The meeting drivers' needs and wishes was the main focus throughout its design.

The judges in this year's Red Dot Awards have presented their prestigious Product Design Award to Cat^® Lift Trucks for the EP25-35(C)N 80V electric counterbalance truck, citing excellent user experience and clever design as its key attributes.

Impressive innovations

Against stiff competition from 56 countries and around 5,000 products, this truck impressed the 38-member judging panel with innovative features such as its Responsive Drive System (RDS). RDS reacts to the speed with which the driver moves the accelerator pedal and hydraulic controls, instantly selecting the most appropriate performance mode. The truck seems to 'know' how he or she wants it to behave at any moment. A further benefit of RDS is that all truck movements - particularly starting and stopping - are very smooth and safe.

The truck seems to 'know' how the driver wants it to behave at any moment.

An amazing +100° rear axle rotation, together with curve control, makes turning tight and smooth.

A thorough user experience study was the starting point for development of this truck, and meeting drivers' needs and wishes continued to be the main focus throughout its design. In addition to RDS, several other major innovations resulted from this process. The intelligent curve control, for instance, has been improved to reduce speed in a much more natural and comfortable way than previous systems, with no sensation of sudden change or tilting as the truck corners.

Manoeuvrability has been taken to a whole new level with a next-generation dual drive 4 wheel steering system. An amazing +100° rear axle rotation, together with curve control, makes turning tight and smooth. Reverse side turns can now be made immediately, without pushing back, and there is also a unique ability to steer using the front axle.

Cat® Lift Trucks EP25-35(C)N 80V truck received the prestigious red dot design award.

Driver-centred design

To maximise user satisfaction and performance, the spacious, high-comfort cabin and its equipment have been ergonomically designed for strain-free operation with minimal need for the driver to move. The new progressive hydraulic controls and related functions are brought within easy reach of the driver's fingertips on a totally redesigned adjustable armrest. Meanwhile, extra vision has been gained thanks to the cleverly angled dashboard and counterweight.

A full-colour display, which can be read easily from different angles, keeps the driver fully informed - advising on truck status and avoiding misuse. Its clear messages are given in the driver's own language, along with helpful symbols.

Design Manager Kero Uusitalo says: "Differentiating our products from those of the competition requires constant development. As this product demonstrates, by concentrating on improving the user experience we are able to take great leaps forward in every area."

CONTACTS:

For more information, talk to your nearest Cat lift trucks dealer or contact:

Monica Escutia, Manager Marketing Communications
T: +31 (0)36 549 4328
E: send an email
W: www.catlifttruck.com
SF: Cat Lift Trucks ShopFront

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