Caterpillar Lift Trucks has launched a new range of compact electric lift trucks as well as a range of low-level order pickers on the market.

The new EPK RT range of three-wheel, 24kV electric counterbalance lift trucks consists of three models, the EP10K RT, EP12K RT and the EP15K RT and is additional to the current 48kV three-wheel range, while the new NOL series of low-level order pickers is also available in three different models.

Lift trucks

The EPK RT lift trucks have a very small width of only 997 mm and an overall length to fork face of 1,700 mm, which are said to make them specifically suitable in applications where manoeuvrability and space utilisation is critical, such as the narrow aisles of a warehouse or a retail application.

As the trucks are designed for light duty, they are provided with a 24V battery. Typical for the 24V trucks is the single rear-wheel drive, which is said to make them exceptionally manoeuvrable. Fewer mechanical and electric drive components are said to reduce running cost to a minimum.

For the driver's order-picking convenience the EPK trucks have an integrated sideshifter as an option.

"The trucks have a very ergonomic driver position with unobstructed, spacious legroom and low step height," comments Arjan Barten, the marketing communications assistant at Caterpillar Forklift Trucks. "They are equipped with an adjustable steering column and an adjustable seat and have excellent all-round visibility due to the open overhead guard structure and panoramic mast."

He continues: "On the easy-to-read LCD display the operator will see a battery charge level and an operating hour meter. A series of illuminated indicators provides clear warnings on vital signs including brush wear and low brake fluid. The hydraulic functions such as lifting, tilting and auxiliary functions are controlled by short levers that are positioned next to the operator on the battery cover, for comfortable operation. The handgrips are ergonomically designed with inmould symbols. The brake and accelerator pedals are positioned in automotive style.

"The trucks are fitted with a highfrequency Mosfet controller. The advantage of this controller is that it controls driving, lifting, direction and regen using transistors with a switching frequency of 16 kHz. This means high-energy efficiency, smooth performance control and low operating noise. Acceleration, travel speed and lift speed can be adjusted to suit the customer's application via two preset application modes: the economic and the high performance mode."

Pickers

The three low-level order pickers - NOL10K, NOL10KF and NOL10KV - are designed for order-picking on the first and second level.

"The NOL10K is a standard model," explains Barten. "The operator's platform can be lifted and lowered smoothly by a mini-lever on the operator's dashboard. To ensure the safety of the driver, an end-positioning damper has been installed so the operator can lift himself in a safe manner. The lifting height is 1,150 mm.

"The NOL l0K can also be used in a pedestrian mode and has been equipped with driving and lifting buttons on both sides of the truck to make it very operator-friendly. The truck has a 360-degree steering wheel, for optimum handling performance for the driver. A control panel with multifunctional display gives clear indication of turning and driving directions and a battery status display. The truck is very manoeuvrable because of its very small turning radius of only 1,500 mm.

"Regenerative braking - which prolongs shift life and reduces wear - is a standard feature on the NOL series as are rapidaccess, roll out batteries for convenient charging or changeover. Storage bins too have been specifically styled for quick and easy removal. Importantly, for safe and swift operation in confined areas, the chassis has the same width as a standard Euro pallet allowing trucks to pass each other on warehouse aisles."

The NOL10KF has an additional lift of the forks to raise the load an extra 750 mm. "This enables the pallet to be brought up to a picking height most convenient to the operator. The result is enhanced ergonomics for easier operation and greater productivity," says Barten.

The third new model, the NOL10KV, is as the standard NOL10K model, yet it has an adjustable fork width. "This means that the operator can shift the forks into the position the pallet requires," he comments. "This too will improve the productivity of the operator as he can easily pick different pallet sizes and picking cages."

Caterpillar Lift Trucks is a leading brand in the production, marketing and servicing of a full range of material handling products such as counterbalance lift trucks and warehouse equipment.