Forklift rental suitable for agriculture sector

25th April 2014 By: Donna Slater - Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer

Forklift rental suitable for agriculture sector

DIESEL POWER FOR FARM LIFTING Diesel-powered forklifts are ideal for agricultural purposes, owing to the oil-burning engine’s fuel efficiency

Eqstra Industrial Equipment (EIE), a division of Eqstra Holdings, will display a range of forklifts suitable for agricultural applications at Nampo Harvest Day, in Bothaville, Free State, from May 13 to 16.

Toyota forklifts, supplied by EIE, are available to rent for up to five years or to buy. EIE also offers a range of service and maintenance plans to accompany the forklifts, ensuring hassle-free lifting capabilities.

The company will show the Toyota 8-series diesel-powered forklifts, which include new and rebuilt models of the 8FD25 and the 8FD30 series forklifts. These forklifts can lift 2.5 t and 3 t respectively and both use a Toyota 1DZ II series engine.

Toyota Forklift national sales manager Mike Norton states that diesel- or battery-powered forklifts are most suitable for agricultural purposes, owing to the fuel efficiencies. However, he notes this can vary, depending on client requirements.

“Our Toyota forklifts are ideal for use in storage spaces, such as barnyards, to load and offload farm produce,” says Norton.

Eqstra also offers an extensive range of forklifts capable of lifting from 1 t up to
8 t.

Norton estimates that these Toyota forklifts have a current market share of between 35% and 40% in South Africa.

Renting instead of Buying
Norton says renting Toyota forklifts through EIE is a better option for seasonal farmers.

“We offer an overall package, which includes choosing from a fleet of more than 2 500 forklifts for short-term rental. There are nine branches, comprising 270 trained Toyota-qualified technicians and R40-million worth of spare parts available at any time.

“EIE’s aftermarket sales philosophy is to offer a service plan for the life span of the lift truck after it has been sold to clients,” Norton concludes.