UAE-based Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, the dealer for Caterpillar equipment in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, has introduced Cat Lift Trucks' new NT-range of diesel and gas engine powered lift trucks, to coincide with the opening of the company's new Dubai office last month (October).

The new range, designated DP15-35NT/GP15.35NT, will be on display at this year's Big 5 show.
The NT-range features all the benefits of the DP15-35/GP15-35 rugged lift trucks - on which it is based - but with added durability, productivity and safety, says a spokesman for the company.
The new range is available in 1.5, 1.8 and 2-tonne compact and 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5-tonne versions and, as has come to be expected from Cat Lift Trucks (a subsidiary of Caterpillar), provides unrivalled quality, he says.

Cost-effective
Explaining the benefits of the new improved Cat lift trucks, the spokesman says: "Customers will benefit from reduced maintenance and greater productivity as a result of design improvements made on the new NT-range. The new state-of-the-art petrol engine provides better performance and economical fuel consumption. The proven diesel engines have been slightly modified to reduce noise and improve the well-known reliability even further."
Wear and tear on parts is reduced through the new hydraulic pump, which is directly driven by the engine, adding to the overall cost-effectiveness of the range.
The new chassis is designed in such a way that the airflow is fully optimised for cooling the engine components. In addition, cooling options such as a heavy-duty radiator and dust screen overcome the risk of overheating, making the NT-range ideal for demanding environments, the spokesman says. Additional air-intake options, including a double element cyclone air cleaner with dust warning indicator, help to prolong the engine's service life in dusty conditions.
Increased productivity is provided through the special power train layout, which has a lower centre of gravity to improve stability and lifting capabilities and the back tilt angle, which reduces the risk of loads becoming dislodged.

Operator comfort
The NT-range features an ergonomically-designed operator compartment that provides enhanced comfort. The compartment comes with an adjustable steering column with memory position and a fully hydrostatic steering system with steering synchronisation for superior manoeuvrability. Full suspension seating with position, weight and lumbar adjustments gives greater operational comfort while the design of the mast and overhead guard enable all-round visibility, improving driver safety and overcoming the possibility of damage to the truck or load.
Cat Lift Trucks has also specially redesigned the layout of the brake and accelerator to minimise driver fatigue. The newly-designed fully floating mounted powertrain reduces noise transmission and vibration levels even further.

User-friendly safety
Additional safety features of the NT-range include a double-action park brake with audible alarm and a seat switch to prevent accidental operation when the driver is not seated. The truck does not move when the forward or reverse direction is engaged without the operator on the seat. Options like forward, rear or automatic lights improve visibility during operation.
The optional mast levelling functions allow quick pallet entry and reduce the risk of damaging the goods.

Serviceability
The increased service intervals reduce maintenance costs and increase available work hours. Access to the engine and other components is extremely simple and allows downtime to be kept at a minimum. The Vehicle Control Module (VCM) makes troubleshooting quick and effortless.
The spokesman adds: "As expected from Cat Lift Trucks, the new DP15-35NT/GP15.35NT range not only provides enhanced productivity, safety and reliability, but has the additional benefit of expert support and advice to provide the ultimate in cost-effective handling solutions."
The Al-Bahar group deals with the full range of Caterpillar products, namely earthmoving, materials handling and power systems, through its nine branches in the region. Each of these branches has its own full-fledged sales and product support facilities, dedicated sales and application teams, parts outlets with adequate stocks and fully equipped service facilities.
The group's associate - Oasis Trading and Equipment - represents Cat Lift Trucks in Oman.