Bobcat has expanded its electric materials handling line up with the launch of the B16 to B20 NT series, the company’s first three wheel forklifts designed exclusively around modern lithium ion technology.

The new B16NT, B18NT and B20NT models are aimed at light to medium duty operations and combine compact design with zero emission performance. Bobcat says the series represents a future proof investment for manufacturing and logistics users seeking safer, cleaner and more efficient in plant transport.

The forklifts deliver load capacities between 1.6 and 2 tonnes at a 500 millimetre load centre and feature a 4.5 kilowatt dual drive motor alongside a 12 kilowatt hydraulic motor. Their small turning radius gives operators the ability to work confidently in narrow aisles without compromising on stability.

Bobcat states that the models’ manoeuvrability is matched by a significant emphasis on operator protection and comfort. The low access step, generous legroom and modern driver interface are designed to reduce fatigue and enhance visibility, while the intuitive colour display provides at a glance diagnostics to help avoid unexpected failures. The standard electric parking brake with ramp stop forms a central part of the safety package, ensuring secure stopping even on gradients.

Coinciding with the forklift launch, Bobcat has introduced its own lithium ion batteries for both the NT series and its existing electric range. Available in 400 and 600 amp hour capacities, the new batteries use lithium iron phosphate chemistry which is regarded for its high safety levels and thermal stability.

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An integrated thermal management system enables operation in temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius, safeguarding performance in demanding environments. The batteries also connect directly into the machine’s CAN bus, removing the need for a separate display and allowing real time monitoring through Bobcat’s Machine IQ telematics. This visibility supports preventative maintenance, safer charging routines and a longer operational lifespan.

The company has also developed a dedicated charging infrastructure for the new energy packs. The fast chargers are built for efficiency and reliability, with a typical full charge taking around two hours depending on the model. Smart charging electronics continuously adapt output to the battery’s condition in order to prevent overheating and extend service life.

Their robust construction and flexible connectivity options make them suitable for both centralised charging rooms and distributed charging points across large sites.

According to Bobcat, the introduction of the NT series, the new batteries and the associated charging solutions demonstrates its commitment to safer and more sustainable intralogistics. The firm expects the lithium ion technology to deliver longer battery life, reduced maintenance requirements and greater operational control for users seeking an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional power sources.

Dingbo Power has confirmed a new order from Haiti for a 600kW heavy-duty silent diesel generator set, now in production. (Image source: Dingbo Power)

Dingbo Power has recently secured an order from a Haitian client for a 600kW heavy-duty silent diesel generator set. Production began on 25 October, with a delivery period of 20 days

Manufacturing is progressing as scheduled, and the generator will be completed and shipped in full alignment with the client’s requirements.

The generator set, manufactured by Guangxi Dingbo Generator Set Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is the DB-600GF model, designed as a silent-type unit. It delivers a prime output of 600kW/750kVA and a standby output of 660kW/825kVA, operating at 440V with a rated current of 984A. Running at 1800 rpm and 60Hz, it features a 0.8 lag power factor and a three-phase, four-wire configuration. The system is powered by a Cummins KT38-G diesel engine and paired with a Shanghai Stamford GR355G1 alternator. Control and monitoring are managed through the SmartGen HGM6110N-4G-G controller, which includes integrated 4G cloud remote monitoring capabilities.

The client emphasised the need for a heavy-duty silent generator, a requirement Dingbo Power is addressing with a reinforced 6mm-thick steel base frame to increase durability and stability. The generator will be housed inside a specially designed silent canopy made from 2mm-thick galvanised steel sheets. This enclosure provides strong corrosion resistance and keeps operational noise at just 80 dB(A) at a 7-metre distance, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

At the heart of the system is the Cummins KT38-G diesel engine, known for its reliability and efficiency under demanding conditions. It is a 12-cylinder, V-type, 4-stroke water-cooled engine with turbocharging and a 38-litre displacement. It delivers 679kW of prime power and 747kW of standby power at 60Hz and 1800 rpm. The engine features an electronic governor, a 15.5:1 compression ratio, and a 159mm × 159mm bore and stroke. Fuel consumption ranges from 43 kg/h at 25% load to 131 kg/h at 100% prime load, and 147 kg/h at 100% standby load. Additional technical specifications include a 24V electric start system, Cummins PT fuel injection, a coolant capacity of 112L, and an oil system capacity of up to 135.1L.

