Forklifts and telehandlers specifications and technical data
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Cat GP18K Specifications

Basic Information

The Caterpillar GP18K is a compact 1.8-ton (1,800 kg / 3,960 lb) LPG/petrol pneumatic-tire forklift within the Caterpillar K-series lineup. It is engineered for light-to-medium industrial workloads requiring precision maneuvering, smooth hydraulic control, low emissions, and consistent multi-shift performance. Designed for warehouses, small production plants, logistics hubs, fabrication shops, retail distribution, and indoor/outdoor hybrid operations, the GP18K emphasizes reliability, compact dimensions, low vibration, and driver comfort.

This model is powered by the Mitsubishi 4G63 industrial spark-ignition engine—a 2.0-liter long-stroke design widely regarded for durability, smooth operation, strong low-RPM torque, and stable power delivery under repetitive lifting cycles. The GP18K integrates a welded-steel chassis, robust industrial powershift transmission, hydrostatic steering, balanced counterweight design, and high-visibility mast assemblies.

Its compact wheelbase and narrow overall width allow operators to maneuver efficiently in tight aisles while maintaining excellent lifting stability at full mast height. The GP18K is known for its ease of maintenance, logical component layout, and long service life.

Engine Specs

The Caterpillar GP18K is equipped with the Mitsubishi 4G63 industrial spark-ignition engine.

Mitsubishi 4G63 - Basic Technical Specifications:
- Engine type: inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke gasoline/LPG engine
- Displacement: 2.0 liters (1,995 cc)
- Bore x stroke: approx. 85 x 88 mm (3.35 x 3.46 in)
- Max output (industrial tune): approx. 35-45 kW (47-60 hp) @ 2,300-2,600 rpm
- Peak torque: approx. 135-160 Nm (100-118 lb-ft) @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
- Fuel type: LPG or gasoline depending on configuration
- Fuel system: mixer-type LPG or industrial EFI gasoline
- Aspiration: naturally aspirated
- Ignition: electronic distributor or distributorless system
- Idle speed: approx. 750 ± 50 rpm

The 4G63 produces smooth low-speed torque, essential for lifting and acceleration with loads.

Lubrication System:
- System type: full-pressure wet-sump
- Oil pump: internal gear pump
- Oil capacity: approx. 3.7-4.5 L (3.9-4.8 qt)
- Oil pressure: approx. 300-450 kPa (44-65 psi)
- Oil grade: SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40
- Filter: spin-on full-flow

Cooling System:
- Cooling type: liquid-cooled
- Coolant capacity: approx. 6-8 L (6.3-8.4 qt)
- Thermostat opening: approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open near: 95°C (203°F)
- Radiator: fin-tube industrial core
- Cooling fan: mechanical engine-driven
- Water pump: belt-driven centrifugal
- System pressure: approx. 88-108 kPa (13-16 psi).

Drive Train

Transmission:
- Type: industrial powershift
- Forward gears: 1-2
- Reverse gears: 1-2
- Travel speed (unladen): approx. 17-19 km/h (10-12 mph)
- Travel speed (laden): approx. 15-17 km/h (9-10 mph)
- Transmission oil capacity: approx. 6-8 L (6.3-8.4 qt)
- Recommended fluid: Dexron III ATF
- Cooling: integral oil-to-air cooler

Front Drive Axle:
- Type: rigid industrial axle
- Differential: bevel-gear
- Lubricant capacity: approx. 3.5-5.0 L (3.7-5.3 qt)
- Lubricant: SAE 80W-90 gear oil

Rear Steer Axle:
- Type: oscillating center-pivot
- Oscillation: approx. ±8-10 degrees
- Lubricant capacity: approx. 1.0-1.5 L

Braking System:
- Service brakes: hydraulic dual-leading-shoe drum brakes
- Brake actuation: hydraulic master cylinder
- Parking brake: mechanical lever-type drum brake.

Electrical System

- System voltage: 12 V
- Battery capacity: approx. 70-90 Ah
- Alternator output: approx. 40-60 A
- Starter motor: approx. 2.0-2.5 kW
- Wiring: sealed harness connectors

Instrumentation: oil pressure lamp, coolant temp warning, charge indicator, LPG level gauge, hour meter, parking brake indicator.

