Panther XL Deployed for Antarctic Mission

Tracked carriers built for extremes – Ten Panther XL units heading to Troll Station

When operations take place in Antarctica, reliability and power are non-negotiable. That’s why the Norwegian Polar Institute selected our Panther XL tracked carriers to support the modernization of Troll Research Station in Queen Maud Land. The delivery includes ten vehicles, plus a full service and parts package valued at 175 million NOK (17 million USD).

From Crawler Carrier Core to Polar-Ready Platform

The Panther XL is the result of a close collaboration between our crawler carrier team in Granby, Canada and our snow groomer specialists in Vipiteno, Italy. For the first time, core technologies from both product lines were brought together to create a machine capable of tackling one of the harshest environments on earth.

Developed primarily from our crawler carrier platform, the Panther XL integrates enhanced operator features and comfort systems derived from our experience in snow grooming – making it ideal for multi-day hauls across polar ice with loads of up to 150 tons.

“These new carriers are essential for maintaining timelines and supporting the future of Norwegian research in Antarctica,” said Camilla Brekke, Director of the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Engineered for the Polar Frontier

Key systems developed for the Panther XL include:

• Prinoth-patented rubber track system with oversized rollers and automatic tensioning
• Fully suspended cab to reduce fatigue over long distances
• Heated windows and ergonomic controls, plus a customizable touchscreen interface
• Advanced drive dynamics and patent-pending assist features for improved stability and control
• Powertrain integration based on Caterpillar systems, ensuring long-term durability

Three units are expected to be on-site before year-end, ready to support critical transport during the short Antarctic summer season.

A Project Years in the Making

The Panther XL traces its roots to the T16, one of our most successful tracked carriers. As the need for larger, more capable vehicles in remote environments grew, so did the idea for an extended platform. Over several years, and in close cooperation with field operators and technicians, our teams shaped the XL into a solution tailored to polar missions – balancing power, comfort, and precision.

For Prinoth President Klaus Tonhäuser, the Antarctica mission is a clear reflection of what defines the company:

“This project demonstrates what our technology is all about – combining strength, efficiency, and innovation. The fact that our machines are performing reliably in one of the most extreme climates on the planet speaks to the depth of our group-wide engineering expertise and our commitment to delivering the best solutions for our customers.”

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