Kalmar DCE 90-180 — 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, versions, plates and history of the Kalmar DCE 90-180 heavy forklift truck, one fact per card, each with its source stated in the text. For the overall picture, see the Kalmar DCE 90-180 technical legacy guide.
Kalmar DCE 90-180: what kind of machine is it?
A medium-capacity diesel forklift truck for every kind of load handling, lifting from 9 to 18 tonnes depending on the version, according to the operator's manual (series 8), as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. Duplex, duplex free-lift and triplex free-lift are the three mast types that manual offers, as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. The operator's manual (series 2) gives the same description, and the maintenance manual (series 8) speaks of a lifting capacity of 9-18 tons depending on design.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-what-is-the-dce-90-180 · HIT ref KDCE-001 · fingerprint a99a9f · see HIT ref KDCE-002, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-type-designation-key
Kalmar DCE 90-180: how is a designation such as DCE 120-12 read?
Letter by letter and then by figures, following the key of the operator's manual (series 8), as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. That key gives diesel engine for D, counterweight forklift for C and generation for E, then 120 as decitonnes of lift capacity and 12 as decimetres to the centre of gravity of the load, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. The manufacturer's technical information explains DCE160-12 in the same terms, with counterbalance truck for C, and the operator's manual (series 2) prints the same key.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-type-designation-key · HIT ref KDCE-002 · fingerprint 7ac4bd · see HIT ref KDCE-001, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-what-is-the-dce-90-180
Kalmar DCE 90-180: what use does the manufacturer allow?
Lifting and transporting goods within the maximum rated load, the purpose the machine is designed and adapted for, according to the operator's manual (series 8), as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. Any other use, or work in hazardous surroundings such as explosive atmospheres or dust containing asbestos, calls for special safety rules and suitable equipment according to the same manual, as recorded at HIT SRL. The operator's manual (series 2) carries the same text, and the manual issued for the specific machine is the one to follow.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-intended-use · HIT ref KDCE-003 · fingerprint 2fcbda · see HIT ref KDCE-001, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-what-is-the-dce-90-180
Kalmar DCE 90-180: which versions do the specification tables cover?
Fourteen versions, twelve forklifts and two empty container handlers, in the specification tables of the maintenance manual (series 8), as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. In those tables the -6 columns run from the DCE 90-6 to the DCE 180-6 and include a DCE 150-6, the -12 columns are the DCE 100-12, 120-12, 150-12 and 160-12, and the DCE 160-9 stands alone, as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. Both the operator's manual (series 8) and the workshop manual (series 10, revision 3) repeat this column order, ending with the DCE 70-32E3 and DCE 70-35E4.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-versions-in-the-specification-tables · HIT ref KDCE-004 · fingerprint f477d4 · see HIT ref KDCE-005, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-versions-of-the-earlier-series
Kalmar DCE 90-180: which versions does the earlier series list?
The operator's manual (series 2) has no DCE 150-6 and no DCE 160-9 in its specification tables, which otherwise run from the DCE 90-6 to the DCE 180-6 and include both empty container versions, the HIT SRL technical desk notes. Ten versions make up the range in the manufacturer's technical information brochure, which has neither the 150-6 and 160-9 nor any DCE 70 version.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-versions-of-the-earlier-series · HIT ref KDCE-005 · fingerprint 132ff5 · see HIT ref KDCE-004, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-versions-in-the-specification-tables
Kalmar DCE 90-180: what are the classed lift capacities of the versions?
From 9 t for the DCE 90-6 up to 18 t for the DCE 180-6, and 7 t for the two empty container versions, according to the specification tables of the maintenance manual (series 8), as recorded at HIT SRL. The capacity row of those tables reads 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 10, 12, 15, 16, 16, 16, 18, 7 and 7 tonnes in column order, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. Each figure holds at its load centre, which the same tables give as 600 mm, 900 mm, 1200 mm or 1220 mm according to the last figure of the designation.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-classed-lift-capacities · HIT ref KDCE-006 · fingerprint c94026 · see HIT ref KDCE-007, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-operating-weights
Kalmar DCE 90-180: how much do the versions weigh?
Between 15.2 t for the DCE 90-6 and 22.4 t for the DCE 160-12 among the forklifts, with 22.9 t and 23.9 t for the DCE 70-32E3 and DCE 70-35E4, in the maintenance manual (series 8), as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. The manufacturer's technical information gives service weights from 14,800 kg to 22,400 kg, lower for the light versions, for example 14,800 kg against 15.2 t for the DCE 90-6, while both give 22.4 t for the DCE 160-12, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. Both sets of figures stay here as printed, each with its source.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-operating-weights · HIT ref KDCE-007 · fingerprint 7c9b4b · see HIT ref KDCE-006, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-classed-lift-capacities
Kalmar DCE 90-180: what is the machine card?
The list of product alternatives and optional equipment of a given machine, supplied with it, according to the operator's manual (series 8), as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. That manual wants the card kept up to date after any modification, with the manufacturer told of the change, the HIT SRL technical desk notes. The maintenance manual (series 8) refers to the card to decide which of its parts apply to a given machine.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-machine-card · HIT ref KDCE-008 · fingerprint fb1ad7 · see HIT ref KDCE-009, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-machine-plate
Kalmar DCE 90-180: what does the machine plate show?
