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Forklifts

Forklifts are powered industrial trucks used to lift, move and stack materials, typically on pallets, over short distances. They consist of a chassis, a mast and forks that raise and lower loads, powered by diesel, petrol, LPG or electric motors, increasingly using lithium-ion batteries. Forklifts form part of the broader material handling equipment category, alongside reach trucks, pallet trucks and order pickers, used in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, retail and agriculture. They range from small warehouse units to heavy-duty counterbalance machines capable of lifting several tonnes. Operators require certified training due to safety risks around tipping, load stability and pedestrian interaction. Demand for forklifts is closely tied to trends in retail distribution, agroprocessing and industrial expansion. Suppliers and distributors, such as equipment dealers operating across African markets, offer sales, rental and after-sales support including maintenance and parts. The shift toward electric forklifts reflects broader efforts to reduce emissions and operating costs compared with combustion-engine models. Forklift fleets are often managed through rental or leasing arrangements to limit capital outlay for businesses with fluctuating storage needs. The equipment has become a standard fixture of modern supply chains since its development in the early twentieth century, evolving alongside advances in battery and automation technology.

Forklifts News


Rental Equipment Helps Western Cape Warehouses Manage Peak Periods
16th October 2026

As Western Cape warehouses prepare for seasonal demand spikes, operations look for ways to move higher volumes of stock efficiently without taking on unnecessary long-term equipment costs. For... 


Rental Equipment Helps Western Cape Warehouses Manage Peak Periods
Rental Equipment Helps Western Cape Warehouses Manage Peak Periods
15th October 2026

As Western Cape warehouses prepare for seasonal demand spikes, operations look for ways to move higher volumes of stock efficiently without taking on unnecessary long-term equipment costs. For... 


Image of a person using I Site telematics platform on a smart tablet
Technology improves warehouse safety and efficiency
7th August 2026

Connected fleet technologies such as intelligent safety systems and telematics are increasingly being deployed by the warehouse industry to improve productivity, increase safety and gain... 


The Moffet forklift on the back of a truck
Ownership preference persists for specialised forklifts
13th February 2026 By: Devina Haripersad

Although the capital equipment industry remains under sustained pressure as customers aim to limit capital expenditure and explore more flexible procurement models, forklift solutions provider... 


Hyundai forklift in a warehouse
Strategic partnership expands forklift availability in South Africa 
31st October 2025

Access, lifting and material handling solutions provider SkyJacks has been appointed by HD Hyundai XiteSolution as the authorised distributor of Hyundai forklifts in South Africa. Hyundai forklifts... 


Women trailblazing in SA heavy industrial equipment sector
Women trailblazing in SA heavy industrial equipment sector
9th October 2025

Navitha Ramsunker is a trailblazer in CFAO Equipment’s Heavy Lift division, making her mark in the historically male-dominated heavy industrial equipment industry - and feeling empowered doing so.... 


Women Driving Performance in Material Handling Industry
Women Driving Performance in Material Handling Industry
9th September 2025

At Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO Equipment, leadership transcends traditional management, it’s about pioneering excellence and redefining industry standards. Bianca Smit, National... 


Redefining Heavy-Duty Operations with High-Performance Battery Solutions
Redefining Heavy-Duty Operations with High-Performance Battery Solutions
27th August 2025

In the competitive world of logistics, manufacturing and material handling, equipment downtime is not just an inconvenience, it is a major threat to productivity and profitability.  Industrial... 


Image of Toyota Material Handling forklifts
Ensuring material handling equipment is fit-for-purpose
14th August 2025

No two supply chain operations are identical, each with different spaces, diverse product types and a range of container shapes and sizes, notes Toyota Material Handling corporate sales executive... 


Power your industrial equipment for optimal productivity
Power your industrial equipment for optimal productivity
12th June 2025

Investing in reliable batteries and chargers for industrial equipment is a strategic decision aimed at enhancing productivity, safety, cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility.  When a... 


Get the best out of your forklift's li-ion battery
Get the best out of your forklift's li-ion battery
27th May 2025

With most forklifts now powered by lithium-ion batteries – due to their superior efficiency, longer lifespan and faster charging times compared to traditional lead-acid batteries – users can... 


Holistic approach required for forklift safety
Holistic approach required for forklift safety
14th May 2025

Forklifts play a pivotal role in logistics and material handling, particularly as South Africa’s freight and logistics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.24%... 


Image of three Bobcat lithium ion battery-run forklifts
New lithium batteries, forklifts and warehouse equipment showcased
2nd April 2025

A range of new products, such as diesel, liquefied petroleum gas and electric forklift reach trucks, and warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks and stackers, are making their way into the... 


Vesconite Bearings mechanical engineer Tristen Wintershoven
Local manufacturer underlines strategic approach to forklift parts sales
23rd January 2025

Over the past few months, South African bearings manufacturer Vesconite Bearings has experienced significant activity in the forklift parts market. With sales of about 4 500 parts in the last six... 


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