Volvo Penta's Taylor-made solutions for reliable port operations

"Our worldwide dealer network constantly evolves to meet our customers’ needs, making sure they’re never far from efficient, high-quality service and support,” explains Björn Säljö, VP, service market industrial at Volvo Penta. “This also spans Volvo Penta certified instructors training our OEM dealers so that they can support the engine, and therefore the fuller machine. This means that the end customer – in this case the terminal – only has contact with one mechanic, our trained expert.” 

Some of the busiest machines in its fleet are reach stackers manufactured by Louisville, Mississippi-based Taylor Machine Works. With its sturdy telescopic boom providing the ability to quickly stack loaded 2.9m-tall, 44-tonne containers four-high in the first row, or five-high with 41-tonne boxes, the Volvo Penta D13-powered XRS9972 model is a firm favorite of the port’s operators and service technicians alike. 

Terminal Operations Director Albert Smalls, known as Rookie, still feels the same excitement about operating machines as he did when he first accompanied his father to the port. “The technology on the Taylor reach stacker is outstanding – it’s efficient and timesaving,” he grins. “And the D13 is efficient too – it runs smooth, quiet and it’s very strong. We move over 300,000 boxes per year, so those are just the type of engines we need to sustain that.” 

Taylor leverages the new XRS reach stacker’s increased productivity as a key advantage, as a scene in Volvo Penta’s latest Mighty Jobs film, where Albert completes a challenging lifting sequence in under five minutes, demonstrates. With the 388 hp Tier 4-Final 12.8-liter combustion engine supporting lifting speeds almost 30% higher than previous generations – and doing so while extracting maximum power and torque at very low rpm for enhanced fuel efficiency – this new model will clearly have a positive impact on a customer’s bottom line as well as their sustainability objectives. 

Durable industrial engines

Taylor Sudden Service – the specialised service arm of Taylor and provider of genuine Taylor OEM parts, is a sister company to the manufacturer Taylor Machine Works, Inc., which started out as a small, family-owned automotive and repair business. Today, the third generation of the Taylor family leads The Taylor Group of Companies. 

“Seaboard Marine depends on us for timely repairs to minimise downtime. With many Volvo Penta applications at the terminal, our training ensures continuous support." He continues. "I enjoy servicing the whole machine and getting it running quickly. Thanks to user-friendly diagnostic tools and Volvo Penta training, we can diagnose and fix many issues.” 

Volvo Penta’s tailored solutions and comprehensive service support smooth and efficient port operations, even under demanding conditions. By partnering with OEMs like Taylor and offering extensive training, Volvo Penta provides reliable, high-performance engines designed to meet operator and industry needs. This commitment supports customers like Seaboard Marine in maintaining their operations and remaining competitive.