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Cat DP55N Specifications

Basic Information

The Caterpillar DP55N is a 5.5-ton (5,500 kg / 12,125 lb) heavy-duty diesel pneumatic-tire forklift designed for the most demanding industrial operations requiring maximum torque, high structural rigidity, long-duty cycle endurance, and stable handling at elevated lift heights. Positioned in Caterpillar’s N-Series diesel lineup, the DP55N is engineered for steel production yards, heavy fabrication facilities, construction-material distribution centers, shipping terminals, outdoor warehouses, foundry operations, bridge-component manufacturing, and highly loaded logistics environments.

This model is offered with two high-performance industrial diesel engines: the Mitsubishi D04EG-T turbocharged diesel engine and the Perkins 854F electronically controlled turbocharged diesel engine. Both engines deliver exceptional low-RPM torque, excellent fuel efficiency, clean combustion characteristics, and dependability under extreme continuous-operation conditions. The DP55N incorporates a reinforced welded-steel chassis, extra-heavy mast uprights, high-capacity cooling system, industrial powershift transmission, wide pneumatic tires, and a load-sensing hydraulic system optimized for multi-shift lifting performance.

The DP55N’s operator station features an ergonomic control layout, improved forward and overhead visibility, reduced vibration exposure, a suspension seat, anti-slip floor design, and optimized lever positioning. Maintenance staff benefit from wide-opening engine hoods, centralized filters, simplified electrical routing, accessible hydraulic service ports, and long-life driveline components. The DP55N is recognized for its combination of reliability, heavy-lift capability, low operating cost, and exceptional service life.

Engine Specs

The DP55N is available with the following engine options:
- Mitsubishi D04EG-T - Turbocharged 3.3 L diesel
- Perkins 854F - Turbocharged 3.4 L diesel

Mitsubishi D04EG-T - Technical Specifications

- Engine type: inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, turbocharged diesel
- Displacement: approx. 3.3 L (3,331 cc)
- Bore x stroke: approx. 94 x 120 mm (3.70 x 4.72 in)
- Rated output: approx. 49-55 kW (66-74 hp) @ 2,400-2,500 rpm
- Peak torque: approx. 220-260 Nm (162-192 lb-ft) @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
- Aspiration: turbocharged
- Fuel system: mechanical in-line injection pump
- Idle speed: approx. 750 ± 50 rpm
- Known characteristics: high reliability, rugged design, long overhaul intervals

Perkins 854F - Technical Specifications

- Engine type: inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged diesel
- Displacement: approx. 3.4 L (3,403 cc)
- Bore x stroke: approx. 99 x 110 mm (3.90 x 4.33 in)
- Rated output: approx. 55-63 kW (74-84 hp) @ 2,200-2,500 rpm
- Peak torque: approx. 270-300 Nm (199-221 lb-ft) @ 1,400-1,600 rpm
- Aspiration: turbocharged
- Fuel system: high-pressure common-rail EFI
- Emissions: Tier IIIA or Tier 4i depending on region
- Known characteristics: strong torque curve, excellent economy, low emissions

Lubrication System (Both Engines)
- Type: full-pressure wet-sump
- Oil pump: internal gear-type
- Oil capacity: approx. 7-10 L (7.4-10.5 qt)
- Operating oil pressure: approx. 250-450 kPa (36-65 psi)
- Recommended oil: SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 (API CF/CG/CH diesel)
- Filtration: spin-on full-flow industrial filter

Cooling System (Both Engines)
- Cooling system: liquid-cooled, heavy-duty radiator
- Coolant capacity: approx. 12-16 L (12.7-17 qt)
- Thermostat opening temperature: approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open near: 95°C (203°F)
- Cooling fan: mechanical, engine-driven
- Water pump: belt-driven centrifugal
- System pressure: approx. 100-120 kPa (15-17 psi).

Drive Train

Transmission:
- Type: heavy-duty industrial powershift
- Gear selection: 1-2 forward / 1-2 reverse
- Direction shift: electric-over-hydraulic
- Travel speed (unladen): approx. 18-20 km/h (11-12 mph)
- Travel speed (laden): approx. 16-18 km/h (10-11 mph)
- Transmission oil capacity: approx. 12-16 L (12.7-16.9 qt)
- Fluid type: Dexron III ATF or approved industrial powershift oil
- Cooling: oil-to-air transmission cooler

Front Drive Axle:
- Type: reinforced rigid drive axle
- Differential: bevel-gear industrial differential
- Oil capacity: approx. 6-7.5 L (6.3-7.9 qt)
- Lubricant: SAE 80W-90 gear oil

Rear Steer Axle:
- Type: oscillating center-pivot axle
- Oscillation: approx. ±8-10 degrees
- Lubrication volume: approx. 1-1.5 L

Braking System:
- Service brakes: hydraulic drum brakes (dual-leading-shoe type)
- Parking brake: mechanical lever-actuated drum
- Optional: oil-cooled wet-disc brakes depending on region
- Actuation: hydraulic master cylinder.

