9 LiuGong Electric Forklifts Delivered to Riverlock Packhouse in Ōpōtiki

Riverlock Packhouse in Ōpōtiki has just taken delivery of nine LiuGong electric forklifts — a full fleet upgrade that puts cutting-edge lithium fast-charge technology to work in one of the Bay of Plenty’s most active post-harvest operations.

As New Zealand’s national distributor for LiuGong Forklifts, A&S Equipment supplied and delivered the complete fleet, including a scripted on-site video to document the handover day. Here’s a closer look at what was delivered, why these machines were the right fit, and what makes the LiuGong CPD series stand out in a packhouse environment.

The Fleet: What Was Delivered

The nine-unit fleet delivered to Riverlock Packhouse was made up of three models from the LiuGong CPD20/25/30/35 Lithium Fast Charge range:

6 x CPD20FS — 2.0 Tonne electric forklift
2 x CPD25F — 2.5 Tonne electric forklift
1 x CPD35F — 3.5 Tonne electric forklift (double pallet side-by-side capability)

The mix was carefully matched to Riverlock’s operational requirements — lighter 2-tonne units for general floor movement, mid-range 2.5-tonne units for heavier loads, and one heavy-duty 3.5-tonne unit with double pallet handling for high-throughput lines.

Why Electric? Why LiuGong?

The shift to electric forklifts in packhouse and horticulture environments is accelerating across New Zealand — and for good reason. Electric forklifts eliminate exhaust emissions inside enclosed pack floors, reduce fuel costs significantly, and require far less maintenance than internal combustion alternatives.

LiuGong’s CPD series takes this further with lithium fast-charge technology, AI-assisted safety, and a build quality that rivals machines at a much higher price point.

For Riverlock, the decision made both operational and financial sense. A&S Equipment’s role as New Zealand’s national LiuGong distributor means local support, parts availability, and service back-up — no waiting on international supply chains.

Key Features of the LiuGong CPD Series

Fast-Charge Lithium Battery

The CPD series runs on a lithium fast-charge battery system with impressive run and recharge times:

2.5 and 3.5 tonne models: 460Ah battery capacity
Running time: 7 to 9 hours on a full charge
Fast charge: 0 to 95% in just 1.5 to 2 hours

This means minimal downtime between shifts. In a packhouse running extended hours during peak season, that kind of turnaround is a genuine operational advantage.

AI Detection Safety System

Every unit in the CPD series is equipped with an onboard AI detection system. When a potential hazard is detected — whether that’s a person, obstruction, or unsafe condition — the forklift stops automatically. In a busy packhouse with multiple forklifts operating alongside pedestrian workers, this safety feature is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential.

Blue Safety Light

Each unit projects a blue safety light approximately five metres ahead of the forklift when in motion. This gives pedestrian workers a clear visual warning before the machine enters their zone — an important layer of protection on busy pack floors.

LED Lighting All Round

Full LED lighting on every unit ensures clear visibility in all conditions, from early morning starts to refrigerated cool store environments.

Non-Marking Tyres

All nine units are fitted with non-marking tyres as standard — critical for packhouses where floor hygiene and surface protection are a compliance and quality requirement.

Double Pallet Handling (CPD35F)

The 3.5-tonne unit supplied to Riverlock is configured for double pallet side-by-side handling. This allows two pallets to be moved in a single pass, cutting travel time and significantly increasing throughput on high-volume pack lines.

Operator Comfort and Control

The CPD series is designed with the operator in mind:

Fully adjustable seating for different operators across shifts
Small-diameter steering wheel for precise, low-effort control in tight spaces
Large utility holder and storage compartment for easy access to daily-use items
7-inch digital display monitor for clear visibility of machine data
Large side handle and dedicated reverse handle for confident, safe reversing

Bin Tipping Attachment

The fleet includes a bin tipping attachment, allowing operators to handle bins and bulk containers efficiently — a common requirement in horticultural packhouse settings.

Easy Charging Access

The charging port is designed for quick, tool-free access so operators can plug in during breaks without hassle. Combined with the fast-charge system, this keeps machines topped up and ready with minimal effort.

A&S Equipment: New Zealand's LiuGong Forklift Distributor

A&S Equipment is the national distributor for LiuGong Forklifts across New Zealand, supplying the full LiuGong electric forklift range to businesses in horticulture, construction, logistics, manufacturing, and more.

Beyond supply, A&S Equipment provides local service support, parts availability, and hands-on guidance to match the right machine to each client’s operation. The Riverlock fleet delivery is a strong example of that approach — a carefully selected multi-model fleet built around how the packhouse actually works.

If you are considering an electric forklift fleet upgrade, or need a single unit for a specific application, the team at A&S Equipment can help you spec the right machine.

You can also explore related equipment in the A&S Equipment range:

LiuGong Forklifts NZ — full range overview
3-Wheeler Lithium Fast Charge CPDS16/18/20 — compact electric forklift option
Tow Tractor CLG2040T/2050T/2060T — warehouse tow tractor range
Equipment Financing — flexible finance options for new fleet purchases

Get in Touch

Ready to upgrade your fleet? Talk to the A&S Equipment team today.

📞 07 218 0804
📧info@asequipment.co.nz

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