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Electric pushback tractor for 100 tons MTOW
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Munich/Bad Waldsee, 10.10.2011 – When commercial aircraft reverse out of the gate, they require the
help of special aircraft tractors. That's because turbine-propel-
led airplanes do not have a reverse gear. Even though it would be possible for the machine to roll back on its
own by reversing the engine thrust, starting the
engines so close to the terminal building is not permitted due to noise protection and particularly for reasons of safety.
As a result, jet aircraft are pushed along the designated taxiways with aircraft tractors before they
continue on their way to the runway by themselves. This operation is called pushback. The connection between aircraft and tractor is thereby usually achieved with the use of so-
called tow bars.
Since airplanes used for
regular and charter flights usually have a significant weight, aircraft tractors are predominantly driven by powerful diesel engines.
These are, however, targeted by increased criticism
due to their substantial noise and exhaust emissions.
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VOLK Electric Tow Tractor EFZ 100 N during pushback – A ramp agent is walking alongside the nose wheel of the aircraft, in order to
secure the rear area and to notify the pilot when the engines can be safely started
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VOLK is therefore presenting an electrical aircraft tractor at this year's Interairport, which is capable of pushing air-
planes with up to 100 tons of maximum take off weight (MTOW). The model EFZ 100 N is thereby suited for use in
regional and medium-haul flights for practically all types of aircraft, including the Airbus A 320 and the Boeing 737.
It therefore presents an extremely interesting alternative particularly for airports that cater to medium-haul
flights, not lastly due to its price, which is very attractive in comparison to conventional diesel tractors.
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Push tow – The connection between nose wheel and aircraft tractor is done with a tow bar
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äußerst interessante Alternative dar, nicht zuletzt auch aufgrund
seines Preises, welcher im Vergleich zu kon-
ventionellen Dieselschleppern sehr attraktiv ist.
The pushback tractor EFZ 100 N was extensively tested at the Dresden Airport during the peak of this year's summer travel season.
After the test the drivers were filled with enthusiasm for the sophisticated and tech-
nically mature vehicle. This is, however, hardly sur-
prising, since the vehicle currently being presented can hardly be considered a
prototype: The model EFZ 100 N has been used for industrial applications for several years now, also in three-shift operations 24 hours a
day. VOLK has thereby acquired several thousand ope-
rating hours of practical
experience with this vehicle model.
This was also evident during practical testing in Dres-
den. Particularly the powerful and highly sensitive elec-
tric drive was convincing in every respect. Two electric motors, which
deliver a maximum torque of more than
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1.000 Nm, are responsible for propulsion. During the actual pushback
operation there is an available performance of up to 80 kW, during continuous operation it still reaches 40 kW. An electronic differential lock even guarantees optimal traction during unfavorable weather conditions. The batteries have
a capacity of 1.550 Ah. The 11.5 ton heavy EFZ 100 N can thereby manage a normal day without any difficulty.
The Electric Tow Tractor EFZ 100 N is therefore optimally suited for pushback operations on small and medium-
sized airports. And it is environmentally friendly as well.
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David and Goliath – The difference in size between the Boeing 737-800 with 80 tons take-off weight and the VOLK Electric tow tractor EFZ
100 N is quite impressive
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New hybrid tractor with excellent performance data
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Munich/Bad Waldsee, 06.10.2009 – VOLK presented a newly developed Hybrid Tractor at the Interairport
Europe in Munich. The Model HFZ 40 N is a real powerhouse and currently one of the most efficient hybrid tow tractors on the market.
The tractor is equipped with a 50 kW Deutz diesel en-
gine and
a 38 kW AC motor. Thanks to the outstanding traction ensured by an body weight of over six tons, the vehicle features a maximum traction force of over 26.000 N.
The enormous power reserves of VOLK Hybrid Tractor HFZ 40 N result in higher efficiency and shorter turn-
around times. The higher baggage volume of larger air-
planes such as the Airbus A380 can also be moved very easily with the vehicle.
