A Kalmar DRG450 variant.

Associated British Ports' (ABP) Port of Immingham has increased its fleet of reach stackers with the addition of a new Kalmar model DRG450-70S5X worth more than GBP330,000 (USD513,795). The machine was shipped to Immingham direct from the Kalmar assembly plant in Poland for use at Immingham Container Terminal (ICT).

Steve Williams, head of operations for ABP Grimsby and Immingham, says: "We've continued to attract new business, and our plan for growth and improved efficiency requires us to invest in the highest standards in modern technology at ICT. We aim to invest up to GBP10 million (USD15.57 million) over the next two years in areas such as the Gate House and Terminal entrance, as well as in new equipment from gantry cranes to improved CCTV.

"We are currently setting out objectives for the next two years that will ensure that we continue to deliver our customers a first-class service."

The new machine has a 7 m wheelbase and weighs around 90 T. It stacks 5-high under toplift in the first row. The 'X' suffix means that the machine has a more massive counterweight, bigger tyres and rims (18.00-33) and heavy-duty drive and steer axle components.

Seaparately, in Germany, Euroports General Cargo Terminal GmbH in Rostock has taken delivery of a new Konecranes SMV4545TBX5 reach stacker for heavy cargo handling under hook and with the flexibility to handle containers as all the hydraulic connectors for a spreader are installed in the boom head. The 8 m wheelbase machine can lift a load of up to 61 T under hook to a height of 15.4 m without deploying jacks. With jacks deployed, it can lift up to 78 T.

All quick-release necessary hydraulic connectors are installed in the head to fit a spreader for container work. In container mode, the 8 m wheelbase machine can handle 45 T out to the third row under toplift, with front support pads deployed. Again, machines such as this require a more massive counterweight, 18.00-33 tyres and beefed-up components.