Forklift companies are too hard to deal with, according to an online poll by forklift distributor On3 Ltd.

On3 founder David Scammel, a former Toyota distributor, said the poll, conducted on On3's website, found forklift buyers preferred good customer service over innovative products.

"We're not surprised by the results. The more manufacturers focus on high-tech gadgetry and over-complicated machinery, the more customers want to see excellent customer service and plain speaking," he said.

With Finning International's buyout of Lex Harvey, the UK had few independent forklift distributors, meaning customers had to consult different companies if they wanted to compare forklift brands.

"Combined with out-dated methods of customer service, the results appear to suggest that forklift buyers are dissatisfied with the UK scene," Mr Scammel said.

"We've experienced the 'big company culture', where shifting product is more important than customer satisfaction. Times have moved on."