As the owner or decision maker at your company, you already know that hiring the right personnel for a specific job is of utmost importance. You want someone who is capable of mastering – or someone who has already mastered – the particular parameters of that job. Did you know the same is true for your material handling and distribution center equipment?

Taking the time to understand exactly what you need in your equipment will help boost your productivity, efficiency and, best of all, have a positive impact on your bottom line. When choosing the right forklift for the job, you should always choose a forklift that is capable of more than what you expect to be lifting – that way you won't be caught short and you'll be promoting safety, as well.

Improving productivity while increasing cost efficiency is at the heart of the matter when it comes to choosing the proper forklift for the job and that includes lift capability, lift height needed and comfort and safety concerns for your operators. You can spend your own time researching all of the forklift options out there – or you can save some of your precious time by consulting a material handling equipment professional.

Items to consider when looking at forklifts for your business include:

  • Reputation of the manufacturer and material handling dealer
  • How much weight you intend the lift truck to handle
  • Choosing the right fuel type for your operation
  • Considering what tires you will need for your applications
  • Operator comfort and safety

When you need to lift items that weigh tons instead of pounds, you may need to look at a high capacity or heavy-duty forklift. 

Industries that typically see this kind of tonnage include:

  • Steel, aluminum, mining
  • Wood and building materials
  • Pulp and paper
  • Concrete, bricks and rock
  • Automotive
  • General manufacturing
  • Oil and gas
  • Wind power
  • Nuclear
  • Waste-to-energy
  • Shipyards and marinas


Even though there are multiple manufacturers of heavy-duty lift trucks out there, Madland offers two equipment brands for the toughest of applications.

Konecranes Heavy-Duty Forklifts

Konecranes heavy-duty forklifts are not the least expensive option out there, but in the long run – with the new technology recently implemented by Konecranes – this option will be worth considering because you'll see more value over time and a great resale value.

Let's look at some of Konecranes most recent innovative implementations

Stronger Reach Stackers for More Productivity

The new top-pick spreader provides technology to improve standard container handling. Three rows provide an additional one metric ton of capacity, with a maximum of 46 tons in the first row. The SMV 4646 TCX5 allows 46 tons on all three rows. Move your biggest loads in less time for increased productivity and a better bottom line.

Triplex Mast for Low-Ceilings

The triplex mast option can be added to an empty container handler model, providing you with the option to use this industrial equipment in low-ceiling warehouses. Maximum lift height is 25 feet and permits stacks up to seven containers high. The free-lift option allows for container handling indoors and the Smart Lift feature employs lasers for intuitive lifting height.

Liftace for Tight Spaces

The Konecranes Liftace adds to productivity by employing simple-to-use features and the ability to work in tight spaces. Additionally, two new models are designed to work with lighter loads from 10 to 12 tons. Easy on the fuel bill, the Liftace series is ideal for work spaces with narrow, tight spaces and low-weight requirements.

Ecolifting for Environmentally Conscious Lifting

Konecranes lift trucks have added a new feature, Ecolifting, for those of you concerned with adding eco-friendly equipment to your fleet. With three models to choose from, you can decrease your CO2, fuel consumption and fuel costs by up to 15%, 25% or 40%.

With new designs come lower lifetime and maintenance costs, including higher intervals between engine service, gearbox and hydraulics. You'll be using less hydraulic oil, up to 80% less, as well.

Toyota Heavy Duty High Capacity Forklifts

Toyota's High-Capacity IC Pneumatic forklifts are the largest that Toyota manufactures, with models that boast an impressive lifting capacity of 62 tons or 125,000 lbs. The THD Series of IC pneumatic forklifts are Toyota's heavy load solution to moving even the most substantial loads. Ideal for use in ships yards, construction sites, lumber yards, heavy industry. This large, rugged, durable diesel forklift can handle almost any heavy load and is offered in (over 30) or 37 models to meet your exacting needs.

Toyota Technology On Display

Each truck in the THD series lineup is equipped with a MD4 7" touchscreen display for operators. This, the newest display applies the latest advancements in Toyota forklift technology which is seamlessly integrated into nearly every component of every truck. The touchscreen is able to deliver directly to the operator all pertinent information they might need with the latest customizable advanced diagnostics.

As with most new designs come lower lifetime and maintenance costs. THD model are right at home in lumberyards, ports, shipping yards, foundries, construction sites, heavy industry or anywhere you need equipment that's build strong, durable and reliable, that's able to meet your most demanding applications. 

Whether a Konecranes or Toyota forklift, when your application calls for lifting from 10 to 65 tons and you need the latest in technology to reach – or surpass – your financial goals while boosting productivity and safety, contact us to find your heavy-duty forklift solution.