Nimble, safe and environmentally efficient ranges of CAT three-wheel electric lift trucks from United Forklift and Access Solutions deliver quiet, operator-friendly handling and features for a wide range of unit loads including pallets, pallet boxes and stillage cages.

The advanced green AC power of the ECTCB series trucks - available in capacities from 1.3-2.0 tons - cuts emissions while giving greater performance, longer shift cycles and simpler maintenance, says United’s CAT Product Manager Craig Coles. The ECTCBs have some of the largest battery capacities in the market, with 20 per cent greater power reserves enabling them to work harder for longer.

“Additionally, the versatile configurations of CAT electric trucks and their easily programmable operating characteristics let operators match machine performance with operator experience and load type in virtually any interior task and for many outside uses too,” he said. EP-TCB series lift trucks can be configured to function at a particular power level to best suit the lifting task.

Energy conservation and regeneration is an important feature of the EP-TCB’s advanced AC Energy Regeneration System, which channels power back into the battery during simple activities like braking, plugging or even decelerating. Trucks will shut down automatically after 15 minutes when left in standby mode.

Their intelligent Advanced AC Power Control System, with high-capacity motors, provides powerful acceleration even on an upslope. The advanced electronics enable very precise inching and control. Maintenance is also reduced due to the absence of carbon brushes in these high performance AC motors.

For warehouse applications, the latest CAT electric forklift trucks are both quick and easy to manoeuvre, with their very tight turning circles complemented by rounded rear surfaces to enhance manoeuvrability and minimise collision and damage risks in confined spaces. Their typical maximum lift height of 7.5m makes them well suited to most standard wide aisle racking operations, while their clean operation makes them eminently suitable for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and sensitive and refrigerated goods handling.

“For production environments, electric forklifts are perfectly suited to bringing supplies or components to a production line or clearing waste packaging or other production by-products away. They can additionally be used to load or unload heavy goods vehicles, either from the rear of the vehicle (via a raised loading dock) or from the side (from ground level),” Coles said.

Another plus is their hydraulic shock absorption, which virtually eliminates load impact caused by bumps. Further, their compact but highly stable design means they can be cross-utilised to perform both duties in situations where traditionally two types of forklifts are being used: ie, four-wheel counterbalanced trucks outside, transferring to reach trucks inside.  “This versatility creates improved work place efficiencies while reducing your operating costs,” Coles said.

The trucks’ vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) is located at the right front of the cab so as not to obstruct the driver’s view of the forks. At the same time, it allows quick viewing and monitoring of important vehicle information. The ECTCB’s VFD display is easy to read even under direct sunlight and bright conditions. Information on traveling speed, battery discharge status, current time and key-on hours are displayed in real time.

The advanced Cat lift trucks Mast and Travel Interlock System helps protect operators by initiating a series of protective actions if operators leave the normal seated operating position.

To help operators manage preventative and regular maintenance with a minimum of downtime, CAT electric forklifts are equipped with high energy efficiency, on-the-go system monitoring, self-diagnostic and fault memory monitoring. In addition, on all models, a built-in service reminder can be programmed so that maintenance can be scheduled at intervals to suit shift patterns.

“As with all Cat Lift Trucks products, these electric forklifts are built to last. Combining toughness and operator comfort with the most advanced technical features, make them a very adaptable, clean and powerful workhorse suitable for many of your indoor and outdoor applications,” Coles said.