EP Equipment released third generation IC counterbalance truck

EP Equipment has recently released to the market the third-generation of our counterbalance engine trucks – the T8 Series. We engineered some very significant refinements to the previous model putting it in the technical and ergonomic bracket of our Japanese competitors and without increasing the price.

There has been a major focus on the development of the IC range of equipment over the last few years and the new T8 series is the result of several key strategic changes within the company. The previous range of IC trucks, the FD Series, were manufactured in partnership with another company owned and managed by Mr Saido, a Japanese national who spent many years working for Nissan in Japan and who then moved to China.

were he, in conjunction with John He (owner of EP Equipment) manufactured the FD series of engine trucks for EP Equipment for many years. In 2015 EP purchased the business outright and significantly expanded its manufacturing capacity in the process.

The T8 series represents a complete rethink of the typical Chinese built truck.

Firstly, and most importantly EP Equipmnet have developed on own suspension mounted transmission that works with several other changes on the truck to make it one of the smoothest trucks on the market. Traditionally trucks manufactured in China are built with the transmission fixed directly to the engine which results in some uncomfortable vibration from the engine reverberating throughout the truck’s chassis. The new T8 series from EP Equipment is built with EP Equipment’s own transmission which is mounted on large rubber suspension arms and is attached to the engine through a drive shaft. The result of the new transmission is extraordinary with virtually zero vibration reverberating through the truck and the overall noise level of the truck is very low. The new transmission also has a major impact on the responsiveness of the drive of the truck where the power of the engine is transmitted to the front axle in a very smooth and direct fashion.

Secondly the overhead guard is no longer a fixed welded unit. The front of the overhead guard floats and is fixed to the front of the chassis

where before it was welded directly to the chassis which again helps with vibration dampening. Thirdly the standard braking system on the truck has been enhanced with the introduction of a dual acting brake master cylinder which delivers increased control of the brake pedal. There is the additional option of on board disc brakes (wet brakes). The system on offer is a well proven one and is the same as that used by other premium brands on their engine trucks.

There are several other improvements delivered in the T8 series that are listed below and by far the most impressive aspect of the new truck is the fact that the price remains the same. Previously there was a level of compromise when purchasing a truck that was built by a Chinese manufacturer where the level of technology was sacrificed to achieve a price point. There is no compromise with the new T8 Series where you really can have your cake and eat it.

Other Improvements EP Equipment

• Roof Glass design improved and has a thickness of 8mm
• 3rd generation of engine mounts fitted to special design.
• Option on silencer – much quieter but lower power
• Key switch covered to avoid contamination
• Bonnet trim changed, all gaps filled between bonnet and chassis to reduce noise
• All electrical connectors changed to AMP connectors
• New electronic dash designed and manufactured by EP Equipment