Kalmar DCD — Identification and history: technical cards
General guidance only — always follow the operation and maintenance manual for your specific machine.
Short answers to precise questions on the designation, ranges, versions, plates and history of the Kalmar DCD heavy forklift truck, one fact per card, each with its source stated in the text. For the overall picture, see the Kalmar DCD technical legacy guide.
Kalmar DCD 200-300: what kind of machine is it?
A heavy-capacity fork truck for all kinds of load handling, lifting 20 to 30 tonnes according to the operator's manual (series 2), as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. That manual offers three mast options for it: duplex, duplex free lift and triplex free lift. The maintenance manual (series 1) gives the same 20 to 30 tonnes, depending on the version.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-200-300-what-is-it · HIT ref KDCD-001 · fingerprint 9be6d1 · see HIT ref KDCD-004, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-capacity-versions-200-300
Kalmar DCD 200-300: how is the machine laid out?
It drives on twin front wheels through a rigid drive axle with hub reductions and steers on single rear wheels, according to the maintenance manual (series 1), as recorded at HIT SRL. In the same manual the steering works through a double-acting cylinder on an oscillation-mounted steering axle, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. That manual fits the wheels with split rims and describes a central cab that can be tipped sideways.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-200-300-machine-layout · HIT ref KDCD-002 · fingerprint d552fd · see HIT ref KDCD-001, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-200-300-what-is-it
Kalmar DCD 200-300: how is the type designation read?
As D for diesel engine, C for fork truck and D for the generation, followed by the lift capacity in decitonnes and the load centre in decimetres, according to the operator's manual (series 2), as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. In the manual's example, DCD 250-12 (LB), 250 is the capacity, 12 the load centre and LB marks a low-built machine, as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. For the manufacturer's brochure the C stands for counterweight truck, and the suffix CS of its example DCD370-12(CS) stands for Container Special.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-type-designation · HIT ref KDCD-003 · fingerprint c638b5 · see HIT ref KDCD-004, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-capacity-versions-200-300
Kalmar DCD 200-300: which capacity versions does the maintenance manual list?
Six sizes, the DCD 200, 220, 250, 280 and 300 rated 20, 22, 25, 28 and 30 tonnes at a 1200 mm load centre plus the 24-tonne DCD 240, according to the capacity table of the maintenance manual (series 1), the HIT SRL technical desk notes. In that table each of the first five comes as a standard -12 and a low-built -12LB version, as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. The DCD 240 appears only as the DCD 240-6LB, with a 600 mm load centre, and the DCD 240-9LB, with 900 mm, according to the same table.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-capacity-versions-200-300 · HIT ref KDCD-004 · fingerprint d17c8d · see HIT ref KDCD-003, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-type-designation
Kalmar DCD 200-300: what does the machine plate show?
The model, the identification number with the year of manufacture, the rated capacity to EN 1551 at a stated load centre and lift height, and the operating weight without load, according to the operator's manual (series 2), as recorded at HIT SRL. The same manual adds further plates that give the approved loads with the fitted attachment, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. The manual requires the capacity plate in the cab to agree with them.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-machine-and-capacity-plates · HIT ref KDCD-005 · fingerprint 6e5b7a · see HIT ref KDCD-007, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-standards-and-ce-marking
Kalmar DCD 200-300: which chassis versions are there?
Two, a low-built LB version and a version with high-level tilt cylinders, according to the technical handbook (series 3), as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. In that handbook the LB version has low-level tilt cylinders and a tilting cab. The version with high-level tilt cylinders has its cab centred or offset to one side, the same handbook states.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-chassis-versions-200-300 · HIT ref KDCD-006 · fingerprint 1e66b1 · see HIT ref KDCD-014, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-chassis-versions-280-500
Kalmar DCD 200-300: which standards does the machine meet?
EN 1551 for engine-driven trucks with a lift capacity over 10,000 kg, according to the operator's manual (series 2), as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. The same manual states that machines for the EU/EEC market carry the CE marking under Machinery Directive 98/37/EG. For North America, it gives compliance with ANSI/ASME B56.1, according to that manual.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-standards-and-ce-marking · HIT ref KDCD-007 · fingerprint 435f62 · see HIT ref KDCD-005, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-machine-and-capacity-plates
Kalmar DCD: what range of capacities does the brochure give?
From 20 to 50 tonnes, with a wide choice of masts, carriages, forks and attachments, according to the manufacturer's DCD brochure, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. The brochure meant the 37-50 tonne models mainly for general cargo in ports and terminals. It names industrial work that needs extra lifting capacity as their other main use, according to the same brochure.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-range-20-50-tonnes · HIT ref KDCD-008 · fingerprint 23a35e · see HIT ref KDCD-015, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-370-500-rated-capacities
Kalmar DCD 200-300: how are the technical handbook and the operator's manual organised?
The technical handbook (series 3) is arranged in groups numbered 00 to 90, from General to Periodic supervision, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. According to the same handbook, its groups cover chassis and cab (10), electrical system (20), engine (30), transmission, drive axle and brakes (40), steered axle (60), hydraulic system (70) and lifting mast and fork carriage (80), as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. The 1997 and 2001 handbooks use the same groups, and the operator's manual (series 2) numbers its specification tables by function group, from 1 for the engine to 10 for the common hydraulics.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-handbook-groups · HIT ref KDCD-009 · fingerprint c7c125 · see HIT ref KDCD-001, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-200-300-what-is-it
Kalmar DCD 200-300: how much does the machine weigh in operation?
