This section provides an overview for forklifts as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 58 forklift manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked forklift companies as of November, 2024: 1.Ruger Industries, Inc., 2.ANHUI GS INDUSTRY CO.,LTD, 3.Forklift Systems, Inc..
Table of Contents
Forklifts are equipment developed to improve the efficiency of cargo transport operations.
It has forks to insert into a pallet and a mast to raise and lower the pallet and is operated by hydraulic or electric power.
Forklift operation requires safety precautions to prevent tipping over and collisions, and requires completion of a prescribed skills training course. When transporting goods, they can be loaded on pallets with holes in the sides and lifted by pointing the forks at the holes.
Forklifts are used in factories and distribution warehouses to improve the efficiency of cargo handling operations. Forklifts are used to quickly move loads that are difficult to lift by hand.
In recent years, batteries have become the main power source for forklifts, due to their lower exhaust emissions and improved operability. Forklifts are designed to be maneuverable, but smaller, non-powered handlifts are used for moving and transporting in confined spaces.
The part of the forklift that lifts and carries the load is called the load handling unit, which operates mainly by hydraulic pressure. When high-pressure hydraulic fluid is fed into the cylinder, the cylinder of the load handling unit is moved to lift the load, and when the load is lowered, the hydraulic fluid is returned to the tank to lift and tilt the forks.
A standard load is specified for the weight that can be carried with the forks lifted to a certain height, but when the forks are lifted higher for use, it is important to limit the load capacity in consideration of the center of gravity. The maximum load according to height is indicated on the lift as the allowable load.
It is important to always pay attention to the position of the center of gravity when operating the lift. Carrying a load in excess of the allowable load capacity or tilt operation with the forks raised high is prohibited because the center of gravity will move forward and upward, causing the lift to tip over. When traveling uphill, the forks should be moved forward and backward.
Forklifts are mainly classified into five types
This is the most common type of forklift and is constructed to withstand heavy weights. Weights are installed at the rear of the vehicle body to maintain equilibrium when lifting and carrying heavy objects. The vehicle body is stable, can be operated from a seated position, and the forklift is fast. However, the vehicle body is large and is not suitable for use in confined spaces.
The forks can be moved back and forth without moving. Operated from a standing position, the forks can be pulled inward regardless of the weight of the load. Tires rotate 90°, making it easy to maneuver indoors and in other confined spaces.
The forks are located next to the vehicle body, and the operator's seat is high. It has a wide cargo bed and is suitable for transporting long items such as pipes and lumber.
It can be moved by hand while the operator walks without getting into the vehicle. Since it is electrically powered, it does not require much force to move by hand. Its compact size allows it to move in narrow aisles, and it can be loaded and unloaded in an elevator.
The forklift can move not only forward and backward but also sideways. Because it can move sideways, it does not need to turn around in narrow aisles.
Forklifts are powered by either storage batteries or internal combustion engines.
The electricity stored in the battery powers the motor. Battery-type storage batteries have been widely used in forklifts since early times. At present, battery-type forklifts are often used in small forklifts of 3 tons or less.
Battery-powered forklifts make little noise and are suitable for working in residential areas late at night or early in the morning. They are environmentally friendly as they do not emit exhaust gases and are safe even in closed areas such as refrigerated warehouses.
This type uses gasoline, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or diesel as fuel. Diesel is often used when power is more important than speed. However, exhaust fumes pose a health risk and they cannot be used in enclosed areas.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Jungheinrich, founded in 1953 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is a manufacturer of material handling equipment and vehicles. The company's products include forklifts, automated guided vehicles, and reach trucks. Its products are primarily designed to be used in warehousing applications, with it offering a range of support services that include forklift fleet management, service and repairs, and the supply of spare parts. Its product line is supported in North America through the Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. dealer network.
The Raymond Corporation, established in 1922 and based in Greene, New York, is a manufacturer of material handling products and a provider of intelligent intralogistics solutions. The company is a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies. The company's primary product offerings include electrical forklift parts, industrial carts, docking and door equipment, pallet racking, and forklift batteries. It also offer network and services support, knowledge, and resources to enhance efficiencies and uptime, in response to customer's operational needs. In 2022, the company was recognized as the Manufacturing Leadership Award Winner by The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Leadership Council.
Forklift Systems Inc., founded in 1978, is an American supplier headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, providing material handling solutions. The company rents over 500 warehouse equipment units, including forklifts, reach trucks, and scissor lifts. It also offers forklift replacement parts, ranging from original manufacturer parts to hard-to-find obsolete components, along with used cushion and pneumatic tire forklifts. It further provides forklift repair services, handling notable brands such as Komatsu, Nissan, and Toyota. The company serves over 5,000 local customers in Tennessee, Alabama, and Indiana.
Ruger Industries Inc., a division of The David Round Company, founded in 1869 and headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio, United States, is a manufacturer of material handling and lifting equipment. The company's product line includes ride-on battery-powered cranes, manual construction loader cranes, and lifting machines with various attachments for such applications as lifting drums or moving bulk industrial bags. It also offers accessories for its products, such as floor lock brakes, maintenance-free battery packs, and non-marking solid elastomer wheels. It also welcomes clients for consultations on custom-designed lifting solutions.
Superlift Material Handling Inc. (SMH) is a manufacturer of standard and custom material handling equipment based in Ontario, Canada. The company was established in 1982 and offers sale, rental, and rental purchase options to clients in hospitality, automotive, construction, and pharmaceuticals. The company produces various ergonomic handling solutions including lift tables, carts, and stackers for vertical transportation, pallet trucks, and skid lifters for horizontal transportation, upenders for rotating transporters up to 90 degrees, and work positioners for adjusting surface ergonomics. SMH also provides custom design and engineering services for customers with unique specifications.
