Second-hand terminal tractors from Kalmar, MAFI and CVS Ferrari – direct from the specialists. A terminal tractor (terminal hauler, shunting tractor) moves semi-trailers, roll-on/roll-off trailers and swap bodies around the site – featuring a hydraulically liftable fifth wheel, a short wheelbase and a cab with rear exit. The ideal machine for container terminals, RoRo ports, logistics centres, freight forwarders’ yards and factory transport, where trailers are manoeuvred to ramps and parking bays every minute. We offer used terminal tractors from Hinrichs Flurfördergeräte in Oldenburg – with the year of manufacture, operating hours and engine power specified in the listing.
Which terminal tractor is right for your application?
Tractors for semi-trailers (4x2): Kalmar TT612D, CVS Ferrari TT2516 (4x2), MAFI MT25. For logistics centres, freight forwarders’ yards, distribution warehouses and works transport: moving semi-trailers from the ramp to the storage bay and back, with a typical semi-trailer load of 25 to 36 t.
Ro-Ro and port tractors (4x4): MAFI MT36 4x4, Kalmar TR series, CVS Ferrari TT4x4. Four-wheel drive, reinforced fifth-wheel coupling for roll-on/roll-off trailers up to 100 t and above, ramp manoeuvring on ships. For ferry ports, RoRo terminals and heavy-duty roll-on/roll-off trailers in steel and paper ports.
Features that make the difference: lifting height of the fifth wheel (for tall roll trailers), cab with one or two doors and rear exit, reversing camera, compressed air and electrical connections for the semi-trailer, road approval for works transport on public roads.
What we look for in a used terminal tractor
Fifth wheel and lifting frame: play and wear on the fifth-wheel lock, condition of the lifting cylinders and guides, leak-free hydraulics. The liftable fifth wheel is the component under the greatest strain – it must hold the semi-trailer without sagging.
Chassis and axles: Cracks in the chassis and lifting frame mountings; condition of the rear axle, suspension and brakes (drum or disc brakes, compressed air). For 4x4 vehicles, check the front-axle drive and transfer box under load.
Engine and transmission: Industrial diesel engines (Cummins, Volvo, Deutz) with automatic power-shift transmission (Allison, ZF, Dana). Cold start, smoke emissions, gear-changing behaviour, oil change intervals, fault memory. Terminal tractors often operate continuously – check maintenance records before checking the odometer reading.
Cab and visibility: Seat, door locks, rear exit, windows, camera, air conditioning – the driver spends eight hours here and gets in and out a hundred times.
Tyres and operating hours: Check tyres (tread, age, twin tyres at the rear). 15,000 to 25,000 hours with documented maintenance are normal for these machines.
Documentation: Annual inspection in accordance with DGUV Regulation 68 or the regulations for tractors; CE marking with declaration of conformity; for road use, roadworthiness certificate and lighting.
| Type | Drive | Saddle load | Application | Typical models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logistics terminal tractor | 4x2 | 25–36 t | Logistics centres, haulage companies, factory transport | Kalmar TT612D, CVS Ferrari TT2516, MAFI MT25 |
| RoRo/port tractor | 4x4 | 36 t and above, roll-on trailers up to 100 t+ | Ferry port, RoRo terminal, steel/paper port | MAFI MT36 4x4, Kalmar TR618i, CVS Ferrari TT4x4 |
| Road-legal version | 4x2 / 4x4 | 25–36 t | Works transport on public roads | depending on specification |
Brands and dealers
Kalmar (including the former brands Sisu and Ottawa), MAFI from Tauberbischofsheim and CVS Ferrari from Italy are the names found operating in European ports and logistics centres; Terberg is the fourth major supplier. Our stock comes from Hinrichs Flurfördergeräte GmbH & Co. KG in Oldenburg – specialising in port and terminal equipment, with refurbishment and dispatch throughout Europe and beyond. Filter by manufacturer, year of manufacture, operating hours and engine power.
Frequently asked questions about used terminal tractors
What distinguishes a terminal tractor from a standard tractor unit?
The hydraulically liftable fifth wheel: the driver drives under the semi-trailer, lifts it and sets off without having to crank the supports. Added to this are a short wheelbase, a cab with a rear exit for quick connection of air lines, and a drivetrain designed for continuous operation at low speeds. On the yard, a terminal tractor manoeuvres a much greater number of semi-trailers per shift.
How much does a second-hand terminal tractor cost?
Factors affecting the price include year of manufacture, operating hours, 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, fifth-wheel load, emission standard, and the condition of the fifth-wheel coupling and gearbox. Most of our listings are ‘negotiable’ – enquire with details of your intended use (semi-trailers or roll-on trailers, ramps, road transport), and you’ll receive a specific quote.
4x2 or 4x4?
A 4x2 is sufficient for paved yards and logistics centres with semi-trailers. You’ll need a 4x4 for ship ramps, roll-on trailers with a high fifth-wheel load, gradients and wet or dirty surfaces – in other words, for RoRo and port operations.
Is a terminal tractor permitted on public roads?
Only if it has an operating licence, lighting and is registered as a tractor unit; many terminal tractors are purely works vehicles without road approval. If you move semi-trailers between two parts of a site via public roads, check the advert for details regarding road approval.
How many operating hours are still acceptable?
Terminal tractors are designed for 30,000 hours or more. With a full service history, 20,000 hours is no problem; the key components are the fifth wheel, gearbox, chassis and brakes. Ask for a demonstration with a semi-trailer coupled up.
Can I lease a terminal tractor or finance it via hire purchase?
For many listings, you can submit a non-binding enquiry about leasing or hire purchase directly. You can clarify the terms with the dealer or their finance partner; the purchase and payment are handled directly between you and the seller.
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