Given that I've been accumulation bunches of obsolete machine tools, most of which rival the Titanic in size and weight, I've been sort of halfheartedly window shopping for a forklift- - - - -one that can navigate somewhat unstable environments like a gravel driveway or even hard-packed dirt. Well- - - - -the search is over. I've just become the proud (?) owner of a 4 cylinder, medium-sized Clark pneumatic tire lift, one that's probably got a load capacity of 3-4 tons, and a lift of around 8 feet. Hydraulic side shift of the forks of 6-8 inches or so, to boot!
Now the downside- - - - - -it's Propane fueled and hasn't been run in several years. The current owner could make it run on starting fluid, but he didn't know enough about LP gas carburetion to get it going. I'm planning to do a thorough rehab of hydraulic lines, polish up some surface rust on cylinder shafts, convert it to gasoline fuel, and generally try to shortstop a bunch of minor issues before they turn into major disasters. The good news is- - - - -I almost stole the thing! I responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad the day AFTER the owner had begun scavenging usable parts before heading to the scrap yard with it, so it's getting delivered to me on Sunday morning for less than the Marketplace asking price, including the stuff that was removed! (Which was ridiculously low to begin with!) The engine turns freely, and it comes with a freshly rebuilt starter and alternator. Sometimes the Bird Of Paradise actually does deliver a gift instead of a big load of fertilizer!)
Jerry
Last edited by Peggy M; 03/28/2026 1:23 PM.
