Hoist's Neptune series marina forklift

Heavy-duty lift specialist Hoist Liftruck Manufacturing Inc reports receiving more than 10 orders for its highly maneuverable Titan and heavy-duty FKS cushion-tyre series forklifts during 2010's first quarter.

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC in Lincoln, Alabama ordered a Titan with lifting capacity of 18,000 pounds (8,100 kg).

Atlas Tube Canada ULC ordered two P-series compact, heavy-duty pneumatic forklifts; a 65,000 pound (29,250 kg) unit for use in Plymouth, Michigan and an 80,000 pound (36,000 kg) model for use in Harrow, Ontario, Canada.

GE Aviation, an Evendale, Ohio-based subsidiary of General Electric Co, ordered a 70,000 pound (31,500 kg) P-series forklift for use in an undisclosed location.

In addition, Hoist Liftruck received orders for two 25,000 pound (11,250 kg) capacity Neptune series marina forklifts, one for the Winthrop Harbor, Illinois facility of SkipperBud's marine dealership and the other through equipment dealer Williams Machinery LP for use in the family-owned Tow and Stow Dry Marina storage facility in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

"It's a pleasant surprise to see activity on the Neptune increase over the past couple of months," says Marty Flaska, president of Hoist Liftruck in Bedford Park. "In speaking with various marina owners in the US and abroad, there is optimism for recovery, albeit a gradual one."

Hoist Liftruck debuted a new modular design for the Neptune series during the Miami International Boat Show, held from 11-15 February in Florida. The forklift has bolt-on assemblies for easily removing or replacing fuel and hydraulic tanks, a 6.3-litre Cummins diesel engine and lifting capacities from 15,000 pounds (6,750 kg) to more than 55,000 pounds (24,750 kg) with a price range of about USD260,000-650,000.