PRESS RELEASE XX.07.19 Ulm, Achern New KAMAG Wiesel at Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft: ”There is simply no alternative to the Wiesel“ The new Wiesel from KAMAG Transporttechnik is serving Achern-based Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft extremely well. For six months now, the Wiesel has been put through its paces dealing with demanding yard logistics tasks at the Duravit central warehouse. Maier fleet manager, Detlef Kaspar, in particular appreciates the universal and cost-effective applicability of the Wiesel in container and trailer handling, excellent work-area ergonomics as well as the successful design of the new cab. "I cannot find an alternative to the new Wiesel from KAMAG on the market", explains Detlef Kaspar, Fleet and Dispatch Manager at Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG. "With this 1/11
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TII GROUP - TII GROUP · Web viewFor new working machines, Euromot 5 is mandatory as from the beginning of next year. Steplessly and thus without any tedious gear changes, the Wiesel
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PRESS RELEASE XX.07.19
Ulm, Achern
New KAMAG Wiesel at Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft:”There is simply no alternative to the Wiesel“
The new Wiesel from KAMAG Transporttechnik is serving Achern-based Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft extremely well. For six months now, the Wiesel has been put through its paces dealing with demanding yard logistics tasks at the Duravit central warehouse. Maier fleet manager, Detlef Kaspar, in particular appreciates the universal and cost-effective applicability of the Wiesel in container and trailer handling, excellent work-area ergonomics as well as the successful design of the new cab.
"I cannot find an alternative to the new Wiesel from KAMAG on the market", explains
Detlef Kaspar, Fleet and Dispatch Manager at Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft mbH
& Co. KG. "With this swap body transporter, we can move all load carriers to and from the
ramps. We use the Wiesel to move simply everything - from different sized swap bodies
with a range of parking heights through to semi-trailers and trailers", says Kaspar, who is
married to the managing director of the forwarding company, Susanne Maier-Kaspar,
when summing up the strengths of the Wiesel. This could not be offered by other
comparable vehicles. Six months ago, Maier had taken delivery of the Weasel from
KAMAG, a subsidiary of the Transporter Industry International Group (TII Group) owned
by the entrepreneurial family, Otto Rettenmaier. Officially, the Ulm manufacturer of special
vehicles had presented the new Wiesel for the first time at the “transport logistic” trade
fair. "Maier received the first new Wiesel from us in order to allow the vehicle to undergo a
comprehensive field test. Since the fair, we have been officially selling the new model",
says Jürgen Dirr, Area Manager Sales at the logistics division of the joint sales
organization, TII Sales.
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Practical testing in tough yard operationsWilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft handles all transport assignments as well as the
yard logistics for Duravit, manufacturer of bathroom furniture and ceramics, at the
company´s central warehouse in Achern. The Weasel is used here in three-shift
operations. And this is exactly what Maier needs a robust and reliable handling vehicle for
and which also provides comfortable working conditions for the driver. The previously
used model was also part of the state-of-the-art Maier fleet. Trained car mechanic, Detlef
Kaspar, was highly satisfied with the previous vehicle. However, it was in the meantime
eight years old and had surpassed 28,000 operating hours or the equivalent of one million
kilometres on the clock. Apart from regular maintenance, it had required - with one
exception - no repair work but it was very difficult to judge whether the effects of wear
would have begun to take its toll after such a long operating period explains fleet manager
Kaspar.
Proven Wiesel convinces with a high level of reliabilityAfter undertaking a series of test drives with comparable products supplied by a number
of competitors, it was clear that the replacement should once again be a Wiesel from
KAMAG. In addition to the high level of stability, the fleet manager was impressed by the
extraordinary versatility of the swap body transporter. The weasel can accommodate all
common container sizes ranging from C715 and C745 through to the jumbo-sized C782
format whereby the standard stops for C782 containers are rigid while the two smaller
sizes are adjustable. Locking takes place via two height-adjustable twist locks. The swap
body transporter from KAMAG is also extremely flexible when it comes to parking heights.
It accommodates decks with parking heights from 970 to 1,320 millimeters.
As an optional hydraulically height-adjustable fifth wheel plate has also been installed at
the rear, the Wiesel can also easily move semi-trailers. In addition, there is a bar coupling
at the rear so that trailers and, if the customer has ordered the optional low coupling
system, low coupled tandem axle trailers can likewise be pulled. This equipment selection
makes the Wesel a universally usable handling vehicle on the logistics yard and thus a
highly efficient and very cost-effective transport solution.
