With the PE TU 50 multifunctional chassis, Krone is developing an innovative product that can optimise process times in the terminal or depot, and save a lot of time when handling containerised cargo.
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repare a chassis for a new container size in less than a minute: The first fully automatic multifunctional Box Liner TU 50 Traction Automatic from Krone makes this possible. At the touch of a button, the chassis switches autonomously to the desired configuration. For example, if it had just been carrying a 20-foot container flush with the rear and placed in the middle, it can now perfectly accommodate a 40-footer. Thanks to a remote control, the driver can even remain seated in the truck, incorrect settings are avoided and driver errors, such as an incorrect lift in the terminal, are ruled out. The system increases safety and makes everything much easier. Above all, it speeds up the process of changing containers. “When it comes to turnover at the port, we believe effectiveness can be increased by about ten percent,” explains Product Manager Ulrich Josefowitsch. “This means that five trucks equipped with the automated Box Liner can replace six articulated trucks.”
Small-batch series as early as 2023, full production as of 2024
The base consists of a gooseneck chassis, which nevertheless allows transport in countries with a height limit of four metres. In the case of the multifunctional Box Liner, the classic twist locks, which are normally used to mechanically adjust the chassis, have been replaced by sensors, robust pneumatic cylinders and an automated locking mechanism. A smooth-running air motor drives the rear extension. Once the process is complete, a control lamp and the brake release confirm that the container has locked correctly after being put in place. The concept was implemented with specially developed components from Aucos, an expert in reliable automated container locking systems and fifth-wheel couplings as well as electronic and pneumatic control technology. Krone is presenting the chassis at the IAA and plans to launch a small-batch series in 2023; series production is scheduled to start in 2024.
Given the unfortunate waiting times in ports, drivers currently have a lot of time to adjust the chassis so that it fits. “But that will change in the future,” says Josefowitsch. “There are already terminals in Rotterdam where pre-registered vehicles are processed at high speed.” What’s more, many terminals are due to be rebuilt in the near future to accommodate increasingly large ships, some of which can hold up to 20,000 containers. “These also have to be unloaded, set down and transported quickly. In the future, processes in the ports will accordingly require an even higher level of professionalism. Our chassis can help support this development.”
Controlling autonomous vehicles remotely
In depots, there is already the challenge of processing everything as fast as possible. “There, the container is sometimes already practically hanging on the reach stacker as soon as the driver pulls onto the site. This is where the fully automatic TU 50 traction automatic chassis can show what it’s really capable of,” explains the product manager. He is also thinking how it could be used in autonomous driving: Placement of the container could then be automatically controlled remotely from the terminal. The chassis is particularly interesting for all contractors who drive port transfer and shuttle routes. “All those with a high turnover rate will reap the benefits,” says Josefowitsch. “They can then change their transport goods more quickly and, if necessary, also save space because the vehicles are no longer sat around waiting: So, the chassis can continue on its way in no time.”
