Cat Lift Trucks quality is now within reach of more users and applications, thanks to the new entry-level EQ line.

Specified for lighter duties and smaller jobs, these warehouse trucks have everything you need for dependable materials handling. That includes sturdy construction, simple maintenance, energy-efficient features, robust performance, user-friendly design, and safety.

The EQ line covers eight key warehouse product ranges. Each benefits from the productivity, efficiency and long-term cost-saving advantages of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. Power levels are higher and more consistent; runtimes are longer; no battery maintenance is needed; and lifespan is extended. In addition, opportunity charging can keep the trucks going without battery changes.

^{The EQ Line full range}

Power pallet trucks

First up in the EQ line are the mini power pallet trucks, NPP15-20QBL. These are great all-rounders, combining small size with impressive strength and resilience. They can transport loads up to 2.0 tonnes, but they’re compact enough to work anywhere. You can manoeuvre them easily in narrow aisles, containers, goods vehicles and small buildings.

More conventionally shaped pedestrian power pallet trucks are offered with capacities of 1.8 tonnes (NPP18QL) and 2.0 tonnes (NPP20QL). They’re compact and easy to handle, with an ergonomic tiller arm, high-quality forks and a smoothly controlled AC drive motor. Robustly built, they will give many years of trouble-free service.

A 2.0 tonne platform power pallet truck, NPV20QL, builds on the same features and capabilities. Its platform can be easily folded up for pedestrian use in the narrowest spaces. Ride-on mode enables faster travel over longer distances, with less operator fatigue. This versatile model is ideal for vehicle loading and unloading as well as transport.

^{The new range has been developed specifically for lighter duties and smaller jobs}

Compact stackers

For exceptional versatility in a small package, the EQ line offers a choice of compact pedestrian stackers. These are even small enough to take into vans and elevators. The 1.2 tonne mono mast version, NSP12QLMI, will stack and retrieve at heights up to 1.95 metres. The 1.2 tonne duplex mast model, NSP12QLDI, extends this to 3.3 metres. You can also use them for short shuttle runs and order picking. They’re a great do-it-all solution for smaller warehouses and supermarkets.

Sit-on tow trucks

The EQ line’s sit-on tow trucks, NTS30-60Q, offer capacities of 3.0 or 6.0 tonnes. They’re great for transporting heavy loads over both rough and smooth surfaces, indoors and outdoors. Their high ground clearance smooths out bumps and gradients. And they’re tough enough to withstand the knocks of a busy workplace. Comfortably seated, the operator stays productive mile after mile.

Mini order picker

One of the most unusual EQ line products is the mini order picker, MNO1.5Q1. It’s not just for order picking: it does the job of a ladder too – but much more safely and efficiently. Automatic aids prevent operation unless the user’s hands and feet are properly in place and the safety gates are closed.
With its stable mast and chassis, you can lift its platform safely to 3 metres. From there, the operator can pick items as high as 5 metres.

As well as picking at racking levels 1, 2 and 3, you can use it for inspection and maintenance tasks at height. Changing a light bulb or repairing a ceiling fixture, for example. It will even optionally transport additional loads by towing trailers.

For applications needing only occasional use of a lift truck each day, EQ line products are your perfect choice. They bring you all the right qualities to do the job quickly and simply – and make your life easier. And as well as raising your productivity, they lower your overall costs. In particular, they save money through their durability, minimal maintenance needs and low energy consumption.

To find out more, visit EQ Line. Further information on the complete range of Cat forklifts, warehouse equipment and related services can be found at www.catlifttruck.com. See them in action via https://www.catlifttruck.com/videos and follow the news on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The framework was developed in collaboration with industry experts and co-ESG advisors. (Image source: Etihad Rail)

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has introduced its Sustainable Finance Framework.

This comprehensive guide is designed to align the company's future financing efforts with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy, particularly focusing on Clean Transportation, Green Buildings, and Pollution Prevention and Control.

The framework was developed in collaboration with industry experts and co-ESG advisors, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, to ensure its alignment with the Green Loan and Bond Principles. The robustness of the framework was further validated by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) through a Second Party Opinion (SPO).

Key characteristics

The framework outlines a structured approach for Etihad Rail to assess and finance sustainable projects, detailing four key components: adherence to Green Loan and Bond Principles to meet international sustainability standards, clear criteria for the allocation of funds towards sustainable initiatives, a rigorous process for project evaluation and selection, and transparent management and reporting of funds.

Aligned with Etihad Rail's ESG strategy, the framework includes mechanisms for assessing environmental risks and promoting transparency in ESG initiatives. It not only supports informed investment decisions that mitigate environmental risks and leverage sustainable market opportunities but also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry stakeholders, regulators, and investors, thereby fostering a transition towards a more sustainable financial system.