Despite its outstanding performance data, model HFZ
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The new Hybrid Tractor HFZ 40 N is a real powerhouse
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40 N was designed with very compact dimensions. With a turning radius of just 4.15 meters, it is very easy to ma-
neuver even in cramped spaces.
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Platform trucks for small, medium and large loads
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Bad Waldsee, 28.07.2009 – The German VDI standard 3586 differentiates the terms “tractors and
trucks” with a fine sense of systemization – and that raises the question: Why really? In everyday language almost any-
thing which moves around a company’s premises and
is not equipped with lifting gear is called a “tow tractor“.
The sociologist and philosopher Niklas Luhmann once made the assertion “The world can be understood by making distinctions“, certainly without industrial trucks in mind. Thus it seems it would be worthwhile to take a closer look at this
distinction.
A little difference
A platform truck is equipped with a fixed platform as a loading area. It differs from a tow tractor mainly because material is primarily transported on the loading area located
behind the driver’s cab and not on trailers or other load carriers.
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David and Goliath – The VOLK Platform Truck range is designed for payloads ranging from 300 kg to 25.000 kg and is propelled by diesel,
electric or LPG drives
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From a logistics expert’s point of view, this brings along with it a
disadvantage: due to transport on the vehicle’s own loading area, loading and unloading jobs have to be performed during the vehicle’s operating times. So the vehicle has to stop during loading. This can be a disadvantage particularly when
internal transport jobs have to be perform-
ed very frequently or when the distances to be covered are relatively short. As a result, the loading and unloading times take up a lot of the driving time.
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Platform trucks are equipped with a loading area for transporting loads – This offers a lot of advantages, especially when maneuvering
in cramped spaces
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On the other hand, separating two activities is not an end in itself. And it only makes sense
when neither activity is performed by the same person. In many cases, how-
ever, the driver is the one who is in charge of loading and unloading his vehicle.
This brings up a major advantage of
platform trucks: because they can be equipped very easily with various lifting gear, such as a crane or a hydraulic liftgate, the driver can operate the vehicle all by himself. Therefore loading and unloading jobs can be performed
without any problems even if a crane or forklift is not available. Thus platform trucks can be used very flexibly.
In addition, they are really convenient when space is very limited in internal traffic, because a platform truck
with a comparable transport capacity is more compact than a towing train consisting of a tow tractor and trailer. It takes up less traffic space and features smaller turning radi-
uses. As handling trailers is not everyone’s cup of tea
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, the use of platform trucks is also more efficient and sa-fer when the operating profile calls for frequent maneuver-
ing.
Platform trucks are particularly well-suited for small to medium net loads. A loss of comfort can be expected, how-
ever, with higher loads because it is difficult to adjust the suspension so that driving comfort is equally high when
the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. In addition, because the load capacity of pneumatic tires reaches its limit when
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very heavy cargo is transported, the use of SE tires is required, leading to more loss of
comfort. Therefore payloadsexceeding 25.000 kg are the classic domain of tow tractors.
Although the pointed comparison of specific advantages and disadvantages of tow tractors and platform trucks might seem to suggest it, an
uncompromising decision for one of the two alternatives is frequently not required
at all. Of course, a platform truck can also be used for towing trailers, and many tow tractors are equipped with a small loading area. However the
intended use is de-
termined by the priorities you set in one direction or another. So if a platform truck is what you need, VOLK offers one of the widest ranges available anywhere.
Extensive range
VOLK
supplies platform trucks with net loads ranging from 300 kg to 25.000 kg. The swift and agile Roadrun-
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VOLK Diesel Platform Truck with loading crane – An adavantage of
VOLK Platform Trucks is that they can be combined with various
lifting gear which enables the driver to operate the vehicle all by himself
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ner, a small electric tricycle, which is used, for example, for internal mail delivery or internal
transport of small cargo loads, marks one end of this range. The other end features a jumbo vehicle with an empty weight of no less than eight tons and a cubic capacity of four liters. As these two examples already show, VOLK offers its
platform truck with all imaginable drive options.
