Topcats is a brand of Total Cats International b.v. in Lelystad, the Netherlands. In 2002, the company specialized in the supply, repair and cleaning of catalytic converters and particulate filters for passenger cars.
Since 2007, the service has been expanded to include the cleaning and overhaul of Heavy Duty exhaust systems for trucks, tractors, boats and other heavy diesel vehicles and machines.
The location has advanced equipment such as a large oven and extensive cleaning chamber. No cleaning fluids are used, but cleaning methods such as two-way blasting method, thermal cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning are used.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Topcats’ main activities are cleaning and overhauling particulate filters, catalytic converters, EGR valves and EGR coolers. In addition, particulate filters and catalytic converters are supplied for passenger cars. Below follows a further explanation per product or service.
Cleaning and Reconditioning of Catalytic Converters and Particulate Filters
A cleaning and reconditioning of particulate filters and catalytic converters for heavy-duty vehicles and vessels is a cost-saving method to get your vehicle back on the road quickly. By reusing materials, it is not only cost-saving but also sustainable.
With years of experience in removing soot, oil and AdBlue contamination from particulate filters and catalytic converters, Topcats can carry out the work quickly and professionally. The cleaning procedure carefully removes the contamination with a factory-clean result.
The cleanings include flow test, photos and reporting.
If the preliminary inspection reveals that, in addition to contamination, there is also damage to the element and/or the sensor connections, an overhaul is a sustainable alternative to replacement.
Heavy Duty Mobile Particulate Filters
Topcats supplies attached and mobile particulate filters that are suitable for heavy diesel machines and vehicles with various engine capacities. The company customizes the connections to fit perfectly with different exhaust systems and meet specific needs. In this way, Topcats ensures that your equipment continues to perform optimally, while you meet environmental requirements and increase operational efficiency.
If desired, a special oven is supplied, in which soot is completely burned to ash. This thoroughly cleans the filters and makes them reusable. This offers a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for customers.
EGR valve and cooler cleaning
A fault message from the engine, black smoke when accelerating or the engine starting badly can indicate a dirty EGR valve or cooler. Topcats offers a fast and professional cleaning by means of high pressure and ultrasound.
Catalytic converters for passenger cars
Topcats.nl offers more than 3000 catalytic converters for every car brand and type. Catalytic converters are from the well-known brands AS, BM and LRT and are supplied including EU certification and a 2-year warranty. By filling in the vehicle registration number or the selection menu, the customer can choose from the products that are suitable for the vehicle.
Particulate filters for passenger cars
With more than 1000 article numbers, Topcats is the only one with the widest range of particulate filters from the well-known brands AS, BM and LRT. All particulate filters are of high quality, competitively priced and immediately available from our own stock.
What’s the news about new products/services?
Topcats has developed a unique method for the revision of DOCs of DAF Euro6 EAS systems. This DOC revision has a lead time of 4 to 6 working days. A DOC revision provides considerable savings compared to the purchase of a new system.
As an Approved Diesel Filter Reconditioning Specialist, a certification from the Sustainable Repair Foundation in the context of the sustainability program for the Automotive sector, the customer is assured of a sustainable revision.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
European regulations impose stricter requirements on exhaust gas emissions. The transport sector is under pressure to reduce nitrogen emissions and electric driving or alternatives to diesel are the future for heavy machinery, motor vehicles and vessels.
Diesel vehicles are still being sold at the moment. In addition, the current fleet of vehicles and machinery has not yet been depreciated. Often there are no alternative solutions to replace the means of transport and machinery. By cleaning, overhauling and installing particulate filters, companies can continue to use their Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines and limit harmful emissions.
To test a poorly functioning catalytic converter, an OBD diagnosis is performed. The error codes are read out and addressed if necessary. If the lambda sensor detects an excessively high Nox concentration, the garage must act on this.
A particle counter test is also used for passenger vehicles during the MOT to measure emissions. Rejected cars must replace their particulate filter. New copies can be purchased from Topcats.
What can you tell us about market trends?
The European Commission has submitted a proposal for the Euro 7 standards to the European Parliament. If this proposal is implemented unchanged, which must happen on 1 July 2025, the new Euro 7 emission standards will apply from that date.
The Euro 7 emission requirements focus on passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with combustion engines. These stricter emission rules are a step towards the goal of zero-emission vehicles. For heavy commercial vehicles, the introduction of Euro 7 will take place later, so that manufacturers have sufficient time to develop vehicles that meet the new requirements.
A striking aspect of Euro 7 is that vehicles themselves, using sensors, must continuously monitor the emissions of particulate matter, carbon dioxide and nitrogen compounds. To meet the stricter standards, petrol engines with direct injection will increasingly be equipped with fine-meshed particulate filters, like diesel particulate filters. These filters, strategically placed closer to the engine and turbo, reach the required temperature for optimal operation more quickly. However, this also increases their vulnerability, placing higher demands on the regeneration processes and the design of the filters.
The Euro 7 standards require innovative technologies and a renewed approach to filter design and engine performance, with sustainability and emission reduction as key points.
The impact this will have on the cleaning and reconditioning of these exhaust gas systems remains to be seen. While with Euro 6 a car still had to meet the specified emission requirements for 5 years or 100,000 km, with Euro 7 this requirement has been extended to 200,000 km or 10 years.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
Topcats’ most inventive product now is the self-designed particle filter systems.
Companies that use diesel engine-driven vehicles and equipment such as cars, trucks, shovels, forklifts, generators and compressors without a good particle filter are required by the Dutch Labour Inspectorate to protect their employees and bystanders against diesel engine emissions (DME). DME is classified as a genotoxic carcinogen and is a health hazard. Where the correct measures have not been taken, the Labour Inspectorate will take enforcement action.
There are no standard solutions available for various diesel engine-driven equipment. Thanks to years of experience, Topcats can offer a customized solution in these situations.
What estimations do you have for 2025?
In 2024, Topcats won the FD Gazelle Award. The FD Gazelle Award is a prestigious recognition that is awarded annually by the Dutch financial daily newspaper to the fastest growing companies in the Netherlands. Due to the success of our company and the large order portfolio, additional staff has been hired to keep our service and quality at a high level. In addition, a renovation of our building is planned, which will make processes run even better. Our goal is to have satisfied customers and to win the award in 2025.