Truck-mounted forklifts provide an exceptional solution for quickly and safely loading and unloading cargo. Understanding their ins and outs can be the difference between efficient job site operations and significant operational delays. However, purchasing a truck-mounted forklift requires a significant investment, so it’s important that you make informed decisions. Here are eight questions to help you choose the right truck-mounted forklift for your business.

When is the best time to use a truck-mounted forklift?

Imagine you are delivering a payload to a specific area that won’t allow your transport truck to access, especially in hard-to-maneuver or off-road locations. This concept lets you leave your transport truck on the paved road and transport your payload almost anywhere via the forklift. The PALFINGER truck-mounted forklift has load-carrying capabilities to carry loads through narrow openings while maintaining a light surface impact on the ground, minimizing the risk of getting stuck. Additionally, they utilize a fuel-efficient Kohler Diesel engine and have the capabilities of traversing terrain up to 30% grades.

The capacity range for most of the industry is 5000 lbs. minus the weight of the forks installed; however, our range is higher at 5500 lbs. which allows us to compensate for different fork configurations without sacrificing capacity. This allows our products to carry a higher weight payload than many in the industry, making it a clear choice when selecting our product. A truck-mounted forklift provides your operator total independence when delivering your payload without needing to be near the drop location. You don’t have to rely on someone else to assist with unloading, therefore helping you save time and increasing your efficiency to turn your deliveries around faster.

Where to use a truck-mounted forklift?

There are numerous places where a truck-mounted forklift would be a great solution. Construction sites are the most popular industry where these are a beneficial addition. You can maneuver and transport brick and block, drywall, lumber and roofing materials on the job site. All-wheel-drive, panoramic visibility and a lightweight design make the PALFINGER FHS Series models easy and convenient to fit your needs. The portable forklift’s small footprint allows easy maneuverability in small or hard-to-reach spaces.

Construction isn’t the only place you can use a truck-mounted forklift – virtually any place you deliver to may need a truck-mounted forklift when your delivery truck can’t get close to the final placement of the payload. These industries range from warehouses and farming needs to gas and recycling but are not limited to these. The ability to use this product on both smooth surfaces and rough terrain increases the efficiency and speed of the operator. 

What about safety?

PALFINGER truck-mounted forklifts are very safe when you combine the proper operator training and the safety features and designs incorporated into our forklifts. Truck-mounted forklifts are classified as a “Class VII Rough Terrain Forklift Truck” under OSHA regulations. OSHA requires operators to receive operator training specific to this type of forklift from an authorized OSHA Operator Certification facility. 

Safety is always a top priority in any work environment, and the PALFINGER FHS Series is no exception. Each model has side-mount controls which allow the operator to mount and dismount the forklift from ground level without overextending themselves. Our models also have standard Department of Transportation-approved LED lighting with flashers, headlamps, work lights, and an amber safety strobe. Furthermore, the FHS series boasts an industry-leading operator's cabin designed for maximum visibility and ergonomics, ensuring that your workforce can operate the machinery comfortably and confidently.

What are the benefits of owning a truck-mounted forklift?

The numerous benefits of owning a PALFINGER Truck-Mounted Forklift can be measured in multiple ways.

• You have control over your delivery capabilities both commercially and residentially. You can leave your delivery truck on the road without worrying about how close you can get to the payload drop location. There are no worries about trying to find parking or finding someone to assist you in unloading the payload. Your delivery schedule is better managed now that you eliminate relying on assistance and location.
• When you park your delivery truck, there is no need to keep the engine running, waste costly fuel, or increase ambient noise at a job site or residential neighborhood.
• With a truck-mounted forklift, your delivery driver will be able to traverse uneven terrain, narrow passages and bring the payload as close as possible for your customer with minimal surface impact. Your customers will most likely return when you can provide this value-added service over your competition.
• A truck-mounted forklift will increase your delivery capabilities and maximize your return on investment (R.O.I.) with quicker turnarounds when not caught up on a job site. Once again, it is all about the freedom to control your deliveries while maximizing your productivity - safely and efficiently.
• A truck-mounted forklift can also help minimize lost time due to work-related injuries. There is no need to worry about an employee trying to physically handle the payload and risk hurting themselves or others around them. With a professionally trained operator in conjunction with the safety features we designed into our products, you can be assured that your employees and those around them will have the ability to stay as safe as possible.

How to pick a truck-mounted forklift?

Implementation

What are your delivery requirements? Where will you be using it? What kind of payload sizes and weights do we handle? Do I have the proper delivery truck and or trailer to handle a truck-mounted forklift? What are the conditions we would use the truck-mounted forklift in? What are our local and state laws? Do we travel to multiple states? These are questions you will want to keep in mind to determine whether a forklift will address your needs. As truck-mounted forklifts are primarily designed and intended for outdoor environments, these will all be key deciding factors that we can assist you with.

Lifting Capacity

How much weight will you need to carry and transport? You will want to keep this in mind when making your selection. 5,000 lbs. is the standard capacity range and is typically the most common in the industry. However, PALFINGER takes an extra step in providing 5,500 lbs. as our standard offering.

Lifting Height 

Also known as reach, it is essential when selecting a truck-mounted forklift. It would help to consider the maximum height you will need to reach with your deliveries. The new Reach feature in the FHS Series embodies precision, efficiency, and control by incorporating PALFINGER's patented Reach System. This system extends the forks forward to the centerline of the trailer while keeping the mast firmly against the side of the truck or trailer. This unique mechanism provides operators with unparalleled lifting control and accuracy when loading and unloading cargo.

Power

Horsepower is also essential to consider as it, in combination with weight, determines how quickly you can move and lift your product. With a fuel-efficient 56-horsepower Kohler Diesel engine powering our durable hydraulic pump, you can sufficiently perform any tasks without sacrificing performance. Surface grades can also impact speed; however, you can traverse up to 30% grades with our capabilities. PALFINGER incorporates three high torque drive wheel motors, all with brakes, to ensure you will get the delivery done.

How do PALFINGER Truck-Mounted Forklifts differ from other brands?

For over 43 years, the truck-mounted forklift industry has grown with many manufacturer concepts of the product since its development. For the latter part of the span, the industry has stagnated in new innovative designs and offerings from some of the top manufacturers, and customers felt they did not have many viable options. Since 1932, PALFINGER has had a robust history of manufacturing material handling products. With our expertise and ability to listen to our customers’ demands, our leading team of engineers took that feedback and applied them to a clean slate and started from the ground up in developing what we feel is one of the best truck-mounted products to date. With operator ergonomics, safety, visibility, performance, and reliability all a top priority for our customers, PALFINGER offered a game-changing truck-mounted forklift because we redesigned and reimagined what our customers asked for.

Where can I learn more about PALFINGER Truck-Mounted Forklifts?

You can conveniently contact us here, and we will have a PALFINGER Expert contact you to help determine if a truck-mounted forklift is right for you. If so, we would be happy to provide a free and convenient demonstration wherever you are. PALFINGER has redesigned and reinvented what we feel is the best solution available today and is excited for you to see and learn firsthand.

Is there a dealer of PALFINGER Truck-Mounted Forklifts near me?

Yes, with locations across North America, we are confident we have a solution for your material handling needs. You can utilize our user-friendly dealer search to find the closest location near you. With over 100 certified mobile service technicians in the United States alone, you can be assured that you are in the right hands. Our sales and service capabilities are vast as we serve not only the United States but also Canada and Mexico!  We will have a material handling expert available wherever you are to discuss the best solution for your business - including post-sale maintenance and support.