China Forklift Manufacturers Ranking 2022

A forklift is the main carrier of goods in factories, warehouses, stores, and open areas. This equipment is used to load and unload wagons and trucks, stack heavy objects, containers, equipment, etc. Today, thousands of different loaders operate in different sectors of the Russian economy. They differ in a number of parameters, from the engine to maneuverability. Each production cycle or logistics scheme requires equipment with certain characteristics. Therefore, when choosing the most suitable model, experts recommend paying attention to several points.

1. First of all, it is important to decide on the type of
   forklift. Today, the driving force for this technology is electric, diesel, gasoline and gas engines. The most popular of them are electric forklifts and models with diesel engines. And if the elements of electric transport are small premises, warehouses and shops, then diesel units are more in demand in open areas and in large factory workshops.
2. The second criterion that you should pay attention to will be carrying capacity
   . This characteristic depends on the specifics of production. In some cases, a carrying capacity of 1.5-2.0 tons is enough, and sometimes 5-ton monsters are powerless.
3. height
   . When loading and unloading, you often have to lift the load very high. Most often, a height of 3 m is enough for effective work. But it happens that the racks have higher dimensions, and the loader must correspond to them.
4. Work productivity is influenced by such an indicator as maneuverability
   . Models that can turn around in a small space are highly valued. It is often better to sacrifice carrying capacity by choosing a more nimble and faster assistant.

Our review includes the best forklifts. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

• engine's type;
• technical capabilities;
• price;
• expert opinion;
• consumer reviews.

Best Electric Forklifts

TOYOTA 7FB30

TOYOTA 7FB30 is a representative of the Japanese company, which combines high quality and affordable price.

This model has a high level of maneuverability, thanks to a turning radius of 2.2 m. The battery life of the vehicle is 8 hours, with a battery capacity of 370 Ah and a voltage of 80 V. With an electric motor power of 11.9 kW, the maximum load capacity is 3 tons .

The 7FB30 allows the installation of additional equipment such as V, FV and FSV masts, full-rotation forks and roll paper grabs, cross-travel carriages and tilting forks.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• good maneuverability;
• compact dimensions;
• possibility of installing additional devices;
• long work without recharging.

Flaws:

• none.

STILL RX60 Series

Specialized cars of the STILL RX60 series with single-engine front-wheel drive are made in Germany and are of high quality. The model is very maneuverable, the turning radius is 2.1 m. The power will be enough to load cargo weighing 2.5-3.5 tons (depending on the model) to a height of 7.6 m.

A battery with a voltage of 80 V will delight the consumer with long-term operation, since the manufacturer took care of returning up to 20% of the energy thanks to the recovery system.

Control of the RX60 is simple and intuitive. In addition to the standard configuration, the model supports many additional options, including grippers and attachments.

STILL RX60 is suitable for working with bulk cargo, both in warehouses and in open areas. You can transport cargo in any weather conditions, because all important systems are protected from moisture, which eliminates the possibility of it getting wet.

Separately, we should highlight the high quality of the brake system, which is characterized by slow wear.

Advantages:

• simple controls;
• small turning radius;
• return of energy;
• support for additional equipment;
• protection from moisture;
• high lifting height;
• wear resistance of the brake system.

Flaws:

• not detected.

TCM FB30-8

The autonomy of the TCM FB30-8 reaches 8.5 hours, which was made possible thanks to the use of a braking recuperation system. The model is perfect for working in small spaces due to its good maneuverability and compactness.

The maximum load capacity is 3 tons, which the car can lift to a height of 6 meters. The speed limit eliminates the possibility of the rear end skidding during the work process. Additional safety is provided by the anti-roll system.

Advantages:

• Speed ​​Limit;
• ease of operation and maintenance;
• good maneuverability;
• economical battery consumption;
• compact dimensions;
• anti-roll system.

Flaws:

• not found.

HUBTEX DS 27

HUBTEX DS 27 is a universal electric vehicle capable of operating in all directions. Three large wheels with 4 way valves allow the stacker to be used both indoors and in open areas with uneven surfaces.

The model is suitable for working with both standard and long loads.

Control is carried out in a standing position. For greater comfort, the operator's backrest and low step are available.

Advantages:

• versatility;
• ergonomics;
• excellent all-round visibility;
• quiet operation.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Best Diesel Gas Forklift

HUBTEX DQ 50 D

HUBTEX DQ 50 D is a universal solution for transporting and handling large and long cargo both indoors and outdoors. The stacker is available for purchase in gas and diesel versions.

This model combines a reach truck, a forklift and a side loader. Such versatility was achieved thanks to a special design: the frame-type mast extends horizontally. Another distinctive feature is the separate drive of each wheel.

Advantages:

• excellent maneuverability and performance;
• structural strength;
• Possibility of purchase in diesel and gas versions;
• separate drive for each wheel;
• multifunctionality.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Power unit type

The engine is the heart of a forklift, and its type, model, and specifications directly affect the overall performance of the machine.

Based on the type of drive, all modern forklifts are divided into forklifts and electric.