Platform trucks with emission-free electric motors are always the best choice when loads have to be transported inside closed buildings. Thanks to their soundless drive, they are
also excellently suited for use in noise-sensitive surroundings such as municipal buildings, hospitals or convention centers.
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VOLK Elektro-Plattformwagen mit Durchladeplattform – Zum Transport von Langmaterial sind die meisten VOLK Plattformwagen auch mit “hal-
bierter” Fahrerkabine erhältlich
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Diesel drives are particularly suited for load transport in outdoor areas. They have a wide
range and can be fueled quickly, thus enabling continuous use almost without any breaks. Finally, LPG drives combine several advantages of electric and diesel drives. Just like diesel vehicles, they can be used almost without any breaks
and also make trips in closed buildings possible. Therefore they are especially well suited for mixed use
in indoor and outdoor areas.
With a wide variety of accessory options, VOLK enables optimization of the vehicle for the
respective application. For example VOLK offers a hydraulic liftgate which is specifically suited for transporting bulk goods. The cargo can be protected against climatic influences or theft with a tarpaulin structure or a metal cover
with shutters. To transport lengthy material such as rods and pipes, a load-through option is created by “dividing” the driver’s cab in half. Hydraulic liftgates or cranes are also avail-
able to facilitate loading and unloading. All these options
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are hardly practicable in a tow tractor. Thus this short list proves that platform trucks really are a class of their own.
Now the difference between “tractors and trucks” is hopefully a bit clearer. In addition, we have even learned some-
thing about epistemology: “Information is definable as a difference which makes a difference” said Gregory Bateson.
That is quite true.
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Heavy calibers – VOLK presents new tow tractors for
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inner-company heavy transports
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Bad Waldsee, 06.05.2009 – On the roads they cause a great sensation: spectacular wide loads on
flat-bed trailers with up to 20 axles. When heavy loads are trans-
ported company-internally, they are paid much less no-
tice. Unrightly so, in our opinion.
Two dissimilar brothers
While wide loads on
public roads are prepared well in advance and often draw large crowds of onlookers, in-
ternally they are often dealt with as an everyday routine. And on fenced-in facility grounds they are hardly taken notice of in the absence of an
audience.
The minor attention given inner-company heavy trans-
ports may also have something to do with the nature of the load. This is due to the fact that on-road heavy trans-
ports are essentially only permitted for
unseparable loads, meaning goods whose disassembly into several lighter components is not possible either from a tech-
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VOLK has two real heavyweights for particularly heavy loads in their re-
pertoire: the Diesel Tow Tractor DFZ 150 H with up to 150 tons towing capacity and the Electric Tow Tractor EFZ 80 N, which can handle up to 80 tons.
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nical aspect or would be infeasible from an economic point of view. This
requirement is fulfilled, for example, for transformer stations, generator turrets for wind power stations or for turbine wheels, in other words for loads that have not only great weight, but usually also oversized dimensions. These types
of load items activate the natural curiosity of the observer simply due to their technical complexity and their considerable material value. The heavy loads transported on company grounds are usually raw materials or raw
material-contigious semi-finished goods,
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Examples of heavy loads in inner-company transport: steel coils and rollers
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like for example steel coils or slabs. Even primary shaping and
recasting tools, like for example casting molds, rollers or presses are, due to the high specific density of the materials utilized, mostly quite compact and therefore not very awe-inspiring transport goods.
A further specific of
internal transports consists in the fact that negotiating gradients plays a key role. While major gradients can be avoided during heavy transports on public roads with elaborate route planning, company-
internal transports often require driving on ramps.
One of the greatest locational advantages of the German heavy industry – whose individual locations often have more than a hundred-year tradition with their developed
infrastructure – proves itself to be one of the greatest disadvantages here: large plants, that were built in the middle of the 19th century, at the onset of the industrial revolution on the outskirts of town, often developed into
crystallization seeds of urban development as a result of
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their enormous growth and the resulting personnel requirements. Therefore, today they are often
surrounded by densely built residential and trade areas, so that further expansion on site has long only been possible by adding extra floors on to the building.