Dingbo Power expressed gratitude to the Haitian client for their trust and highlighted that this customised heavy-duty silent generator reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, durable power solutions. The production team is fully dedicated to the project and confident that the final unit will provide reliable performance and long-term operational value.

Sujay Nair, executive director of Penta Global. (Image source: Penta Global)

Penta Global, a leading player in the energy and construction sectors based in Abu Dhabi, is taking a pioneering stance on the mental health and well-being of blue-collar workers, an area that has long been overlooked in the industry.

Under the stewardship of executive director Sujay Nair, the company has made decisive moves to place people at the heart of its operations, urging the broader sector to move beyond compliance into genuine care for workforce welfare.

Traditionally, the focus within construction has been on health, safety, and environmental compliance, which are essentials for industry accreditation and operational soundness.

However, as Nair notes, there is still a considerable gap when it comes to mental well-being.

Sparked by thought leadership at a British Safety Council event, Nair and his team recognised this imbalance and responded by commissioning a comprehensive report on mental health in the construction sector, particularly concerning blue-collar workers.

The research process was revealing. Penta Global discovered significant data concerning the mental health of workers in the UAE, which were mostly collected via major firms and government-driven initiatives.

Over the past three years, the UAE government has enacted policies specifically focused on mental health, providing a strong foundation, but there remains much to build upon.

To bring attention to their findings and to inspire collaborative industry action, Penta Global hosted a roundtable during ADIPEC this year.

The session brought together stakeholders from leading organisations, government entities, and multinational firms.

Surprisingly, it emerged that while individual companies were implementing well-being programmes, there was little cross-industry communication or centralisation of best practices.

“We haven’t got that communication to have a centralised kind of policy which addresses these issues,” Nair observed, underscoring the need for a coordinated approach.

A collaborative approach

Beyond research and dialogue, Penta Global brought creativity to advocacy through their event booth, which featured a punching bag competition.

For every punch, the company pledged a donation to a local mental health initiative, blending fun physical activity with vital fundraising and awareness.

This approach speaks to the company’s ethos of focusing not only on compliance but also on positive engagement and long-term change.

Physical activity, notes Nair, is well-proven to enhance mental well-being, and this tie-in made the abstract more accessible and actionable.

The challenges are multifaceted. There are deeply rooted stigmas, language barriers, and fears of job security that deter workers from voicing concerns.

Nair stresses the need for education and open conversations, suggesting that integrating mental health into routine “toolbox talks” could be one practical step forward.

“If we can come together as an industry,” Nair asserts, “we can really drive meaningful change. And I think that’s the most important thing that came out [from the roundtable discussion].”

Looking ahead, Penta Global plans to share the outcomes of their roundtable widely and continue engaging with both industry leaders and social enterprises.

The goal is to drive policy toward preventative approaches rather than reactive ones, making mental health a shared responsibility.

By leading these efforts, Penta Global not only enhances its own culture but also sets a precedent for the entire sector to follow.

LANDCROS ushers in smart construction era

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) has announced that it will undergo a transformation and rebrand as LANDCROS, effective April 2027

As the construction and mining industries enter a new era, global demand is shifting toward faster, smarter, and more sustainable methods of developing infrastructure and housing, despite challenges such as a shrinking skilled workforce, rising costs, and tighter deadlines. In response, Hitachi Construction Machinery is reinventing itself to stand alongside its customers and distribution partners, leading this transformation together.

Solutions beyond machinery

The name ‘LANDCROS’ embodies the company’s determination to deliver innovative solutions to customers worldwide in the construction and mining sectors.

This rebranding marks a renewed commitment to accelerate the company’s evolution, representing its dedication to creating and delivering greater value in collaboration with customers well into the future.

Francesco Quaranta, HCM europe president & CEO, stated, “LANDCROS represents our commitment to go beyond machinery, empowering customers with intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions. It is based on a partnership philosophy, working openly with technology leaders, integrating cutting-edge digital and AI capabilities into machines that symbolise reliability in the construction industry, whilst creating a reimagined customer experience from ground to cloud.”

This transformation builds upon HCM’s trusted dealer network, the foundation of its success. Together, the company and its partners aim to redefine the customer experience by integrating AI, data, design, and human ingenuity to help build a more sustainable future.