Within the first class, there is also a division according to the type of fuel used into gasoline, gas, gas-gasoline and diesel models. The key characteristics of power plants in this category include power, volume, and environmental friendliness. Thus, for work in open areas and inside well-ventilated rooms, forklifts with diesel or gasoline engines are more often used, and for operation in enclosed spaces, gas or gas-gasoline models or electric ones are more suitable, which are currently the most environmentally friendly and economical option.

In turn, in the class of electric forklifts, there are models with power units with direct or alternating current technology, as well as with the battery positioned at the top or side. The parameters that play a key role in the selection of electric forklifts are voltage, type, size and capacity of the battery. In turn, lead-acid, gel, and lithium-ion batteries are distinguished.

Maximal at the APEC 2014 conference

At the APEC Summit held in November 2014, where the heads of member states discussed the possibilities of developing regional integration and the creation of a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific region, the main examples of successful cooperation between countries were given, among which, in particular, the partnership between the Russian and Chinese Maximal.

After the conclusion of the 22nd APEC summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a press conference with local and foreign media, at which he summed up the results of the forum. The interaction between the Russian and Chinese forklift manufacturer Maximal was noted as an indicative case of fruitful cooperation between Russia and China.

Representatives of China Central Television visited the Moscow office of the exclusive distributor Maximal a few days before the start of the Summit to film a special report, which was shown on CCTV2 and CCTV13. Thus, both participants in the partnership stated that they are proud of this fact and look forward to the future with confidence in the further development of partnership relations.

Best Diesel Forklifts

TOYOTA 8FD30

The Japanese stacker has good endurance and reliability. With a maximum possible load capacity of 3 tons, it is capable of lifting a load to a height of 3 m. Fuel consumption is quite economical. TOYOTA 8FD30 has a small turning radius of 2.43 m, which allows it to be used in small spaces. The model is unpretentious in operation and will last for many years, subject to timely maintenance.

Advantages:

• unpretentiousness in maintenance;
• efficiency at work;
• small dimensions;
• durability and maneuverability;
• acceptable price.

Flaws:

• none.

KOMATSU FD20T-17

At its low cost, the KOMATSU FD20T-17 has a fairly powerful engine with economical fuel consumption and ensures fast movement with large loads. The maximum load capacity and lifting height are 2 tons and 3 m.

The model is distinguished by good maneuverability, high-quality assembly, durability and reliability.

Advantages:

• ease of operation;
• low cost;
• small turning radius;
• efficiency and economy;
• durability.

Flaws:

• not detected.

HYUNDAI 50D

In Russia, the HYUNDAI 50D is very popular, as it is endowed with a number of good technical characteristics that allow it to be used without difficulty in street conditions in any weather.

The equipment has high build quality, excellent maneuverability and high performance. The maximum load capacity is 5 tons.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• high productivity and efficiency;
• good maneuverability;
• reliability and durability;
• adaptation to different weather conditions.

Flaws:

• not found.

Characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing

engine's type

First of all, warehouse equipment in the form of a forklift is divided into 2 types of engines: internal combustion engines and electric engines.

A loader with an electric engine is an environmentally friendly equipment that produces minimal noise and is quite economical to use. The loader is powered by a battery. The battery is charged from the network.

To the advantages of the electric forklift described above, one should add a fairly long period between maintenance and the scope of use: low-temperature warehouses, the pharmaceutical industry, fire and explosion hazardous areas and other premises that exclude the possibility of using forklifts with an internal combustion engine.

The disadvantages of the electric motor include difficulties with the battery. If the battery breaks down, there is no possibility of repairing it; only replacement of individual elements is available. The battery also requires daily maintenance, and a separate, special room is required to charge it.

Let's move on to internal combustion engines, which in turn are divided into 4 types:

1. Petrol. A loader with a gasoline engine is characterized by its low cost, minimal sensitivity to the quality of the injected fuel, ease of operation, low maintenance costs and the ability to install gas equipment. The disadvantages are the release of exhaust gases into the atmosphere and a lot of noise during operation.
2. Gas. A gas engine allows you to significantly save on fuel costs and minimize the emission of hazardous substances into the atmosphere. There are two types of fuel for gas forklifts: CNG – natural methane gas, compressed to a pressure of 200-250 bar and LPG – liquefied propane-butane gas.
3. Gas-petrol. The combined type of engine provides a high level of autonomous operation and a wide range of use (suitable for both warehouses and open areas).
4. Diesel. The main advantage of a diesel engine is high power, reliability and low consumption. Its cost is slightly higher than gas, gasoline and electric counterparts. Among the significant disadvantages are great sensitivity to the quality of the fuel being poured, a decent amount of exhaust emissions and a fairly high volume during operation.

Load capacity

The lifting capacity of forklifts is divided into 4 classes:

1. Small - from 1 to 4 tons.
2. Average - from 4 to 10 tons.
3. Above average - from 10 to 16 tons.
4. Heavy - more than 16 tons.

Please note that when choosing the lifting capacity of a forklift, it is worth taking into account the “residual” loading capacity. The minimum weight reserve must be at least 500 kg. So, if the mass of the load being lifted is 1,000 kg, then the rating must be at least 1,500 kg.

