Abstract: Truck mounted forklift (200) for mounting on the rear of a vehicle. The truck mounted forklift comprises a u-shaped chassis (201) with a linkage (103) lifting assembly mounted thereon. The linkage lifting assembly comprises a carriage (101) slidably mounted on the chassis and a linkage, the linkage comprising a first link (105) connected to the carriage by a pivot joint (107) and a second link (109) connected to the first link by a pivot joint (111). A fork carriage (113) is connected to the other end of the second link. The second link comprises a telescopic link having a plurality of link sections nested together. Cylinders (115,117) are provided to operate the links and the telescopic link. The linkage is more compact than other duplex (i.e. two part) linkages, will not protrude rearwardly increasing the overhang of the forklift and will be able to be mounted and dismounted in a substantially vertical direction, obviating the need for reinforced, heavier tines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a truck mounted forklift for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle, the truck mounted forklift having a lifting assembly mounted on the chassis, the lifting assembly comprising a linkage, the linkage comprising: an elongate first link connected at its proximal end to the chassis by a pivot joint; an elongate second link connected at its proximal end to the distal end of the first link by a pivot joint; a fork carriage connected to the distal end of the second link by a pivot joint; a plurality of link cylinders for actuating the links; and a tilt cylinder for actuating the fork carriage. By having such a truck mounted forklift, top far side loads will be accessible without the lifting assembly coming into contact with the roof of the carrying vehicle or with bottom near side loads. Additionally, the front wheels of the truck mounted forklift will not need to be positioned under the carrying vehicle to reach top far side loads.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fork carriage for a truck mounted forklift, the fork carriage comprising an upright rear section for mounting onto the lifting assembly of the forklift, an upright forward section, shorter than the upright rear section, for reception of tines, and a pantograph linkage connecting the upright rear section and upright forward sections together. The pantograph linkage comprises a first and second linkage arm however the second linkage arm is shorter than the first linkage arm and does not extend all the way forward to the upright forward section. Instead, there is provided a third linkage arm with a hinge joint along its length, the third linkage arm being connected at various positions along its length to each of the first linkage arm, the second linkage arm and the upright forward section. In this way, the pantograph linkage can achieve the same reach with a lower upright forward section and access to top far side loads is facilitated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sectional hydraulic valve and a truck mounted forklift incorporating the distributor. The sectional hydraulic valve comprises an inlet cover, a plurality of hydraulic sections and an end cap. The hydraulic sections each having a pump gallery, a tank gallery, an A port, a B port, a spool and a remote pilot gallery. The end cap comprises a pump port coupled to the pump gallery, a tank port coupled to the tank gallery and a connecting conduit between the pump port and the tank port. The end cap further comprises a remote pilot gallery port coupled to the remote pilot gallery, a fluid passageway between the remote pilot gallery port and the connecting conduit, and a valve assembly operable to selectively permit or restrict flow of hydraulic fluid between the connecting conduit in the end cap and the remote pilot gallery in the hydraulic section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piggyback forklift truck and a method of operating same. The piggyback forklift truck comprises a motive power unit which includes an electric motor, a rechargeable battery pack powering the electric motor, a battery pack charging unit, a first electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, a DC/AC converter in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, and a second electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the DC/AC converter, the second electricity power supply being arranged for reception of an electrical power take off feed from a carrying vehicle. In this way, the piggyback forklift truck can be charged by the mains supply when the carrying vehicle is not in transit and can be trickle charged while the carrying vehicle is in transit. This will maximize the operating time of the electrically powered piggyback forklift truck while it is making deliveries to customers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piggyback forklift truck and a method of operating same. The piggyback forklift truck comprises a motive power unit which includes an electric motor, a rechargeable battery pack powering the electric motor, a battery pack charging unit, a first electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, a DC/AC converter in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, and a second electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the DC/AC converter, the second electricity power supply being arranged for reception of an electrical power take off feed from a carrying vehicle. In this way, the piggyback forklift truck can be charged by the mains supply when the carrying vehicle is not in transit and can be trickle charged while the carrying vehicle is in transit. This will maximize the operating time of the electrically powered piggyback forklift truck while it is making deliveries to customers.