may2022 - 16

Cover Story
Kruckeberg adds the possibilities for
Stinar's modular units are nearly endless
and the company's engineers continue to
develop additional modular options.
" We'll be able to put a 16-foot scissor
lift on our chassis because of the
profile and the size, " Kruckeberg notes
as an example.
He adds that whatever need a
ground handler may have at an FBO or
smaller airport, Stinar will be able to
address most of those needs with the
modular unit.
" We're just shrinking it down. We're
just miniaturizing it, " Kruckeberg says.
While the original chassis for the modular
unit offered an electric drivetrain,
developing its own chassis will allow
Stinar additional flexibility. For example,
where cold weather isn't as conducive
to electric equipment or where charging
infrastructure is unavailable, Stinar will
provide a diesel- or gasoline-powered
chassis for those customers.
The modular units also include a
number of safety features.
Nuts are welded to the unit to avoid
creating foreign object debris (FOD)
on the ramp. Proximity sensors and
switches are included to prevent GSE
collisions with aircraft. Back-up cameras
and interlocks on stabilizers and cylinders
provide additional safety.
" We have that technology now in all of
our truck chassis, " Kruckeberg says. " All
that technology is there. It's all available,
we just miniaturized it all down into
these little chassis. "
What's more, the modular units are
well lit for overnight tasks and the chassis
is built to assist drivers.
" It's easier for them to see around
themselves, " Johnson says. " And the
turning radius you get, in of itself, on
the smaller, miniaturized chassis, it's
just easier to operate. It's more comfortable.
You're not in a bigger unit with
blind spots. "
Pointing to the quality of materials
used to build the equipment, Kruckeberg
says the life expectancy of the modular
units can likely be measured in decades.
For example, smart-chargers extend the
life of batteries, stainless steel provides
more durability for the tanks and powder
coat paint offers a higher quality finish.
" The longevity of Stinar equipment,
we carry that into the modular also, "
Kruckeberg says, noting Stinar has
always built reliable equipment by
over-engineering.
" We've just basically taken ground
support equipment and miniaturized it to
allow the other airports - the FBOs and
regionals - to have the same attributes
that the big airports have, " he adds.
" It really started with an idea from
travel. That's where we saw a lot of it,
from our own travel experiences. And
then talking with different customers
about what we could help with, " Johnson
says. " We started the innovation in
a round-about, weird way. We used a
prototype, and now the ultimate goal is
to make a Stinar self-propelled alternative-fueled
vehicle. Or a traditional fuel,
with a gas or diesel engine.
" We're proud of this whole thing that
we developed in a record time when we
had a new team. "
MORE ONLINE
For more information regarding the
Product Leader of the Year, visit:
AviationPros.com/21254763
Stinar's modular
chassis is capable of
towing the company's
modular wagon which
can increase efficiency.
16 || Ground Support Worldwide || May 2022
http://www.AviationPros.com/21254763
may2022

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