Outstanding ergonomics and cab comfort of the WieselFurthermore, fleet manager Kaspar was very enthusiastic about the excellent ergonomics
and high level of comfort provided in the driver's workplace in the new Wiesel. With the
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introduction of the new Wiesel generation, an independent design development has now
replaced the previous situation whereby the vehicle featured a purchased truck cab. This
offers decisive advantages. The driver no longer has to climb up two steps in order to
reach his seat but instead simply negotiates a flat step. "This is a huge advantage", says
driver Philippe Brandt. The trained mechatronics technician has been working for Maier
for twelve years and had already driven the previous generation of the Wiesel. "We handle
at least 25 containers in one shift. In addition, there are up to six semi-trailers. At peak
times, the number rises to 50 swap bodies. It is at this point, at the latest, it makes a huge
difference whether I have to use a flat vehicle entrance or climb up two steps", explains
Brandt. "I can always work in a relaxed fashion with the Wiesel”.
For ensuring pleasant working conditions, a comfortable, air-sprung Isri driver's seat has
been fitted which also has seat heating which provides, in addition to the optional auxiliary
heater, a pleasant temperature in the winter while, in summer, the optionally available air
conditioning blows cool air into the cabin. At a glance, the driver can see over the height
and inclination-adjustable steering wheel to the seven-inch liquid crystal dashboard
cluster. Here, all the display instruments and vehicle information are clearly presented. All
other vehicle operating elements, such as the control switch and joystick, are located just
to the right of the driver in the console on the engine tunnel. "This is very convenient and I
can easily reach all the operating elements. In addition, KAMAG has optimized the
steering system which means that I can steer the vehicle into position even more
precisely", reports Brandt.
New design very well receivedFleet manager Kaspar also praises the successful design of the cabin which is pleasantly
different from the industry standard and is more reminiscent of a stylish truck than a work
machine. "The new Wiesel has an attractive appearance and there is no comparison to
the previous model. Moreover, our client, Duravit, is so enthusiastic about the new vehicle
that the company attaches great importance in ensuring that its name is clearly visible on
the driver´s cab”, explains Kaspar. Naturally, the Maier corporate colour of ultramarine
blue also stands out and makes the Wiesel something of an eye-catcher. The front of the
vehicle, on the one hand, is characterised by the one-piece panoramic windscreen which
curves around the A-pillar thus allowing a perfect view of the vehicle surroundings. On the
other, two pairs of halogen headlights with a clear glass optic design along with the LED
daytime running lights give the cabin a distinctive character. The lamps are fitted in a
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recessed position and thus well protected in the solid collision protection plate. Because
yard operations run around the clock, Kaspar has installed LED working lights in on the
cabin roof in the style of his truck tractors.
Unobstructed view through the rear windowThe low position of the cab provides even more advantages. It also allows the driver a
direct view of the guide tunnel and the swap body to be lifted by means of the one-piece
window which extends across almost the entire rear wall. The installation of a rear-view
mirror makes good sense - even in rainy weather conditions. The rear window is also
equipped with a windscreen wiper. "This was one of the improvements that KAMAG
introduced at our suggestion during the prototype test phase," says Kaspar. "Overall, the
contact with KAMAG has been excellent. All our ideas for the new product were quickly
taken up", praises Kaspar. Thanks to rear view mirror and the unobstructed view to the
rear, no swivel seat is necessary. KAMAG has deliberately decided against installing such
a seat. Kaspar supports this move: "This is not a disadvantage for me but definitely an
advantage. In my experience, rotating seats eventually end up with too much play which is
very uncomfortable for the driver”. Due to the low installation height of the cab, KAMAG
has moved the electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, including the wide-angle
mirror, upwards by a few centimetres thus enabling the driver to keep an eye on all
vehicle movements in the yard during normal driving conditions. The clever functional trick
is the curved arm of the mirror support.
New engine already low emission according to Euromot 5The new installation height of the cab also meant that a new engine was required.
Cologne-based engine manufacturer, Deutz, is providing the in-line four-cylinder engine
block. The powerful and smooth-running unit supplies, on the one hand, the hydrostatic
drive and, on the other, the hydraulic lifting system via two hydraulic pumps. In addition,
the state-of-the-art engine fully complies with the Euromot 5 emission standard while the
previous drive unit conformed only with Euromot 4 low emission criteria. For new working
machines, Euromot 5 is mandatory as from the beginning of next year. Steplessly and
thus without any tedious gear changes, the Wiesel is set in motion. Likewise, the direction
of travel can be changed just as conveniently through one-handed joystick operations.
The driver´s arm rests on a pulse pad and is thus in a relaxed position throughout. The
smoothness of the engine in combination with the cabin design also ensures an overall
lower noise level in the cab itself according to driver Brandt.
