Traditionally, rough terrain forklifts are among the more expensive machines in the lift truck industry. So ForkForce is happy to announce that it has joined forces with Maximal to develop a more cost-effective rough terrain forklift for the Australian market.
ForkForce Director Adrian Martin says the company has identified a definite niche market for this, and after showing Maximal some of the competitors’ machines and price points, the latter has agreed to develop more affordable and compact rough terrain forklifts for the Enforcer range.
“The prices for European-manufactured rough terrain forklifts currently in the market are quite prohibitive for many users,” Mr Martin states. “So Maximal is looking to develop a better value rough terrain forklift in the hope of winning over part of today’s market share.”
“Most don’t necessarily need great lift heights – just good ground clearance, large rugged tractor-type wheels and a very dependable diesel engine.”
“After talking to some of ForkForce’s current customers, what they need is a very basic, rugged and reliable machine that’s great for site work.”
ForkForce now hopes to plug this gap with the introduction of the compact rough terrain forklift.
Mr Martin also announced that ForkForce is looking to add this rough terrain forklift to its expanding rental fleet.
“We’ve had a lot of enquiries lately regarding rough terrain forklift hire. And the compact rough terrain forklift will be perfect for Australia’s current crazy wet weather as a lot of machines don’t function well in this environment.”
The introduction of these rough terrain forklift models will follow the release of the new Maximal A-Series forklifts in April-May 2013. Maximal will build the new rough terrain forklifts based on an upgraded A-Series model chassis with new mast and overhead guard design.
This fully automatic rough terrain forklift will initially be for sale in the 2.5 ton and 3.5 ton load capacities, with both being priced under AUD $35,000 which is very competitive compared to other models in the market.
Preliminary price estimates put the 2.5 ton model at around $30,950 + GST and the 3.5 ton model at about $33,950 + GST plus delivery.
They will feature Yanmar diesel engines, an integral hydraulic sideshift, a 3.3 metre lift height 2-stage mast or a 3.7 metre lift height 3-stage container entry mast, and all machines will have the Enforcer 5-Year Parts & Labour Warranty.
These rough terrain forklifts will be available in Australia at the beginning of May 2013.
