---
title: 5 Unconventional Ways to Use a Forklift
description: Read about unusual things you can do with a forklift and get the best new or used forklift for your business in Seattle, Wenatchee, Yakima or the TriCities
---

[MidColumbia Forklift Blog ](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog)

# [5 Unconventional Ways to Use a Forklift](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/unusual-things-you-can-do-with-a-forklift)

 Written by [Ryan Oshman](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/author/ryan-oshman) | May 1, 2020 at 3:00 PM

Think forklifts are just for moving product? Think again. Here are five strange but true stories of people using forklifts in unusual ways, including:

- Preventing a Crime
- Committing a Crime
- Saving a Life
- Participating in a Rodeo
- Playing Basketball

## 5 Unusual Things You Can Do with a Forklift

 Our first story happened here in the Pacific Northwest. On a cold January evening in Portland, OR, [someone used a forklift to steal a Wells Fargo ATM](https://www.koin.com/news/portland-police-forklift-used-to-steal-atm/).

This illegal activity is, unfortunately, not uncommon. [It also happened last year in Chehalis, WA](https://www.kiro7.com/news/south-sound-news/thieves-use-forklift-to-steal-atm-in-chehalis/936300599/). Police believe the thieves stole a forklift from a nearby construction site.

What we need is a team of [crime-stopping forklift operators](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6731237/Would-robbers-stopped-three-forklifts-try-rob-construction-site.html) to prevent these criminals from getting away. Check out this video: 

Our third story of using a forklift in an unusual way also involves heroic forklift operators. Two lumber workers were transporting a forklift on a flatbed truck when they encountered a serious traffic accident. The employees used the forklift to free one of the crash victims from a burning car.

Our last two examples of unconventional ways to use a forklift are on the lighter side. First up, Franklin Building Supply's annual forklift rodeo:

Our fifth and final example is two minutes of sweet trick shots. Even if you're not a basketball fan, you have to see this. 

At Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling, we can’t help you improve your hoop skills or solve crimes, but we have many [forklifts for sale in Washington state](https://www.midcoforklift.com/) and we offer [OSHA forklift training](https://www.midcoforklift.com/forklift-operator-training). However you choose to use your forklift (or other material handling equipment) we can help save you money on [maintenance and repairs](https://www.midcoforklift.com/service).

[Contact us online](https://www.midcoforklift.com/contact) or by phone:  
[**Auburn**](https://www.midcoforklift.com/auburn-washington?hsLang=en) 253-854-5438  
[**Pasco**](https://www.midcoforklift.com/pasco-washington?hsLang=en) 509-547-7413  
[**Wenatchee**](https://www.midcoforklift.com/wenatchee-washington?hsLang=en) 509-663-9009  
[**Yakima**](https://www.midcoforklift.com/yakima-washington?hsLang=en) 509-457-5137

**Further Reading:**  
[How to Read a Forklift Load Capacity Chart](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/how-to-read-a-forklift-load-capacity-chart)  
[Forklift Operator Training and OSHA Compliance](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/forklift-operator-training-for-osha-compliance)  
[Top Reasons to Buy a Used Forklift](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/top-reasons-to-buy-a-used-forklift)

[View full post](https://www.midcoforklift.com/blog/unusual-things-you-can-do-with-a-forklift)

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