Constant improvement leads to new forklift range

13th August 2021 By: Darren Parker - Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

Constant improvement leads to new forklift range

RAISING THE BAR The Moffett M4 NX truck-mounted forklifts feature greater performance, enhanced styling, improved safety and comfort, as well as easier maintenance

Original-equipment manufacturer Moffett’s NX range of forklift trucks – available in Southern Africa exclusively from distributor Shamrock Handling Concepts – has been constantly undergoing improvements since their original introduction in 2017.

The latest from this forklift range is the new generation Moffett M4 NX series.

These truck-mounted forklifts have been designed for greater performance, enhanced styling, and improved safety and comfort.

The Moffett M4 NX is geared for urban deliveries in the food and beverage, agriculture, building materials, recycling, waste management, chemicals and industrial gas industries. It is also well suited to fire and rescue operations.

Shamrock Handling Concepts MD Brenton Kemp says these industries benefit from the new series in terms of low cost of ownership and a reduction in labour costs. 

“This machine is made to endure the toughest conditions. We have found that the life cycle of the Moffett range tends to exceed market expectations. Additionally, maintenance is easy and cost effective. The running cost is also economical,” he tells Engineering News.

The versatile forklifts have an efficient power-to-weight ratio and a maximum lift capacity of 2 500 kg. They are designed to carry loads quickly and safely, even across challenging terrain, he explains.

“A key feature is the convenience of being able to easily transport these lightweight machines on almost any truck or trailer,” Kemp says.

The forklifts also ensure faster and quieter operations, reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions owing to it being fitted with T3 technology. The newly designed bonnet and rear doors allow for easy access for daily checks, consequently reducing maintenance time.

The Moffett forklifts are hydrostatic machines, which means the engine drives the hydrostatic pump at a layering speed. This, in turn, powers the operation of the machine, Kemp explains, adding that this equates to less wear and tear on the engine. 

Other notable features include a high-visibility mast for precise load positioning, an interlocking seatbelt that prevents driving if not connected, light-emitting-diode lights and a redesigned chassis with optimised weight distribution for greater safety on site.

An important standard safety feature is the GroundStart facility, designed for easy dismount from the machine in any location.

Further, the Moffet M4 NX range is available with a range of attachments and options, including four-way steering for negotiating tight access areas with long loads.

Attachments comprising telescopic forks, fork positioners and extensioners, integrated sideshifts and rotators, have been specifically designed for the safe and dependable handling of a range of goods.

These robust truck-mounted forklifts ensure dependable load handling in many industries.

Kemp says the Moffet NX range has been performing well since its launch – especially in the food and beverage industry. About 94% of these machines sold in South Africa by Shamrock Handling Concepts so far have been into the food and beverage industry.

Currently, the range is deployed in three sub-Saharan countries and one North African country.

“We have found that the building materials industry is especially taking advantage of the lower maintenance costs of the Moffett NX series, which supports the reduction of labour intensity on the trucks and increases productivity,” Kemp says.

Shamrock Handling Concepts offers a standard three-year warranty with every Moffett forklift in the NX range, as well as a national support service.

“The Moffett is a high-quality forklift, which has been tested locally and has shown its mettle. We expect that it will continue to grow in market share,” Kemp concludes.