Truck-mounted forklifts increase efficiency, safety

Materials handling equipment distributor Shamrock Handling Concepts has extended its range of Moffett forklift trucks to include the new-generation M5 and M8 NX series, which have been designed for safe and efficient operation on rough terrain and in confined areas.

“Our new Moffett M5 NX and M8 NX truck-mounted forklifts enhance the M4 NX series that we launched locally in 2021. The M5 and M8 NX series encompasses new improvements for greater performance, improved safety and comfort, as well as simplified maintenance,” states Shamrock Handling Concepts MD Brenton Kemp.

A notable aspect about these “versatile” forklift trucks is the reduced total cost of ownership, as one machine can efficiently handle a variety of tasks with minimal maintenance requirements, he adds.

These lightweight machines can also be easily transported from one site to another on almost any truck or trailer, in addition to offering reduced fuel consumption and quiet operation.

An important standard safety feature, GroundStart, ensures effortless dismounting for an operator from the machine, reducing the risk of injury.

Further, the one-side loading design of the machine enables operators to lift, lower and carry loads even in confined workspaces.

Kemp elaborates that this design enables the forklift to approach and operate alongside a truck or structure, consequently facilitating efficient materials handling in tight spaces where traditional forklifts might struggle to manoeuvre.

This enhances versatility and productivity while maintaining the compact footprint essential for confined working environments, he points out.

Another improved feature is the redesigned chassis, which optimises weight distribution in the forklift and enhances on-site safety by improving stability and manoeuvrability.

The redesign ensures better balance during lifting and transportation, reducing the risk of tip-overs and enhancing overall stability, especially on uneven surfaces, consequently contributing to a safer work environment by providing operators with increased control and confidence when performing tasks.

The NX range is available from Shamrock Handling Concepts with a range of attachments and options, including multi-directional four-way steering, for enhanced manoeuvrability in tight spaces and optimised handling of long loads.

The load backrest ensures secure load handling, with various tire options catering to diverse terrains, optimising performance in different operating conditions, providing operators with customisation choices to efficiently meet specific materials handling requirements.

Users can also choose from attachments that include telescopic forks, which allow for the efficient handling of varying load sizes; fork positioners, which enhance accuracy during placement; and extensions, which offer increased reach.

The Moffett M5 20.3 NX machines are suitable for medium- to heavy-duty tasks, have an efficient power-to-weight ratio and offer a maximum lift capacity of 2 000 kg. They also have an overhang of 1 200 mm and ground clearance of 220 mm.

The M8 25.3 NX has been completely redesigned for improved performance in the most demanding operations, says Kemp.

“This compact machine has a lifting capacity of 2 500 kg, a lifting height of 3 040 mm, a 1 475 mm overhang and ground clearance of 280 mm.”

Other improvements to the M8 25.3 NX include upgraded hydraulics for faster lifting and precise control, enhanced stability features, improved operator comfort through ergonomic design, and advanced technology integration for more efficient and reliable operation.

He says these robust truck-mounted forklifts ensure dependable load handling in many industries, such as food and beverage, agriculture, construction, recycling and waste management, chemicals and industrial gas, as well as fire and rescue operations.

“The Moffett forklift trucks streamline the process, saving time and money. A company’s trucks don’t have to wait around for a forklift to become available to offload the goods, and management doesn’t need to pay additional fees to outsource this service to a service provider,” Kemp concludes.