Choosing a HiLo for the shop

[Matt018888]

Hello, I recently closed down my shop and combined a house and a shop, I was paying to much in rent for only 2800sqft. So my new shop is huge at 10000 sqft, I have heat and ac through out the building, bathroom, office and a break room but had to make a compromise I only have 8ft ceiling height. At first this bothered me but as a cabinet maker and remodeling contractor I really don't need the height and with low ceilings it makes Michigan winters very comfortable as the heat is amazing. So I need a Hilo. My heaviest machine is just south of 3000lbs. I do have a tractor but its not practical for low ceilings. Does anyone know of a Hilo that would work for me? I have no Ideal what to look for? I'm hoping to watch marketplace for something used but it would help greatly to have something to search for.

 

[larry_g]

Start your search with "boxcar forklift" They are a small lift designed to work loading boxcars. They also have a limited mast height. Also understand that the term hilo is a local term to you, Other places they are know as a forklift, Hyster, or in Puerto Rico a finger.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Matt018888]

Start your search with "boxcar forklift" They are a small lift designed to work loading boxcars. They also have a limited mast height. Also understand that the term hilo is a local term to you, Other places they are know as a forklift, Hyster, or in Puerto Rico a finger.

lg
no neat sig line

Thank you

 

[dr_clyde]

Personally I like Japanese forklifts, so I recommend Mitsubishi (Cat rebadges Mitsubishi), Toyota, Nissan or Komatsu. USA made lifts are fine too, but I just like the ergonomics and build quality of the Japanese iron. Every warehouse I know of locally runs Japanese iron and it lasts a LONG time with regular maintenance. That said, Hyster and Yale make a nice lift, as do Clark.

For a small lift like you want you can probably get away with a single stage mast, but that limits you to pretty old machines, as most machines now are multiple stage masts.

With a low ceiling you want as much as you can get of what’s called “free lift”. This is how high the forks can go before the mast begins the next stage. This is important because of the lift has no or a low amount of free lift the mast will hit the ceiling before the forks get up very high. You can remove the mast safety cage too and gain a few feet of clearance.

I like long forks. I have 5 foot forks on my lift and I MUCH prefer those to extensions on pallet length forks. Makes it much easier and safer to move equipment, unload/load a pickup truck or just do rigging work in general.

Namco made a really cool tiny forklift back in the day that would be perfect for you, but they’re rare as hen’s teeth.

Look for propane over electric for infrequent use. Used electric lifts are a HUGE gamble, the battery is NOT cheap and if they don’t hold or take a charge they’re just scrap. Not worth the cost of a replacement. Gasoline or Diesel **** indoors.

 

[Matt018888]

Personally I like Japanese forklifts, so I recommend Mitsubishi (Cat rebadges Mitsubishi), Toyota, Nissan or Komatsu. USA made lifts are fine too, but I just like the ergonomics and build quality of the Japanese iron. Every warehouse I know of locally runs Japanese iron and it lasts a LONG time with regular maintenance. That said, Hyster and Yale make a nice lift, as do Clark.

For a small lift like you want you can probably get away with a single stage mast, but that limits you to pretty old machines, as most machines now are multiple stage masts.

With a low ceiling you want as much as you can get of what’s called “free lift”. This is how high the forks can go before the mast begins the next stage. This is important because of the lift has no or a low amount of free lift the mast will hit the ceiling before the forks get up very high. You can remove the mast safety cage too and gain a few feet of clearance.

I like long forks. I have 5 foot forks on my lift and I MUCH prefer those to extensions on pallet length forks. Makes it much easier and safer to move equipment, unload/load a pickup truck or just do rigging work in general.

Namco made a really cool tiny forklift back in the day that would be perfect for you, but they’re rare as hen’s teeth.

Look for propane over electric for infrequent use. Used electric lifts are a HUGE gamble, the battery is NOT cheap and if they don’t hold or take a charge they’re just scrap. Not worth the cost of a replacement. Gasoline or Diesel **** indoors.

Thank you, this is a lot of good information. I know with the low ceilings I'm very limited, but I have great luck on market place and I'm extremely patient

 

[Steve from Socal]

What Clyde said is notable, free lift is what is important in an 8' room. At the weight you mention a stacker may be a better option, while not a ride on forklift they are designed for tight spaces. Box car specials are the smallest high capacity forklifts you will find generally, riggers lifts are also low hight.

One thing not mentioned, is this going to be used inside only? Hard tire or cushion tires are designed for concrete floors, they don't work well on gravel or loose ground.

 

[Matt018888]

What Clyde said is notable, free lift is what is important in an 8' room. At the weight you mention a stacker may be a better option, while not a ride on forklift they are designed for tight spaces. Box car specials are the smallest high capacity forklifts you will find generally, riggers lifts are also low hight.

One thing not mentioned, is this going to be used inside only? Hard tire or cushion tires are designed for concrete floors, they don't work well on gravel or loose ground.

Just inside, I have a large tractor with forks I use outside.