Press Release
For Release in North America: November 2012
New Prentice/Epsilon Self-Loader Line
Offers Speed and Precision
The new Prentice/Epsilon line of self-loaders is designed to provide speed and
precision for applications requiring increased duty-cycles, while protecting components from
damage in harsh environments.
The line is available through a marketing agreement entered into earlier this year by
Caterpillar Forest Products and Palfinger Inc. The self-loaders are produced by Epsilon Kran
GmbH, part of the Palfinger Group, and are marketed through select Caterpillar Forest Product
distributors experienced with truck-mounted loaders. The Prentice 2124 self-loader is also still
available through Prentice dealers.
The Prentice/Epsilon self-loader line features two configurations: the L-boom and the
Z-boom. The L-boom is a standard boom, while the Z-boom allows the operator to fold and
stow the loader during transport without disconnecting the attachment. Various boom lengths
and capacities are available within each type.
Lift capacity and boom geometry are core advantages of these H-frame self-loaders.
“What the Prentice/Epsilon self-loader can lift at ground level is the same as at 10 ft. off the
ground. This provides the operator a smooth range of motion at a consistent speed eliminating
the need to drag and pull the load,” explained Tom Zwickle, Epsilon sales and product
manager. “Operators can pick a log, come straight up in the air, swing it over the bunks and put
it down onto the truck bed all in one constant motion, thereby increasing speed and
productivity.”
Light weight is another advantage of the Prentice/Epsilon self-loader. “You can carry
more wood instead of giving up payload for the loader. Our customers are in the business of
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hauling wood not steel,” Zwickle said. “With the price of fuel continuing to rise this is a big
benefit.”
The line also features patented solutions that increase efficiency and uptime. The
extension system, EPSCOPE, features a high-speed chain drive and reach of up to 10.4 m (34
ft.). All components and hoses are mounted internally for maximum protection. The EPSLINK
is a patented link-rotator combination featuring a robust four-eye link, which is a stronger,
thicker link for the best performance and protection. “There are no external hoses and pipes
along the outer boom all the way down to the grapple. By protecting these components,
downtime is reduced which increases productivity and most importantly, profitability.”
Zwickle said.
The robust structure is built to provide a long service life. The support column is one
solid cast piece for greater strength. Instead of a turntable motor, a double rack slewing system
controls rotation. Besides industry-leading swing torque, this system lasts longer and needs less
servicing than a motor-driven system.
The paint finish on the Prentice/Epsilon loaders is a 16-step process used in the
automotive industry. “Years later the loaders look the same as the day they were delivered,”
Zwickle said. “But more importantly, the finish shields the loader from corrosion.”
A wide range of grapples is available with standard features that include bronze
bushings with grease channels, sealed bearings and adjustable, chromium-plated bolts. The
tines open extra wide to allow logs to roll up easily.
The marketing agreement for self-loaders is the second collaboration between Epsilon
and Caterpillar Forest Products. Epsilon also produces the loader for the 20-ton Cat® 584HD
forwarder and will continue to supply loaders for other Cat cut-to-length equipment.
Visit www.prenticeforestry.com for more information or contact authorized dealers
Milton Cat in the Northeast United States (508-634-3400; www.miltoncat.com) or Shultz
Equipment in Michigan (906-774-8900; www.schultzequipment.com).
Photo (Prentice/Epsilon self-loader.jpg):
The Prentice/Epsilon self-loader, offered by Caterpillar Forest Products, provides speed and
precision.
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About Caterpillar Forest Products
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Caterpillar Forest Products is a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of timber
harvesting, millyard, road-building and land management equipment. Products are marketed
under the Cat, Prentice and CTR brand names through a global independent dealer network.
The company operates plants in the Americas, Asia and Europe.
Caterpillar Forest Products is a division of Caterpillar Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of
construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and
diesel-electric locomotives. The company also is a leading services provider through
Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics
Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at www.caterpillar.com.
For more information on Cat, Prentice and CTR products, visit www.cat.com and
www.prenticeforestry.com.
About Palfinger Group
Palfinger Group is a leading international manufacturer of hydraulic lifting, loading and
handling solutions. The company, which was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in
Salzburg, Austria, is one of the worldwide market leaders in truck-mounted knuckleboom
cranes serving many industries, including forestry, agriculture, construction and recycling.
For more information, visit www.palfinger.com.
©2012 Caterpillar All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, ÒCaterpillar
YellowÓ and the ÒPower EdgeÓ trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are
trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
Press Inquiries
Sandy Price
Tel: 919-550-1201
Price_Sandy@cat.com