Loading a pallet onto a truck usually means having a forklift at both ends of the trip, or hauling extra equipment along to do the lifting. LiftPro Beds, formerly sold as Bristow Beds, takes a different approach: it replaces a truck’s bed with a flatbed that has a forklift mechanism built into it. The truck itself becomes the lifting machine, so a driver can pick up a load at one location and set it down at another without a separate forklift waiting at either end.
The company describes the concept as combining the versatility of a truck with the capabilities of a forklift, and sums up its mission as moving “the world one skid at a time.”
Who makes it
LiftPro is a product of Humdinger Equipment and is produced in Lubbock, Texas. The company states the design came out of Humdinger’s engineering background in heavy equipment, which it credits for the bed’s durability. Notably, the company says there are virtually no electrical motors or sensors in the bed, a deliberate choice meant to help it hold up in harsh working conditions. The product is American made and uses patented lift technology.
HD-4500 model
The HD-4500 is rated to lift 4,500 lbs (about 2,041 kg) with the load centered 24 inches (61 cm) out on the forks. It is designed for Class III, IV, and V cab-chassis trucks, specifically 3500, 4500, and 5500 platforms. A standard HD-4500 weighs approximately 3,980 lbs (1,805 kg). It currently fits Ford, Ram, and Chevrolet/GMC trucks, and the company says other models may work on request.
How the lifting works
The forks tilt independently. The HD-4500 uses a fluid-transfer leveling method. The company notes that this is not a true self-leveling system: the operator first sets the fork pitch for the job, and the system then automatically compensates through the lift arc for changes caused by the truck’s suspension compressing as the load shifts past the break-over point.
The forks move side to side using hydraulic ram cylinders and are powered by a PTO- or belt-driven hydraulic pump, mounted by the upfitter at a target flow rate of 7 gallons per minute (about 26.5 liters per minute) and plumbed directly to the bed. The hydraulic system uses a special low-temperature fluid blend supplied by Schaeffer Oil.
The lift deck does not attach to the forks. Instead, it functions as a skid to move materials on and off the truck bed and is secured to the frame by a spring-loaded four-point locking mechanism.
Controls, cameras, and towing
The HD-4500 includes both a wireless remote and an integrated wired remote, allowing the operator to control the lifting system from inside or outside the truck, depending on what is safest for the load.
A high-definition wired backup camera with a 9-inch monitor comes standard, positioned to provide a clear view of the fork area during operation. Up to four cameras can be added, and their positions are adjustable.
For towing, the bed includes a standard 30,000-lb gooseneck ball, a 2-inch receiver hitch, and both 7-blade RV and 4-pin flat trailer electrical connectors.
Build and installation
The bed is powder coated. The company describes a manufacturing process that includes abrasive blasting with steel grit, followed by a six-stage chemical pretreatment and a textured black powder coating designed to resist corrosion and UV exposure.
The HD-4500 installs using universal brackets with pre-drilled mounting points, which the company says allows experienced truck upfitters to complete installation without fabrication work. LiftPro recommends installing helper springs or air bags before mounting the bed.
A few practical limits are worth noting. Like any forklift, the HD-4500 lifts one pallet at a time. The company positions its advantage as allowing a single truck to haul a trailer of pallets and unload them independently at multiple delivery locations.
Lifting should always be performed on level ground with the load centered. The protective side skirts are mandatory, as the company describes them as integral safety shields. And while the lifting mechanism can sometimes exceed a truck’s gross vehicle weight rating, LiftPro emphasizes that operators remain responsible for staying within the vehicle’s rated limits.
Use cases
LiftPro lists a broad range of intended users, including general contractors moving materials between job sites, delivery drivers unloading pallets without an on-site forklift, mechanical contractors handling equipment such as boilers and chillers, landscapers transporting stone or sod, supply warehouses, utility crews moving transformers or wire reels, agricultural operations handling hay and feed, and military logistics.
Availability
LiftPro beds are sold directly through Humdinger Equipment, which serves customers across North America. Orders can be placed by phone, email, or through the company’s contact page. Installation of the HD-4500 can be arranged through a nationwide network of qualified truck upfitters, a customer’s preferred installer, or a factory-authorized location.
Pricing is not publicly listed on the company’s website. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact LiftPro directly for a customized quote, compatibility confirmation, and installation recommendations based on their truck.
Source: LiftPro Beds
