New NiKRASA version 3.0 for handling of non-craneable trailers

TX Logistik AG (Mercitalia Group) has now presented the third generation of its NiKRASA technology. The solution, which also allows non-craneable semi-trailers to be easily loaded onto rail, has been improved once again and successfully tested in advance in rail and terminal operations.

The newly designed version 3.0 requires no terminal ramp, is stackable and has been optimized once again for rail transport of megatrailers.

The basis for the further development of the technology was the market experience gained from the practical use of the previous versions as well as a close exchange with both train manufacturers and wagon developers. A key feature of NiKRASA 3.0 is the elimination of the terminal ramp, which in previous versions was required in addition to the lifting cradle for handling. Both components are now merged into one base platform. NiKRASA 3.0 is now more flexible, easier and faster to handle. For example, the lifting cradle can be handled at any position in the terminal without preparation. In terms of handling times, there is also no longer any additional time required compared to a craneable trailer - which makes the handling process even more attractive.

Due to the use of novel manufacturing techniques, the tare weight of the new design remains well below three tons. NiKRASA is thus still the lightest solution on the market. During development, attention was also paid to being able to load the widest possible range of vehicles. In addition to classic semitrailers, silos and trailers with a fixed body, megatrailers as well as trailers without a structure and container chassis (even including containers) can be loaded. If the new lifting cradle remains empty in the wagon, swap bodies and containers can still be loaded as usual without the systems interfering with each other.

The compatibility of the NiKRASA technology with the pocket wagons of various manufacturers has been further extended. For example, the new generation can be loaded in the T3000, T5 (single pocket) and in the second-generation wagons of the Kolowag company. In addition, compatibility testing is underway for the T4000 as well as the new developments from the manufacturers Greenbrier and Talleres Alegría.

The use of NiKRASA does not result in any additional height increase. The trailer transported in this way remains at its clearance height. This means that the system complies with all valid track profiles (UIC clearance diagram) and can be used without restriction on all routes in Europe. This is one of the primary and market-deciding benefits that separates NiKRASA from all other solutions available on the market.

NiKRASA enables the handling of non-craneable semi-trailers without changing the existing standards in the terminals, on the wagon and on the rail. According to TX Logistik, this makes the system the most economically efficient and cost-effective solution on the market. In view of the usually limited storage space capacities in the terminals, the lifting cradle has integrated holders that enable fivefold stacking without the use of additional aids. The optimized storage benefits not only the terminals, but combined transport as a whole.

Following its first presentation at the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin, TX Logistik is now planning the Europe-wide market launch of NiKRASA version 3.0, which was developed in cooperation with WECON GmbH, specialist for customized KV solutions. As with its previous models, the new generation will also be freely available to the market.

TX would like to contribute to the achievement of climate targets and ensure that the shift of freight from road to rail is made as easy as possible and available to anyone who is interested. At the same time, NiKRASA supports the sustainability strategy of the Mercitalia Group, which earlier this year officially committed with its subsidiaries in the ScanMed RFC (Scandinavian-Mediterranean Rail Freight Corridor) climate declaration to reduce the carbon footprint in the transport chain by promoting rail transport and to develop concrete measures to shift more freight from road to rail.

www.txlogistik.com

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