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Prowler Forklift: Truck-Mounted Material Handling

Published time：

2026-06-15

Author：

Xin Hong Guang

Source：

Xin Hong Guang

Abstract

The Prowler forklift is a truck-mounted (piggyback) forklift manufactured by Western (Custom Truck One Source) and designed for building material delivery, agriculture, construction, and logistics applications where job sites lack loading docks or on-site forklifts. It is built in Corona, California, and meets or exceeds ANSI B56.6 rough terrain forklift standards.📊 Specifications (Prowler P55/P55R)Specification ValueLift Capacity @ 24" 5,200 lbs (2,360 kg)Lift Height 120 inches (10 ft)Overall Height (mounted) 101.5 inchesMounted Overhang 76 inchesWidth 100-101 inchesGround Clearance 15 inchesTurning Radius 78 inchesFrame Opening 58 inchesUnladen Weight 6,630 lbsMax Speed 7 mphEngine Perkins Diesel, 49.6 HP, Tier 4 FinalDrive Wheels 3 (three-wheel drive)Tires 31 x 15.5 (8 ply)Mast Tilt 8° forward/backwardSide Shift 6 inches🚛 Key FeaturesTruck-Mounted DesignThe Prowler attaches securely to the rear of a delivery truck or trailer, travels with the vehicle, and detaches at job sites to un

The Prowler forklift is a truck-mounted (piggyback) forklift manufactured by Western (Custom Truck One Source) and designed for building material delivery, agriculture, construction, and logistics applications where job sites lack loading docks or on-site forklifts. It is built in Corona, California, and meets or exceeds ANSI B56.6 rough terrain forklift standards.


📊 Specifications (Prowler P55/P55R)

Specification Value

Lift Capacity @ 24" 5,200 lbs (2,360 kg)

Lift Height 120 inches (10 ft)

Overall Height (mounted) 101.5 inches

Mounted Overhang 76 inches

Width 100-101 inches

Ground Clearance 15 inches

Turning Radius 78 inches

Frame Opening 58 inches

Unladen Weight 6,630 lbs

Max Speed 7 mph

Engine Perkins Diesel, 49.6 HP, Tier 4 Final

Drive Wheels 3 (three-wheel drive)

Tires 31 x 15.5 (8 ply)

Mast Tilt 8° forward/backward

Side Shift 6 inches

🚛 Key Features

Truck-Mounted Design

The Prowler attaches securely to the rear of a delivery truck or trailer, travels with the vehicle, and detaches at job sites to unload cargo independently.


Three-Wheel Drive

Provides traction on rough terrain, mud, gravel, and slopes—essential for construction sites and lumber yards.


Side Shift

6 inches of hydraulic side shift allows precise load positioning without repositioning the entire forklift.


Rugged Construction

Strongest frame and mast components in its class with a robust steering design for tight maneuverability.


Rough Terrain Capability

15 inches of ground clearance and large pneumatic tires enable operation on unprepared surfaces.


💰 Pricing

Condition Model Price Source

New Prowler P55 $64,000 - $67,000 Crane Network

New Prowler P55R Call for price Machinery Trader

Used (2017) P60 (6,000 lb) Auction, no final price IronPlanet

Used (2015) P60 Starting at $50 (as-is auction) Housby

⚙️ Comparison: Prowler P55 vs. P60

Model Capacity Additional Info

P55 / P55R 5,200 lbs Standard model, 120" lift height

P60 6,000 lbs Higher capacity, 2-stage pantograph mast (144/110")

👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

Pros:


US-manufactured (Corona, CA)


Solves last-mile delivery for sites without loading docks


5,200-6,000 lb capacity suitable for building materials


Rough terrain capability with high ground clearance


Cons:


High initial cost (~$64,000+ new)


Consumes payload capacity of delivery truck


Requires proper truck mounting kit installation


Maintenance requires trained technicians


📌 The Bottom Line

The Prowler forklift is a purpose-built truck-mounted unit for businesses that deliver building materials, lumber, roofing supplies, or agricultural products to sites without unloading facilities. It is manufactured in the US, offers 5,200-6,000 lb capacity, and features three-wheel drive for rough terrain. New pricing is approximately $64,000-$67,000, with used units available at auction.


Best for: Lumber yards, construction material delivery, roofing supply, agriculture, and any business facing the "last-mile" delivery challenge where customers lack on-site unloading equipment.


Would you like information on mounting requirements or compatible truck specifications for the Prowler?

Keywords：
prowler forklift
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