In response to growing demand for electric industrial equipment, Heavy Lift, a division of CFAO Equipment, has added the electric Terberg YT201EV yard tractor to its expanding range of electric solutions, which includes reach stackers and empty container handlers.

Heavy Lift General Manager Sugen Naidoo says that, although South Africa does not have a standalone Equipment Act specifically governing ports, container yards or distribution centres, the environmental impact of industrial machinery in these environments is regulated through provisions in national legislation, municipal by-laws and organisations’ internal health and safety policies.

“To date, port and container yard equipment, including reach stackers, heavy forklifts and mobile cranes, has largely relied on diesel-powered engines. These are subject to national and local air quality legislation, including the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004, which provides a regulatory framework for managing air pollution, including emissions from mobile sources.”

These regulatory considerations, combined with rising diesel costs, are prompting operations across South Africa to invest in electric equipment. The shift is driven by the potential to lower total cost of ownership, reduce carbon emissions and support the global ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Terberg Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Frederic Albert-Thenet, who recently visited South Africa to meet with the Heavy Lift team, says demand for the electric yard tractor has increased significantly since its global launch in May this year.

“Electrification has been part of Terberg’s DNA for more than 10 years. Following the launch of the new-generation YT201EV, customers across Africa have placed orders for more than 200 units, reflecting the growing confidence in Terberg’s electric mobility solutions. Deliveries began in Q3 2026 and are expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2027, with ongoing project confirmations for 2027-2028.

“The evolving geopolitical situation in the Gulf region, is accelerating demand for electric terminal tractors. As a result, interest in the YT201EV has grown significantly among ports, logistics operators, industrial facilities and distribution hubs across Africa and the Middle East,” he adds.

The Terberg YT201EV uses lithium-ion battery technology, with charging times of as little as one hour from empty to fully charged, depending on the charging configuration and conditions. The 310-kWh battery system is designed to support heavy-duty applications, while a 155-kWh option caters to operations with lower energy requirements.

Both electric models are equipped with Terberg Connect telematics, which supports preventive maintenance and fleet monitoring.

The yard tractor also features a larger cabin designed to improve visibility, ergonomics and the driver interface, enhancing operator comfort, safety and productivity.

“Depending on operational requirements, the cab can be tailor-made to the end user’s requirement. The advanced lithium-ion battery technology also ensures quieter operation, creating a more pleasant, safer and productive working environment,” says Albert-Thenet.

In addition to the environmental and operational benefits of electrification, the YT201EV is designed to deliver more uptime and less downtime. Thanks to its electric drivetrain, the vehicle requires less routine maintenance, has fewer wear components and eliminates the need for fuel, engine oils and many service filters. This reduces workshop visits and maintenance-related stoppages, while extended service intervals and advanced diagnostics help maximise fleet availability and productivity.

Throughout the transition to electrification, customers also benefit from the support of Terberg's dedicated after sales, service, and technical teams, providing training, diagnostics, maintenance planning, and operational guidance to ensure maximum uptime and long-term fleet performance.

Regarding our telematics, Terberg Connect is designed to maximise fleet uptime and operational efficiency by providing real-time insight into vehicle performance, utilisation, maintenance requirements and diagnostics. Enabling proactive maintenance, faster fault identification and data-driven decision-making, helps customers reduce downtime, increase productivity, lower operating costs and achieve the highest possible return on their fleet investment.

In October 2026, Terberg celebrated the production of its 50,000th terminal tractor, demonstrating its longstanding industry leadership and unwavering focus on what it does best: designing and manufacturing terminal tractors for demanding port, logistics, and industrial applications.

“Heavy Lift is excited to bring the Terberg YT201EV yard tractor to the South African market. Its 50+ years of proven reliability, coupled with our 24/7 service and maintenance support, will help ensure that our customers are well positioned to future-proof their operations,” concludes Naidoo.