Wiggins Lift Co Inc will launch a 20,000-pound (nine-tonne) capacity marina forklift, with a wheelbase of 104 inches (2.6 metres), at the Miami International Boat Show, which runs from February 14-19.

For two years, Wiggins has offered a 108-inch (2.7 metre) wheelbase on a 18,000-pound (eight-tonne) capacity forklift in its Bull range, and saw a market for a shorter wheelbase and heavier load capacity, said president Mike Wiggins. Design and development was staged over two years in Oxnard.

The shorter wheelbase permitted tighter turns in narrow dry stacks and allowed operators to store longer boats.

"Our basic platform has a heavier steer axle for additional counterweight, a heavier drive axle for added weight and a stronger mast for height and weight," Mr Wiggins said. The lead counterweight weighs more than 10 tonnes.

"This product enables us to go into markets of older dry-stack marinas where aisle widths may be limited to 45-47 inches," he said. The line was also useful in new buildings "where they need faster productivity with a smaller truck, with a tighter turning radius".

The 20,000-pound unit will sell for USD166,200. Another Wiggins short-wheelbase forklift, with 22,000-pound (10-tonne) capacity, costs USD178,000. Wiggins distributes its Marina Bulls directly from the factory. Standard forklifts have lifting capacities of 8,000-52,000 pounds (3.5-23.5 tonnes).