There are numerous walk behind electric fork lifts available, but as far as I am aware all are designed for smooth floor service. http://www.liftscience.com/

Is this is along the lines of what you are describing ? I don’t know of any framers using one.

http://www.bobcat.com/loaders/product_lines/mini_track_loader

I’m not sure they can be had for much less than the cost of a normal skid steer, and they are not going to get trucks loaded or unloaded for you. Here’s a current ebay listing

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-BOBCAT-MT50-WAL...1QQcmdZViewItem

A quick web-search will show you that Toro makes something similar in the happy homeowner class, but it won’t share the convenience of the quik-attach forks…

I’m still what I call a low tech framer, but feel hydraulic material handling is a required investment that both saves you and your clients money, and preserves your health.

"We build too many walls and not enough bridges" - Isaac Newton

http://bridgewright.wordpress.com/