Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has launched the "Smart-Fleet" solution for its heavy-duty container handlers and reach stackers. In port operations, the "Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO) is heavily influenced by tire wear and collision damage. A single tire for a reach stacker can cost thousands of dollars, and unseen structural cracks can lead to catastrophic failures.
The Smart-Fleet system introduces "Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors" (TPMS) integrated directly into the valve stems of the large solid or pneumatic tires. The sensor measures temperature and pressure. If a tire overheats due to bearing failure or excessive friction (common in tight turns), the system alerts the operator. This prevents tire blow-outs which can damage the axle.
A key engineering innovation is the "Impact Data Logger." A 3-axis accelerometer is mounted on the chassis frame. The system uses a "Signature Analysis" algorithm. It distinguishes between normal operational vibrations (driving over dock plates) and abnormal impacts (hitting a container corner). When an impact exceeding 5G is detected, the system logs the exact time, GPS location, and camera footage. This data is crucial for safety investigations and insurance claims.
Furthermore, the system features a "Driver Scorecard." It analyzes operator behavior such as harsh acceleration, braking, and steering intensity. This data is fed back to the fleet manager to train drivers on "Eco-Driving" techniques. Kalmar claims this system reduces tire costs by 20% and collision repair costs by 30%.
