When Would You Need a Heavy Duty Forklift? Simply put, If you need to lift materials that weigh tons instead of pounds, then you probably should consider getting a heavy duty forklift.

Heavy duty forklifts are able to handle incredible weights ranging from 22,000 lbs to 100,000 lbs and higher depending on the model.

To learn more about heavy duty forklifts, click on the links to the following information sections.

What Is a Heavy Duty Forklift?
Industries That Typically Require a Heavy Duty Forklift
Why are Load Capacity and Lifting Height Important?
Heavy Duty Forklift Attachments
Pros and Cons of Buying New or Used

Interested in purchasing or renting a heavy duty forklift? Contact Wayco.

Heavy duty forklifts can handle extremely heavy loads

Heavy Duty Forklift Information

1. What Is a Heavy Duty Forklift?

A heavy duty forklift has a similar function to a regular warehouse forklift, however, it is capable of lifting much heavier loads. In addition, it can lift its loads much higher off the ground than a regular warehouse forklift.

Heavy duty forklifts can be 10 ft or more in length and they almost always have an internal combustion engine, giving them more power. However, with the development of lithium battery technology, you can also purchase electric heavy duty forklifts that can handle loads of 25,000 to 35,000 lbs.

Heavy duty forklifts are also referred to as:

Industrial forklifts
Large capacity forklifts
High capacity forklifts
Heavy forklift trucks

You can now purchase electric heavy duty forklifts that can handle loads of 25,000 t0 35,000 lbs.

2. Industries that Typically Require a Heavy Duty Forklift

Here are some of the most common industries that use heavy duty forklifts due to the weight of the materials that they handle:

Heavy duty forklifts are used in industries that handle heavy materials

3. Why Are Load Capacity and Lifting Height Important?

Load Capacity:

There are a wide range of load capacities when it comes to forklifts. Load capacity refers to the maximum weight that a forklift can safely lift.

It is a good idea to choose a forklift that has a lifting capacity that is greater than you think you are going to need so that you aren't caught in a situation where your safety is at risk. If a forklift carries more than its maximum lifting capacity then it can become unstable.

For example, if most of the loads that you transport are around 20,000 lbs, but you may at times need to lift a load that is 30,000 lbs, then it is better to choose a forklift that can handle 30,000 lbs.

Lifting Height:

Lifting height refers to the vertical distance that a forklift’s mast can raise its loads. Different forklift models have different load lifting heights. You want to make sure that your forklift is going to be able to lift your loads to the height that you require.

You should figure out how high you need your loads lifted before choosing your forklift. Measure your worksite and get a forklift that can reach that high.

Choose a forklift that can safely lift the loads you need to lift

4. Heavy Duty Forklift Attachments

If you want to increase your heavy duty forklift's capabilities and flexibility, you can purchase special attachments such as:

Booms: give your forklift the ability to lift from above instead of below

Clamps: enable your forklift to move oddly shaped items safely

Fork extensions: allow you to lift larger loads

If you are looking for special attachments that will increase your forklift’s capabilities, contact us.

5. Pros and Cons of Buying New or Used

If you are looking to purchase a heavy duty forklift, you might be wondering if it is better to go with a new or used model.

Used Heavy Duty Forklifts:

If money is tight, then buying a quality used heavy duty forklift is your best option. The great thing about heavy duty forklifts is that they are durable and they generally last longer than lighter forklifts.

Make sure that you go to a dealer that has a good reputation for quality used forklifts and make sure that they offer you a warranty so that you can purchase with confidence.

An example of a great used vehicle warranty is a 30-day full warranty that covers your forklift, front to back, for a full 30 days after your purchase. If anything goes wrong with it, the dealer will fix it for you, free of charge.

Another great way to ensure that you are getting a quality used forklift is to purchase from a dealer that certifies their equipment. Certifying means that they have thoroughly checked over the forklift to make sure that it is in great condition before they sell it to you. Certification helps you know that you are getting the best quality equipment possible.

Buying used can be a wise investment. Just like a brand new car, the moment you drive your new forklift off the lot, it loses value. Quality used forklifts depreciate at a much slower rate so they are often the better choice.

Purchase your used forklift from a dealer with a good reputation

New Heavy Duty Forklifts:

The biggest disadvantage of purchasing a new heavy duty forklift is the price. However, some new forklifts, such as those manufactured by Hangcha, are priced significantly lower than other new forklifts.

You will not only be getting one of the highest quality trucks available but you will be surprised at how incredibly low they are priced.

In fact, their prices are so amazing that it often is a better deal to buy one of their new models than a pre-owned model from another manufacturer.

Hangcha sells quality forklifts at incredibly low prices

Why Purchase Your Heavy Duty Forklift from Wayco?

We have been in the forklift business in KW for more than 40 years and we have earned a solid reputation for being trustworthy and fair.

Our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you choose the perfect model that best suits your particular applications and we will accept your old forklift as a trade-in towards your purchase.

We thoroughly check every used vehicle

Wayco takes the worry out of purchasing used equipment. Before we sell any pre-owned vehicle, we thoroughly check each one to make sure that it's in top working order.

We certify every used vehicle

We then certify all of our used inventory, so you can be confident that you are purchasing a used forklift that you can rely on to be in great condition!

We offer incredible warranties

At Wayco, we want to make sure that you are completely satisfied with your new or used forklift purchase.

That's why in addition to inspecting and certifying all of our pre-owned vehicles, we also offer incredible warranties to further assure you that you are purchasing a forklift you can trust.

Contact Wayco today to find out what heavy duty forklifts they have in stock, both used and new models.

contact wayco

“We purchased a used fork lift from Wayco in January. It was extremely clean and in excellent condition when it was delivered. We have also had incredible ongoing service from the professionals at Wayco. Overall dealing with them has been an excellent experience.”

— Don't Trailer Service

When Would You Need a Heavy Duty Forklift?