Georgia's subtropical climate compounds these challenges. Summer heat indices regularly hit 107°F, while high humidity accelerates corrosion and reduces heat rejection efficiency. Ground support equipment—from pushback tractors to belt loaders—operates in continuous-duty cycles with minimal airflow, creating thermal stress that standard automotive radiators simply can't handle. Selecting the right supplier means understanding which providers offer GSE-specific engineering, rapid turnaround, and the regional support needed to keep fleets running.
TL;DR
- Georgia's airport GSE operates under extreme thermal stress — 107°F heat indices and continuous-duty cycles demand purpose-built cooling solutions
- Leading suppliers specialize in aluminum radiators for GSE applications, including custom builds for discontinued and hard-to-source models
- FSR Racing Products delivers hand-built custom radiators with a typical 5–10 day build turnaround
- Selection criteria include GSE-specific design experience, regional service capabilities, and OEM compatibility
- Aluminum radiators offer significantly greater corrosion resistance than copper-brass units in Georgia's humid, high-heat conditions
Overview of Airport GSE Radiators in Georgia
Airport GSE radiators are specialized cooling systems engineered for ground support equipment including baggage tugs, pushback tractors, ground power units, and belt loaders. Unlike passenger vehicle radiators designed for highway cruising, GSE units must handle continuous-duty cycles—high idle periods followed by intense load spikes—often in jet blast zones where ambient temperatures exceed reported weather data.
Georgia's aviation sector creates substantial radiator demand. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport alone recorded 104.7 million passengers and 739,000 metric tons of cargo in 2023, representing an 11.7% passenger increase year-over-year.
That volume requires massive GSE fleets operating near-continuously, with radiators rarely allowed cool-down periods. The state's nine commercial airports and extensive general aviation network further expand the market for specialized cooling solutions.
Each supplier below was evaluated on:
- GSE-specific cooling expertise and engineering depth
- Custom fabrication capabilities for non-standard equipment
- Regional service availability across Georgia
- Documented experience with airport or heavy-duty equipment fleets
Top 10 Airport GSE Radiator Suppliers in Georgia
These suppliers were selected based on four criteria: GSE-specific engineering experience, ability to serve Georgia-based operations, custom fabrication capabilities, and documented success with airport or commercial equipment fleets.
FSR Racing Products
FSR Racing Products operates from Tennessee, serving the Southeast region with hand-built custom aluminum radiators developed for high-performance racing and applied to airport GSE challenges. The company manufactures direct OEM replacements for major equipment brands including TLD, Eagle, Harlan, Wollard, and Toyota tugs.
Their differentiators include USA-based manufacturing with quick turnaround, engineering expertise from 30+ years of racing cooling system development, and the ability to reverse-engineer radiators for discontinued GSE models when OEM parts are unavailable.
| Specialization | Custom aluminum radiators for baggage tugs, pushback tractors, ground power units, cargo loaders, and belt loaders |
| Service Area | Regional service to Georgia from Tennessee facility; call 877-385-1900 for consultation; next-day shipping available |
| Key Advantage | Hand-built custom solutions for non-standard GSE models; 5-10 day turnaround for custom fabrication |
Key GSE equipment covered:
- Baggage tugs (TLD, Eagle, Harlan, Wollard, Toyota)
- Pushback tractors and ground power units
- Cargo loaders and belt loader systems
- Discontinued models requiring reverse-engineered replacements
Sage Parts
Sage Parts operates as a global distributor specializing in GSE replacement parts with a large inventory network. The company distributes RAMPTECH premium radiators engineered for high-efficiency cooling in baggage tractors from Clark, Harlan, and other manufacturers — parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications.
Their catalog covers radiators, intercoolers, cooling fans, and complete hose assemblies built for the thermal demands of airport ramp operations. Strong logistics coverage means reliable delivery to major hubs like ATL.
| Specialization | RAMPTECH high-efficiency radiators for baggage tractors, cargo loaders, and multi-brand GSE applications |
| Service Area | Global distribution network covering Georgia airports; same-day and next-day shipping available |
| Key Advantage | Inventory depth with parts engineered to exceed OEM specs; established relationships with major GSE manufacturers |
Pilot John International (PJi)
Based in North Carolina, Pilot John International serves the Southeast as an authorized distributor and service center for major GSE brands including Tronair. The company supplies replacement parts for air start units, ground power units, and tugs.
PJi's Mobile Service Team handles on-site maintenance at Georgia airports, cutting aircraft-on-ground risk. Equipment rentals and financing options make them a practical full-service partner for operations teams managing tight maintenance budgets.
| Specialization | OEM radiators and cooling components for Tronair, Malabar, and Columbus Jack equipment; authorized service center |
| Service Area | Southeast regional coverage with mobile service teams dispatched to Georgia facilities for on-site maintenance |
| Key Advantage | OEM-certified service center with mobile support; rentals and financing available to minimize downtime |
Mallaghan GSE
Mallaghan manufactures ground support equipment including belt loaders, deicers, and passenger stairs, providing OEM cooling components for their specific vehicle lines. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, offering direct local support and immediate parts access.
