Business Details
31 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Material Handling Solutions in the South East
Established in 1995, Fork Truck Direct has built a reputation as a leading independent dealer in material handling and warehouse equipment across the South East of England. Our expertise spans the sales, hire, servicing, and parts supply of forklift trucks, pallet trucks, and straddle carriers, with a specialist focus on lithium-ion electric solutions. With over 50 staff, including 21 mobile service engineers operating a fleet of 27 vans, we provide rapid response times and comprehensive support to industries in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent, and London. As the UK's leading HELI lithium forklift distributor and a trusted partner for brands like Doosan Bobcat, Combilift, and CESAB, we combine cutting-edge technology with decades of operational experience.Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our 2024 HELI Dealer of the Year award and a client base that includes long-standing partnerships with companies like Aspall Suffolk Cyder and Eat Natural. Through tailored solutions, competitive financing options, and a 15-bay workshop for refurbishments and repairs, we ensure businesses achieve optimal efficiency and compliance. Our transparent service management system grants clients full visibility over maintenance schedules and costs, while our 24-hour parts delivery network guarantees minimal downtime for critical operations.
Services
Forklift Sales
Forklift Hire
Servicing & Repair
Parts Supply
Lithium Battery Solutions
Equipment Refurbishment
CFTS Examinations
Breakdown Cover
Workshop Repairs
Container Handling
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of expertise in material handling solutions
- Over 50 staff including 21 mobile service engineers
- 4-hour average response time for breakdown support
- UK's leading HELI lithium forklift distributor
- Nationwide parts delivery within 24 hours
What people say
Reliable service
Expert support
Efficient solutions
Timely repairs
Cost-effective
Services
Forklift Hire
We offer short-term and long-term forklift hire solutions tailored to operational demands. Our fleet includes counterbalance, articulated, and warehouse-specific models from Doosan, Combilift, and HELI. All hires include maintenance coverage, breakdown support, and CFTS examinations, with delivery available within a week. This service helps businesses avoid upfront costs while accessing the latest technology.
Lithium Battery Solutions
As the UK's leading HELI lithium distributor, we specialise in zero-emission forklift power systems. Our CATL lithium battery technology reduces maintenance costs by 40% and eliminates emissions, ideal for enclosed environments. We provide full lifecycle support including installation, servicing, and recycling, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency for businesses transitioning from diesel or gas-powered equipment.
Servicing & Repair
Our 21 mobile engineers and 8 support staff deliver rapid breakdown response within 4 hours. We offer scheduled Type A services, CFTS examinations, and workshop repairs using genuine parts. With a 15-bay facility and 24/7 parts availability, we ensure minimal downtime for fleets across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Kent.
Parts Supply
We stock 93% of required components for HELI, Doosan, and Combilift equipment, with 24-hour delivery for non-stocked items. Our parts operation covers hydraulic oils, tyres, filters, and attachments, supported by dedicated controllers and a nationwide logistics network to maintain operational continuity for clients.
Equipment Refurbishment
Our 30-year refurbishment programme includes a 135-point inspection, welding, repainting, and CFTS certification. Using in-house spray booths and machining facilities, we restore diesel, gas, and electric forklifts to near-new condition with full warranty coverage, providing cost-effective alternatives to new equipment purchases.
People
Jimmy Pascavage
Sales Manager
With over 18 years at Fork Truck Direct, Jimmy specialises in tailored material handling solutions. He has supported clients like Eat Natural with efficiency improvements, delivering 14 Doosan forklifts for their production operations.
Dave Savill
Workshop Manager
Dave leads our 15-bay refurbishment workshop with 30+ years of industrial vehicle expertise. He oversees the 135-point inspection process and ensures all refurbished units meet CFTS standards before delivery.
Questions
What areas do you cover for forklift services?
We serve Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent, and London with sales, hire, servicing, and parts supply.
Do you offer financing options for equipment purchases?
Yes, we provide competitive hire purchase and lease agreements through approved financial partners.
How quickly can you respond to breakdowns?
Our average engineer attendance time is under 4 hours for emergency service calls.
Are lithium forklifts suitable for warehouse use?
Yes, our HELI lithium models emit zero emissions and are ideal for enclosed environments.
Do you provide CFTS thorough examinations?
Yes, we schedule annual CFTS examinations and provide certification for all maintained equipment.
