The Norwegian Polar Institute has commissioned the Italian group Prinoth to build ten Prinoth Panther XL tracked vehicles to operate at the Antarctic research station located in Troll, on the so-called Princess Martha Coast
Prinoth, a company founded in South Tyrol and now operating globally, specializes in the production of tracked vehicles engineered to function in extreme climatic and altitudinal conditions. Its most well-known products are snow groomers — commonly referred to as “snowcats” — but for more than sixty years, the company has also produced tracked carriers and land management equipment, such as mulchers and mowers. All Prinoth machines are designed for maximum reliability and minimal maintenance requirements — qualities that likely motivated the Norwegian Polar Institute to entrust the company with building ten vehicles intended to serve as transport and logistical support units for the Troll Antarctic station.
These machines will tow between 10 and 15 sleds, carrying a total load of up to 150 tons in one of the most meteorologically hostile environments on Earth. The vehicles combine elements of both a tracked carrier and a snow groomer, purpose-built to withstand Antarctic conditions. Named “Panther XL,” they integrate Prinoth’s experience in developing tracked transporters, featuring a rubber-tracked undercarriage with large-diameter wheels and an automatic tensioning system. Attached to this base is a second tracked trailer platform, resulting in a total vehicle length of about 19 meters.
The entire drivetrain has been adapted to meet the mission’s specific demands, with equal attention given to crew comfort and vehicle management through features developed expressly for polar operations. These include a fully suspended cab with a customizable touchscreen display, heated windows and wipers, a pneumatic suspension seat, four-track propulsion for optimized traction and stability, and driver-assistance systems to aid operators during long-distance journeys in extreme conditions.
It’s important to note that the transport of modules and equipment from the unloading point to the Troll station can take place only during the short Antarctic summer, with each trip lasting between two and three days. Once deployed, the vehicles will operate almost continuously, which is why automation plays a crucial role in minimizing operator fatigue during long missions.
The Prinoth contract is valued at €17 million, covering not only the supply of the vehicles — which will be assembled at the company’s Granby plant in Canada — but also maintenance and spare parts services.
800 Horsepower and Hydrostatic Transmission
The “Panther XL” powertrain combines a Caterpillar C18 ACERT engine with a variable-displacement hydrostatic transmission. The engine is a six-cylinder inline unit with a displacement of 18.1 liters, achieved through a 145 mm bore and 183 mm stroke. It uses direct injection via Caterpillar’s HEUI (Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector) system, electronically controlled.
In this system, diesel fuel reaches the injector-pump at low pressure (around 4 bar) and is then compressed locally to over 2,000 bar. Unlike a common-rail system, where high pressure is maintained throughout the entire fuel line, the Caterpillar HEUI design keeps fuel at low pressure across the circuit and only pressurizes it inside the injector. Each injector integrates an ECU-controlled solenoid valve, a low-pressure fuel line, and a hydraulic oil circuit.
When injection is needed, the ECU opens the solenoid’s oil valve, allowing hydraulic fluid into the compression chamber. Once the pressure builds, the nozzle opens, initiating injection, which continues as long as the ECU keeps the solenoid activated. This setup enables precise control of the injected fuel quantity according to engine conditions, allowing for multi-phase injections of varying duration.
Complying with Stage V emissions standards, the C18 ACERT engine delivers about 800 horsepower at 1,800 rpm and achieves peak torque of 3,710 Nm at 1,300 rpm.
Not Just Snow
Prinoth is part of the High Technology Industries (HTI) Group, a global leader in the design of systems and machinery for mountain environments and renewable energy production.
With brands such as Leitner, Poma, Bartholet, and Agudio, the group manufactures ropeway systems; with Prinoth and Jarraff, it produces snow groomers, tracked vehicles, and vegetation management equipment; Demaclenko and WLP specialize in snowmaking and dust suppression systems; while Skadii provides digital management platforms for ski resorts. The brands Leitwind and Troyer operate in the wind and hydroelectric sectors.
HTI products are present in 90 countries, supported by 21 production sites, 108 subsidiaries, and 142 sales and service centers. Thanks to the work of 4,800 employees, the group closed the 2024 fiscal year with a turnover of €1.4 billion, including €41 million invested in research and development.
Title: Prinoth Panther XL: Mission Possible
Translation with ChatGPT
