The name "Bristol" in the forklift industry refers to two distinct, unrelated entities: a prominent materials handling equipment dealer in the United Kingdom, and an American manufacturer of specialized, heavy-capacity forklifts. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of both.
Bristol Forklifts Ltd – The UK Dealer
Bristol Forklifts Ltd is a leading independent supplier of forklift trucks and materials handling equipment in the South West of England. The company was established in May 2002 and is headquartered in Patchway, Bristol, England.
Key Facts:
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Patchway, Bristol, UK
Status: Acquired by Red Diamond Distribution in July 2018
Employees: 7
Primary Industry: Distributors/Wholesale
Products and Services
As a Mitsubishi dealer for over 20 years, Bristol Forklifts offers a wide range of equipment from globally designed trucks with leading-edge technology. Their offerings include:
Forklift Types: Pallet trucks, reach trucks, tow trucks, order pickers, stackers, VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) trucks, electric forklifts, diesel and LPG equipment
Expanded Range: Access platforms, articulated trucks, and cleaning equipment
Purchase Options: New and pre-used equipment available for outright purchase or immediate short-term and long-term rental
Awards and Recognition
Bristol Forklifts has earned significant industry recognition:
FLTA Customer Focus Award (2015): For commitment to delivering excellent sales, service, and customer support
Mitsubishi Gold Award: For outstanding service
National Forklift Dealer of the Year: Presented by the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA)
FLTA Audit Compliance: Among the first in the Westcountry to achieve this, confirming they work to standards higher than non-compliant companies
Contact Information
Address: Gloucester Road, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5BB, England, United Kingdom
Phone: 0117 969 4141
Bristol Manufacturing – The American Heavy-Lift Specialist
Bristol Manufacturing is a separate American company specializing in high-capacity and custom-built forklifts for the rigging and machine-moving industry.
Key Facts:
Founded: 1982 as a division of Bristol Steel
Focus: Re-manufacturing of high-capacity rigger forklifts and fabrication of heavy machinery mover carts
Expertise: The team consists of riggers themselves, designing forklifts tailored to specific customer needs
Products and Capabilities
Bristol Manufacturing is known for its "Rigger Special" series of heavy-duty forklifts. They not only re-manufacture forklifts but also build complete custom new lifts to customer specifications.
Notable models include:
Model Capacity Fuel Type Notes
RS 100/120 120,000 lbs Propane/Gas 2024 model, 10' max lifting height, 454 Chevy engine
RS-80 80,000 lbs Diesel Boom capacity 80,000 lbs, total weight ~40,460 lbs
RS-60 60,000 lbs Propane 2010 model
Mini Rigger 30,000 lbs — 56" width, 92" fork height
Custom Fabrication
Bristol Manufacturing is also known for custom fabrication projects, including building custom forklift booms to meet difficult design parameters.
Contact Information
Website: bristolmanufacturing.com
President: Rachelle Oliver (rachelle@bristolmanufacturing.com)
Vice President: Ray Oliver (roliver@bristolsteel.com)
Other Bristol-Area Forklift Resources
For those specifically looking for forklift services in the Bristol, UK area:
Alto Handling: Official Mitsubishi forklift dealer for Bristol, serving the South-West including Bristol, Bath, and Swindon
Bristol Forklift Training: Provides on-site forklift training courses using customer equipment
Supralift: Offers used forklift trucks in the Bristol area
Conclusion
When researching "Bristol forklifts," it is essential to distinguish between the two primary entities:
Bristol Forklifts Ltd – A UK-based, award-winning Mitsubishi dealer offering a comprehensive range of new and used equipment, rentals, and service across South West England.
Bristol Manufacturing – A US-based specialist in high-capacity (30,000–120,000 lbs) rigger forklifts and custom heavy-lift solutions for industrial applications.
Both organizations have built strong reputations in their respective markets through quality products, specialized expertise, and commitment to customer service. Whether you need a standard warehouse forklift from a trusted dealer or a massive custom-built rigger for heavy industrial moves, the "Bristol" name represents reliability and capability in material handling.