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The right lift
for your business

Supplying forklifts since 1976

What we do

Since 1976 H&F Trucks have provided local business with high quality materials handling solutions. For nearly four decades we have achieved steady growth year on year, enabling us to provide superior service to our customers from a stable & sustainable business platform.

Two of The Most Popular Types of Forklift Truck

There are a variety of forklift trucks out there, and when it comes to choosing the right one for the job, a few factors need to be taken into consideration.

They need to be able to handle whatever is required of them, which will mainly involve taking the pressure of handling extremely heavy workloads. Any forklifts that are chosen need to prove that they can be reliable, cost-effective and long-lasting. It’s always best to think about exactly what work needs to be carried out before selecting a forklift.

Two of the most popular types of forklift, are counterbalance forklift trucks and reach forklift trucks. Both of these have their own unique uses and differences, but both are equally prevalent in the industry.

Counterbalance Forklifts

Counterbalance trucks are the most common type of forklift, and they adhere to the stereotypical image of what most people think a forklift looks like. A counterbalance forklift truck is more than equipped to handle the heaviest of loads, thanks to a large dense weight that’s built into the rear of the truck. The weight, as the name of the truck suggests, provides a counterbalance to any load on the frontal forks.

The forks on a counterbalance truck stick out at the front, allowing it to be driven and maneuvered easily to the exact location of any racking or loads. This type of forklift truck is primarily used indoors, on a smooth surface but can still operate effectively outdoors.

As well as being powered with gas, electric or diesel, counterbalance forklift trucks can also be fitted with a wide range of attachments, and there are three-wheel models available for better maneuverability in narrow spaces. Some models can have a lifting capacity of up to 9,000 kg, and lift loads to heights in excess of 3 to 6 metres.

Some counterbalance forklifts are designed to operate in really confined spaces such as containers. Trucks can have low masts that can also be tilted using hydraulic cylinders. As the forklift operator is loading cargo, the masts can pivot back and forth, which adds to the models flexibility.

Reach Forklifts

The other most popular type of forklift is the reach truck, which is designed to be used in warehouses that store pallets and other loads at high levels. As the name suggests, reach forklift trucks are ideal for those who require extended lift with flexible maneuverability.

These forklifts have the ability to use their fork carriage to ‘reach’ out beyond the stabilising legs, enabling them to lift to heights of up to about 12 metres, while still working effectively in tight narrow spaces. No counterbalance weight is needed as the trucks stabilising legs and batteries keep it evenly balanced.

Reach forklift trucks are predominantly battery powered with a lifting capacity of around 2,000 kg or more. Operators will generally sit sideways in these forklifts, although some models allow for the operator to stand, ideal for when they need to jump out quickly at regular intervals.

Unlike counterbalance forklift trucks, reach trucks aren’t particularly suited to working outdoors, mainly due to the fact that their low undercarriage clearance causes issues on rough and uneven surfaces. However, a few models can be fitted with cabs and tyres suitable for outdoor use.

Whether you’re after a counterbalance forklift, reach forklift or any other type of forklift, H&F Lift Trucks have got all the new or used models you could ask for.

Please, give us a call today on 0800 298 8790 for more information.

 

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Testimonials

H&F have supplied us with all our fork lift equipment for in excess of ten years now, and have maintained it in accordance with our stringent operation requirements. During this time they have provided a consistently high level of service (including short term hire when required) whilst never failing to support us in a totally honest and professional manner.

Ashley Basset, Director
R G Bassett & Sons Ltd

H&F Lift Trucks are a pleasure to deal with. All staff, Technicians, Sales and Directors have hands-on experience of all ranges of vehicles they supply. From initial assessments and listening to all users of a potential new vehicle requirement, they keep us informed of all aspects of specification and lead times through to delivery. Their maintenance service is superb – they organise suitable times around our busy working day with our Yard Managers. Any accidental damage or operator error faults are always discussed with me and dealt with fairly – not like some unscrupulous suppliers who seek to profit at every service visit! In a cut-throat market, where we are offered “good deals” a few quid cheaper every day, we are never tempted to stray.

James Hipkins, Managing Director
Emerys

Pym and Wildsmith have been working closely with H&F Fork Trucks for many years. Their service is excellent, ranging from prompt callouts to breakdowns through to the supply of new trucks. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ian Pym, Operations Manager
Pym & Wildsmith

We cover a 30 mile radius