But, for example, to pull a 35 ton heavy load over a ramp with an inclination of ten percent from one floor to the next
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(and after stopping unexpectedly, to also be able to get it moving again), a tractor is required
that could otherwise effortlessly pull three times the weight over a level sur-
face. As a consequence the load that is actually trans-
ported often remains well below the nominal perfor
mance of the tractor unit.
Inner-company heavy transports as a special challenge
All of these are reasons that make inner-company heavy transports appear to be unspectacular and hardly im-
pressing on the surface. But someone who thinks like that
is not even aware enough to succumb to the temp-
tation to measure the allure of a transport assignment according to the characteristics of the goods to be trans-
ported – and with it has completely forgotten that this will be
difficult to actuate without having an adequate tow tractor.
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VOLK Diesel Tow Tractor DFZ 150 H with a maximum towing capacity of 150 tons
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From a tow tractor perspective, it is particularly the internal heavy transport that presents a
special challenge: this requires the tow tractors to be extremely compactly built despite their enormous capacity for their implementation in an industrial enterprise. Here is where work corridors with narrow widths and other
infrastructural bottlenecks take their toll: while, for instance, a length of about three meters and a turning radius of less than four meters are
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In order to pull heavy loads and be able to safely brake, tractors need to have a high dead weight – therefore the frame elements are
up to
400 mm thick
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perceived of as being the perfect measurements for a 150-ton industrial tractor, the Kings of the Road are also King Size in this respect. Even the high access height of a conventional truck would be an unreasonable demand in inner-company traffic. In order to not make the work of the driver end up as endurance training, with the frequent coupling and decoupling procedures, access heights of 40 to a maximum of 80 centimeters are stipulated.
And for reasons of emission release, electrically power-
ed alternatives are in demand in addition to combustion engine drives – a particularly challenging requirement considering towing capacities of over 50 tons.
It
is therefore no wonder that in view of such challenges the ranks of manufacturers quickly begin to thin out. One of the few suppliers that is strongly positioned in the royal league of tow tractor manufacture is VOLK. The company offers
a wide range of tractor units for internal transport needs in the heavy transport sector. The two top models with diesel and electric motors are pre-
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sented below.
Diesel tractors with up to 150 tons towing capacity for operational areas
with maximum performance requirements
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VOLK has developed an innovative diesel tow tractor for towing capacities of up to 150 tons.
With a maximum pulling force of 75.000 N, the VOLK Diesel Tow Tractor DFZ 150 H outclasses just about everything presently available on the tractor market. A Perkins industrial en-
gine with 4.4 liters cubic capacity is
responsible for the thrust. With an engine power of 102 kW, it accelerates 150 tons of towing capacity to a speed of up to 4 km/h.
It is a known fact that to pull the heaviest of loads and to safely get these to stop are,
however, two completely different matters – especially when using an unbraked trailer. For this reason, the chassis of the VOLK tractor consists of up to 400 mm thick steel plates – there is actually no other way to cope with the
constructive assignment to accommodate 12.5 tons of dead weight on a vehicle surface that isn't even five square meters in size. To illustrate this: a Mercedes S Class sedan covers an area twice the size.
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Regarding electric tow tractors, the traction battery contributes to the vehicle weight – at a capacity of 1.550 Ah, the battery
pictured here weighs in at a stately 3.400 kg
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This clearly shows that the tow tractor is incredibly compact despite its powerful performance. A
turning radius of only 3.65 meters speaks for itself. And if things get a bit tight, the sensitive hydrostatic motor proves itself to be extremely beneficial. This enables the surprisingly precise alignment of the colossus.
It goes without saying that the extremely massive construction guarantees maximum stability. Even the high-quality
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VOLK Electric Tractor EFZ 80 N with a maximum towing capacity of
80 tons
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components of the power train (including Kessler axles and Bosch-Rexroth hydrostatic components) are
liberally dimensioned, so that the vehicle permanently withstands even the toughest strains.
