The Prowler forklift is a truck-mounted (piggyback) forklift manufactured by Western (Custom Truck One Source) and designed for building material delivery, agriculture, construction, and logistics applications where job sites lack loading docks or on-site forklifts. It is built in Corona, California, and meets or exceeds ANSI B56.6 rough terrain forklift standards.
📊 Specifications (Prowler P55/P55R)
Specification Value
Lift Capacity @ 24" 5,200 lbs (2,360 kg)
Lift Height 120 inches (10 ft)
Overall Height (mounted) 101.5 inches
Mounted Overhang 76 inches
Width 100-101 inches
Ground Clearance 15 inches
Turning Radius 78 inches
Frame Opening 58 inches
Unladen Weight 6,630 lbs
Max Speed 7 mph
Engine Perkins Diesel, 49.6 HP, Tier 4 Final
Drive Wheels 3 (three-wheel drive)
Tires 31 x 15.5 (8 ply)
Mast Tilt 8° forward/backward
Side Shift 6 inches
🚛 Key Features
Truck-Mounted Design
The Prowler attaches securely to the rear of a delivery truck or trailer, travels with the vehicle, and detaches at job sites to unload cargo independently.
Three-Wheel Drive
Provides traction on rough terrain, mud, gravel, and slopes—essential for construction sites and lumber yards.
Side Shift
6 inches of hydraulic side shift allows precise load positioning without repositioning the entire forklift.
Rugged Construction
Strongest frame and mast components in its class with a robust steering design for tight maneuverability.
Rough Terrain Capability
15 inches of ground clearance and large pneumatic tires enable operation on unprepared surfaces.
💰 Pricing
Condition Model Price Source
New Prowler P55 $64,000 - $67,000 Crane Network
New Prowler P55R Call for price Machinery Trader
Used (2017) P60 (6,000 lb) Auction, no final price IronPlanet
Used (2015) P60 Starting at $50 (as-is auction) Housby
⚙️ Comparison: Prowler P55 vs. P60
Model Capacity Additional Info
P55 / P55R 5,200 lbs Standard model, 120" lift height
P60 6,000 lbs Higher capacity, 2-stage pantograph mast (144/110")
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
Pros:
US-manufactured (Corona, CA)
Solves last-mile delivery for sites without loading docks
5,200-6,000 lb capacity suitable for building materials
Rough terrain capability with high ground clearance
Cons:
High initial cost (~$64,000+ new)
Consumes payload capacity of delivery truck
Requires proper truck mounting kit installation
Maintenance requires trained technicians
📌 The Bottom Line
The Prowler forklift is a purpose-built truck-mounted unit for businesses that deliver building materials, lumber, roofing supplies, or agricultural products to sites without unloading facilities. It is manufactured in the US, offers 5,200-6,000 lb capacity, and features three-wheel drive for rough terrain. New pricing is approximately $64,000-$67,000, with used units available at auction.
Best for: Lumber yards, construction material delivery, roofing supply, agriculture, and any business facing the "last-mile" delivery challenge where customers lack on-site unloading equipment.
Would you like information on mounting requirements or compatible truck specifications for the Prowler?