New Holland F50 Off-Road Forklift: A Purpose-Built Farm Machine

New Holland’s Take on the Off-Road Forklift

When you think forklifts, New Holland Construction might not be the first name that comes to mind. Most folks picture tractors, hay tools, or harvesters. But every so often, a piece of equipment rolls in that makes us stop and take a second look — like the New Holland F50 off-road forklift.

This machine blends agricultural know-how with construction durability, giving orchard and vineyard operators a forklift that can go where pavement ends. It’s one of those purpose-built, hard-to-find tools that shows just how creative New Holland can be.

Born from the LB75 Tractor-Loader-Backhoe

Instead of starting from scratch, New Holland engineers used their proven LB75 tractor-loader-backhoe as the foundation. They stripped off the loader and backhoe, reversed the cab, and mounted a heavy-duty fork assembly to the rear.

The result is a capable four-wheel-drive forklift with all the strength of a TLB and the finesse needed for handling fruit bins and produce crates across uneven ground.

Engineered for Specialty Agriculture

New Holland is no stranger to specialty equipment. From narrow vineyard tractors to orchard sprayers, they’ve always built machines for the jobs that others overlook. The F50 fits right into that mindset — a farm-focused forklift built to move crops, not concrete blocks.

Its hydraulic cushioning system smooths out bumps in the field, protecting delicate cargo. Up top, a unique hydraulic pinching mechanism grips stacked crates from both ends, preventing them from shifting or tumbling during transport.

Innovative Mast and Hydraulic Design

Most forklifts let the fork frame slide side-to-side, but the F50 does things differently. The entire mast assembly shifts, keeping loads perfectly centered. That means better stability and less counterbalancing — ideal for navigating slopes or soft ground.

The mast includes multiple hydraulic functions for tilt, lift, side shift, and clamping. It’s a thoughtful design that shows this isn’t a repurposed forklift — it’s a true off-road handler.

Cab Layout and Controls

Inside the cab, you won’t find luxury finishes — just practical, durable controls meant for long workdays. The New Holland construction layout is familiar, with four main levers to run mast functions and a simple shuttle reverser beside the steering wheel.

The cab model includes heat and air conditioning while maintaining clear visibility, which is key when maneuvering in tight orchard rows. The four-speed synchro-mesh transmission can hit up to 24 mph, making it quick to move between fields and storage areas.

Performance and Limitations

At Messick’s, we always like to be transparent about both the pros and cons. The F50’s main limitation is its 5,500-pound lift capacity. That’s ideal for produce bins but light for industrial material handling. Still, within its niche, it performs exactly as intended — efficiently and safely moving farm goods across rough terrain.

Made in Wichita, Kansas

Unlike many of New Holland’s specialty models that come from Italy, the F50 is built in Wichita, Kansas — the same plant that produces tractor-loader-backhoes. That means strong parts compatibility and dependable support right here in the U.S.

The New Holland F50 off-road forklift is one of those machines that reminds us how innovation often comes from repurposing something familiar. By adapting a proven TLB platform, New Holland created a reliable, capable forklift that fills a unique need on farms and in orchards.

If you’re in agriculture and need a machine that can safely move crates and bins through uneven terrain, this model deserves a closer look. It’s not your everyday forklift — and that’s exactly what makes it special.