Rotating crawler carriers transform how work gets done in sensitive environments

For eight years now, my organization, CG Equipment, has been bringing tracked carriers to contractors across Ontario. In that time, we've witnessed how these machines have transformed how work gets done in the most challenging environments — places where conventional wheeled vehicles simply can't operate efficiently or safely. Since its introduction in 2021, the Panther T14r rotating dumper, in particular, has established itself as a game-changer for customers engaged in operations ranging from shoreline restoration to dam construction.

Shore power

One of our most notable success stories involves a construction contractor specializing in shoreline restoration work along Lake Erie. The combination of steep banks and sandy beaches creates an environment where traditional wheeled dump trucks would routinely get bogged down, leading to costly delays and additional site damage requiring remediation.

Our customer was really impressed by the immense amount of time saved and the little amount of restoration work needed to establish and then restore the haul routes at the end of the job. In muddy conditions, a regular haul truck creates ruts that need to be periodically smoothed in order to continue and must be remediated at completion. With a Panther, this issue is avoided due to its track system.

The T14r's combination of features met this challenging shoreline environment. With ground pressure of only about 3 psi — compared to the approximately 10 psi of a human footprint — the T14r can traverse sensitive terrain with minimal impact. This not only kept the project moving but significantly reduced site remediation costs at the end.

The T14r's rotating dump body also optimized the workflow by eliminating the need to turn the entire vehicle around between loading and dumping cycles. The rotating upper body increased cycle times by reducing the time it would take to track the machine around in opposite directions. This feature is particularly valuable in confined work areas or on narrow paths where conventional turning would be difficult or impossible.

The contractor's operators also appreciated the T14r's user-friendly controls. Unlike many tracked vehicles that require specialized training, the Panther's automotive-style control scheme — featuring a steering wheel, single pedal, automatic brake, and forward-neutral-reverse lever — allowed my customer to train operators in a matter of minutes instead of days.

Operators also remark that Panther's cab is also quite spacious and quiet, and the combination of the unique undercarriage design, as well as air-ride seats, make the ride very smooth. This comfort factor not only reduces operator fatigue but also contributes to greater productivity during long shifts.

Environmental sensitivity meets higher productivity

Environmental organizations face a particular challenge when working in sensitive habitats: They need sufficient equipment capacity to complete projects efficiently while minimizing ecological impact. This is where the T14r has found another customer niche.

We've supplied Panthers to wetland conservation projects where ground disturbance needed to be absolutely minimized. One national conservation organization we work with has repeatedly chosen the T14r for their habitat management work across various sensitive sites in Ontario.

The T14r's environmental footprint benefits these projects through low impact to the hauling areas, eliminating the extra cost for repairing these spots when the job is finished. It also reduces the time it takes for the ground to get back to its natural state.

In these environmental applications, the T14r's automatic track tensioning system proves particularly valuable. Auto track tension is a must in muddy conditions due to the material causing the tracks to tighten and/or loosen continually. Prinoth has engineered each tensioner to run independently of the other to ensure the tracks stay at the proper tension and don't fall off the machine. While it might seem like a small detail, in the challenging, muddy conditions where these machines typically operate, it translates to significantly less downtime and higher productivity.

The T14r's CAT C7.1 engine provides 275 hp at 2,200 rpm — more than enough power to handle full loads in difficult terrain. With a payload capacity of 29,100 pounds (13,200 kg) and a maximum travel speed of 8.4 mph (13.5 km/h), the T14r delivers the productivity these organizations need without compromising their environmental priorities.

Dam near impossible

Perhaps the most technically challenging application we've seen involved a construction contractor working on a dam project in northern Ontario. The job site presented a uniquely difficult access scenario that would have been nearly impossible with conventional equipment.

They needed a machine that could drive along the crest of the dyke and dump its load. The crest was very narrow, so it didn't allow for the machine to be able to turn around. In this situation, the T14r's 360-degree rotating upper carriage proved invaluable. The T14r's rotating upper carriage fit the bill by rotating 180 degrees while the undercarriage stayed put. Once unloaded, being able to invert to drive back along the same route made the complete cycle efficient and safe for the operator.

This ability to reverse the operator orientation after rotation — what Prinoth calls the single-touch direction reset — is a significant safety feature that also enhances productivity. Without it, operators can become disoriented after rotating the upper structure, potentially leading to control errors and accidents. The T14r eliminates this risk entirely.

The project also highlighted the T14r's muscular climbing capability. With a maximum gradeability of 33 percent (15 degrees) both uphill/downhill and on side slopes, the Panther can safely operate in conditions that would be hazardous or impossible for conventional vehicles.

Connecting the dots

Beyond physical capabilities, Prinoth has incorporated advanced telematics that enhance the way fleets manage these specialized assets. The telematics system gives vehicle owners the ability to track preventive maintenance, see where their vehicles are working, or are being overworked, and allows them to diagnose problems remotely. All this helps maximize the uptime of the machine, making my customers happy in the process.

These connected features are becoming increasingly important as vehicle renters and owners alike, seek to optimize equipment utilization and reduce downtime. The ability to remotely monitor vehicle health and predict maintenance needs represents a significant advantage in managing these high-value assets.

All in the family

Prinoth continues to innovate and at the time of my writing, the company is preparing to launch the Panther T9r, which brings many of the T14r's advanced features to a smaller platform.

The T9r gives customers options for their jobs if they need the rotate feature but not the capacity of a T14r. With a payload of 17,637 pounds (8,000 kg) and a heaped dump box capacity of 6.5 cubic yards (5.0 cubic metres), the T9r will complement the larger T14r in many fleets.

The new model incorporates all the cab enhancements that have made the latest generation T14r so operator-friendly, including an air-ride seat as standard equipment, 7-inch touchscreen display with dial job control and cruise control for reduced operator fatigue on long hauls. The rotate and dump controller is also more intuitive and allows for the second trainer seat in the cab, highlighting improvements that will further enhance operator training and versatility.

The undercarriage of the entire Panther line also deserves special mention. Unlike adapted excavator or dozer undercarriages, Prinoth's purpose-built, self-cleaning undercarriage features large steel wheels and high-travel suspension. This allows the vehicle to manoeuvre over extremely uneven terrain with remarkable stability and operator comfort — all while remaining debris free.

Additionally, the Panther's C-channel frame rails — similar to what you'd find on a conventional truck — make the Panthers extremely adaptable for various specialized bodies and equipment. This truck-like architecture means that virtually any body that can be mounted on a truck can be mounted on a Panther.

The possibilities are endless

With emerging applications in right-of-way maintenance, shoreline, and wetland restoration, park trail networks, pipeline construction, utility maintenance, and mining exploration, the versatility of these machines continues to expand. The Panther T14r — and soon the T9r — are proving that with the right equipment, what once seemed impossible can now become just another productive day on the job.

Sean Bruder is vice president of CG Equipment, which provides sales, rentals, service, and parts to the construction, waste, recycling, demolition, material handling, and agricultural markets in Ontario.