In order to optimize the vehicle for various purposes, VOLK offers an extensive range of accessories. This includes, for instance, a
diesel particle filter system that enables driving in an enclosed building.
Electric tow tractors with up to 80 tons towing capacity as an emission-free alternative
High towing capacities are actually the
classical domain of vehicles powered by combustion engines. Electric
tow tractors hardly ever exceed a towing capacity of 25 tons. This is a circumstance that is not only unfortunate for emission-related reasons.
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VOLK tore ahead in this sector already in the mid-nineties and developed electrically powered tractors with a maxi-
mum towing capacity of up to 50 tons – at the time a novelty in the industry. Now, VOLK has raised the bar even higher
and with Model EFZ 80 N, presented an electric tow tractor for up to 80 tons towing capacity.
The most challenging part of this innovative development lies particularly in managing the high current strengths required. Maximum currents of 1.000 amperes and more not only require enormous cable cross-sections, but also take
conventional control technology to its limits. VOLK has solved the problem with a dual control device. Hereby,
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two AC inverters model Zapi AC 3 Power are implemen-
ted – each of the two with a maximum current of 650
amperes, which are operated in a master-slave configu-
ration.
Even the energy storage presented a special challenge in this performance class. This, naturally due
to the fact that towing capacities of up to 80 tons also present high demands on the battery. And if there's one thing that a large battery needs, it is room. This explains the relative-
ly large vehicle width of around two meters, which how-
ever didn't prevent VOLK from realizing a turning radius of only a little more than four meters. If the traction battery of the vehicle with a capacity of 80 V / 1.550 Ah may
well be a superlative for electric tow tractors, the maximum tow-
ing capacity of 45.000 N leaves no doubt about it.
The transmission of force is done by means of gigantic tires with dimensions of 28 x 12.5 – 15. In order to
gua-
rantee optimal traction even with poor surface condi-
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Bigfoot – The Modell EFZ 80 N has gigantic tires with dimensions of
28 x 12.5 – 15
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tions, the vehicle has an electronic differential lock, which automatically intervenes as soon as a
wheel begins to spin. The wheels are powered by two electric motors, each with a performance of 20 kW (60 minute rating). In com-
parison with the 500 kW of a wide-load truck in public road traffic, this appears to be quite modest. But even sea-
soned long-haul truck drivers are impressed by the tremendous torque of two times 500 Nm. For some truckers it is even
more impressing that the tedious handling of up to 16 gears absolutely doesn't exist
That's the way it is with dissimilar brothers: they come from different worlds and are destined to live different lives. But when their paths
cross, mutual fascination runs high.
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Duel among giants – when a 150-ton diesel tractor takes on an 80-ton electric tow tractor, the outcome appears to be quite clear; the fact
is, though, that the electric tow tractor underlies only very tightly because electric motors can be overloaded many times over in the short term
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Heavy Metal – VOLK presents a new diesel tow tractor
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Bad Waldsee, 09.07.2007 – Diesel tow tractors are used especially when
towing heavy to extremely heavy loads over longer distances. VOLK has now presented a diesel tow tractor series for towing capacities of 100.000 kg to 120.000 kg.
If the Australian rock band “AC/DC” should first come to mind when
talking about “Heavy Metal”, it wouldn't be too far off track because the VOLK Electric Tow Tractors of today use modern and low-maintenance AC drives (AC = alternating current), these having replaced the drives from the older DC
technology (DC = direct current) that VOLK banned completely from their electric vehicle program several years ago. But that’s another story.
While electric tow tractors principally reach their limits when towing trailer loads above
80 metric tons, diesel towing vehicles can tow considerably higher trailer loads.
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VOLK Diesel Tow Tractor DFZ 120 H
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VOLK has now presented a new diesel tow tractor for trailer loads ranging from 100 to 120 metric tons.