 Ali Tabbal, chief financial officer at Etihad Rail said, “The introduction of our Sustainable Finance Framework is a testament to Etihad Rail’s commitment to integrate and uphold sustainable practices in all our operations. Through responsible financial practices, we are further underscoring this dedication by driving positive environmental and social impact in the region across the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. This framework is a pivotal element of our broader ESG strategy, directly aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a clear roadmap for integrating ESG considerations into investment decisions, empowering companies to generate long-term sustainable value. By doing so, we are not only fostering a transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy but also supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and contributing to the nation’s vision for a sustainable future.”

Bobcat can now offer its customers an even more complete package of material handling solutions. (Image source: Bobcat)

After the addition of Doosan forklifts to Bobcat's compact machine portfolio, the company has indicated its intention that the forklift line will benefit from the innovations that it has developed in recent years for its compact machines

Bobcat has confirmed that the focus of its R&D approach in this area will be in improving connectivity, performance, sustainability and safety. Thanks to the acquisition of sister company, Doosan Industrial Vehicle, Bobcat can now offer its customers an even more complete package of material handling solutions. The rebranded Doosan equipment builds on the existing compact loaders and telehandlers from Bobcat, which can be equipped with attachments such as buckets, grabs, bale clamps, dump hoppers and pallet forks, so they can be used in many industries for material handling and logistics work.

The forklift range alone consists of dozens of models, including diesel forklifts with a lifting capacity of 2 to 16 tonne; LPG forklift trucks with a lifting capacity of 1.5 to 7 tonne and electric forklift trucks with a lifting capacity of 1.5 to 10 tonne.

The ranges of machines fit together seamlessly and share the same philosophies behind their design. In this way, they have the same focus on robust, powerful machines that can work long hours and require little maintenance. Optimal comfort, ease of operation and safety for the driver are also important principles for R&D.

Product development has led to a number of interesting innovations at Bobcat. These include the electric machines that Bobcat has presented to the market in recent years, with the E10e and E19e mini-excavators now available for purchase in Europe, the fully electric T7X track loader in a limited launch in North America and the S7X skid-steer loader and the recently revealed TL25.60e electric telehandler concept machines, being the most eye-catching. In addition, the MaxControl remote control for machines and MachineIQ for remote monitoring of machines have also been introduced.

But the company has indicated that developments will go even further. Vijayshekhar Nerva, responsible for innovation at Bobcat EMEA, confirms the four key principles for R&D outlined above. The first is connectivity. Companies have access to enormous amounts of data that are important for their activities and that data must be available in real time and in the machines as well. It also concerns the performance and productivity of machines. They must function optimally when carrying out work. The third principle is sustainability. This not only concerns emissions, but also the use of sustainable, robust materials in the production of machines and ease of maintenance, so that machines last longer.

Prioritising safety and efficiency

At Bobcat’s recent Demo Days event for the EMEA region, visitors were able to see the very latest developments in the fourth segment of safety and efficiency. They included new Operator Presence technology that leverages a 3D time-of-flight (ToF) camera to monitor users' movements and the cab environment, enhancing safety by preventing unintended machine actions. The Pedestrian Detection Camera uses AI-enabled processing capabilities to differentiate between humans and surroundings, reducing unnecessary operator alerts.

Bobcat’s transparent OLED (T-OLED) screen technology, developed with LG and BSI Research, enables operators to access various functionalities without taking their eyes off the worksite. This technology facilitates advanced applications like real-time virtual reality (VR) simulations for utility line mapping.

Going electric

Bobcat has recently showcased innovations for logistics and material handling. These include prototypes of the B18NT electric forklift truck with 3 wheels and a lithium battery and the B30X-7 Plus hydrogen forklift truck.

An important expansion now on the market is the new NXE series of electric forklift trucks with 4-wheel drive. The series consists of forklift trucks with a capacity of 6 to 10 tonne, which are suitable for heavy applications in container transport, machine construction and industry. These zero-emission machines can work an entire day on a battery charge and are of course very suitable for work in factories and warehouses. The machines offer excellent visibility and (in Bobcat style) a lot of comfort and features as standard that make operation easier.

The partnership intends to create commercial integration prospects between the two national heavyweights. (Image source: Bahri)

Ma'aden, the Saudi Arabian Mining firm, the biggest multi-commodity mining and metals firm in the Middle East, and Bahri, the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia and a global leader in logistics and shipping, have inked a strategic Letter of Intent (LOI).

Inked in front of Ministry of Investment personnel, this partnership intends to create commercial integration prospects between the two national heavyweights with the goal of localising the maritime sectors and building robust supply chains.

On the signing, Eng. Ahmed Ali Al Subaey, CEO of Bahri, said, "We are delighted to work together with Ma'aden, one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. This collaboration emphasises Bahri’s effective and reliable offerings as the national shipping company and further strengthens our position as a global leader within this dynamic industry."

On this occasion, Bob Wilt, CEO of Ma'aden, said, "As a global exporter, access to Bahri’s extensive shipping capabilities ensures that Ma’aden can support localisation of the maritime industry in Saudi Arabia. Having worked with the Bahri team across our fertiliser business in recent years, we are confident that this collaboration will open up new growth opportunities across other areas of our business while continuing to support the national economy."