Wheels and Tires

Drive Configuration:
- Drive wheels: front
- Steering wheels: rear
- Drive type: 2-wheel drive

Tire Specifications (Pneumatic):
- Front: approx. 6.50-10
- Rear: approx. 5.00-8
- Optional: solid pneumatic or non-marking tires

Chassis Construction:
- Welded steel frame
- Integrated counterweight
- Reinforced overhead guard
- Anti-slip steps and grab handles
- Protected routing for hydraulic/electrical lines

Steering:
- Type: fully hydrostatic
- Steering pump flow: approx. 6-10 L/min (1.5-2.6 gpm)
- Steering cylinder: double-acting
- Rear axle: oscillating steer axle
- Turning radius: approx. 1.8-2.0 m (71-79 in).

Hydraulic System

- Pump type: gear-type hydraulic pump
- Flow rate: approx. 35-55 L/min (9-14.5 gpm)
- Max pressure: approx. 17-19 MPa (2,500-2,750 psi)
- Hydraulic reservoir: approx. 20-28 L (21-30 qt)
- Fluid: ISO VG 32 or VG 46
- Lift cylinders: dual double-acting
- Tilt cylinders: dual with cushioning

Optional Attachments:
- Side-shift
- Fork-positioner
- Rotator
- Drum or bale clamps
- Push-pull.

Service Refill Capacities

- Engine oil: 3.7-4.5 L
- Cooling system: 6-8 L
- Transmission: 6-8 L
- Drive axle: 3.5-5.0 L
- Steer axle: 1-1.5 L
- Hydraulic system: 20-28 L

Mast Data

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

Lift Heights:
- Simplex: 2.5-3.0 m
- Duplex: 3.0-4.5 m
- Triplex: 4.5-6.0 m

Free Lift: 80-600 mm
Carriage Width: 900-1,000 mm (35-39 in)

Fork Specifications:
- Standard forks: 1,070 mm (42 in) or 1,220 mm (48 in)
- Optional: 914-1,829 mm (36-72 in)
- Width: 100-125 mm (4-5 in)
- Thickness: 35-45 mm (1.4-1.8 in)
- Fork class: ITA Class II.

Load Capacity

- Rated capacity: 1,800 kg (3,960 lb)
- Load center: 500-600 mm (20-24 in)

De-rating occurs with:
- high lift heights
- long forks
- attachments
- off-center loads.

Performance Data

- Lift speed (unladen): approx. 0.45-0.55 m/s
- Lift speed (laden): approx. 0.28-0.40 m/s
- Lowering speed: approx. 110-150 ft/min
- Gradeability (unladen): approx. 18-22%
- Gradeability (laden): approx. 12-18%
- Drawbar pull: approx. 11,000-15,000 N.

Dimensions and Weight

- Overall length to fork face: approx. 2.2-2.35 m (87-93 in)
- Overall width: approx. 1.05-1.12 m (41-44 in)
- Overhead guard height: approx. 2.1-2.2 m (83-87 in)
- Wheelbase: approx. 1.45-1.50 m (57-59 in)
- Ground clearance: approx. 95-110 mm (3.7-4.3 in)
- Turning radius: approx. 1.8-2.0 m (71-79 in)
- Aisle width (1000x1200 pallet): approx. 3.1-3.4 m (122-134 in)
- Max fork height: 2.5-6.0 m
- Free lift: 80-600 mm
- Fork lengths: 36-72 in
- Operating weight: approx. 3,000-3,300 kg (6,610-7,275 lb)
- Counterweight mass: approx. 1,200-1,500 kg (2,645-3,300 lb).

Maintenance Data

250-Hour:
- Replace engine oil and filter
- Lubricate mast and steering joints
- Clean radiator fins

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

1,000-Hour:
- Replace hydraulic oil and filters
- Replace coolant
- Inspect hoses, cylinder seals, driveline joints

2,000-Hour:
- Drivetrain inspection
- Steering geometry evaluation
- Full mast structural inspection.

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