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Powerful hydraulics facilitate quick lifting and lowering operationsThe second hydraulic circuit drives the lifting frame system. Four single-stage cylinders
complete with automatic-hydraulic parallel lift raise the lifting frame by five centimetres per
second. The high operating speed is a major benefit because time is everything when it
comes to goods handling - the logistics machine must not come to a standstill! "At the
lifting frame in particular, you notice the improved performance of the hydraulics thanks to
the new engine. Lifting and lowering procedures are so much faster. We certainly work
much more efficiently with the new Wiesel", reports Kaspar. For optimum illumination at
the rear, KAMAG has installed LED working lights attached to extendable arms fitted on
both sides of the cabin rear wall. As a result, they do not protrude beyond the width of the
vehicle when they are not required. Using stair access with two steps, the driver reaches
the lifting frame, for example, in order to plug in the connections for the brake and air
supply. "It's child´s play to access the connections", says Philippe Brandt who, as a
trained mechatronics technician, cares deeply about the technically perfect condition of
the working equipment.
Lightning fast service is a matter of course at KAMAGApart from regular vehicle maintenance, almost no other work is required to be carried out
on the highly reliable Wiesel. In addition, KAMAG has extended the maintenance intervals
with the introduction of the new engine. A situation that for vehicle operator Kaspar is
particularly pleasing because this means low running costs. If, however, repairs are
necessary or a wear part must be replaced, then the past has shown that KAMAG has
always acted in the best interests of the customer. "If necessary, the vehicle manufacturer
will deliver the required component to the partner workshop in twelve hours", says Kaspar.
The service friendliness also benefits from the fact that KAMAG uses large-scale
production components.
Thus, for Maier, the youngest generation of the Wiesel remains the leading solution - with
no available alternative - for in-house container handling on the market. Since the
introduction of the series, KAMAG has sold more than 2,000 units mainly in the Germany-
Austria-Switzerland region but also in other countries. The swap body transporter is
successfully in use throughout Europe at the logistics centres of numerous customers.
This includes well-known logistics companies, mail-order companies, postal and parcel
service providers as well as many industrial companies and medium-sized transport
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companies. In the meantime, apart from the diesel-powered version, there are also
vehicles equipped with an electric drive. In addition, there are driverless models, so-called
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), which are currently being tested by selected
customers.Photos
Image 688
The Wiesel accommodates all standard container sizes - from C715 and C745 though to C782 jumbo decks. At the
Duravit central storage facility, the Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft carries out efficient yard activities using
the KAMAG Wiesel.
Image 825
The cabin of the new Wiesel only has one flat access platform for the driver instead of two steps. A huge
advantage when numerous containers and trailers have to be moved per shift
Image 910
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For company boss Susanne Maier-Kaspar (M.) and fleet manager Detlef Kaspar (l.), there is no alternative to the
KAMAG Wiesel. Driver, Philippe Brandt, certainly appreciates the high level of comfort in the new cab.
Company profiles:Based in Achern, Wilfried Maier Speditionsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG was originally founded in 1975 as a pallet
transportation company. In 1997, the business was renamed as a Speditionsgesellschaft (forwarding agency). In
the meantime, freight transport has become the principle activity of the enterprise. For more than 20 years, Maier
has been providing scheduled national long-distance delivery services for Duravit, a manufacturer of bathroom
furniture and ceramics, but also transports goods on behalf of other companies. Another mainstay of the business
activities is handling the yard logistics at Duravit´s central storage facility in Achern. This includes placement of
swap bodies and semi-trailers, overall parking supervision as well as transhipment operations in the facility. In
2012, Susanne Maier-Kaspar took over the company from her father, Wilfried Maier. As the owner and managing
director, she runs the second-generation family business. Today, the company employs 25 people, including 16
professional drivers and two trainee drivers, as well as one apprentice who is training to be a freight forwarding
specialist. The modern vehicle fleet includes 14 Scania tractor units, 17 Krone, Schmitz Cargobull and
Schwarzmüller semi-trailers as well as one KAMAG Wiesel.
The Transporter Industry International Group (TII Group) is a globally active manufacturer of heavy duty and
special vehicles. It comprises the brands of Scheuerle, Nicolas, Kamag and TIIger and employs around 900
people. With innovative vehicles for logistics yards, public roads and industrial areas, the world market leader for
heavy duty vehicles with hydraulic pendulum axles supports its customers – from transport and logistics, the
construction industry, plant engineering, air and space travel, shipbuilding, energy, steel and mining – to realise
complex transport tasks. Its vehicles are used to transport construction machinery, wind turbines, ships, antennas
and even entire factory facilities. The TII Group holds the current world record – over 17,000 tonnes – for
transporting extremely heavy goods on vehicles. The TII Group focuses on product quality and innovations for the
future of heavy load mobility. Alongside locations in Germany, France and India, the Group also has a global sales