Caterpillar has released a version of its Pocket Technician tool for fleet managers. The device, which provides advanced Cat diagnostics and electronic capabilities through a Palm handheld computer, allows the fleet manager to set more than 50 truck engine parameters for maximum efficiency.

The original edition gave drivers increased diagnostic capabilities and improved ability to manage their truck’s operation. The new “Fleet Edition” includes the same features as the original, but offers “read-and-change” capability on 54 engine parameters.

“The Pocket Technician Fleet Edition is designed to manage a fleet of trucks, and save the engine information to a computer,” said Steve Brown, sales development manager, Cat On-Highway Engine Division. “It allows the fleet manager to save trip data, view diagnostic information, and achieve maximum fuel mileage by setting specific engine parameters.”

Base features of the Driver Edition include: individual trip and lifetime totals; engine operating information; active diagnostic codes; read and change capability on 21 engine parameters; maintenance information; and theft deterrent. The new Fleet Edition adds 33 programmable parameters and allows the fleet manager to save mileage, mpg, idle time, load factor and other information to allow better management of multiple trucks. The Fleet Edition also enables the fleet manager to view logged diagnostic information, saves and prints data for multiple trucks, and includes a driver reward component that helps the manager set goals, measure performance factors and score individual drivers. Truck owners with the Driver Edition can easily upgrade their software to the Fleet Edition (Ed. Note: a chart comparing features of the two editions is available upon request).

The Pocket Technician kit includes software, plug-in adapter and truck connecting cable. Simply download the Pocket Technician software, plug the Palm hand-held device into the adapter, and connect the adapter to the in-cab data port in any Cat powered truck. For more information about Pocket Technician, contact your local Cat dealer.