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In the world of material handling, especially in building materials delivery, the piggyback forklift has become a crucial tool. These forklifts, mounted conveniently on the back of trucks and trailers, provide a seamless transition between transport and unloading, saving both time and effort on job sites. When discussing the best piggyback forklift, brands like Loadmac, Moffett forklifts, and Donkey forklifts often come to mind, along with many others such as Palfinger forklifts, Navigator forklifts, Manitou TMT, and Sellick truck mounted forklifts.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a piggyback forklift work efficiently, with a particular focus on Loadmac forklifts, their key features, and why they stand out from the competition.
The Essentials of a Piggyback Forklift
A piggyback forklift is truck mounted machines designed to facilitate the swift unloading of goods at various locations. These versatile machines are particularly valuable for industries like construction, agriculture, and logistics. What sets the best piggyback forklifts apart are key features such as lifting capacity, offloading capabilities, and safety features, which enable smooth and efficient operations on any job site.
Key Features of Loadmac Forklifts
When it comes to industry-leading features, Loadmac forklifts are engineered to deliver superior performance. One of the standout features of Loadmac forklifts is their 855 model’s standard extra reach for one-side offloading. This feature alone puts Loadmac ahead of many of its competitors, including Moffett forklifts and Palfinger forklifts. Offloading from one side significantly reduces the time spent repositioning trucks, making it highly efficient for fast-paced job sites.
In addition to their extra reach, Loadmac forklifts boast a taller mast more commonly found on their units and a safer mounting system that allows operators to remain safely on the ground while mounting and dismounting the forklift. This feature dramatically increases safety, particularly when compared to other brands that still require operators to climb into the machine while it’s mounted on the truck.
Lastly, Loadmac forklifts are lighter than many of their competitors while still maintaining a robust lifting capacity of 5,500 lbs. This combination of lightweight design and powerful performance ensures that the forklift doesn’t weigh down trucks excessively, enabling more agile and efficient transportation without sacrificing strength.
Loadmac’s Competitive Advantage
The competitive edge of Loadmac forklifts goes beyond just their mechanical features. Loadmac offers exceptional customer service and maintains a strong corporate culture focused on customer satisfaction. Unlike larger forklift manufacturers like Moffett, Princeton, and Palfinger, which may prioritize mass production, Loadmac takes pride in making customizations to meet specific needs.
Another key advantage of Loadmac is the immediate availability of their forklifts for purchase. This stands in stark contrast to many competitors who have long lead times for delivery due to high demand and lower inventory.
Moreover, Loadmac forklifts are cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Their streamlined, sleek designs make them not only visually modern but also highly engineered for optimal performance. The constant cycle of continuous improvements in Loadmac’s design makes them one of the most forward-thinking brands in the piggyback forklift market.
Loadmac 855 & 255 vs. the Competition
The Loadmac 855 Model
The Loadmac 855 model is particularly noteworthy for its powerful performance and robust build. Weighing up to 2,200 lbs LESS than its competition, this forklift can still handle the same 5,500 lbs capacity. Additionally, the 855 model comes with either a 10 or 12-foot mast, giving operators more flexibility in terms of reach and lifting height.
One of the standout features of the 855 is its 2-way directional control, which comes as a standard offering. For operators who require even more maneuverability, 4-way multidirectional functionality and hydraulic fork positioning are available as optional upgrades. These features significantly increase the forklift’s versatility, making it suitable for a wider range of jobs, from narrow warehouse aisles to rough construction sites.
The Loadmac 255 Model
On the other hand, the Loadmac 255 model is a lighter, more agile option designed for operators who need a forklift that can still handle heavy loads but at a lower price point. While it’s technically rated for a 4,500 lbs capacity, the 255 model is tough enough to lift 5,500 lbs when necessary.
This model offers an 8, 10, or 12-foot mast, giving operators plenty of flexibility depending on the job’s requirements. Similar to the 855, the Loadmac 255 also comes with 2-way directional control as standard, with optional upgrades for 4-way multidirectional operation and hydraulic fork positioning. The versatility of these options makes the 255 a solid choice for those looking for a more affordable, lightweight forklift without sacrificing performance.
Loadmac 855 vs Moffett M8 & Princeton: Piggyback Forklifts Compared
Loadmac vs. Moffett and The Princeton Piggyback Forklift
Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts are well-known names in the forklift industry, especially for truck-mounted applications. Both Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts have built strong reputations over the years, primarily due to their widespread availability and large customer base. However, despite their popularity, these forklifts often fall short when it comes to providing the level of customizability that many operators and businesses require.
