development process . We have even created our own simulation system which enables us to drive the trucks in 3D and replicate any dynamic force on the equipment – allowing us to explore its effect before we reach prototyping .
“ This significantly speeds up the development process , meaning when we do enter physical prototyping we start from a well-advanced point .”
Cat Lift Trucks sister division , Rocla , also based in Finland , is a leading force in Automated Guided Vehicles ( AGV ) technology . Rocla ’ s expertise has proved rather useful for the R & D team , as Kero explains :
“ We have adapted our in-house AGV technology to enable us to run intensive tests . These see equipment operated non-stop for extended periods ”. This ability to push the machines beyond any likely real-world application , is clearly an important proving ground for the R & D team and validates the durability of their new developments .
“ Of course , we also run extensive driver and customer management testing – the human aspect is always the most critical .” Kero is keen to remind us as well , that although the facility is a technological tour de force , the team never loses sight of the true purpose of all their hard work .
“ As R & D professionals we are very aware that the world is changing , as is the behaviour of customers .” Kero points out , “ Today they are buying an experience and not just a product .”
“ With this change , sustainability and the move to electrification have naturally gone hand in hand . Our ability to expedite the R & D process , without cutting corners , has enabled us to respond to this very effectively .”
Cat Lift Trucks latest range of electric machines EP 1.4 to 5.5 tonnes bear testament to Karo ’ s words and demonstrate just how successfully the team has listened and responded to customer sentiment . Indeed , in many key parameters the new trucks now comfortably exceed the performance of their internal combustion counterparts – delivering the perfect solution for customers looking to move from diesel or gas power to a greener and cleaner alternative .
Alongside their dialogue with customers , the team keeps a keen eye on the industry outside of their own walls . “ We rigorously benchmark against our competitors ’ equipment .” Kero explains . “ Our goal is to always be the best . Not just in terms of figures , but in how this translates into real life usage ”
Before we left Kero to resume his relentless quest for new ideas , he shared a last piece of well-considered advice :
“ Our attention to detail is incredible and its value , while usually appreciated on new machines , is often overlooked throughout the working life of the equipment .”
“ When you see how much work goes into developing , evaluating , testing and refining every single , individual , part of the trucks , you realise just how important it is to only use these intended parts throughout the life of the machines .”
“ Bearings are a prime example . The tolerances to which our bearings are engineered are incredibly small and we have seen many failed tests from bearings that we have evaluated but which did not meet our standards .”
“ Customers really should insist that only original approved parts are used throughout the life of their machines . It is the only way they can be assured of maintaining the fleet ’ s ongoing safety , reliability and performance – things we spend a lot of our time thinking about here in Finland .”
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