From 29.4 t for the DCD 240-6LB to 39.0 t for the DCD 300, the same for standard and low-built versions, according to the maintenance manual (series 1), the HIT SRL technical desk notes. The same manual lists 29.8 t for the DCD 200, 31.2 t for the DCD 220, 31.9 t for the DCD 240-9LB, 32.9 t for the DCD 250 and 37.7 t for the DCD 280, as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. With the rated load, it gives a front axle load from 46,300 kg on the DCD 200 to 64,500 kg on the DCD 300.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-operating-weights-200-300 · HIT ref KDCD-010 · fingerprint 45c218 · see HIT ref KDCD-011, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-wheelbase-and-turning-radius
Kalmar DCD 200-300: what are the wheelbase and turning radius?
The maintenance manual (series 1) gives a wheelbase of 4000 mm on the DCD 200-220, 3650 mm on the DCD 240, 4250 mm on the DCD 250 and 4500 mm on the DCD 280-300, as recorded at HIT SRL. In the same order the manual gives outer turning radii of 5500, 5100, 5800 and 6350 mm, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. For 90° stacking with forks, that manual gives a minimum width from 8760 mm on the DCD 240 to 10,075 mm on the DCD 280-300.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-wheelbase-and-turning-radius · HIT ref KDCD-011 · fingerprint 13bf2e · see HIT ref KDCD-010, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-operating-weights-200-300
Kalmar DCD 280-500: how is the frame built?
From two box sections with high strength, torsional stiffness and an extremely low centre of gravity, according to the DCD 280-500 technical handbook (2001 edition), as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. The handbook describes the trucks as built for heavy duty. It also states that the steered axle serves as additional counterweight, according to the same handbook.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-280-500-frame · HIT ref KDCD-012 · fingerprint 477073 · see HIT ref KDCD-013, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-280-500-sizes
Kalmar DCD 280-500: which sizes does the range include?
The DCD 280, the 32-tonne DCD 320 and the 37-50 tonne DCD 370-500, according to the DCD 280-500 technical handbook (2001 edition), as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. The handbook names these sizes in its hydraulic system chapters, which treat the DCD 280 apart from the DCD 320-500, the HIT SRL technical desk notes. It does not list each model between the DCD 370 and the DCD 500, according to the same handbook.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-280-500-sizes · HIT ref KDCD-013 · fingerprint ada109 · see HIT ref KDCD-015, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-370-500-rated-capacities
Kalmar DCD 280-500: which chassis versions are there?
Four, according to the DCD 280-500 technical handbook (2001 edition), as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. The handbook shows a version with low-level tilt cylinders and a tilting cab and a version with high-level tilt cylinders and the cab centred or offset to one side, as recorded at HIT SRL. Its other two versions, the Container Special and the Gantry, both have a centred cab, according to the same handbook.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-chassis-versions-280-500 · HIT ref KDCD-014 · fingerprint e1bc22 · see HIT ref KDCD-006, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-chassis-versions-200-300
Kalmar DCD 370-500: what are the rated capacities?
37,000, 42,000, 45,000 and 50,000 kg at a 1200 mm load centre for the DCD 370-12, 420-12, 450-12 and 500-12, according to the manufacturer's DCD brochure, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. The brochure keeps full capacity up to 5000 mm of lift height on duplex and duplex free-lift masts, as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. It gives those masts an integrated sideshift and fork-positioning carriage, according to the same brochure.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-370-500-rated-capacities · HIT ref KDCD-015 · fingerprint fbdfce · see HIT ref KDCD-013, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-280-500-sizes
Kalmar DCD 180-250: what work was the range meant for?
Steelworks and heavy engineering, the forest industry, ports and container terminals and factories, according to the DCD 180-250 technical handbook (1997 edition), the HIT SRL technical desk notes. In the forest industry the handbook names logs with a log grapple and sawn timber in unit loads, as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. In ports it gives medium-heavy goods and empty containers stacked up to 7-8 high, and in factories the lifting of house sections, according to the same handbook.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-180-250-uses · HIT ref KDCD-016 · fingerprint b9ae17 · see HIT ref KDCD-017, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-180-250-sizes-and-components
Kalmar DCD 180-250: which sizes and main components does the handbook list?
Five sizes, the DCD 180, 200, 220, 236 and 250, all with the Volvo TWD731VE engine, the Clark 32312 transmission and the Rockwell PRLC-1794 W4H drive axle, according to the main components table of the DCD 180-250 technical handbook (1997 edition), as recorded at HIT SRL. In the same table the Kessler D81 PL478 LB 5340 drive axle is marked only in the DCD 180 column, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. A note of that table ties it to empty container machines.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-180-250-sizes-and-components · HIT ref KDCD-017 · fingerprint 98b48f · see HIT ref KDCD-016, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-180-250-uses
Kalmar DCD: what do published sources record about the company history?
According to published sources, Kalmar built its first truck in 1949 and completed its first reachstacker prototype in 1985, as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. Published sources state that Partek took over Sisu Terminal Systems and the majority of Kalmar Industries in 1997 and that KONE bought Partek in 2002, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. According to published sources, Cargotec came out of the demerger of KONE in 2005, and Kalmar was demerged from Cargotec on 30 June 2024.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-kalmar-corporate-history · HIT ref KDCD-018 · fingerprint a30044 · see HIT ref KDCD-016, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dcd/identification/#hit-dcd-dcd-180-250-uses