Having a maximum drawbar pull of 65.000 N, the VOLK DFZ 120 H quite well overshadows almost everything else available on the tow tractor market.
To not only be able to tow very heavy loads of up to 120 metric tons but, even
more importantly, to brake those loads safely, the tow tractor has a weight of approx. ten metric tons. This enormous weight comes from the vehicle chas-
sis, which is built of 15 cm thick solid steel.
“The raw material costs for
the vehicle chassis alone run up to around 14.000 Euros”, declares VOLK Managing Director Dr. Matthias Baur. This money is well invested, however, because the massive construction provides a high degree of stability, and ensures that the
vehicle can continually withstand the hardest of strains. Besides this, the vehicle is fitted through and through with high quality components, such as Kessler axles.
Such towing vehicles are used especially in the steel and
aluminum industries. Thus, such renowned companies as ThyssenKrupp, Corus Steel or Hydro Aluminium are among VOLK’s customers.
Despite its enourmous power and performance, the vehicle is astoundingly compact and has a turning radius
of only 3.65 meters. By means of its hydrostatic drive, this behemoth can be steered surprisingly accurately. Both features are especially needed when things get tight.
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To optimize the vehicle for fulfilling different tasks, VOLK offers a wide range of accessories. For example, a diesel particle filter permits the vehicle to enter closed buildings. Forward and backward inching controls
mounted on the rear of the vehicle simplify the hitching process. Additionally, a compressed air supply system makes it possible to tow trailers that have a compressed air brake system.
Of course this last feature isn’t absolutely necessary, because, in contrast to other vehicles in this performance category, the VOLK DFZ 120
H reaches the required deceleration values even with trailers lacking a brake system – at least when not operating downhill.
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VOLK Electric Tow Tractor EFZ 30 SK with fifth wheel coupling
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With
the EFZ 30 SK model it is possible to transport conventional truck semi-trailers in internal traffic. This enables the optimization of material flow at the interface between internal and external logistics. Thanks to their emission-free
drive, electric tow tractors can enter closed workshops. Therefore unnecessary reloading can be avoided at the interface between external and internal logistics with the VOLK EFZ 30 SK. This is extremely advantageous especially when it
comes to the just-in-time provision of production parts.
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For example preassembled convertible roofs are deliver-
ed by truck to a German automaker. Then the complete semi-trailer is driven with a VOLK Electric Tow Tractor right up to the assembly line and unloaded there. “Re-
peated handling of the parts is not required“, explains VOLK
Managing Director Dr. Matthias Baur the main ad-
vantage of this logistics concept. This prevents the inter-
ruption of the material flow and resulting loss of time.
Another advantage is also the low noise emission of
electric tow tractors. Dr. Baur describes a typical case: “One of our customers runs one of the largest European distribution warehouses for steel products with inter-
modal handling from the railway to trucks“. In the past handling
during night hours was only possible with sub-
stantial limitations due to the company’s proximity to an adjacent residential zone. “Because the noise caused
by arriving and departing trucks gave rise to many com-
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plaints, the management even thought about relocating their premises, a project which would have cost millions“, Dr. Baur says.
Instead up to 40 semi-trailers are now transported with a VOLK Electric Tow
Tractor night after night. The trailers are towed to the various loading stations where they are loaded with steel beams and then they are hauled to a large truck parking lot at the edge of the company compound. The following morning they
are transported from there by truck to the purchasers all over Europe.
The low access height of only about 45 cm also proves to be very advantageous when the application profile calls for frequent hitching and unhitching. “With a
conventional truck the driver has to climb about one meter and thirty centi-
meters up into the driver’s cabin eighty times a shift. Given this amount of exercise there is definitely no need to do sports in your free time“, Dr. Baur rightly points out in an exaggerated fashion.
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A hydraulic fifth wheel makes coupling simpler and fast-
er. Because the driver can lift and lower the coupling plate
from the driver’s cab, the trailer does not have to be cranked up or down manually. The kingpin can also be unlocked from the driver’s cab.
