The tractor with a elevating fifth wheel boom, specially designed for container handling in seaports and distribution centers, is now expected to electrify the market with a battery capacity of up to 177 kilowatt hours.

In addition to the better cost balance, according to Michael Arndt, technical director at MAFI, electric vehicles not only make sense for reasons of climate protection, but also economically, since operating vehicles with electric drive is cheaper because of less wear and tear when compared to combustion engines. As for potentially high battery costs contributing to the cost of operation, Arndt explains this as follows: “Today, the durability of the batteries can be ensured for the life of the vehicles, as both the design and the cell chemistry are getting better and better.” 

When the charging infrastructure for the vehicles is installed in cooperation with the local energy supplier, the vehicles will be available according to their usage profile. The power supply can be delivered by direct current according to national standards or as alternating current according to international standards. As either an alternative to, or in addition to, charging the batteries directly on the vehicle, exchangeable batteries can be used.

The lack of exhaust gasses allows the tractor to be used in the food industry and the additional benefit of low noise emissions makes it an excellent choice for operation near residential areas. These advantages also increase operator comfort and therefore help contribute to health protection.

An E variant is also planned for the other vehicles in the T series. Other alternative drive technologies are also being considered. “We will be able to create further variants based on our battery electric vehicle (BEV). A combustion engine can be used as a power generator in the vehicle, so a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a hydride vehicle (HEV) would be a possible option. The use of fuel cells in vehicles (FCEV) can also be implemented, ”explains Arndt.

Please find a detailed report at the link below.

https://www.bis-bremerhaven.de/neuansiedlung-im-loginport-mafi-und-trepel-kommen-nach-bremerhaven.99264.htm 

The international trade fair for transport and logistics took place in Houston, from Oct. 8 – 10, 2019 and was the meeting point for many interested visitors from various industries.

MAFI was particularly pleased to be able to use this as an opportunity to strengthen the business relationship with ELT and to celebrate the successful start to their cooperation together. 

After three eventful days, MAFI took a positive balance of the fair in Houston and heartily invites you to visit them at "Breakbulk Europe" in Bremen, May 26 – 28, 2020!

As is customary, the apprentices’ first day began with a tour of the entire MAFI plant. Afterwards they were officially welcomed by Mr May, their future instructors Mr Bopp (industrial mechanic), Mr Seidenspinner (mechatronic technician) and Ms Hübner (industrial management assistant), as well as the workers’ council chairman Mr Bernd Wenz and the managing director Mr Werner Berger.

All 3 years of MAFI’s current apprentices were able to get to know each other better during a small round of introductions and lunch together.

This was followed by a presentation about MAFI’s product portfolio and that of the closely associated company TREPEL, which covered their corporate structures, historical background, as well as information about the training process and the conduct expected of apprentices.

With joyful expectations for the training period, the trainees were then dismissed for their first well-deserved "Feierabend".

In PortEquip Services Ltd, we have found a strong partner for efficient and customer-based seaport solutions.

With this cooperation, we can offer our customers in Mauritius and Madagascar a direct contact person on site, as well as our combined expertise in the most diverse areas.

PortEquip Services Ltd has many years of experience with well-known engines and harbor crane manufacturers. They have their own service network, consisting of several service technicians, and stand by their customers with help and advice. This includes not only the maintenance of delivered vehicles, but also the corresponding spare parts supply and repair services.

For more information: http://www.portequip.mu/

"The TOC, from 18.20.06. in Rotterdam attracted even more visitors this year than in previous years, "said MAFI Sales Manager Harald Lutz.

MAFI was pleased about the high number of visitors, many nice conversations as well as new contacts and is already registering some new projects.

Once again, MAFI was in the open air area for all 3 exhibition days.

The beautiful weather and the two MAFI Tracs on display (a T 230 and a R 336) attracted numerous existing customers, new customers, as well as quite a few other curious parties to the stand.

Go ahead and mark May 4 - 7, 2021 in your calendars, because that’s when it’s going to be "Welcome to Transport Logistic 2021!" in Munich.

The MAFI team was particularly pleased with the lively exchange with both new and existing customers at their booth.

After three successful days, MAFI is able to give a very positive response and is looking forward to the Breakbulk Americas trade show in Houston, Texas from October 8-10, 2019!

The MAFI R 336 with the Mercedes Type 6 R 1000 engine with 210 kW was delivered and officially handed over to the MV shipyards in Stralsund at the end of February.

Manufacturers of in-plant tractors have a transitional period of up to two years to adapt their emission controls to the current Stage V EU emissions standard. As of January 1 2019, the new emission limits must be met for engines with more than 130 kilowatts. The only possible exception to the new Stage V emission requirement is an engine with the previous exhaust emission standard that was purchased prior to the January 1 cutoff.

