Rocla has introduced the Rapid tow tractor.

Rocla has entered the towing truck market with the launch of the Rapid tow tractor.

The tow tractor is new to Rocla's family of products but the truck's design is based on the appearance and technical solutions used in the award-winning Rapid low-level order picker which was introduced in January.

"We wanted to broaden the operating possibilities for our (popular) product," explains Maija Karhusaari, vice president of marketing and communications. "Both warehouse and towing truck users find (ergonomics), efficiency and usability important, so the expansion is natural."

Rocla says all Rapid trucks feature the "biggest operator platform in the market", which enhances the ergonomics and flow of picking.

"Compared to competing products, it has 40% more space for the driver, although the size of the truck has not grown. [This is due to the] product family's intelligent design like placing the battery in the back," Karhusaari says.

Design director Petteri Masalin comments that the tow tractor puts the Rocla product range into new customer segments and draws attention to its established warehouse trucks.

"The stylish appearance of Rapid with customer-specific design covers is sure to catch one's eye," Masalin says.

Karhusaari agrees: "The new steering wheel resembles game controls, which makes it easy to use. The truck features LED driving lights and blinkers that increase visibility and gives it a modern look."

Tow tractors are used to tow roll containers and different kind of trailers in places like airports, shopping centres, hospitals and factories. According to Rocla, over 1,500 tow tractors are sold annually in Europe and the market is "growing strongly".

The Rapid tow tractor can pull different kinds of trailers up to 3,000kg (6,614lbs). Rocla's Intelligent Drive Assistant feature prevents the traction wheel from locking during braking or slipping during acceleration. It enables good control on slippery floors and improves the traction wheel's life-cycle.

Rocla has won the Fennia Prize for its Humanic reach truck and the Red Dot Award for its Rapid trucks. Its net sales for 2008 were EUR127.2 million (USD186.6 million). Rocla is a part of Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe BV.