Alternatively, a mechanical fifth wheel is also available. Due to its lower
price, this fifth wheel is recommendable when frequent coupling is not required.
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VOLK is presenting the most compact electric tractor for 20 tons towed load
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The
development goal in the conceptual design of the model EFZ 20 K was to build an extremely compact electric tow tractor for towed loads of up to 20 tons. The result was an approximately two meter long and one meter wide tow tractor which is
about 30 % shorter and 20 % narrower than conventional electric tow tractors in this performance category.
This is very important particularly when space is limited. “You will rarely find such problems in a greenfield mill planned
on the drawing board“, VOLK Managing Director Dr. Matthias Baur explains. However, the situation is different in factory buildings which have often grown organically over many decades and are typically found at industrial sites in Germany.
“From a logistics planner’s viewpoint“, Dr. Baur says, “such ‘extended factories’ are not uncommonly a real nightmare“.
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Small
passage widths and other constructional bottlenecks often prevent the use of more powerful towing vehicles. As a result, the cargo has to be transported on several smaller towing trains, leading to an increasing volume of traffic in the
plant, which is a counterproductive effect. More crucially, however, considerable supplementary costs are often connected with this.
Thus it is fortunate that the EFZ 20 K model not only enables more efficient logistic workflows
due to its compact design but it is also about 25 % cheaper than a conventionally designed 20 ton electric tow tractor. However, the EFZ 20 K model appears to be a direct competitor of the existing full-size EFZ 20 electric tow tractor
only at first glance. For both tow tractors feature a distinctly differing range of properties. The full-size
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VOLK Electric Tow Tractors EFZ 20 and EFZ 20 K in direct size comparison
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electric
tow tractor EFZ 20 is usually the better option in applications where spatial restrictions are not a problem and very large ranges are required. With a battery capacity of 48 V/660 Ah, the VOLK EFZ 20 K is not exactly poorly equipped;
however the choice of battery sizes is naturally limited by its very compact dimensions.
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The VOLK EFZ 20 K also boasts a number of outstand-
ing technical features: a maintenance-free three-phase asynchronous drive with 10 KW power enables a maximum tractive force of approx. 10.000 N. Automatic traction control ensures that this power is safely applied to the road at all
times.
Many accessory options enable customization of the VOLK EFZ 20 K to individual requirements. For example, optional inching controls simplify hitching and unhitching operations. A driver’s cab which protects the driver
against climatic influences is also available on request. An electric heater ensures comfortable temperatures also on cold winter days. Thus the VOLK
Electric Tow Tractor EFZ 20 K is every bit as comfortable as its “big brothers“.
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New Electric Platform Truck EFW 0.3 Roadrunner II
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For
example VOLK serially equips the Roadrunner II with a wear-free retarder back wheel brake. It enables extremely sensitive control of the braking force and guarantees a high degree of energy efficiency at the same time. In addition VOLK is
the first supplier in Europe to employ modern sensorless technology serially in this vehicle class. Therefore the use of ball bearing sensors susceptible to wear is no longer necessary and only a minimum amount of mainte-
nance is required. The Roadrunner II is serially equipped with a durable and practically maintenance-free three-
phase asynchronous motor. This is hardly surprising since VOLK was the first German manufacturer to employ rotary current
technology in platform trucks and towing vehicles as early as 1995.
The Roadrunner II can transport a payload of 300 kg on its loading area and tow up to 1.000 kg depending on the model. Its compact dimensions and small turning
circle are a big advantage particularly in cramped spaces. The continuously variable electric drive and smooth running steering facilitate precise maneuvering. It is possible to cover even great distances swiftly. Because with a maximum
speed of up to 24 km/h, the “Roadrunner“ totally lives up to its name. To make sure it does not run out of steam, it is supplied with a battery capacity of up to 170 Ah.
