FB 150 Conventional Towing Tractor (Electric)

The FB 150 is Kalmar Motor's electric conventional tow tractor — a towbar-based alternative to the TBL range, positioned where the aircraft or stand type requires a conventional coupling rather than a towbarless cradle. It uses a TM4/Dana electrical drive system through a DANA-Spicer 360 two-speed transmission in both forward and reverse, delivering 100 kN of tractive effort. At 12,000–15,000 kg operating weight (adjustable via ballast configuration), it generates sufficient drawbar pull for mainline narrow-body aircraft pushback as well as heavy maintenance towing. The defining feature is the centrally positioned operator console, which swivels 180 degrees. In a conventional towbar tractor the operator must physically reposition between pushback and the return drive — on the FB 150 the console rotates in place, eliminating that step and reducing both turnaround time and operator fatigue on high-cycle ramps. The operator has unobstructed sightlines in both directions without leaving the cab. Four-wheel hydraulic braking uses wet multi-layer disc brakes on both axles — a system suited to the load cycles of ramp towing where braking is frequent and abrupt. Chassis construction uses composite material, reducing manufacturing energy relative to conventional steel fabrication and eliminating the need for rust-protection treatment — relevant for coastal and high-humidity ramp environments such as those found across the GCC coastline. Ground clearance of 200 mm and a turning radius of approximately 5,858 mm give the FB 150 good manoeuvrability in constrained maintenance bays and hangars.