What is a small forklift used for?
A small forklift does the same basic job as a full-size counterbalance truck, lifting and moving pallets, in a much smaller footprint. Mini forklifts are used where space, height or floor loading rules out a standard machine: shops and showrooms, mezzanine floors, older buildings with low doorways, and workshops where the truck shares space with people and machinery.
The EFS 151 is a three-wheel counterbalance design. Unlike a pallet stacker, it has no legs running under the pallet, so it can pick loads from the floor, a lorry bed or a racking beam and turn quickly in a confined area.
EFS 151 specifications
| Specification |
EFS 151 |
| Rated capacity |
1,500 kg |
| Load centre |
500 mm |
| Lift height |
3,000 mm standard, up to 4,500 mm |
| Lowered mast height |
1,980 mm (standard mast) |
| Overhead guard height |
1,995 mm |
| Overall length |
2,717 mm |
| Overall width |
1,060 mm |
| Turning radius |
1,535 mm |
| Aisle width (1,000 × 1,200 mm pallet) |
3,000 mm |
| Travel speed (laden/unladen) |
8/9 km/h |
| Lift speed (laden/unladen) |
0.25/0.30 m/s |
| Drive / lift motor |
6 kW / 5 kW |
| Battery |
48V/150Ah lithium-ion |
| Charger |
Integrated 48V/30A |
| Service weight |
2,200 kg |
Figures are taken from EP’s published EFS 151 brochure for the standard mast. Taller masts reduce the capacity at full height, so we will confirm what the truck can lift at your racking height before quoting.
Why a compact electric forklift works in tight spaces
Low height. With the standard mast lowered, the EFS 151 measures 1,980 mm, and the overhead guard sits at 1,995 mm. That gets it through doorways and under mezzanines and low ceilings that would stop a full-size truck.
Tight turning. The single rear wheel gives a 1,535 mm turning radius, and the truck needs a 3,000 mm aisle to stack a standard 1,000 × 1,200 mm pallet. It can work between shelving, around stock and in loading areas that leave little room to manoeuvre.
Light weight. At 2,200 kg with the battery fitted, it is considerably lighter than most counterbalance trucks. That helps on suspended floors and mezzanines, although floor loading should always be checked with a structural engineer before any truck goes up there.
Lithium-ion battery and built-in charger
The 48V/150Ah lithium-ion battery is sealed and needs no watering, and the 48V/30A charger is built into the truck. There is no separate charger to wall-mount and no dedicated charging area to set aside, which matters in a shop or small unit where every square metre is in use.
Lithium-ion is happy with partial charges, so the truck can go on charge at breaks and between jobs rather than waiting until it is flat. With no fumes and very little noise, it can work during opening hours or close to staff without disruption.
EP’s preventive service app connects to the truck over Bluetooth, giving our engineers live readings, settings and fault codes on the spot. That makes routine servicing quicker and helps catch problems before they stop the truck.
Is the EFS 151 the right size for you?
The EFS 151 is a good fit for loads up to 1.5 tonnes, lift heights up to 4.5 metres and smooth, level floors where space or headroom is tight. It is less suited to rough yards, heavier loads or high racking.
If you need to work outside on uneven ground, look at the four-wheel CPD15/20/30/35L1(S). For a larger three-wheel truck with more battery capacity, see the CPD15/18/20 TVL. High racking in narrow aisles is a job for our reach trucks, and if you only move pallets at floor level, a pallet truck may be all you need. The full line-up is on our electric forklift trucks page.
Buy, hire or lease the EFS 151
The EFS 151 can be bought outright, taken on contract hire or lease, or hired short term. A month’s hire is a low-cost way to check it fits through your doors and around your stock before you commit. See our hire and leasing options.
Planned maintenance, breakdown cover and LOLER thorough examinations are all handled by our own engineers. See servicing and repairs.
