TBL 190 Towbarless Tractor (Diesel / Hybrid-Electric)

The TBL 190 occupies Kalmar Motor's upper-mid range, targeting aircraft with a maximum take-off weight above 350 tonnes — from the Embraer E170 family up to the Airbus A340-600. It is available in three powertrain variants: a 6-cylinder Stage 5 diesel producing 208 kW; a hybrid-electric combining a 100 kW AC motor with a 90 kW diesel range extender; and a full-electric configuration drawing from a 72 kWh lithium-ion pack charged via an onboard 380 V three-phase charger. The powertrain choice lets an operator select the right fit for their charging infrastructure and sustainability mandate without changing the mechanical interface or aircraft compatibility list. At 15,100–16,260 kg dry weight (depending on configuration) and 3,540 mm width, the TBL 190 is dimensioned for the A320/B737 family at the small end and stretches to the A330/A340 at the large end, covering the bulk of the route-network aircraft mix operating into GCC hub airports. The cradle lift system engages the nosegear directly — no towbar, no adaptor required — and the tractor can dock while a boarding bridge remains connected, protecting gate capacity during turnarounds. The diesel variant uses a ZF WG211 torque-converter powershift transmission; the hybrid/electric uses a Dromos transfer case, both offering matched forward/reverse gearing for the repetitive push-pull work of ramp operations. Anti-lock hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes are fitted across all variants.