A Versa-Lift forklift is a specialized heavy-duty industrial truck manufactured by Custom Mobile Equipment, Inc. , founded in 1993 and based in Baldwin City, Kansas. Its defining feature is an extendable counterweight that slides in and out to maintain stability, allowing the machine to be up to 50% smaller than conventional forklifts of similar capacity. This compact design enables it to work in confined spaces such as factories and ships where standard heavy forklifts cannot operate. Versa-Lifts are commonly used for machinery moving, plant maintenance, and industrial rigging.
Key Models and Specifications
The Versa-Lift product line includes models identified by two numbers representing their retracted and extended capacities.
Model Retracted Capacity Extended Capacity (Max Reach) Engine Max Lift Height (Boom)
25/35 25,000 lbs 35,000 lbs 3.0L GM LPG Not specified
40/60 40,000 lbs 60,000 lbs (27.2 tonnes) 3.0L GM LPG 7.9 m
60/80 60,000 lbs 80,000 lbs (36.3 tonnes) 4.3L GM LPG 8.18 m
Note: With the counterweight fully extended, the 60/80 model can lift up to 100,000 lbs. The 60/80 has a total gross weight of 36.3 tonnes and a removable counterweight of 13.6 tonnes. The 40/60 weighs 25.85 tonnes with a 6.8-tonne counterweight.
All models use LPG fuel and feature a removable hydraulic boom for extended reach. The 25/35 model uses a two-speed hydrostatic transmission, while the 40/60 and 60/80 offer forward tilt of 10-12° and backward tilt of 7°. Maximum fork lift heights range from 2.54 m to 2.59 m from the base position.
Key Features and Benefits
Extendable Counterweight Design: A sliding counterweight retracts for travel and maneuverability, then extends outward during lifting to counterbalance heavy loads. This patented mechanism provides stability for heavy or off-center loads.
Removable Hydraulic Boom: Equipped with a hydraulic boom that can be removed when not needed, extending the machine's reach for positioning loads.
Superior Maneuverability: The compact design enables operation in tight spaces where standard heavy forklifts cannot fit.
High Capacity: Models are capable of lifting up to 100,000 lbs when the counterweight is fully extended.
Precision Control: Hydraulic systems provide fine control for delicate component positioning.
Applications
Versa-Lift forklifts are used in heavy machinery moving, plant maintenance and relocation, industrial rigging, shipyards and confined marine environments, large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, and manufacturing plant maintenance.
Where to Buy
New and used Versa-Lift forklifts are available through:
Custom Mobile Equipment, Inc. – Manufacturer direct
Machinio – New and used listings (2024 60/80 with 217 hours)
Allelys – UK hire with operator
BigRentz – US rental
Merritts – UK heavy machinery moving
The bottom line: The Versa-Lift is a specialized heavy-duty forklift with an extendable counterweight that allows compact maneuverability while lifting up to 100,000 lbs. Manufactured by Custom Mobile Equipment in Kansas, key models include the 40/60 (60,000 lbs) and 60/80 (80,000 lbs), powered by GM LPG engines. Used for machinery moving, plant maintenance, and rigging in confined spaces, they are available for purchase, rental, or hire with an operator.