A wide choice of accessories and extras enables optimization
for many different requirements. Different load area and side panel options are available depending on the purpose. Thanks to an optional lifting table attachment, the load height can be flexibly adapted to the respective requirements,
thus facilitating loading and unloading. The extensive range of accessories is completed by a weather cover and a piggyback trailer system.
The VOLK EFW 0.3 Roadrunner II will be available with immediate effect and will be offered
at especially attractive prices and on favorable leasing terms at its market launch.
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Presentation of new hybrid tow tractor series
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Munich, 15.10.2005 – VOLK presented a second hybrid tow tractor series at the airport trade fair Inter-
airport Europe in Munich.
The newly developed hybrid tow tractor series NT is positioned above VOLK’s product line N which has been on the market since 2002.
Hybrid tow tractors have an electric motor and a diesel engine and are used wherever job
specifications require mixed operation in indoor and outdoor areas. This is the case not only at airports but frequently in industrial applications, too.
Inside closed buildings the vehicle is driven by the emission-free and
noiseless electric drive while outdoors the diesel engine is simply switched on. It recharges the traction batteries by means of a generator. Battery changing and battery charging processes are no
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longer necessary due to the constant
recharging of the batteries during diesel operation. Thanks to this outstanding feature, continuous multishift use is possible with the new VOLK Hybrid Tow Tractors HFZ 30 NT and HFZ 40 NT without any recharging breaks.
With their powerful 20 KW three-phase asynchronous electric motor and their extremely reliable
and quiet 45 KW Deutz diesel engine, the VOLK Hybrid Tow Tractors HFZ 30 NT and HFZ 40 NT enable very high speeds and top performance on ascending slopes. Thanks to a maximum drawbar pull of up to 25.000 N, even extremely heavy loads of up
to 40.000 kg can be moved very easily.
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For
example, the Dutch airline KLM capitalized on this advantage when they ordered 2 additional POWER PACKs for their 70 VOLK Hybrid Tow Tractors. If a vehicle requires e.g. an oil change, only its VOLK POWER PACK® remains in the
workshop. The vehicle itself is fitted with one of the spare modules in just a few minutes and can thus be used again on the airport apron without any long breaks. Therefore downtimes due to maintenance and repairs can be reduced by up to
90%. And vehicle operating companies can benefit from higher vehicle availability and substantial cost savings.
What’s more, operators can profit from a higher future proofness of their investments: for the modular design of VOLK
Hybrid Tow Tractors makes them future-oriented and highly flexible tow vehicles. For example, it is possible to upgrade a VOLK towing vehicle originally purchased as a pure electric tow tractor into a hybrid tow tractor later when
operating conditions have changed. All this requires is the installation of a VOLK POWER PACK® on the truck bed.
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Presentation of EFZ 3.5 K – EFZ 12 K series Electric Tow Tractors
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Bad Waldsee, 12.01.2006 – VOLK presented the new Electric Tow Tractor series EFZ 3.5 K – EFZ 12 K for towed loads of 3.500 kg to 12.000
kg.
The EFZ 3.5 K – EFZ 12 K series was designed to ensure maximum possible operating safety. Therefore this series clearly stands out from most other electric tow tractors in the same performance category – especially since
these electric tow tractors are mostly designed as 3-wheel tow trucks, there is a great risk of tilting in curves or on inclines
In contrast, the VOLK Electric Tow Tractors EFZ 3.5 – EFZ 12 have a high degree of cornering
stability thanks to their 4-wheel design and their very low center of gravity.
In addition, much higher braking forces can be trans-
mitted at the front axle than in conventional 3-wheel tow
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tractors.
Outstanding deceleration values result from this in combination with the hydraulic divided brake system and the electric regenerative brake. On ramps the speed can also be reduced and precisely controlled by means of a crawling switch.
These safety features not only result in greater accident safety but also lead to increased productivity: because especially with unbraked trailers or in application conditions with steep roads or a bad road bed, the maximum towed load
is usually not limited by the tractive force of the towing vehicle but rather by the need to be able to brake the towed load safely at any time.
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innovation@work®
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