Allfork's Dale Elphinstone will become a shareholder of United, and join its board as a non-executive director.

United Equipment has announced its decision to merge with Allforks to create one of Australia's largest forklift distribution and rental operations.

The business will trade as United Equipment and will become the exclusive Caterpillar forklift distributor for New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.

In addition, United Equipment will continue to be the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributor of Konecranes (SMV) forklifts.

Managing director Peter Court says the deal will significantly enhance the capacity of the combined operations to provide quality sales, service and rental options for its customers.

Allfork's major shareholder, Dale Elphinstone, will become a shareholder of United, and join its board as a non-executive director.

"We are looking forward to partnering with United Equipment and continuing to grow the business. United is already a serious player in the materials handling industry, with a strong distribution network," says Elphinstone.

"We believe that through this new relationship, which includes the distribution of Caterpillar Lift Trucks, United will become a major force in the Australian market."