A Moffett forklift — sometimes called a truck-mounted forklift or piggyback forklift — is one of the most useful tools in delivery logistics for situations where a HIAB crane cannot reach the required unloading point. Here is when and why to choose one.
What Is a Moffett?
A Moffett is a compact counterbalance forklift that is carried on the rear of a lorry using a purpose-built mounting frame. At the delivery site, the forklift drives off under its own power, unloads the goods from the truck, and transports them to their final location — which might be 50 metres inside a warehouse or into a yard that the lorry cannot enter.
Load Capacity
Standard Moffett forklifts lift 2.5–3.5 tonnes at standard fork centres. Extended-reach models with telescopic booms or higher capacity frames handle heavier or more awkward loads. They handle standard pallets, baled goods, long loads on pipe arms, and caged/banded loads.
When to Use a Moffett Instead of a HIAB
Choose a Moffett when: loads are on standard pallets and need to be taken deep inside a building, the delivery point has low overhead clearance that a HIAB jib cannot pass under, or multiple pallets need placing at different positions within a large site. A HIAB is better for precise placement of individual heavy or awkward loads, for lifts at distance from the vehicle, and for loads without pallet certification.
HIAB Plus Moffett
Some jobs benefit from both — the HIAB unloads heavy individual items off the trailer, and the Moffett places pallet goods throughout the site. Our Moffett forklift service page has full details. Call 0330 175 8197 to discuss your requirements.
