In the fast-paced world of South African logistics and construction, time is money—and efficiency is everything. As competition increases and project timelines tighten, industry leaders are rethinking their material handling strategies. Enter the Moffett Truck-Mounted Forklift, a powerful tool that’s quietly reshaping last-mile delivery and remote site logistics. For companies ready to elevate their operational game, Moffett offers a compelling value proposition: greater speed, lower costs, enhanced safety, and a rapid return on investment.
What Is a Truck-Mounted Forklift?
A truck-mounted forklift, sometimes called a piggyback forklift, is a self-contained, portable material handling unit mounted on the rear of a truck or trailer. Unlike traditional forklifts, Moffetts travel with the delivery vehicle and can be dismounted quickly to handle loading and unloading on-site—without the need for additional equipment or waiting for site-based machinery.
Moffett, part of the globally trusted Hiab brand under Cargotec Corporation, is the gold standard in this category. With a legacy rooted in rugged engineering and innovative design, Moffett Truck-Mounted Forklifts are purpose-built to deliver performance in challenging environments.
Last-Mile Delivery: A South African Challenge
South Africa’s logistics landscape is uniquely complex. Rural infrastructure gaps, variable road conditions, and high theft risks make last-mile delivery particularly demanding. The traditional delivery model—where trucks arrive at depots or sites and wait for separate forklifts to handle unloading—often results in costly delays, bottlenecks, and increased labour dependency.
Moffett forklifts directly solve these inefficiencies.
Key Benefits for Last-Mile Logistics
- Autonomous Offloading: No more waiting for on-site equipment. The Moffett can be deployed within minutes of arrival.
- Reduced Fleet Downtime: Delivery trucks spend less time idle, improving asset utilisation.
- Versatile Terrain Handling: Moffett models offer excellent mobility over rough terrain, ideal for unpaved or construction-heavy delivery zones.
- Load Versatility: Moffetts can handle a wide range of cargo, from pallets to pipe bundles and bricks, enhancing delivery flexibility.
ROI Analysis: When Do Moffetts Pay for Themselves?
Investing in a truck-mounted forklift can seem like a big upfront cost—but the numbers tell a different story. Let’s explore how Moffetts deliver a strong ROI for South African businesses.
1. Time Savings = Cost Savings
A typical delivery involving a standard truck and a site-based forklift may take 60–90 minutes from arrival to departure. In contrast, a Moffett-equipped truck can unload in 15–30 minutes, with no need to wait for assistance.
Assume a logistics firm has 5 delivery trucks operating 2 rounds per day. By saving even 45 minutes per delivery, the company gains:
- 7.5 hours/day in truck availability
- 37.5 hours/week, translating to nearly 2 extra delivery days per week
This directly boosts fleet efficiency and delivery capacity—without investing in more trucks or drivers.
2. Reduced Labour Costs
On many sites, dedicated forklift operators must be present for each delivery. A Moffett reduces or eliminates this requirement. In environments with high wage overheads or unionised labour, this represents substantial long-term savings.
3. Lower Equipment Redundancy
Instead of keeping multiple forklifts at dispersed locations (and paying for maintenance, storage, insurance, and fuel), a company can centralise investment into versatile, mobile units like the Moffett.
4. Fewer Damages, Fewer Claims
Moffetts allow precise, controlled loading and unloading—often by trained company drivers. This reduces damage to goods and pallets, decreasing the number of insurance claims, disputes, and client dissatisfaction incidents.
5. Payback Period
Depending on usage frequency and type of operation, most companies report full ROI within 12 to 24 months of acquisition. High-utilisation cases, like construction material suppliers or beverage distributors, often reach breakeven sooner.
Workplace Safety in Focus: A Game-Changer
South Africa’s construction and logistics sectors face serious safety challenges. The industry accounts for a high number of workplace injuries and fatalities each year, often linked to poor material handling protocols and the use of outdated equipment.
How Moffetts Improve Safety
- Built-In Stability Systems: Advanced load balancing and hydraulic stabilisers enhance safety on uneven ground.
- Operator Visibility: Open cabs and wide-angle viewing reduce blind spots.
