Prinoth Panther XL Heads to Antarctica with Norwegian Polar Institute
The Norwegian Polar Institute has turned to Canadian engineering expertise for one of the most demanding logistics operations on Earth, awarding Prinoth a NOK 175 million (USD 17 million) contract for ten Panther XL tracked vehicles.
These machines will be deployed at the Troll Research Station in Antarctica, backed by a comprehensive spare parts and service package to ensure uninterrupted operations in the unforgiving polar environment.
Manufactured at Prinoth’s Granby, Québec facility, the Panther XL isn’t just another crawler carrier. It is the result of an ambitious in-house collaboration that merges technologies from Prinoth’s Snow Grooming division in Sterzing, Italy, and its Crawler Carrier division in Canada, complemented by bespoke innovations tailored for the unique challenges of Antarctic operations.
Engineering synergy for extreme conditions
Antarctica is a proving ground for the most resilient technology, and Prinoth has pooled decades of experience to create a machine that can thrive where others falter. The Panther XL’s design draws directly from snow groomers, bringing features like:
- A large, intuitive, and customisable touchscreen display adapted to polar operational requirements.
- Heated windows and wipers engineered to cope with ice storms and sub-zero temperatures.
- A high-comfort air suspension seat, ergonomic steering wheel, and cruise control for operator comfort over long hauls.
From the crawler carrier lineage, the Panther XL inherits Prinoth’s patented rubber track undercarriage with large-diameter wheels and automatic track tensioning, providing outstanding traction and reliability across snow, ice, and mixed terrains. Its powertrain benefits from years of integration expertise, pairing seamlessly with Caterpillar’s power pack systems.
Innovation tailored for the ice
To meet the particular demands of the Antarctic, the Panther XL also incorporates features developed exclusively for this model. These include:
- A full suspension cab for enhanced ride quality and reduced operator fatigue.
- Patented four-track drive dynamics for superior traction and stability on treacherous surfaces.
- A patent-pending operator assist drive system, designed to support crews during long-distance hauls in extreme, low-visibility conditions.
Klaus Tonhäuser, President of Prinoth, emphasised the importance of precision engineering for polar success: “Antarctica demands the very best technology. By bringing together the strengths of our Snow Grooming and Crawler Carrier teams, and adding targeted innovations, we’ve built a vehicle that’s made to perform well in the toughest conditions and underlines our groupwide leading engineering capabilities and our focus on customer needs.”
Built for reliability and sustainability
Prinoth’s mission is clear: to deliver high-performance solutions that empower its partners to succeed where conventional equipment cannot. The Panther XL exemplifies this philosophy, not only through its technological sophistication but also by contributing to more sustainable operations in fragile ecosystems.
With over 60 years of engineering expertise, Prinoth is among the world’s leading manufacturers of crawler carriers, snow groomers, and vegetation management equipment. In its crawler carrier division, proven designs and robust construction underpin vehicles renowned for reliability, productivity, and performance in the most demanding industries.
Panther XL technical highlights
According to Prinoth’s crawler carrier specifications, the Panther XL boasts:
- Payload capacity: up to 20,865 kg (46,000 lbs)
- Engine: CAT C18 ACERT, producing up to 675 hp
- Max speed: approximately 13 km/h (8 mph) in extreme terrain conditions
- Ground pressure: as low as 0.28 kg/cm² (4 psi) to minimise environmental impact
- Track system: patented rubber tracks with automatic tensioning
- Cab design: full-suspension, climate-controlled with advanced visibility features
These capabilities allow the Panther XL to transport heavy loads over snow, ice, and uneven terrain without compromising stability or safety.
HTI Group global expertise
Prinoth operates under the umbrella of the High Technology Industries (HTI) Group, a conglomerate active in winter sports, urban mobility, material transport, construction, vegetation management, and clean energy. With over 20 production facilities, 84 branches, and a workforce exceeding 4,300 worldwide, HTI delivers solutions that cater to both local and global demands.
Driving progress in polar research
The Panther XL will be an invaluable asset to the Troll Research Station’s logistics, enabling scientists and support teams to transport equipment, supplies, and research samples across some of the most inhospitable landscapes on the planet. Its deployment is set to enhance operational efficiency and safety, ensuring vital scientific work continues uninterrupted.
By combining proven technologies with targeted innovations, Prinoth has created a machine ready to redefine mobility in Antarctica. The Norwegian Polar Institute’s decision to invest in these vehicles underlines the strategic importance of cutting-edge, reliable equipment in advancing polar science.
A vehicle built for the future
As the challenges of operating in extreme climates grow, machines like the Panther XL will play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable exploration and infrastructure in remote regions. The project not only showcases Prinoth’s engineering ingenuity but also reflects a broader commitment to enabling progress where it matters most.
