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Jofson is one of the largest independent suppliers of forklift trucks and materials handling equipment in Birmingham and Manchester. We have been around since 1977 and offer new and used forklifts to companies so that they can hire and buy.

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If you’re in the market for a second-hand forklift, looking for forklifts to rent, or exploring your options to buy a forklift, understanding how much a forklift weighs is an integral part of making the right choice. At Jofson, we supply quality forklifts across Manchester and Birmingham, helping businesses find the right equipment for their specific needs, whether that’s a short-term hire or a permanent addition to the fleet.

Forklift Weight by Type

Forklift weight varies based on the type of machine and its intended use. Below are the typical weights of the most common models we supply:

  • Counterbalance Forklifts
    Counterbalance Forklifts are among the most popular forklifts to rent or buy. They’re ideal for general use and come in various sizes. Weight typically ranges from 3,000 to 15,000 pounds.
  • Reach Trucks
    Designed for use in warehouses with high-racking systems, reach trucks are compact yet powerful, weighing between 4,000 and 8,000 pounds.
  • Pallet Trucks
    Often used in tighter spaces, such as smaller warehouses or loading bays, pallet trucks weigh between 1,000 and 4,000 pounds.
  • Order Pickers
    With a built-in platform for the operator, order pickers are perfect for retrieving individual items. These usually weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds.
  • Side Loaders
    Built to handle long, awkward loads, such as timber or piping. These typically weigh between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds.

Factors That Influence Forklift Weight

Whether you’re considering a second-hand purchase or exploring forklift hire, it helps to understand what affects a forklift’s weight:

  • Capacity & Size
    Larger forklifts with higher load capacities are naturally heavier.
  • Build Material
    Heavy-duty machines built from reinforced steel will weigh more than lighter models.
  • Added Features
    Attachments like clamps, enclosed cabs, or air conditioning systems can all increase the forklift’s weight.

Why Forklift Weight Matters

Weight affects how a forklift performs on your site, mainly if you’re operating on mezzanines, in multi-storey warehouses, or need to transport the equipment between locations.

At Jofson, we’ll help you select the correct model from our stock of second-hand forklifts or guide you through our range of forklifts to rent or buy, ensuring weight, capacity and functionality are all matched to your business needs.

Where to find second hand forklifts?

Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or explore our second-hand forklift options, Jofson is here to help. With branches in Manchester and Birmingham, we supply reliable forklifts that work as hard as you do.

Contact our team today to find the perfect machine for your site.