Princeton Forklifts
One of the primary limitations of both Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts is their tendency to adopt a more cookie-cutter approach to design and production. Due to the sheer volume of their sales, these brands often focus on standardized designs to accommodate the needs of larger customers. While this may work for businesses that require basic functionalities, it often leaves smaller operators and specialized industries without the flexibility they need in a truck-mounted forklift.
For example, both Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts offer limited customization options when it comes to important features such as mast height or off-loading capabilities. A common concern among operators is the inability to choose a taller mast option, such as a 12-foot mast, which is particularly useful for reaching higher shelves or loading areas. Additionally, neither Moffett forklifts nor Princeton forklifts offer the same degree of flexibility in terms of off-loading features, such as an extra reach pantograph for one-side off-loading, which is a key benefit for reducing repositioning time and improving efficiency on the job site.
In contrast, Loadmac forklifts provide operators with significantly more flexibility when it comes to customization. Unlike Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts, Loadmac allows operators to choose from a range of options, including the 12-foot mast and additional features that make one-side off-loading smoother and faster. This level of customization ensures that businesses with specialized needs can get the exact configuration they require to maximize efficiency and safety on the job site.
Furthermore, while Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts are highly regarded for their durability and general reliability, their lack of customizable options limits their appeal for operators who need more advanced or tailored solutions. Loadmac’s ability to offer these customizable features gives it a distinct advantage over Moffett forklifts and Princeton forklifts, making it a more appealing choice for those who demand more from their truck-mounted forklifts.
Loadmac vs. Donkey Forklifts
When comparing Loadmac to Donkey forklifts, it’s clear that Loadmac sets a higher standard in both design and functionality. Donkey forklifts have long been recognized in the industry for their reliability and durability, making them a popular choice for many operators. However, despite their dependable nature, the design of Donkey forklifts has not evolved significantly over the years. As a result, their appearance and performance can sometimes feel outdated compared to more modern options, like Loadmac.
While Donkey forklifts continue to serve their purpose well, Loadmac offers a more refined and contemporary design that appeals to those looking for efficiency, sleekness, and agility on the job site. Donkey forklifts often lack the advanced features and engineering improvements that Loadmac has consistently implemented. For instance, Loadmac forklifts are designed with not only aesthetics in mind but also performance enhancements that make a noticeable difference in challenging job conditions.
In terms of maneuverability, Donkey forklifts perform adequately, but Loadmac’s engineering goes a step further to ensure superior performance, especially on rough or uneven terrains. The agility of Loadmac forklifts gives operators the ability to navigate tighter spaces with ease, something that Donkey forklifts may struggle with due to their more rigid and traditional build.
Additionally, the sleek, modern appearance of Loadmac forklifts contributes to their visual appeal, which is often an overlooked factor when purchasing equipment for a professional job site. While Donkey forklifts prioritize durability by staying with a primitive outdated design, Loadmac combines this durability with a forward-thinking, streamlined design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.
In summary, while Donkey forklifts are a solid, reliable option, their older design and lack of modern updates make them less appealing for businesses seeking the latest in forklift technology. Loadmac forklifts provide a contemporary alternative that offers better performance, enhanced agility, and a design that fits the needs of today’s demanding job sites.
Loadmac vs. Sellick, Manitou, Navigator, and Palfinger
Brands like Sellick forklifts, Manitou forklifts, Navigator forklifts, and Palfinger forklifts have built solid reputations for their truck mounted forklifts, but they often can’t compete with Loadmac’s immediacy and modern design. Palfinger, for example, has tried to mimic some of Loadmac’s innovative features, but they haven’t yet perfected their design to match the performance and reliability of a Loadmac forklift. Additionally, these brands tend to have longer lead times and higher prices, which can be a drawback for businesses looking to purchase a forklift quickly and affordably.
Conclusion: Why Loadmac Forklifts Lead the Piggyback Forklift Industry
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best piggyback forklift, Loadmac stands out for its innovation, customization options, and modern design. Whether you’re looking for the powerful Loadmac 855 with its extra reach for one-side offload and taller mast, or the lightweight, agile Loadmac 255, Loadmac offers solutions that are superior to many competitors, including Moffett, Princeton, Donkey, Sellick, and Palfinger. From their one-side offloading capability to their commitment to customer satisfaction, Loadmac is the clear choice for businesses looking to enhance their material handling efficiency.