Model, serial number and year of manufacture, together with the classed load capacity to EN 1551, according to the operator's manual (series 8), as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. The same plate carries the load centre and lift height of that capacity, the operating weight without load and the approved loads at other heights and load centres, according to that manual, as recorded at HIT SRL. Every request to the manufacturer should quote the model and serial number from this plate, the same manual adds.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-machine-plate · HIT ref KDCE-009 · fingerprint 69ef90 · see HIT ref KDCE-010, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-further-plates
Kalmar DCE 90-180: which other plates does the machine carry?
A plate for the approved lifting equipment, a capacity plate repeated in the cab, a type plate on the attachment and a plate with the certified external sound power, according to the operator's manual (series 8), as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. On the attachment plate that manual lists the maximum hydraulic pressure, maximum load, load centre, dead weight and lost load distance of the attachment.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-further-plates · HIT ref KDCE-010 · fingerprint d2e4a0 · see HIT ref KDCE-009, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-machine-plate
Kalmar DCE 90-180: where is the hydraulic pressure plate?
Two positions are printed: the right side of the frame in front of the steps in the maintenance manual (series 8), and the left-hand front mudguard in the workshop manual (series 10, revisions 2 and 3), the HIT SRL technical desk notes. Maximum lift cylinder, control and brake pressures, the load handling servo pressure and the gas pressure of the servo accumulator are stamped on it, values the maintenance manual calls unique to each machine, as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. Both positions stay here as printed, and the plate on the specific machine is the reference.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-pressure-plate-position · HIT ref KDCE-011 · fingerprint 2a84ad · see HIT ref KDCE-009, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-machine-plate
Kalmar DCE 90-180: how are the maintenance manual groups numbered?
From 0 to 12, from complete machine, engine, transmission and driveline to load handling, control system, frame and body and the common hydraulics, electrics and pneumatics, according to the maintenance manual (series 8), as recorded at HIT SRL. Foreword, safety, preventive maintenance, error codes, schematics, technical data and terminology have lettered sections in the same manual, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. The DCT 80-90 maintenance manual (series 1) and revision 3 of the workshop manual (series 10) keep the same arrangement.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-function-groups · HIT ref KDCE-012 · fingerprint 402222 · see HIT ref KDCE-013, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-group-numbering-levels
Kalmar DCE 90-180: why does the group numbering skip some numbers?
The numbering leaves out groups for functions a machine does not have, according to the maintenance manual (series 8), as HIT SRL's technical desk reads it. That manual keeps the main groups and the two-digit levels, such as 4.3 for the power-assisted brake system, the same on all the manufacturer's machines, and uses the third and fourth levels for parts of the specific model, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. The workshop manual (series 10, revision 3) explains the levels in the same words.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-group-numbering-levels · HIT ref KDCE-013 · fingerprint b1a408 · see HIT ref KDCE-012, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-function-groups
Kalmar DCE 90-180: how does the manufacturer present the range?
As an entirely new range of medium-size trucks from 9 to 18 tonnes, developed from the earlier medium range, according to the manufacturer's technical information brochure, as set out in the HIT SRL technical cards. Published sources report the launch of 9 to 18 tonne Kalmar trucks of a totally new design, together with reachstackers and a terminal tractor, without naming the model.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-new-range-of-9-18-tonne-trucks · HIT ref KDCE-014 · fingerprint 8881ed · see HIT ref KDCE-001, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-what-is-the-dce-90-180
Kalmar DCE 90-180: when did Kalmar build its first trucks?
Published sources date the first Kalmar truck to 1949, with series production from 1952, as logged by the HIT SRL technical desk. The same published sources state that the forklift maker became part of Kalmar Verkstad AB in 1974 and that the first Kalmar reachstacker prototype followed in 1985.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-early-kalmar-history · HIT ref KDCE-015 · fingerprint 6a099d · see HIT ref KDCE-016, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-corporate-changes
Kalmar DCE 90-180: which companies has the brand belonged to?
Published sources state that Partek took the majority of Kalmar Industries in 1997, that KONE bought Partek in 2002 and that the demerger of KONE in 2005 created Cargotec, which included Kalmar, as recorded by the HIT SRL technical desk. The same published sources report that Kalmar was demerged from Cargotec on 30 June 2024 and that its shares have traded on the Nasdaq exchange from 1 July 2024.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-corporate-changes · HIT ref KDCE-016 · fingerprint 92d24b · see HIT ref KDCE-015, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-early-kalmar-history
Kalmar DCE 90-180: which generation of Kalmar forklifts came later?
The G generation, which published sources state began with the DCG90-180 presented at the CeMAT fair in 2011, the HIT SRL technical desk notes. A trade report of February 2011 states that the G generation of Kalmar counterbalance machines was based on the technology of the F generation.
Source: HIT SRL technical desk — https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-g-generation-forklifts · HIT ref KDCE-017 · fingerprint bbed5d · see HIT ref KDCE-014, https://www.hitsrl.it/technical-resources/guides/kalmar-dce-90-180/identification/#hit-dce-new-range-of-9-18-tonne-trucks