Along with the now well-known exhaust gas treatment, an additional particulate filter allows the engine to meet the required values for Stage V. Despite the additional space requirement in the vehicles, the engineers at MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH have managed to integrate this upgraded exhaust system without changing the vehicle dimensions. MAFI has been able to maintain the necessary maneuverability of the Tracs, which is especially important when one considers the occasionally cramped conditions on customer premises.

The RoRo-Trac R 336 is the mid-sized tractor of the MAFI tractor range. However, the Stage V emissions standard has also been introduced into the "smaller" T 225D and T 230 Series Tracs, as well as in the "big" HD 445 heavy duty tractor.

At MV Werften in Stralsund, the MAFI Trac is being used in component supply for shipbuilding. Particularly with the steelwork for the prefabrication of ship sections, heavy goods are involved, for which the MAFI tractor has already proven its worth.

Their sales program already included the sales and service of a range of heavy-duty machinery; heavy forestry machinery, construction equipment, Telehandlers, agricultural machines and road-building equipment. The MAFI product line has now been added.  

INTRAC has over 200 employees in these three countries. A large number of whom are service specialists, who are responsible for equipment maintenance and repair.

INTRAC provides extensive support and competent service. Their network of subsidiaries guarantees a reliable supply of spare parts.

The high quality and the extensive knowledge of INTRAC’s service network allow for a quick response time to customers’ needs.

For more information: www.intrac.se

The new contract consists of 19 Terminal tractor type T 230 and six RoRo tractor type R 336 including a detachable ballast weight. “These will replace tractors of another brand as DCT considered Mafi tractors to be the best solution for their operation” according to Sales Manager Harald Lutz. The tractors are equipped with Volvo engines up to 210kW according to exhaust emission stage IV and with transmission from ZF. In addition, on the RoRo tractors a snowplough can be installed. 

All tractors will arrive within the first four month of next year at DCT. The new tractors will help DCT to continue growing to achieve their future targets.

MAFI Sales Director, Jürgen Thorwarth, issued the following statement: “MAFI is excited to announce Eastern Lift Truck Co. as our first ever, North American distributor. We feel Eastern Lift is the perfect company to represent our products. They are established, well-respected, forward-looking and financially strong. Although MAFI has been around for more than 60 years, the U.S. market is new for us. We look forward to serving new customers who will benefit from the combination of MAFI’s renowned manufacturing excellence and Eastern Lift Truck Co’s stellar sales and customer service.”

Dan Pruitt, President of Eastern Lift Truck Co., agreed: “We are thrilled to start our new alliance with MAFI. We want to offer our customers only the finest and most dependable products in the industry and MAFI terminal tractors and trailers certainly fit that description. Our Port, Rail and Intermodal Division will be focused on providing complete customer satisfaction.”

Founded in 1971, Eastern Lift Truck Co. is an award-winning, family-owned business that employs nearly 850 hard-working men and women, located throughout parts of seven states. The company is recognized as one of the most respected material handling and storage providers in the country.

For more information: www.easternlifttruck.com

For this operation, the tractors will be handling Container chassis with a payload of up to 65 tons. The tractors have been delivered with a Cummins engine in stage IIIB and an Allison gearbox. The T 230’s have a fixed 5th wheel. The container chassis will only be disconnected for maintenance purposes, so an elevating 5th wheel isn’t necessary. A fixed 5th wheel has the advantage of not having any moving parts and no maintenance has to be carried out on cylinders or corresponding hydraulic system.

A double fuel tank with a total volume of 400 L diesel has also been installed. The tanks are connected and can be refuelled from either side. This allows DCT to run several shifts without refuelling. The latest technology in fleet monitoring has been implemented. While refuelling, a sensor submits additional information such as vehicle ID, current operating hours and the amount of fuel that has been refilled via WiFi to the central main computer. This system allows DCT to boost their efficiency. Now they are fully aware of the working hours of each tractor and can balance the operation accordingly.

The T 230 F is equipped with various options for a comfortable and ergonomical working environment. This is in line with DCT’s strong emphasis on health and safety measures, and accordingly, a light has been installed on top of the cabin that indicates whether the driver has fastened the seat belt. The opening/closing of the 5th wheel plate also has separate indicator lights, depending on which position the lock is in. Furthermore, all tractors have been equipped with an air suspended rear axle which is active up to 14 tons and an air suspended seat. The air suspended rear axle is the strongest in the market. All warning systems in place will inform the driver immediately in the case of any engine/transmission failures.

Harald Lutz, sales manager at MAFI said, that “During this project we had a remarkably good partnership with all the people at DCT and are proud to have delivered a complete fleet of new tractors type T 230 F for the new terminal”.