Source: Theo Egberts / Andersom Testing

With the EP13-20 series of three- and four-wheel trucks, Cat^® Lift Trucks is introducing a compact and extremely well-developed range on to the market. The 'Made in Holland' truck exudes innovation without losing any of its familiarity. We tested the Cat^® EP15PNT: a practical three-wheel truck with precisely adjustable performance settings.

The trucks, which originate from the Cat^® Lift Trucks factory in Almere, are normally quite modest when it comes to futuristic properties and innovative systems. They are designed and constructed using a no-nonsense principle and are required to be functional and reliable all over the world. This is certainly the case with the new series of three- and four-wheel trucks, which have a lifting capacity of 1.3 - 2.0 tons. The 48V line combines practical usage with a number of notable details. We are happy to present the EP15PNT from Cat Lift Trucks and put this newcomer through an intensive test.

Spacious access

The mini-levers for the mast operation are a familiar 'old friend'; people who have used them before will already be used the feeling they get in their fingertips.

Electric lift trucks in the 1.3 - 2.0 ton class are mainly intended for use in limited areas. A tight turning radius and convenient design are essential, and the Cat certainly performs well here. The truck looks compact while providing drivers with all the room they need. This can be noticed immediately from the on/off step, which is unusually spacious and functional for trucks in this segment. Thanks to this easy access and the remarkably small steering wheel, you can enter the cabin without any problems and be seated in no time at all. The tilt cylinders are concealed under the completely level footplate, which helps keep the foot area clear and ample in size. Both the left and right foot are completely unhindered. The height and inclination of the acceleration and brake pedals are also just right. This comfortable working position helps you keep going for longer.

Satisfactory seat

The seat behind the steplessly adjustable steering column is comfortable and, as usual, slightly to the left of the middle of the truck. The Pilot seat left arm support serves as a practical handle when getting in, but also gets in the way slightly when you want to put on the seat belt. The seat is fitted with a small crank handle at the front for setting the correct body weight. It took some strength to adjust the seat to a proper weight.
The head room to the protective roof is ample and once again confirms that one can indeed sit comfortable even in a compact truck.
The small steering wheel in the new series is even more remarkable from the driving position. It looks modern and provides extra room in the cabin. Assisted by very good power steering, it also steers well very easily. The number of revolutions between the two extreme steering positions is however quite a lot, at 6.5.
We found the extra handle on the roof stanchion very useful and safe when driving in reverse. Your fingers remain inside the contours and you have a good grip. The button for the horn is also a logical addition.

Safety first

The mast seems to be in the way, but the blind spot is limited to just 26cm up to a height of two meters.

The correct position of the rear wheels can be seen in the form of a clear arrow on the new digital display. This display also shows the battery charge level, date and time, a digital speedometer and indicators for the parking brake, belt, mast functions and drive setting. You can use the adjacent buttons to change the menu and you can also choose from five preprogrammed drive settings. Choosing a different setting by accident is not an issue because it needs to be switched off and back on again after changing. This can only be done on purpose. It's a shame that the chosen setting is not shown on the basic display overview.
New in this series is the electrically operated parking brake with a rocker switch on the left next to the steering column. This means it's also impossible to drive off unintentionally. You always have to unlock the parking brake explicitly. This is the case even if you switch it off accidentally upon exiting. If you then get back in and want to drive off, you first have to switch it on and back off again. In principle this is slightly irritating, but it is actually a very safe inclusion.

Construction and appearance

What is striking about the Cat EP15PNT is its use of good quality materials and excellent finish. The oil disc brakes are maintenance free, the panel parts are well fitted and overall it gives a very sound impression. You also notice the strength of the construction while working; the truck feels pleasantly solid.
The designers have taken great care with optimizing visibility, which is very good, both next to and, through the mast, as well as over the dashboard and counterweight. The test truck has a three-part mast with free lifting and a total lift height of 4,750mm. No sideshift is fitted, and there is a small blind spot of just 26cm (incl. backrest) for a 2 meter total lift, partly thanks to the sleek carriage. The mast of the test truck could be more rigid when handling heavy loads at high lift heights.
Our Cat forklift has the familiar mini-levers for operating the mast functions set into a fully adjustable arm support. The support is very comfortable, although you feel the fairly small levers in your fingertips when working intensively for a longer period.

Productivity and consumption

To measure the productivity and consumption, we tested the settings 5 to 2. According to supplier Crepa (Benelux), they are all factory values and these can be adjusted according to the client's wishes. Position 5 is the most powerful; position 1 the most gentle. In fact it's so gentle that we don't even use it. Positions 5 and 3 provide the most power and a real saving of energy respectively. The measurements taken also confirm this. Position 5 makes the Cat lift truck more productive than average for this class. The truck reacts easily and has high acceleration, driving and lifting speeds. All this power requires a lot of energy and the consumption is considerable at 5.72 kWh for the test and 12.01 kWh per 100 moved pallets. Position 3 results in an energy saving of an impressive 22 percent, and reduces productivity by 8 percent. If you don't really need high productivity, it's therefore better to select position 3. It provides almost two hours longer battery use (max. 500 Ah DIN / 625 Ah BS).

Conclusion

The compact EP15PNT from Cat Lift Trucks provides a lot of practical sitting and working space. The entrance and exit is representative for this class. Its operation is also predictable and visibility is good. The productivity is above average in position 5, but this can be at the expense of its energy consumption. Considering its intended deployment in reasonably limited interior areas, position 3 is easily sufficient to be able to work well. This saves a lot of energy and makes the new Cat range even easier and more agreeable to handle.

Based on Text and pictures: Theo Egberts / Andersom Testing Original article published: Logistiek Totaal - February 2012

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about the EP13-20(P)NT range click here
Download the Spec Sheet here
Download the Electric Range Brochure here

Or Contact

Monica Escutia
Senior Marketing Communications Coordinator
Cat Lift Trucks EAME.
t: +31 (0)36 5494 328
e: info@catlifttruck.com
w: www.catlifttruck.com