The Best Caterpillar Forklift Diagnostic Tools in 2026
Caterpillar forklifts are some of the most common lift trucks in Canadian warehouses and yards. No matter what model of the Caterpillar forklift you’re working on, having the right diagnostic tool is the difference between a quick fix and endless guesswork. Don’t keep guessing — make sure the right caterpillar forklift diagnostic tool is on your side to optimize uptime and performance.
Join us as we explore the best caterpillar forklift diagnostic tools, comparing the classic CAT ET and the robust, multi-brand Jaltest.
What Technicians Need in a Caterpillar Forklift Diagnostic Tool
A good forklift diagnostic tool needs to do more than basic code reading. The modern CAT Tier 4 Final diesel models and AC electric units require deeper service functions than what’s available in most tools. Here’s some of the must-have features for maintaining and troubleshooting a caterpillar forklift:
Full System Coverage, which includes diagnostic support for:
The engine (Mitsubishi, CAT, Toyota depending on model)
Transmission
Hydraulic control modules
Instrument clusters
Battery management systems (electric trucks)
LPG fuel systems
Safety systems (seat switches, mast sensors, speed limiters)
Bi-Directional Tests
Idle speed adjustments on LPG models
Lift/tilt solenoid actuation to diagnose hydraulic faults
DPF regenerations on Tier 4 diesel forklifts
Sensor calibrations (accelerator pedal, steering angle, mast angle)
Inverter and motor control tests on electric forklifts
Wiring Diagrams and Troubleshooting Guides
Easy Connection & Fast Scanning
The Best Caterpillar Forklift Diagnostic Tools
Jaltest Diagnostics for Caterpillar Forklifts
Jaltest MHE is one of the major forklift diagnostic tools across multiple makes, models, and brands. It’s a popular choice for independent shops, rental companies, and fleets because it offers dealer-level capabilities across many forklift brands, including Caterpillar.
What Jaltest MHE Can Do for CAT Forklifts
Read/clear fault codes from all forklift systems
Perform DPF regens, resets, and emissions management
Calibrate lift/tilt sensors and hydraulic systems
Run bi-directional controls
Access detailed wiring diagrams and pin-outs
Get step-by-step troubleshooting and guided diagnostics
Use VIN/serial number lookup to identify components
Diagnose electric forklifts and hybrid models
Service mixed fleets (Hyster, Toyota, Clark, Linde, etc.)
Can support any non-Caterpillar component replacements
CAT ET for Caterpillar Forklifts
CAT ET (Electronic Technician) is Caterpillar’s factory-level software. It offers the deepest access specifically for Caterpillar equipment. This the classic and most obvious choice for Caterpillar forklift owners.
The CAT diagnostic tool is the most valuable for CAT dealers, specialized service shops focusing heavily on Caterpillar, and large fleets of CAT-only forklifts.
What CAT ET Can Do
Advanced Caterpillar-only diagnostics
Perform injector coding on CAT engines
Access proprietary CAT troubleshooting flows
Update software (if paired with a dealer license)
View Caterpillar-specific parameters and configurations
Complete in-depth emissions, transmission, and hydraulic diagnostics
Jaltest MHE vs CAT ET for Caterpillar Forklift Diagnostics
| Feature | Jaltest MHE | CAT ET |
|---|---|---|
| Caterpillar Diagnostics | ✔ Extensive | ✔ Dealer-level |
| Bi-directional Tests | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Wiring Diagrams | ✔ Included | ✔ Included |
| Guided Troubleshooting | ✔ Excellent | ✔ Good but CAT-specific |
| Software Updates | ✔ Included with Jaltest | ✔ Requires dealer subscription |
| Multi-brand Support | ✔ Yes (big advantage) | ✖ Caterpillar only |
| Electric Forklift Coverage | ✔ Yes | Limited |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Independent shops & mixed fleets | CAT-focused operations |
When to Choose Jaltest MHE
You work on multiple forklift brands (Jaltest supports Toyota, Hyster-Yale, Clark, Linde, and MUCH more)
You want dealer-level functions without dealer licensing
You need wiring diagrams, guided diagnostics, and step-by-step repair instructions
Your shop relies on fast, repeatable diagnostics
You want a single tool for both combustion and electric forklifts
You want a diagnostic tool to support other material handling equipment, such as scissor lifts, order-pickers.etc
When to Choose CAT ET
You work mostly or exclusively on Caterpillar forklifts
You need access to proprietary Caterpillar programming
You have dealer licensing or partner with a CAT dealer
You repair heavy industrial CAT units where deep ECU access is necessary
