Compact new seven tonne AC tow tractor
December 1st 2003

New from Bradshaw Electric Vehicles is a seven tonne capacity, all steel, three-wheel tow tractor based on AC motor technology, which, says the company, provides class-leading performance in its sector. Designated the T5, the compact new vehicle replaces a long running DC tow tractor that has been widely used in production lines for the past seven years. AC technology provides greater ease of programming, helping to match vehicle performance to each site application. It also provides lower maintenance and improved reliability, together with more information on vehicle performance and status. On the T5 this data is displayed via the controller to a VDI, via a plug-in diagnostic facility. Although the unit has been completely restyled, it has retained 2mm steel panel construction. If damage occurs, steel panels are easy to repair or weld. Electro-magnetic braking linked to a seat pad stops the vehicle dead as soon as the driver stands up. The same device works as a parking brake until the driver is safely seated. on the move a foot operated hydraulic braking system provides the main stopping mechanism, but this is backed up by dynamic braking from the AC motor, which prevents over speed on slopes and quickly stops the vehicle when the accelerator is released. The same system provides regenerative braking that tops up the batteries.

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