Tue October 01, 2013
Truck and Trailer Guide
Introduced by Terramac LLC, the Terramac RT9 multi-purpose carrier for the utility construction market will be on display at the company’s exhibit (Booth N2030) at this year’s
International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE), Oct. 1-3, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. With an operating weight of 26,000 pounds (11,794 kg) and a maximum carrying capacity of 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg), the RT9 is the largest mid-sized rubber track carrier that does not require special oversize permitting to transport the machine.
“Utility contractors and other utility professionals will appreciate the RT9 for its ability to travel across almost any terrain, low-maintenance undercarriage and minimal disturbance of the ground it covers,” said Mike Crimaldi, CEO of Terramac LLC. “Equipped with front and rear bolt-on connections, this multi-purpose carrier can accommodate various types of specialized equipment for the job at hand. We can customize electrical power sources, frame adjustments and hydraulics to suit any attachment.”
Manufactured in North America, the CE-certified Terramac RT9 carrier can be customized to accommodate specific needs of utility contractors, direct from the factory. “Within its capacity load limit, the RT9 can function as a material handler; a carrier for tools, supplies or personnel; an equipment hauler; a mobile crane or welding unit; or an off-road service vehicle,” Crimaldi said.
Unlike steel-track crawler carriers, the RT9 rubber-track crawler carrier won’t tear up the ground or road surface – a significant advantage for preventing costly jobsite ground damage, according to the company.
Terramac RT9 tackles rough terrain, slippery conditions
“The RT9 is designed for the kind of terrain chassis trucks and other vehicles can’t handle due to ground conditions, grade or working angles,” Crimaldi said. “Because of the flotation from the RT9’s rubber tracks, contractors can keep working in all types of adverse ground and weather conditions, and can complete projects faster.” Crimaldi noted that the rubber tracks also allow for faster climbing on hills and reduced slippage in wet conditions. And unlike wheeled vehicles, the RT9 can traverse even wet terrain without leaving ruts.
According to the company, the RT9 is ideal for carrying supplies and materials, and the bed on the RT9 elevates to a 67-degree angle for dumping gravel, sand, dirt and other materials. The bed can fold down, allowing the operator to side-load materials or equipment for carriage across rough terrain, delicate soil conditions and remote areas.
The RT9 is equipped with a 230-hp (172-kW) Cummins diesel engine. Rollover protective structure (ROPS) and falling object protective structure (FOPS) are standard. Open- and closed-cab options are available.
When fully loaded, the ground pressure on the RT9 is only 4.9 psi (0.34 kg/c2). Featuring a 10-ft (3-m) turning radius, the rubber track crawler carrier has an overall length of 17 ft 7 in (5.4 m), a width of 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m), a height of 9 ft 3 in (2.8 m) and a minimum ground clearance of 20 in (0.51 m). The unit can travel at speeds up to 6 mph (10 kph).
The innovative RT9 was designed with ease of maintenance in mind according to the company. A tilt hood provides easy access to key service areas. Parts and service support are available through Rig Source Inc., Terramac’s primary dealer in North America. Rig Source offers custom fabrication and mounting services to install a wide range of equipment and attachments on the RT9.
Available for sale or rent, the Terramac RT9 crawler carrier can be ordered from the factory with the correct body configuration to accept custom accessories. For more information on the Terramac RT9, or to schedule a demonstration, please visit www.terramac.com.