- Precision Controls: Intuitive controls reduce operator error, ensuring safer handling even in confined spaces.
- Remote and Harsh Terrain Use: On rugged or inaccessible sites where cranes or full-size forklifts are unsafe, Moffetts excel.
Faster delivery also reduces the time vehicles and personnel spend on-site—lowering exposure to theft, hijacking, or environmental hazards.
Construction Applications: Built for the Jobsite
In construction, delays in material delivery can throw off an entire project schedule. Waiting for crane operators, on-site forklifts, or labour teams can mean costly standstills.
Why Moffetts Are a Construction Site’s Best Friend
- Rapid Material Offload: Deliver and unload bricks, timber, pipes, or roofing where needed—no dumping zones required.
- On-Site Mobility: Many Moffett models offer all-wheel drive and large pneumatic tyres for sand, mud, or rough terrain.
- Compact Design: Manoeuvre easily through tight jobsite corridors or between buildings.
- Modular Use: Reload surplus or off-spec materials without additional equipment.
For projects in remote areas (mines, wind farms, rural developments), Moffetts are often the only feasible offloading solution.
Engineering Excellence: What Makes Moffett Stand Out?
The success of Moffett forklifts stems from engineering innovation that prioritises durability, power, and flexibility.
Notable Features Include
- Lightweight Yet Rugged Frames: Built of high-strength steel for extreme environments.
- Quick Mount/Dismount System: Patented hook-on/hook-off in under a minute.
- Hydrostatic Drive: Smooth performance with excellent torque on inclines.
- Low Emissions Options: Diesel, electric, and hybrid models available.
- Custom Attachments: Add rotators, fork positioners, long-fork extensions and more.
All backed by Hiab’s global support—with full parts availability and technical servicing across South Africa.
Moffett vs Traditional Forklift Methods: A Comparison
Feature | Traditional Forklift | Moffett Truck-Mounted Forklift |
Mobility | Static, site-bound | Fully mobile, mounts on truck |
Delivery Time | Slower | Faster, self-unloading |
Labour | Requires operators on-site | One operator manages all |
Terrain Handling | Level surfaces only | Excellent off-road performance |
Capital Cost | High per site | One unit serves multiple sites |
ROI | 3–5 years | Often within 2 years |
Ideal Use | Warehouses | Construction, remote logistics |
Industry Use Cases in South Africa
1. Building Materials Suppliers
Suppliers delivering bricks, cement, tiles, and timber across sites report a reduction in turnaround time with Moffetts.
2. Retail and FMCG Distribution
Retailers serving peri-urban or informal areas rely on Moffetts for rapid delivery where on-site infrastructure is limited.
3. Farming and Agriculture
Rural agricultural operations use Moffetts for offloading feed, fertiliser, and equipment without the need for costly yard forklifts.
4. Event Logistics
Events and exhibitions benefit from quick setup and takedown—Moffetts can operate in parking lots, stadiums, and other temporary venues.
Overcoming Common Objections
“It’s too expensive.”
With measurable time savings, reduced labour, and faster ROI, Moffetts are a cost-effective long-term investment.
“What if the forklift breaks down?”
Shamrock offers local service centres, spare parts, and responsive maintenance to keep your operation running smoothly.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing
- Electric Moffetts (eSeries) offer silent, emission-free operation.
- Optimised fleet use means fewer trips and lower CO₂ emissions.
- Centralised investment reduces the need for site-based machinery, cutting environmental overhead.
Investing in Moffetts helps businesses align with ESG commitments and future regulatory standards.
Why Shamrock Forklifts Is Your Ideal Partner
As a trusted South African provider, Shamrock Forklifts offers more than just sales—we deliver:
- Expert Consultation on fleet integration and terrain compatibility
- Flexible Financing Packages to reduce capital strain
- Parts, Maintenance & Servicing across the country
The Case for Truck-Mounted Forklifts Is Clear
South African companies that demand efficiency, safety, and smart logistics are turning to Moffett Truck-Mounted Forklifts to future-proof their operations. These machines reduce costs, increase delivery speed, and elevate customer satisfaction—often paying for themselves in under two years.