry at two upcoming industry events. This month, look for booth number 1301 at The American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council Meeting (TMC) and Exhibition in Tampa, Florida, Feb. 20-22. And next month, the gasoline-powered Ottawa will be shown at the Mid-America Trucking Show, booth numbers 20030 and 20050, March 22-24 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Since 1958, Ottawa terminal tractors have been the “gold standard” in trailer moving solutions for warehouse and distribution operations, ports and rail terminals in North America. Over 50,000 of the highly popular trucks have been manufactured at Cargotec’s North American plant located in Ottawa, Kansas.

"Because it utilizes standard unleaded 87 octane

fuel and has an automotive type catalytic convertor exhaust system, emissions are extremely low,” says David Wood, Cargotec’s Director of Terminal Tractors in North America. “This is especially important in California and other markets where terminal tractors are often times used in highly urbanized areas where strict regulations limit the use of traditional diesel-powered units.”

“The V10 gasoline-powered tractor offers a low-cost, fully EPA/DOT certified unit compared to today’s diesel-powered EPA/DOT tractors,” he continued. “Also, the Ottawa’s gasoline powertrain set-up improves on the performance of equivalent diesel-powered units. Compared to a comparably equipped diesel powered terminal tractor, the gasoline-powered version takes less time to reach top speeds and has higher maximum speeds in both third and fourth gears.”

The Ford 6.8L 3-Valve V10 engine provides 240 hp and 450 lb/ft of torque @ 2800 rpm for superior performance and handling characteristics demanded by ports and distribution terminal operators. It’s coupled with an Allison 3000 RDS transmission with 1-3 gears, maximum speed of 33.2 mph and 1-4 gears, maximum speed of 45 mph. The rear axle is the Meritor RS-24-160 with 7.17:1 ratio and all axle ratio options are available. Also available is the Meritor RS-23-186 with 7.83:1 ratio for DOT/EPA terminal tractors under 33 mph, 116” wheelbase.

The gasoline powertrain set-up is available with both Ottawa 4 X 2 Off-Road and 4 X 2 DOT/EPA terminal tractors. Special features include a vertical exhaust system with catalytic muffler, OBD II and J1939 diagnostic connections under the dash, 50 gallon step-type fuel tank mounted on driver’s side, Ford starter and 175 amp alternator and Ford flat panel type air cleaner. Two batteries are standard.

The popularity of Ottawa terminal tractors has grown rapidly since their introduction in 1958. In February 2011, the Ottawa factory reached the 50,000 unit production milestone, which is more than twice the production volume of all North American terminal tractor competitors combined.
As the world’s leader in terminal tractors offering the most comprehensive range of models for warehouse and distribution operations, ports and rail terminals, Cargotec’s commitment to continuous product development has resulted in many industry firsts.

Besides being the original manufacturer of terminal tractors, Ottawa was the first to offer machines with an automatic transmission, a rear door entry, integral air conditioning units, power cab tilt and ABS brake systems. Ottawa terminal tractors were also the first on the market to receive DOT/EPA certification – a paramount classification for distribution and industrial customers whose operation entails shunting trailers between yards via public streets and roadways.

In addition to the gasoline-powered Ottawa, Cargotec offers an expanding portfolio of eco-friendly terminal tractors including machines powered by alternative fuels, such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).