
TBL 190
Heavy-duty towbarless tractor with a 35,000 kg lift capacity, covering single-aisle to mid-range wide-body aircraft in diesel, hybrid, or full-electric form.
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. With a ground clearance of 178 mm, the TBL 190 is suited to well-maintained apron surfaces typical of Gulf hub infrastructure.
Technical specifications.
| Cradle lift capacity | 35,000 kg |
| Range extender (hybrid) | 90 kW |
| Emission standard (diesel) | Stage 5 |
| Overall length | 8,100–8,305 mm |
| Overall width | 3,540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,318 mm |
| Turning radius | 9,700 mm |
| Ground clearance | 178 mm |
| Solo speed | 30 km/h |
| Towing speed | 23 km/h |
| Braking | Hydraulic 4-wheel ABS drum brakes |
| Diesel engine output | 208 kW |
| Electric motor output | 100 kW |
| Battery capacity (electric/hybrid) | 72 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | Lithium-ion |
| Dry weight | 15,100–16,260 kg |
Use cases.
- ›Pushback of A320/B737 family through to A340-600 and A330 variants
- ›High-cycle single-aisle operations where a mid-weight tractor covers the full fleet type range
- ›Hybrid or electric deployment at airports with partial charging capability and fallback diesel range
- ›Stage 5 diesel operation at airports where electric infrastructure is not yet available
- ›Maintenance towing of medium-to-large aircraft between hangar and stand