An "extended lift forklift" is not a single machine type but a category of material handling equipment designed to lift loads beyond the capacity of standard counterbalance forklifts. This is achieved through three primary configurations: extendable counterbalance forklifts with movable rear counterweights, telehandlers with telescopic booms, and standard forklifts equipped with specialized attachments. Each serves a distinct set of heavy-duty and high-reach applications.
1. Extendable Counterbalance Forklifts – Movable Counterweight Design
This is the most specialized category of extended lift forklifts. The design features a rear counterweight that hydraulically extends backward, increasing the leverage required to balance extremely heavy loads. This allows the forklift to maintain a compact chassis while achieving lifting capacities far beyond similarly sized standard trucks.
Hoist FR Series – Industry Standard
The Hoist FR Series is the dominant brand in this category, offering capacities from 15,000 to 80,000 lbs (7 to 36 tonnes) with pneumatic tires and powerful diesel or LPG engines.
Model Capacity (Counterweight Retracted) Capacity (Counterweight Extended) Engine
FR 25/35 24,500 lbs 36,200 lbs 2.4L dual-fuel
FR 60/80 60,000 lbs 80,000 lbs Diesel (varies)
Versa Lift Series
A second major brand in the extendable counterbalance segment, offering capacities comparable to the Hoist FR line.
Model Capacity Engine
Versa Lift 40/60 27.2 tonnes (60,000 lbs) GM 3.0L LPG
Versa Lift 60/80 45.4 tonnes (100,000 lbs) GM 4.3L LPG
Applications: Heavy machine moving, steel handling, precast concrete, shipyards, and industrial maintenance.
2. Telehandlers – Telescopic Boom Design
Telehandlers are the most common extended lift solution. They combine forklift functionality with a telescopic boom that extends forward and upward, enabling loads to be placed over obstacles or onto elevated surfaces that standard forklifts cannot reach.
Key 2026 Models
Brand Model Lift Height Capacity Key Features
JCB Teletruk Up to 22 ft 5,500 lbs Forward reach for single-side truck loading
Liebherr T48-8s Extended — 550mm longer boom than predecessor
Wacker Neuson TH625 18 ft 6 in 5,511 lbs 2026 new release
Linde New series Up to 15 m — High-reach telescopic handler
Applications: Construction material placement, agriculture (hay bale stacking), warehouse high-bay access, and dock loading.
3. Standard Forklifts with Extended Lift Attachments
Standard counterbalance forklifts can achieve extended lift capability through specialized attachments:
Fork Extensions
Steel sleeves that slide over existing forks
Available lengths from 4 to 12 feet (1.2–3.6 m)
Reduce rated capacity significantly; derate by 30–50%
Must be certified and the forklift's data plate updated per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4)
Boom Attachments
Convert a standard forklift into a mobile crane
Capacities up to 10,000 lbs
Telescopic booms available for variable reach
Must be manufacturer-approved and operators retrained
Applications: Occasional long-load handling, lumber yards, pipe storage, and on-site material placement.
Buying Considerations
1. Define Your Application
Heavy loads, short distances, tight spaces → Extendable counterbalance forklift (Hoist FR, Versa Lift)
High reach, flexible positioning → Telehandler (JCB, Liebherr, Wacker Neuson, Linde)
Occasional long loads → Standard forklift with certified attachments
2. Match Capacity to Load
For extendable counterbalance forklifts, note that capacity changes significantly with the counterweight position. Always verify the capacity at the load center and counterweight position required for your operation.
3. Evaluate Workspace Constraints
Extendable counterbalance forklifts require rear clearance for counterweight extension.
Telehandlers need boom swing clearance.
Fork extensions require adequate aisle space and reduce maneuverability.
4. Verify OSHA Compliance
Any attachment that changes the forklift's load center or lifting capacity requires:
Written manufacturer approval
Updated data plate
Operator retraining
5. Consider Total Cost of Ownership
Extended lift solutions are significant capital investments. Factor in fuel/electricity costs, specialized maintenance, parts availability, and operator training.
Summary
Extended lift forklifts encompass three primary equipment types: extendable counterbalance forklifts (Hoist FR Series, 15,000–80,000 lbs capacity; Versa Lift Series), telehandlers (JCB Teletruk, Liebherr T48-8s, Wacker Neuson TH625, Linde telescopic models), and standard forklifts with certified attachments (fork extensions, telescopic booms). Each serves distinct applications: heavy machine moving and steel handling (extendable counterbalance), construction material placement and high-bay access (telehandlers), and occasional long-load handling (attachments). When selecting an extended lift solution, prioritize application fit, load capacity, workspace constraints, and OSHA compliance.