Lifting height

The maximum vertical lifting height of the load is 8 meters. The standard lifting height of 3 meters is mainly used. To lift to more than 8 meters, two-section masts of the “standard” and “duplex” types and three-section masts of the “triplex” type are used. Duplex and Triplex masts are free-swinging, which is ideal for working in confined spaces as there is no need to lift the remaining sections.

Construction height

Construction height is the maximum height of the vehicle with the carriage lowered and the mast not extended. When buying a forklift for a warehouse, you should definitely take into account the height of doorways, arches, and, based on the dimensions, choose the required building height.

Fork size

The forks have lengths from 700 to 1,200 mm. Mostly in warehouses, pallets are used to move cargo. It is based on the size of the pallets that the fork sizes are chosen.

Number of wheels

Loaders come in four-wheel and three-wheel types, with single and double wheels. Three-bearing wheels are placed in the shape of a triangle - their advantage is a high level of maneuverability in confined spaces.

Tire type

There are 3 types of tires:

1. Bandage tires are low-profile tires with low ground clearance, which can only be used on a perfectly smooth and level surface.
2. Solid cast or, as they are also called, superelastic, have a high level of rigidity and strength, but poor shock absorption. This type of tire is suitable for use indoors, where there is a risk of running into glass, metal shavings, nails and other objects that threaten the integrity of the tire.
3. Pneumatic – a high level of grip on the road surface allows these tires to be used in open areas with uneven surfaces.

Transmission type

Transmission can be automatic or manual. An automatic transmission has a significant advantage, since gear shifts occur during operation, while with a manual transmission it is necessary to stop the stacker (aka loader).

Counterweight

The counterweight is an important part of the stacker, as it is responsible for the balance between the forklift and the load, and also acts as engine protection. A counterweight is installed on the rear of the machine. Please note that the maximum available mass of the load being lifted is directly proportional to the weight of the counterweight.

Optional equipment

In addition to standard equipment, forklifts also have additional equipment that increases the efficiency of transport. Below is an example of some additional equipment:

• inclined forks – necessary to change the vertical tilt angle up to 50 degrees. This addition allows you to transport bulk and long cargo using a bucket;
• lateral displacement of the carriage – allows the carriage to move left and right relative to the mast. The addition is very useful and in demand, as it allows you to achieve maximum accuracy when placing a load in a horizontal position;
• Fork positioner – this add-on allows you to change the distance between the forks by moving and extending them.

Safety

The operator's work on a forklift is quite dangerous. In the process of work, he may be injured when working at high speed, in cramped conditions or when transporting heavy loads, shifting the center of gravity, getting the load on the roof of the cab and other similar situations.

To avoid possible injury, the forklift cab must comply with international ROPS/FOPS safety standards.

How much should specialized transport cost?

By choosing specialized equipment for several days, you can save money. And if you want to get high-quality transport that will last a long time and guarantee safety when interacting with it, you should forget about saving. Having saved once, the buyer will have to spend a lot of money on further repairs and the purchase of parts for it.

The best manufacturers

Forklifts are imported into Russia from the USA, European countries, China and Japan. General statistics show that the largest number of imported equipment units are supplied by the following companies:

• JAC is a Chinese company with 20 years of experience. Consists of the 5 largest automobile factories in China;
• KOMATSU is a Japanese company founded in 1921. Engaged in mechanical engineering;
• TOYOTA is a Japanese company founded in 1937. It is the largest automobile manufacturing corporation;
• JUNGHEINRICH is a German company founded in 1953. Engaged in the production of warehouse equipment and lifting and loading equipment;
• TCM - a Japanese company was the first in Japan to create a forklift. Year founded: 1949;
• HELI is a Chinese company founded in 1958, one of the 20 largest manufacturers of special floor equipment.

It is also worth highlighting the high quality of the supplied forklifts from the Japanese automaker Nissan, founded in 1933, and the automobile manufacturer Mitsubishi, founded in 1870.

Zhejiang Hangcha Engineering Machinery Co., Ltd.

The company, which is commonly referred to simply as Hangcha, also began to seriously increase the pace of its development since the beginning of the global economic crisis. This affected the range of products produced. Since 2007, a “heavyweight” diesel loader has appeared among the company’s models. The production of large-capacity loaders is an important component of the activities of any company that specializes in the production of warehouse equipment. It is worth noting here that models with a lifting capacity of 14 and 16 tons during the development process require the search for slightly different design, technological, and technical solutions. Simply increasing the power and dimensions in this case is not enough to create competitive models.

The Hangcha company managed to cope with the task of developing and producing large-scale models, which confirmed its high potential (both purely production and financial). Models CPCD140-W25 (load capacity 14 tons) and CPCD160-W25 (16 tons) allowed the company to strengthen its position in the domestic Chinese market; however, since 2007, Hangcha large-capacity loaders have been selling well in other countries of the world.

The main advantages of Hangcha loaders are quite traditional. Particularly noteworthy, perhaps, is the comfort of the driver (operator) and the ease of maintenance of the equipment.