Terminal tractor
A terminal tractor
A terminal tractor, known in the United States as a shunt truck, spotter truck, spotting tractor, yard truck, yard shifter, yard dog, yard goat, yard horse, yard bird, yard jockey, hostler, or mule, is a kind of semi-tractor intended to move semi-trailers within a cargo yard, warehouse facility, or intermodal facility, much like a switcher locomotive is used to position railcars.
A terminal tractor moving trailers in the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Characteristics[]
Distinctions between a terminal tractor and a regular tractor unit include:
- A single-person cab offset to the side of the engine.
- A full-height, sliding rear door for easy access to trailer connections.[1]
- A very short wheelbase, usually with a solidly mounted rear axle.
- A low-power diesel or alternative fuel engine, usually with an automatic transmission.
- A fifth-wheel coupling with an integrated lifting mechanism allows the semi-trailer's legs to remain in the lowered position during movement. 15 inches (380 mm) and 70,000 lb (32,000 kg) of hydraulic lift is typical.
- A rear window to create a 360-degree view
Since off-road versions do not have to drive on roads at highway speeds, a typical top speed is just 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).
See also[]
References[]
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Categories:
- Trucks
- Articulated vehicles