Caterpillar Lift Trucks has introduced a new range of 4-wheel lift trucks, the EP 1.6-2.0K, which is available with lifting capacities of 1.6 tonnes, 1.8 tonnes and 2.0 tonnes, its Jebel Ali-based representative Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Bahar has announced.
"Along with the successful 3-wheel electric, Caterpillar Lift Trucks now offers a complete range of 48-volt lift trucks. The new EP 1.6-2.0K is ideal for both inside or outside applications as it is compact (for confined areas inside) and stable (for uneven surfaces outside)," said Al Bahar. The EP 1.6-2.0K replaces the EP 1.6-2.0 electric 4-wheel trucks.
Al Bahar represents Caterpillar in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE and the Oasis Trading and Equipment Company in Oman. It markets and services a full range of counterbalance lift trucks.
According to Caterpillar's details of the new range, the programmable controller with five pre-set operating modes allows job-matched performance in each work application, and the advanced electronics makes it possible for trucks to be instantly customised to specific needs.
For normal warehouse modes, the trucks can be set to moderate acceleration and high-travel and moderate hydraulic speeds. Their features make them suitable for activities in the main warehouse.
The trucks can also be set for high-performance, economy, long-travel and short-shuttle modes. The transistor-controlled hydraulics is said to provide precision in all sensitive load situations. Caterpillar says the "fingertip" hydraulic control system and a small steering wheel enable the driver to manoeuvre fast and precisely, even in the most confined areas. The operator is provided with a clear-view mast and head guard so he can be in full control at all times.
Caterpillar's description said the trucks had a large battery capacity, which resulted in extra power and longer recharging intervals. That made the trucks ideal for long working shifts or tight schedules. A regenerative braking system extended shift life and eliminated excessive heat build-up, protecting components from premature wear. The regenerative braking function captures the motor current when the brakes are activated and the energy generated returns to the battery, according to the company.
Caterpillar also said the built-in, intelligence-monitoring system allowed the operator to keep an eye on all major truck functions during normal operation and ensured that the truck was serviced in a timely manner.
According to Caterpillar, the fault memory records the operating history, hydraulic hours and up to 32 system faults. This allows service management to identify potential operating misuse or abuse. The self-diagnostic routine enables a service engineer to verify proper operation of all main systems, components and truck performance settings.
The traction motors are mounted horizontally under the floor plate and are easily accessed for servicing. The clear and easy-to-read LCD display alerts the operator for brush wear, service needs, motor over-temperature and brake fluid level. It also indicates the travel speed, battery charge level and a daytime clock, it said.
