Trains.com

Birth of The Terminal Tractor

1500 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Sterling Heights, Michigan
  • 1,691 posts
Birth of The Terminal Tractor
Posted by SD60MAC9500 on Sunday, December 6, 2020 7:57 PM
 

Came across this PR film from Ottawa Kalmar on Youtube detailing the creation of the Terminal Tractor, or Yard Dog as I call em'. If you've ever worked at a: UPS Terminal, IM Ramp, or a DC these are a common sight. Enjoy!

 
 
 
Rahhhhhhhhh!!!!
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, December 6, 2020 11:10 PM

Working around a intermodal facility you learn early that shippers are overloading IM trailers when the Yard Tractor's hook their 5th wheel up to a trailer and can't lift it off the ground.  Intermodal rates being basically 'per unit' rather than 'per ton' rates gave the shippers the leeway to LFVC.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Sterling Heights, Michigan
  • 1,691 posts
Posted by SD60MAC9500 on Monday, December 7, 2020 10:41 PM
 

BaltACD

Working around a intermodal facility you learn early that shippers are overloading IM trailers when the Yard Tractor's hook their 5th wheel up to a trailer and can't lift it off the ground.  Intermodal rates being basically 'per unit' rather than 'per ton' rates gave the shippers the leeway to LFVC.

 

Not surprising get the bang for your buck right? 

 
Rahhhhhhhhh!!!!
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 4:08 PM

Yard dogs are great .  Their lower fith wheel saves alot of grief when they raise up a trailer.  Have seen them used to catch a trailer that bottomeed out on landing gear and tandems.

Only having one axel have seen an overloaded trailer blow yard dog's tire..  

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy