With its new NPV/NPF platform power pallet truck range, Cat® Lift Trucks brings major breakthroughs in productivity and comfort to operations in warehouses, loading areas and logistics centres.

14 Dicembre 2020

Key innovations include the unprecedented ProRide+ system – a milestone in development which solves the age-old problem of how to combine effective traction, damping and stability. The trucks’ advances effectively address challenges posed by time pressure, heavy duties and harsh working conditions in intensive loading and unloading, long-distance and short-shuttle transport, and even order picking applications.

The six-model Cat NPV/NPF20-25N3 line-up contains a choice of foldable or fixed (side or rear entry) platforms. Each platform variant offers 2.0 and 2.5 tonne capacities, three chassis lengths, and lithium-ion or lead-acid battery power.

ProRide+ traction, damping and stability

ProRide+ has a uniquely designed floating drive unit which works with extra friction force from the hydraulic system to maximise drive wheel pressure and traction. This not only prevents wheelspin on slippery floors but optimises braking performance.

Meanwhile, the ProRide+ system’s unique castor wheel design uses variable damping to minimise shocks and vibration, however rough the floor or ground surface. When cornering, with or without a load, the castor wheel’s locking function maintains strong stability.

High-comfort damping is a characteristic of all models, but fixed platform versions offer a cost-effective additional option: the market’s first electrically adjustable damping. Its setting can be adapted to each operator’s weight and preference at the touch of a button.

emPower ergonomic tiller head

Operators are empowered with fast, precise, ergonomic control by the emPower tiller head, which is simply the best in this truck class. Uniquely designed to give the easiest possible access to all controls, it achieves the optimum distance between hand and lift/lower buttons.

Its operating features include an optimised handle shape and cross-section, large hand space, enlarged horn and lift/lower buttons, and an optimally angled throttle wheel with seven convenient finger positions. Dual controls allow easy reach with either hand and can be used accurately even if the operator is wearing gloves.

Depending on model, the trucks offer a choice of standard and optional steering types – each controlled via the same emPower tiller head. For tiller-type power steering, there is a short tiller arm. For Comfort Steering, the tiller head is placed directly onto the truck, as on an electric scooter, with no tiller arm. Mechanical, non-powered steering, with a long tiller arm, is available on the folding platform models.

Both power-steered choices maximise precision in manoeuvring and are damped to avoid shock, vibration, strain and fatigue in the operator’s hands, wrists and arms. Their steering technology also automatically adjusts sensitivity according to steered angle and truck speed, and gives resistance and feedback, for controlled travel and full confidence. In addition, cornering control automatically slows the truck down when turning, to maintain safe motion.

Perfect application matching

Folding platform and rear entry fixed platform models excel in a variety of loading, unloading, cross-docking and internal transport tasks. The side entry fixed platform models are best suited to internal transport and order picking.

This range is ideal when space is tight, as it includes the shortest heavy-duty pallet trucks in the market. On steep ramps, its market-leading lift height of 220 mm makes work easier. There are also options for matching performance modes with individual users and applications.

Trucks can be supplied with fully integrated Li-ion technology, enabling continuous operation – without battery changes – through fast opportunity charging during short breaks. Lead-acid versions are equally available if preferred.

What’s more, thanks to their fully weather-protected and impact-resistant tiller head, sealed key components and robust construction, these platform power pallet trucks are highly durable. Whatever the working conditions and demands, you can be sure of continued high productivity.

Quick, efficient, robust, safe and ergonomic, the new trucks not only move more pallets per hour but reduce downtime, repairs, maintenance, energy bills, accidents and sick leave. This all adds up to a lower total cost of operation and an excellent return on your truck investment.

See them in action via www.catlifttruck.com/videos and follow the news on Facebook and Twitter.

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