Electrical System

- System voltage: 12 V
- Battery capacity: approx. 100-140 Ah
- Alternator output: approx. 50-80 A
- Starter motor: approx. 2.5-3.0 kW
- Electrical harness: sealed connectors, protected routing

Operator indicators include:
- engine oil pressure
- coolant temperature
- glow plug indicator (diesel preheat)
- charging system indicator
- parking brake indicator
- hour meter.

Wheels and Tires

Drive Configuration:
- Drive wheels: front
- Steer wheels: rear
- Drive type: 2-wheel drive (pneumatic tire forklift)

Tires:
- Front: approx. 8.25-15 pneumatic
- Rear: approx. 7.00-12 pneumatic
- Optional: solid pneumatic or non-marking tires

Chassis Construction:
- Welded heavy-strength steel frame
- High-mass integrated counterweight
- Reinforced overhead guard
- Wide anti-slip steps
- Rubber engine mounts for vibration reduction
- Protected routing for hydraulic and electrical systems

Steering:
- Type: fully hydrostatic steering
- Pump flow: approx. 7-15 L/min (1.8-4.0 gpm)
- Steering cylinder: double-acting
- Rear axle: oscillating pivot type
- Turning radius: approx. 2.6-2.8 m (102-110 in).

Hydraulic System

- Pump type: engine-driven gear pump
- Flow rate: approx. 75-100 L/min (19.8-26.4 gpm)
- Maximum hydraulic pressure: approx. 18-21 MPa (2,610-3,050 psi)
- Hydraulic reservoir capacity: approx. 45-60 L (47-63 qt)
- Fluid type: ISO VG 32 or ISO VG 46 hydraulic oil
- Lift cylinders: dual heavy-duty double-acting cylinders
- Tilt cylinders: dual cushioning cylinders
- Auxiliary control: load-sensing proportional valve system

Optional Attachments:
- Side-shift
- Fork-positioner
- Rotator
- Drum / bale / block clamps
- Push-pull (slip-sheet).

Service Refill Capacities

- Engine oil: 7-10 L
- Cooling system: 12-16 L
- Transmission: 12-16 L
- Drive axle: 6-7.5 L
- Steer axle: 1-1.5 L
- Hydraulic system: 45-60 L

Mast Data

Mast Types:
- Simplex (1-stage)
- Duplex (2-stage)
- Triplex (3-stage full free-lift)

Lift Heights:
- Simplex: approx. 2.5-3.5 m (98-138 in)
- Duplex: approx. 3.0-4.5 m (118-177 in)
- Triplex: approx. 4.5-6.0 m (177-236 in)

Free Lift: approx. 80-1,000 mm (3-40 in)
Carriage Width: approx. 1,200-1,350 mm (47-53 in)

Fork Specifications:
- Standard length: 1,070 mm (42 in) or 1,220 mm (48 in)
- Optional: 914-1,829 mm (36-72 in)
- Width: 100-150 mm
- Thickness: 45-55 mm
- Fork class: ITA Class III or IV.

Load Capacity

- Rated capacity: 5,500 kg (12,125 lb)
- Load center: 500-600 mm (20-24 in)

De-rating occurs with:
- tall masts
- long forks
- hydraulic attachments
- side-shift use
- off-center or oversized loads
- uneven surfaces or inclines.

Performance Data

- Lift speed (unladen): approx. 0.45-0.60 m/s
- Lift speed (laden): approx. 0.28-0.45 m/s
- Lowering speed: approx. 110-170 ft/min
- Gradeability (unladen): approx. 20-30%
- Gradeability (laden): approx. 15-22%
- Drawbar pull: approx. 25,000-32,000 N (5,620-7,190 lbf).

Dimensions and Weight

- Overall length to fork face: approx. 3.2-3.4 m (126-134 in)
- Overall width: approx. 1.45-1.60 m (57-63 in)
- Overhead guard height: approx. 2.2-2.3 m (87-91 in)
- Wheelbase: approx. 2.0-2.2 m (79-87 in)
- Ground clearance: approx. 170-210 mm (6.7-8.3 in)
- Turning radius: approx. 2.6-2.8 m
- Aisle width (1000x1200 pallet): approx. 4.1-4.5 m
- Maximum fork height: 2.5-6.0 m
- Free lift: approx. 80-1,000 mm
- Fork lengths: 36-72 in
- Operating weight: approx. 7,000-8,100 kg (15,432-17,857 lb)
- Counterweight mass: approx. 3,200-4,000 kg (7,055-8,818 lb).

Maintenance Data

250-Hour Interval:
- Replace engine oil and filter
- Clean radiator fins and cooling stack
- Lubricate mast rails and steer axle joints
- Inspect air filter

500-Hour Interval:
- Replace transmission fluid
- Inspect axle seals
- Clean hydraulic suction filter

1,000-Hour Interval:
- Replace hydraulic fluid and filters
- Replace coolant
- Inspect hoses, cylinders, driveline joints

2,000-Hour Interval:
- Full drivetrain inspection
- Steering geometry inspection
- Mast structural evaluation.

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