Forklifts and telehandlers specifications and technical data
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Cat GP18N Specifications

Basic Information

The Caterpillar GP18N is a compact 1.8-ton (1,800 kg / 3,960 lb) LPG-powered pneumatic-tire forklift designed for light-to-medium industrial applications requiring excellent maneuverability, smooth load handling, low emissions, and reliable multi-shift performance. Positioned between the GP15N and GP20N models, the GP18N is widely used in warehouses, factory production areas, distribution centers, retail storage floors, small logistics hubs, and mixed indoor/outdoor sites where a compact but capable forklift is required.

Powered by the GST GK21E 2.1-liter industrial LPG engine, the GP18N delivers smooth, low-noise operation with consistent torque output ideal for forklift duty cycles. The machine features a welded steel chassis, a durable industrial powershift transmission, hydrostatic power steering, ergonomic operator controls, and a high-visibility mast design.

The forklift’s compact wheelbase and optimal counterweight balance support stable load lifting at full mast height while maintaining excellent turning ability in narrow aisles. Maintenance access is exceptional due to wide-opening panels, centralized filter placement, and straightforward drivetrain layout.

Engine Specs

The Caterpillar GP18N is powered by the GST GK21E industrial LPG engine.

GST GK21E - Technical Specifications:
- Engine type: inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke LPG spark-ignition
- Displacement: 2.1 liters (2,065 cc / 126 cu in)
- Bore x stroke: approx. 89 x 76 mm (3.50 x 2.99 in)
- Maximum output: approx. 38-45 kW (51-60 hp) @ 2,400-2,600 rpm
- Peak torque: approx. 150-170 Nm (111-125 lb-ft) @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
- Fuel type: LPG only
- Fuel system: electronically metered vaporizer/mixer
- Ignition system: electronic distributorless ignition (EDIS)
- Aspiration: naturally aspirated
- Idle speed: approx. 750 ± 50 rpm
- Emissions rating: global Tier-compliant catalyst-equipped LPG design

This engine provides clean-burning operation with low vibration and consistent throttle response.

Lubrication System:
- Type: full-pressure wet-sump
- Oil pump: internal gear-type pump
- Oil capacity: approx. 3.7-4.2 liters (3.9-4.4 qt)
- Operating oil pressure: approx. 280-420 kPa (41-61 psi)
- Oil type: SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 (API SJ/SL/SM)
- Filtration: spin-on full-flow oil filter

Cooling System:
- Cooling type: liquid-cooled, forced circulation
- Coolant capacity: approx. 6-7.5 liters (6.3-7.9 qt)
- Thermostat opening temperature: approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open near: 95°C (203°F)
- Water pump: belt-driven centrifugal
- Radiator: fin-tube industrial-duty core
- Cooling fan: mechanical engine-driven
- System pressure: approx. 88-108 kPa (13-16 psi)

The cooling system maintains stable temperatures across long-shift forklift operations.

Drive Train

Transmission:
- Type: industrial powershift
- Forward speeds: 1-2
- Reverse speeds: 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 fluid capacity: approx. 6-8 liters (6.3-8.4 qt)
- Recommended fluid: Dexron III ATF
- Cooling: oil-to-air cooler integrated with radiator

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

Rear Steering Axle:
- Type: oscillating center-pivot axle
- Oscillation capability: approx. ±8-10 degrees
- Lubrication capacity: approx. 1.0-1.5 liters

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

Electrical System

- System voltage: 12 V
- Battery capacity: approx. 70-90 Ah
- Alternator: approx. 40-60 A output
- Starter motor: approx. 1.8-2.5 kW
- Wiring protection: sealed connectors, protected harness runs

Dash instrumentation includes:
- oil pressure warning
- coolant temp warning
- charge indicator
- LPG level display
- hour meter
- parking brake indicator.

Wheels and Tires

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

Tire Sizes (Pneumatic):
- Front tires: approx. 6.50x10
- Rear tires: approx. 5.00x8
- Optional: solid pneumatic or non-marking tires

Chassis Construction:
- Reinforced welded-steel frame
- Integral counterweight for stability
- Structural overhead guard
- Anti-slip operator steps
- Protected routing of hydraulic and electrical lines

Steering:
- Type: fully hydrostatic power steering
- Steering pump flow: approx. 6-10 L/min (1.5-2.6 gpm)
- Steering cylinder: double-acting cylinder
- Rear axle: oscillating steer axle
- Turning radius: approx. 1.9-2.1 meters (75-83 in)

This steering system provides accurate low-effort control suitable for tight warehouse aisles.

Hydraulic System

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

Optional attachments:
- Side-shift
- Fork-positioner
- Rotator
- Clamp attachments
- Push-pull.

Service Refill Capacities

- Engine oil: 3.7-4.2 L
- Cooling system: 6-7.5 L
- Transmission fluid: 6-8 L
- Drive axle oil: 3.5-5.0 L
- Steer axle lubrication: 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 (98-118 in)
- Duplex: 3.0-4.5 m (118-177 in)
- Triplex: 4.5-6.0 m (177-236 in)

Free Lift Range: 80-600 mm (3-24 in)
Carriage Width: 900-1,000 mm (35-39 in)

Fork Specifications:
- Standard lengths: 1,070 mm (42 in) or 1,220 mm (48 in)
- Optional: 914-1,829 mm (36-72 in)
- Width: approx. 100-125 mm (4-5 in)
- Thickness: approx. 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)

Capacity derating factors include:
- elevated mast height
- long forks
- attachments installed
- off-center loading
- incline travel.

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 (2,475-3,370 lbf).

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. 1.9-2.1 m (75-83 in)
- Aisle width (1000x1200 pallet): approx. 3.2-3.5 m (126-138 in)
- Maximum fork height: 2.5-6.0 m depending on mast type
- Free lift: 80-600 mm
- Fork lengths: 36-72 in
- Operating weight: approx. 3,000-3,400 kg (6,610-7,495 lb)
- Counterweight mass: approx. 1,300-1,600 kg (2,865-3,525 lb).

Maintenance Data

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

500-Hour:
- Replace transmission oil
- Check axle seals
- Clean hydraulic suction strainer

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

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

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