A Moffett forklift is a truck-mounted forklift, also known as a "piggyback" forklift. It is a compact, self-loading forklift that attaches to the back of a delivery truck or trailer, travels with the vehicle, and detaches at the delivery site to unload cargo independently . In short, it is a forklift that rides on the truck, so the driver never arrives at a job site without the ability to unload.
The Origin of the Moffett
The Moffett brand has deep roots in Irish engineering history. The company was founded by Cecil Moffett in 1945 in Clontibret, Ireland, as a small engineering workshop producing agricultural machinery for local farms . For decades, it remained a modest operation.
The breakthrough came in 1986. Moffett introduced the world's first fully functional truck-mounted forklift, a compact three-wheeled machine called the "Mounty" that could be carried on the back of almost any delivery truck or trailer, taking up virtually no loading space . This invention revolutionized the transportation industry. For the first time, delivery drivers could unload heavy goods at customer sites that had no loading dock or forklift of their own.
In 2000, Moffett became part of Hiab, a division of Cargotec Corporation, which rapidly expanded its global sales and distribution network . Today, Moffett has produced over 75,000 units and is sold in more than 50 countries worldwide, with manufacturing still based in Dundalk, Ireland .
How a Moffett Works
The defining feature of a Moffett is its truck-mounted design. The forklift is secured to the rear of a delivery vehicle using a mounting system built into the chassis. When the driver arrives at the delivery location, the forklift is detached, driven off the truck under its own power, and used to unload the cargo. After the delivery is complete, the forklift is driven back onto the truck and secured for transport to the next stop .
This design eliminates the need for the delivery site to have its own forklift, loading dock, or unloading crew. It also protects the delivery truck itself from wear and tear, as the truck can stay on paved roads while the Moffett handles the off-road approach to the delivery point .
The mounting and detachment process, which once required the driver to insert locking pins manually, has been streamlined in modern models. The Moffett M8 NX2 series, for example, features "Ground Assist" technology that allows the operator to mount or dismount the forklift using controls on the side of the machine while standing on the ground, without climbing into the seat .
Key Features
Maneuverability: Moffett forklifts are designed for tight spaces. Many models offer optional four-way steering, allowing the machine to move forward, backward, or sideways, enabling it to navigate through passageways as narrow as three meters (approximately 10 feet) .
All-Wheel Drive: Moffetts are built for rough terrain. With all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, they can operate on mud, gravel, snow, and uneven ground where standard warehouse forklifts would get stuck .
Freelift Mast System: Moffett holds patents for a "double-acting freelift mast" that allows the forks to be raised and lowered without extending the mast height. This is critical for two reasons. First, it allows the forklift to mount itself onto the truck by using "negative lift" to pull itself upward. Second, it enables operation in areas with low overhead clearance, such as inside truck trailers or under low ceilings .
Single-Side Offloading: Modern Moffetts, such as the M8 NX2, feature true single-side offloading capability. The forklift can reach across the entire width of the truck deck, unloading pallets from one side without needing to reposition the vehicle. This reduces handling time and simplifies deliveries in congested urban environments or on busy construction sites .
Connectivity: The M8 NX2 incorporates a CAN-bus electronic system that transmits operating data to a cloud platform. Fleet managers can monitor machine performance, maintenance status, and utilization remotely, helping plan service intervals and improve equipment availability .
Common Models and Specifications
Moffett M8 NX2: The next-generation model with lift capacity up to 8,000 pounds. It features an upgraded design with improved visibility, four-way steering option, ground assist functions for safer mounting, and a modern color display. Weight is approximately 5,768 pounds, with 120-inch lift height and 10 inches of ground clearance .
Moffett M8 NX2 (8,000 lb variant): A heavier-duty version with 8,000 pound lift capacity, also featuring the redesigned carriage and pantograph for better load visibility .
Moffett M50 Lite and M50 Standard: Models specifically recommended for scrap paper bale collection, weighing around 5,200 pounds, with options for bale clamps and rotating fork clamps .
Moffett eSeries: The electric, zero-emission version powered by lithium-ion batteries. Designed for urban deliveries and noise-sensitive zones, it reflects growing demand for cleaner, quieter operation. In 2019, Hiab delivered the 75,000th Moffett, which was an eSeries model .
Applications and Industries
Moffett forklifts are used across a wide range of industries :
Building Materials Distribution: Delivering lumber, bricks, roofing, drywall, and concrete blocks directly to construction sites with no loading dock.
Agriculture: Moving animal feed, fertilizer, fencing materials, and supplies across soft farm fields. The all-wheel drive ensures the machine does not get stuck in mud .
Retail and Grocery Delivery: Unloading paper bales, recycling materials, and palletized goods at stores with tight loading zones. The compact dimensions and maneuverability are critical in congested urban environments .
Gas Bottle Distribution: Handling heavy propane or industrial gas cylinders at customer sites.
Fire and Rescue: Used by emergency services for rapid deployment of equipment in difficult terrain.
Scrap and Recycling: Fitted with bale clamps to handle compressed paper or plastic bales from retail locations .
Moffett vs. Standard Forklifts
Unlike a standard warehouse forklift that stays in one building, a Moffett travels with the cargo. This eliminates the need for the delivery site to have its own forklift, loading dock, or unloading crew. The driver can deliver to any location, whether it is a farm, a construction site, a retail store, or a residential building, without waiting for someone else to provide unloading equipment.
Unlike a standard rough terrain forklift that requires a separate trailer and towing vehicle, a Moffett rides on the back of the delivery truck itself. No extra vehicle, no separate driver, no additional logistics.
This is why Moffett has become the dominant brand in the truck-mounted forklift category. As the originator of the concept, Moffett has had decades to refine the design, build a global service network, and earn the trust of fleets worldwide. The brand that Cecil Moffett started in a small Irish workshop now shapes the future of last-mile logistics, one delivery at a time .