Cat (Caterpillar) diesel forklifts are engineered for the most demanding outdoor environments—construction sites, lumber yards, ports, steel mills, and heavy industry. Available from 2.0 to 10 tonnes nominal capacity, these machines combine rugged construction, powerful diesel engines, and low total cost of ownership. This guide covers the full DP series lineup, specifications, and pricing for 2026.
DP Series – Model Lineup Overview
Cat's diesel forklifts are organized into the DP series, with model numbers indicating capacity (e.g., DP30 = 3.0 tonnes). The range spans from compact 2.0-tonne models to massive 10.0-tonne industrial workhorses.
Series Capacity Range Typical Applications
DP15N – DP35N3 2.0 – 3.5 tonnes Industrial logistics, SMEs, distribution, loading docks
DP40N – DP55N 4.0 – 5.5 tonnes Construction, building materials, metallurgy, port handling
DP60N3 – DP100NH 6.0 – 10.0 tonnes Heavy industry, concrete blocks, stevedoring, container handling
2.0 – 3.5 Tonne Series – Compact & Powerful
The DP20N3, DP25N3, DP30N3, and DP35N3 are designed for intensive industrial applications in warehouses, loading docks, and production areas.
DP30N (3.0 tonnes) – The Classic Workhorse
The DP30N is Cat's most widely recognized diesel forklift, built for outdoor and heavy-load applications.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 3,000 kg (3 t)
Load Center 500 mm
Engine Mitsubishi S4S (4-cylinder, 3.33L)
Power 44 kW @ 2,250 rpm
Transmission Powershift automatic
Weight 4,480 kg
Total Width 1,710 mm
Overhead Guard Height 2,173 mm
Turning Radius 2,380 mm
Lift Height 3,270 mm (standard mast; options available)
Travel Speed (loaded/unloaded) 19 / 19.5 km/h
Lift Speed (loaded/unloaded) 0.51 / 0.54 m/s
Max Climbing (loaded/unloaded) 24% / 44%
Tires Standard pneumatic
DP30N3 (2021–2026)
The modern DP30N3 features a Mitsubishi D04EG diesel engine – 4-cylinder, 3.3L, 36 kW – with Stage V emissions compliance. Key specs include:
Weight: 4.43 t
Total Width: 1,275 mm
Turning Radius: 2.38 m
Lift Height: 3.3 m
Travel Speed (loaded/unloaded): 16.0 / 17.0 km/h
Max Climbing Ability: 39%
DP20N (2.0 tonnes)
The DP20N has a weight of 3.38 tonnes, a nominal load of 2 tonnes at 500 mm load center, and a lifting height of 3 metres.
4.0 – 5.5 Tonne Series – Heavy-Duty Performance
The DP40N, DP45N, DP50N, and DP55N are designed for heavy-duty applications in ports, construction, freight, metal, and brick operations. These models feature larger engines and rugged construction.
DP50N (5.0 tonnes) – The Heavy-Duty Standard
Specification DP50N (2005–2014) DP50N3 (2021–2026)
Load Capacity 5,000 kg (5 t) 5,000 kg (5 t)
Load Center 600 mm 600 mm
Engine Mitsubishi S6E2, 60 kW DO4EG-T, 54 kW
Weight 6.74 t 7.3 t
Lift Height 3.3 m 3.3 m
Total Width 1,965 mm 1,460 mm
Turning Radius 2.89 m 2.89 m
Travel Speed 21 / 22 km/h 21 / 22 km/h
DP50NT – A variant powered by the Mitsubishi S6S-DPB diesel engine, designed for harsh environments including wet or dirty conditions.
DP50CN (2023) – Features a 4,040 mm triplex mast, side shift fork positioner, LED lights, and a 6-cylinder diesel engine providing high torque and low fuel consumption.
7.0 – 10.0 Tonne Series – Industrial Giants
The DP70NH, DP80NH, and DP100NH are built for the most demanding applications: stevedoring, empty container handling, metal industries, lumber, concrete, stone, clay, glass, and industrial machinery.