Their in-state presence gives Georgia airport operations faster response times for OEM parts and technical support compared to out-of-state suppliers. Mallaghan's engineers have specialized knowledge of their equipment's thermal requirements and can consult on cooling system upgrades.
| Specialization | OEM radiators and cooling system components for Mallaghan belt loaders, deicers, and passenger boarding equipment |
| Service Area | Manufacturing facility in Newnan, GA; same-day parts pickup and on-site technical support available |
| Key Advantage | Only OEM manufacturer with physical Georgia operations; direct engineering team access for cooling system troubleshooting |
Textron GSE
Textron GSE serves as the parent company for major brands including TUG, Premier, and Douglas, providing OEM radiators and cooling parts for their extensive equipment lines. Given the prevalence of TUG tractors at ATL and other Georgia airports, Textron maintains strong network support throughout the state.
The company offers engineer-approved support parts that guarantee OEM quality and fit, plus a "Find a Service Center" tool connecting customers with authorized local service providers for installation and maintenance support.
| Specialization | OEM radiators for TUG tractors, Premier equipment, and Douglas ground support vehicles with guaranteed fitment |
| Service Area | Georgia network of authorized service centers; parts available through regional distributors serving ATL and regional airports |
| Key Advantage | Engineer-approved OEM parts with warranty protection; service center locator for installation and technical support |
JBT AeroTech
JBT AeroTech manufactures pushback tractors including the B350 and B1200 models, plus cargo loaders requiring heavy-duty liquid-cooled diesel engine radiators. Their cooling systems are engineered for the high-load requirements of moving wide-body aircraft in continuous-duty cycles.
The company supports major airline fleets at ATL through authorized parts networks, providing radiators designed to handle the extreme thermal stress of pushback operations — where equipment experiences sudden load spikes followed by extended idle periods.
| Specialization | Heavy-duty radiators for JBT pushback tractors (B350, B1200 series) and cargo loader systems with liquid-cooled diesel engines |
| Service Area | Parts through authorized Georgia distributors; technical support for airline fleets at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta |
| Key Advantage | Radiators built for high-load pushback operations; engineered to handle thermal stress of moving wide-body aircraft |
Active Radiator
Active Radiator operates a dedicated heavy-duty cooling system facility in Atlanta, specializing in repair, welding, and cleaning of radiators, charge air coolers, and oil coolers for industrial and off-road vehicles. Their expertise with Class 6-8 trucking and industrial equipment applies directly to heavy GSE applications.
The company's Atlanta location at 4825 Mendel Ct SW gives local airport operations rapid-response repair capabilities, with same-day or next-day service available for critical equipment downtime scenarios.
| Specialization | Repair, recoring, welding, and cleaning for GSE radiators, charge air coolers, and oil coolers; heavy-duty industrial focus |
| Service Area | Atlanta facility (4825 Mendel Ct SW) serving metro airports; same-day and next-day turnaround for emergency repairs |
| Key Advantage | Local rapid-response repair for heavy-duty cores; industrial equipment expertise applicable to GSE |
Southeast Industrial Radiator
Southeast Industrial Radiator specializes in commercial and industrial radiator repair, with particular expertise in generator sets and commercial vehicles. Located on Moreland Ave SE in Atlanta, the company provides localized repair services for airport operations in the metro area.
Their generator set experience is well-suited to ground power units and other GSE that run at constant high RPMs — equipment that demands specialized cooling system knowledge.
| Specialization | Repair services for generator sets and commercial vehicle radiators; industrial cooling system specialists |
| Service Area | Atlanta location at 2486 Moreland Ave SE; serves metro area airports and GSE fleet operators |
| Key Advantage | Generator set expertise suited to ground power units; local option for Atlanta-area airport operations |
Kell Radiator Service
Kell Radiator Service provides comprehensive radiator services for heavy-duty and industrial equipment from their Douglas County, Georgia location. The company offers full-service capabilities including repair, recoring, and replacement for commercial and industrial cooling systems.
Their location in the greater Atlanta metro area provides convenient access for airport operations teams managing GSE fleets at regional airports throughout northwest Georgia.
| Specialization | Full radiator services for industrial and heavy-duty equipment: repair, cleaning, and replacement |
| Service Area | Douglas County, GA; serves greater Atlanta metro area and northwest Georgia regional airports |
| Key Advantage | Convenient local option for metro Atlanta airports; heavy-duty equipment expertise applicable to GSE cooling systems |
Tronair (via Authorized Distribution)
Tronair manufactures ground support equipment including ground power units, hydraulic power units, and air start units, supplying OEM replacement parts for Tronair, Malabar, and Columbus Jack equipment. Their service centers are based in Florida and Wisconsin, but Tronair parts reach Georgia through partners like Pilot John International.
