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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.

What Makes an Electric Counterbalance Forklift Truck So Unique?

We often get asked about the most popular types of forklift trucks that we have available to buy or to hire at H&F Lift Trucks. Of course, the type at the very top of the popular lift truck list, is a counterbalance forklift. These forklifts are the most widely used throughout the industry, and represent the image most people instinctively think of when imagining a forklift truck.

But there’s also electric powered versions of these trucks, which are becoming more and more popular in the industry. We wanted to briefly explore what makes the electric versions so unique and beneficial for those looking to hire or purchase.

 

What’s a counterbalance truck?

Firstly, we’ll just go through what makes counterbalance trucks unique in general. They are the most common type of truck used for indoor operations, such as warehouses and stores. However, they can also be used for outdoor operations as well, as long as the surfaces are stable and fairly even. 

These models have no arms or legs that protrude out, and the duel forks are placed at the front, meaning they can be very easily manoeuvred close to any racking or load locations. As the name implies, they are weighted with a counterbalance weight, which helps prevent them from tipping over as they lift heavy loads.

They are commonly powered by gas and diesel, but there is an abundance of electric powered models on the market these days, which have unique benefits…

 

Unique benefits

The most obvious unique benefit is that electric counterbalance trucks are smaller than their gas and diesel powered counterparts. With a smaller chassis, they have even better manoeuvrability in smaller spaces and smaller facilities in general. Due to their size, and the fact that the electric battery is quite weighty, they also operate with a smaller counterweight too. Operators will find it easier to navigate down narrow aisles thanks to the often smaller turning radius. 

There’s also a cost saving aspect, in that electric versions just require charging up with electricity and water, which can save operators a lot on fuel costs. This would also negate the need to store fuel, which reduces potential risks, and the battery itself can be easily and safely removed and replaced from the side of the truck. 

Another unique aspect is that they emit zero emissions and have no waste to dispose of, which is much better for the environment. They also make far less noise when being operated, and this can help to create an improved workplace atmosphere. Of course, they also require less maintenance compared to models powered by fuel, as they have fewer components.

If you’re looking to purchase a new Forklift or used forklift then H&F Lift Trucks is here for you. 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