Model Capacity Engine Applications
DP70NH 7,000 kg Isuzu 6BG1 Heavy industry, concrete, lumber
DP80NH 8,000 kg Isuzu 6BG1 Port handling, container yards
DP100NH 10,000 kg Isuzu 6BG1 Stevedoring, bulk materials
Key Features:
Powerful 6.5L direct-injection diesel engine – delivers strong performance with rapid acceleration and low fuel consumption
Automatic 2-speed Powershift transmission – offers controlled, powerful acceleration
One of the highest lift speeds in its class
Presence Detection System (PDS) – gives audible warning if seat belt is not fastened and prevents all travel and hydraulic movement if operator is not correctly seated
Boltless floorboards – easily removed without tools for maintenance
Durable LED lights as standard
High-visibility mast with narrow channels and overhead guard for clear forward and upward views
Other Cat Diesel Forklift Models
Model Capacity Notes
DP45K 4.5 t Balance weight diesel forklift
DP70 7.0 t Balance weight diesel forklift
P4000-D – P7000-D 4.0 – 7.0 t Diesel balance weight series
DP135 – DP150 13.5 – 15.0 t (30,000–33,000 lbs) High-capacity diesel
DP160N 16.0 t Weight: 18.94 t, lift height: 3.09 m
DP180-230NE 18.0 – 23.0 t Large diesel with advanced turbocharged engine
Emissions Compliance & Environmental Performance
Cat diesel forklifts are equipped with industrial engines featuring the latest generation of exhaust gas depollution systems:
Stage V compliant (EU Regulation 2016/1628)
40% reduction in fine particle emissions compared to previous generations
15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to Stage IV
Noise level reduced to 79 dB(A)
Common rail electronic injection technology
2026 Price Guide
Cat diesel forklift prices vary significantly based on model, capacity, configuration, and condition.
New Units (Indicative Prices, Excl. VAT & Options)
Capacity Range Indicative Price Notes
2.0 – 3.5 tonnes From €30,100 Standard configuration, excl. options
4.0 – 5.5 tonnes From €42,500 Standard configuration, excl. options
6.0 – 10.0 tonnes Custom quote Varies by mast, tires, cab, accessories
Used Market Examples
Model Year / Hours Price
CAT FD 2020 / 1,245 hrs €4,138 (~$4,500 USD)
Cat Forklift (5,000 lb, 4-stage mast) Used, good condition $8,500
Used Cat Forklifts (General) Various $10,000 – $50,000
Used Diesel (3–5 tonne) Various $10,000 – $25,000
Note: Final prices vary according to mast type, tires, cab, and hydraulic accessories. Available acquisition methods include cash purchase, long-term rental, lease with purchase option, and maintenance contracts.
Why Choose Cat Diesel Forklifts?
Immediate availability – Refueling in 5–10 minutes, no waiting time compared to electric forklifts
Excellent traction – Ability to climb slopes up to 31%, optimal grip on uneven, muddy, or gravelly surfaces
Travel speed – Up to 28 km/h under load for high-capacity models
Rugged design – Optimized for dusty, humid, or extreme environments
High-capacity cooling system and elevated air intake
Components certified for 12,000 hours of intensive use
Spacious operator compartment with adjustable suspended seat, height and tilt adjustable steering column
Presence Detection System (PDS) with automatic stop
High-visibility mast and panoramic mirrors
Summary
Cat diesel forklifts offer a complete range from 2.0 to 10.0 tonnes capacity, with the DP series covering every heavy-duty application. The DP30N (3.0 t) is the classic workhorse for outdoor logistics, the DP50N (5.0 t) handles construction and building materials, and the DP70-100NH series (7.0–10.0 t) tackles the heaviest industrial loads including stevedoring and container handling. With Stage V emissions compliance, 40% lower particulate emissions, and rugged design for extreme environments, Cat diesel forklifts remain the choice for operations where power, durability, and immediate availability are paramount.