For Georgia fleets running Tronair equipment, sourcing OEM parts through authorized distributors is the only way to maintain warranty compliance and keep performance specs intact.
| Specialization | OEM replacement parts for Tronair ground power units, Malabar equipment, and Columbus Jack systems |
| Service Area | Parts distributed throughout Georgia via authorized partners including Pilot John International; remote technical support available |
| Key Advantage | Required for warranty compliance on Tronair fleets; OEM parts guarantee performance specifications are met |
How We Chose the Best Airport GSE Radiator Suppliers
Airport fleet managers often default to OEM suppliers without evaluating custom-built alternatives that may offer superior thermal performance or faster turnaround for non-standard equipment. This approach can result in extended downtime and higher costs, especially when OEM lead times stretch into weeks for older or discontinued equipment.
Our evaluation prioritized suppliers with GSE-specific design experience—not just general automotive capability. Each supplier was scored across these factors:
- GSE-specific thermal experience: Continuous-duty cycle requirements, not just automotive specs
- Material suitability: Aluminum construction for Georgia's humid, high-heat operating environment
- Regional availability: Local stock, mobile service teams, or expedited shipping to minimize downtime
- Custom fabrication capability: Critical for mixed fleets where OEM parts carry 1-3 week lead times
Formal aerospace certifications are less common in the GSE radiator aftermarket, so we also weighted client feedback from airport operations teams, documented case studies, and hands-on technical support for cooling system troubleshooting. Suppliers who could demonstrate a track record with discontinued or low-volume GSE models ranked higher.
Conclusion
Choosing an airport GSE radiator supplier in Georgia requires balancing thermal performance specifications, turnaround time for repairs or custom builds, and regional service availability rather than simply selecting the most recognizable brand name. The cost of GSE downtime—up to $166 per minute—justifies investing in suppliers who understand heavy continuous-use demands and Georgia's heat and humidity.
When evaluating suppliers, airport operations managers should prioritize:
- Support for mixed equipment fleets without single-OEM lock-in
- Engineering consultation on cooling system upgrades
- Repair and replacement turnaround that keeps aircraft servicing on schedule
- Long-term costs, not just upfront unit price
Aluminum radiators offer measurable advantages over copper-brass in humid environments, and custom fabricators can often solve chronic overheating problems that standard OEM parts cannot.
FSR Racing Products offers custom-built aluminum radiators for airport GSE with engineering support and regional service to Georgia operations. Their hand-built approach, combined with cooling system knowledge drawn from racing applications, delivers reliable solutions for both standard replacements and challenging custom applications. Contact their team at 901-385-1900 to discuss specific equipment cooling challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes airport GSE radiators different from standard automotive radiators?
GSE radiators must handle continuous-duty cycles rather than intermittent use like passenger vehicles, operating at high idle or low speeds with minimal natural airflow. They face higher operating temperatures from tarmac heat and jet blast zones, often requiring custom mounting configurations for specialized ground support machinery that automotive radiators cannot accommodate.
How do I know when to replace versus repair a GSE radiator?
Replace when repair costs exceed 60-70% of the unit's replacement cost, or when you see internal pitting, "green" corrosion on copper cores, or extensive fin loss — all signs of structural failure. Custom rebuilds can extend service life on rare equipment models, but repeated overheating after repairs is a reliable signal to stop repairing and replace.
Can suppliers provide custom radiators for older or discontinued GSE models?
Manufacturers like FSR Racing Products build custom radiators for non-standard applications using only your equipment specs or the original unit for reverse engineering — a practical option when OEM parts are discontinued or carry months-long lead times.
What turnaround time should I expect for GSE radiator replacement in Georgia?
OEM parts typically take 1-3 weeks depending on brand and supply chain conditions. Custom fabricators like FSR Racing Products often deliver in 5-10 business days, and local repair shops can turn around minor repairs same-day or next-day for critical downtime situations.
Are aluminum radiators better than copper-brass for airport GSE applications?
Aluminum radiators offer superior thermal efficiency per pound, resist corrosion in humid climates like Georgia, and withstand vibration better than soldered copper-brass joints. They're preferred for high-performance cooling and continuous-duty applications, though copper-brass may be specified for certain OEM applications requiring exact original fitment.
Do Georgia-based airports need specialized radiator maintenance due to climate?
Georgia's hot, humid summers — with heat indices reaching 107°F — noticeably reduce heat rejection efficiency, putting extra stress on cooling systems. Expect more frequent coolant pH testing, fin cleaning to clear pollen and debris, and hose inspections, since high-heat conditions accelerate rubber degradation.
