A Kalmar RT022 light-capability rough-terrain forklift.

A US defence command has ordered a number of RT022 light-capability rough-terrain forklifts (LCRTF) from Cargotec Oyj's Kalmar centre in Cibolo.

Cargotec says total value of the order is approximately EUR50 million (USD63 million) and includes delivery of 766 forklifts, beginning in July 2013.

The order is part of a frame agreement that Kalmar and the defence department signed in 2011 and follows deals signed in 2011 and 2012. Now, the total on order is 913.

"We are proud to continue supporting the US Department of Defence with our military materials handling equipment," says Bryan Stephens, president of the Kalmar Rough Terrain Centre LLC.

He notes that the Kalmar RT022 LCRTF is the second purpose-built model that Kalmar has built for the department. The first is the larger Kalmar RT240 rough-terrain container handler (RTCH) now in operation. The LCRTF model with rated capacity of 5,000 lb. (2,250 kg) was designed to operate in tandem with the RTCH version, which has a rated capacity of 53,000 lb. (23,850 kg).

The military uses the mission-specific cargo handling equipment to load and unload containers, railcars and tactical vehicles. The LCRTF can operate on the types of terrain found in military and peace-keeping operations, including work areas where high flotation and traction characteristics are required.

Helsinki, Finland-based publicly traded Cargotec manufactures cargo and load handling equipment.