The Lowry forklift is a heavy-capacity industrial lift truck designed by the Canadian-based Manitex Liftking Group . Its specialty is moving extremely heavy loads—from 18,000 to 45,000 lbs—in spaces where a typical large forklift simply cannot maneuver . This is achieved through a compact design that pairs high capacity with a narrow footprint .
Who Makes It and What It's For
Lowry forklifts are manufactured by the Liftking Manufacturing Corp., a company with a strong reputation in rough-terrain and high-capacity material handling . The brand is known for being "hand-built" and customizable for unique industrial applications .
They are primarily designed for demanding indoor and industrial applications where a combination of high lifting capacity and minimal operating space is required . Common uses include:
Heavy Machinery Relocation: Moving large equipment within factories .
Manufacturing: Handling oversized parts and materials .
Steel and Metal Service Centers: Lifting heavy coils, plates, and beams.
Ports and Heavy Logistics: Moving massive, dense cargo.
Key Features and Specifications
A Lowry forklift is typically a solid-tire, propane-powered machine built for durability and control . Some of its defining features include:
High Capacity, Small Footprint: Models range from 18,000 to 45,000 lbs capacity but are often less than 1,500mm (approx. 59 inches) wide .
Propane Power: Most Lowry forklifts are powered by propane engines, making them suitable for indoor use where diesel emissions would be a concern .
Advanced Transmission: They feature an electronically controlled Dana 3-speed powershift transmission for smooth, precise control .
Heavy-Duty Mast: Equipped with a heavy-duty clear-view roller mast and hydraulic side shift as standard .
Capabilities: Lift heights are available up to 32 feet, with various mast options tailored to specific needs . For instance, a 2023 model with a 3-stage mast reached 130 inches .
Customization: Lowry offers the ability to "custom build masts and carriages" for specialized applications like container entry .
Where Can You Find One?
Lowry forklifts are a niche, high-capacity product rather than a mainstream warehouse forklift. You can typically find them through:
Authorized Dealers: Dealers like Lencrow Materials Handling (in Australia) and Atlas Toyota (in Illinois) carry the Lowry line . Wisconsin Industrial Truck Co. is another distributor .
Industrial Auctions: A 2023 Lowry model with 45,000 lbs capacity and a 3-stage mast was listed for sale at auction .
The Bottom Line
A Lowry forklift is a specialist's tool. It is the right choice for industries that need to move enormous, heavy loads in environments where a typical large forklift would be too wide or unwieldy. Its combination of high capacity, compact design, and customizability makes it a powerful solution for specific, demanding applications .