Cargotec USA has expanded its Ottawa trailer spotter line with a gasoline-powered model. It uses Ford's 6.8-liter, 3-Valve V-10 engine

that meets 2012 EPA emissions standards and California Air Resources Board limits for on-road vehicle emissions.

"Because it utilizes standard unleaded 87-octane fuel and has an automotive-type catalytic convertor exhaust system, emissions are extremely low," said David Wood, Cargotec's director of terminal tractors in North America.

"This is especially important in California and other markets where terminal tractors are often times used in highly urbanized areas where strict regulations limit the use of traditional diesel-powered units.

"The V-10 gasoline-powered tractor offers a low-cost, fully EPA/DOT-certified unit compared to today's diesel-powered EPA/DOT tractors," he continued. "Also, the Ottawa's gasoline powertrain set-up improves on the performance of equivalent diesel-powered units.

"Compared to a comparably equipped diesel-powered terminal tractor, the gasoline-powered version takes less time to reach top speeds and has higher maximum speeds in both third and fourth gears."

The Ford V-10 makes up to 240 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, Wood said. It's coupled to a four-speed Allison 3000 RDS transmission, and the tractor has a maximum speed of 33.2 mph in 3rd gear and 45 mph in 4th.

The single rear axle is the Meritor RS-24-160 with 7.17:1 ratio, with other ratios optional. Also available is the Meritor RS-23-186 with 7.83 ratio. Wheelbase is 116 inches.

The gasoline powertrain is available with both Ottawa 4x2 off-road and 4x2 DOT/EPA terminal tractors. Features include a vertical exhaust system with catalytic muffler, OBD II and J1939 diagnostic connections under the dash, 50-gallon step-type fuel tank mounted on driver's side, Ford starter and 175-amp alternator, and Ford flat panel air cleaner. Two batteries are standard.

The popularity of Ottawa terminal tractors has grown rapidly since their introduction in 1958, Wood said. In February 2011, the factory in Ottawa, Kan., built its 50,000th unit, which he claimed is more than twice the production volume of all North American terminal tractor competitors combined.

Besides being the original manufacturer of terminal tractors, Ottawa was the first to offer machines with an automatic transmission, a rear door entry, integral air conditioning units, power cab tilt and anti-lock braking systems.

Ottawa terminal tractors were also the first on the market to receive DOT/EPA certification, important for customers who shunt trailers among yards via public streets and roadways, Wood said.

In addition to the gasoline-powered Ottawa, Cargotec offers an expanding line of "green" terminal tractors using compressed and liquefied natural gas.