Hiab has launched two high-capacity, truck-mounted forklifts to the North American market under its MOFFETT brand - the 6,500 lb. (2,960kg) capacity M8 65.3P NX2 and M8 65.4P NX2.

Hiab says the forklifts have been engineered to boost lifting capacity by almost 20% - moving from 5,500 to 6,500 lb. (2,495 - 2,960kg), without the need for any additional unladen transport weight.

Hiab adds this allows fleet operators in lumber, building materials, manufacturing and distribution, using the new forklifts, to carry heavier payloads per trip, maximising haul capacity and eliminating costly turnaround delays.

The forklifts are available in both 2-way (3-wheel) and 4-way (crab mode) directional drive pantograph configurations, offering versatility and manoeuvrability.

The M8 series features MOFFETT’s Lift Assist system including true single-side offloading where operators can extend up to 2,495kg across the full width of a truck or trailer bed at heights up to 8 ft. (2.4m).

It also includes zero vehicle repositioning, eliminating the need to move transport vehicles midway through offloading or drag heavy materials across trailer beds; cutting, Hiab says, unloading times in half and protecting cargo from drag damage.

Other features of the NX2 series include a high-visibility Class III fork carriage, redesigned protective grill and 360-degree strobe beacons to protect operators and ground crews on busy or congested worksites. A 3.5-inch multifunctional colour display offers real time insights and diagnostics. 

Gavin McDermott, global product manager, Hiab, says: “Our new 6,500 lb. capacity M8 models represent a true leap forward in fleet performance, delivering more muscle, faster cycle times and greater profit potential without additional weight”.

The M8 NX2 series is now available across the United States and Canada through Hiab’s dealer network.