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

and service network.

www.tii-group.com

Press Contact

TII Group

Volker Seitz

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Head of Global Marketing & CommunicationTel: +49 (0)7941 / 691-2187Volker.Seitz@Tii-Group.com

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