Tecnomeccanica SRL, established in 1981 and headquartered in Casale di Mazzè, Italy, is a machine and interchangeable parts developer, manufacturer, and supplier. The company's products include a complete range of machines for lifting and handling timber in both large and smaller pieces, including loading cranes, trunk loading grabs, and timber conveyor belts. It also offers a range of products dedicated to road snow removal, including salt spreaders and lime spreaders. The company supplies spare and wear parts for all its products, including sectional valves and large machine parts.
i-Lift Equipment Ltd is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer and supplier of Material Handling & Lifting products used for various applications in manufacturing, logistics, packaging, and agricultural sectors with locations in China, the United States, and Europe. The company's wide range of products includes Pallet Truck & High Lift, Stacker & Work Positioner, Access Lift & Lift Table, Mobile Weighing Cart with low energy consumption and auto shut off as well as Drum Handling Equipment such as Drum Lifting & Tilting Truck and Hydraulic Drum Truck.
Tailift Co., Ltd., founded in 1973 and based in Taichung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of material handling forklifts and conveying equipment. The company started with the production of internal combustion forklift trucks and innovated electric forklift truck and transmission with its own technology in 1993. The products it offers today are IC forklift, electric forklifts, electric trucks and order pickers The company collaborated with Japan and UK to design 7L series forklift and VNA truck along with producing rough terrain forklifts for a canadian company. The company has received multiple awards in Taiwan and has been granted ISO 9002 and CE certification.
Zhejiang Jialift Warehouse Equipment Co. Ltd., established in 2011, is a China-based manufacturer and supplier in Huzhou, Zhejiang, specializing in warehouse and logistic equipment. The company’s product range includes balance forklifts, such as electric counterbalanced stackers, counterweight forklifts, and forklift trucks. It also provides reach forklifts, including forward lift trucks and cutting fork forward forklifts. Semi-electric and electric pallet trucks are also part of its portfolio, notably earning the National Green Design Product awarded by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The company serves customers in over 30 countries, including the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co., Ltd., founded in 1985 with headquarters in China, is a manufacturer of warehouse material handling equipment. The company's product line includes over 500 products, including manual pallet trucks, electric pallet trucks, electric stackers, reach trucks, and forklifts. Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co.'s products have capacities ranging from 500 kg to 10,000 kg. The battery life of the company's electric lifting equipment is warrantied for five years, or 10,000 hours. Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co. also offers custom design, engineering, and production of electric handling equipment to meet client-specific requirements.
JAC Heavy-Duty Construction Machine Co. Ltd is based in Hefei, Anhui, China, and is a manufacturer of warehouse material handling vehicles and equipment established in 2003 as a subsidiary of JAC Motors Group. The company offers diesel and electric forklifts for heavy lifting and transport of materials, stackers for organizing goods, and pallet trucks for transporting goods or materials between facilities. It also offers diesel excavators for digging or construction operators. The company’s products are commonly used in China’s warehousing, logistics, and construction industries.
Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) was established in 1888. SHI offers complete solutions for industrial machinery production and operations, heavy machinery for infrastructure, logistics, and construction, power generation systems as well as systems to reduce pollution, water purification, and ship construction. In addition, SHI also offers various software services including IT solutions.
Zhejiang UN Forklift Co. Ltd., established in 1978 in Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in forklifts and warehouse equipment. The company offers an array of forklifts for different applications including small capacity IC forklifts, large capacity diesel forklifts, 4-wheel electric forklifts and 3-wheel electric forklifts. Its product portfolio also includes warehouse equipment, catering to sectors such as construction, warehousing, logistics, and more. The company offers customers pre and after-sales support including free operation training, service and parts, serving clients in diverse markets across the globe.
Wacker Neuson SE is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of light and compact industrial-grade equipment that was founded in 1848 in Munich, Germany. The company produces equipment used for material transportation, handling, and compacting operations. These include vibratory plates, tracked or wheeled dumpers, and excavators for trenching or digging. The company also offers product rental services, power supply units, and portable light towers. Its products are mainly used by clients in the agricultural, construction, and landscaping sectors.
Konecranes, founded in 1994 and based in Hyvinkää, Finland, is a manufacturer and supplier of material handling solutions, including industrial cranes, hoists and lifting equipment. The company offers a wide range of products, including electric chain hoist cranes, wall-mounted console cranes, air balancers, and container handling equipment such as automated RTG (ARTG) systems and sprinter carriers. The company also offers various industrial services and parts, including crane inspections & preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance & retrofits as well as consultations.
Landoll Company LLC., established in 1963 and based in Marysville, Kansas, is a manufacturer of transportation, agriculture, and material handling products for commercial and government customers. The company stocks trailers, farm, and construction equipment and is ISO 9001 certified. In 1986, it earned the National Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year award when it received its first military contract to produce deicers for the US Air Force in 1984. In December 1990, the company accepted an order to build special tank transport trailers for the US Army for use in Desert Storm and delivered 22 trailers by January 1991.
Komatsu, founded in 1921 and based in Ishikawa, Japan, is a multinational manufacturer specializing in heavy machinery and equipment. The company’s product lineup includes mining equipment such as underground hard rock haulers, construction equipment such as skid steer loaders, and forestry equipment such as feller bunchers. It also offers equipment for military operations, diesel engines, and industrial manufacturing plants. The company’s products are used primarily in the mining, construction, and agricultural sectors.
Guangzhou Tengtian Machinery Industry Co. Ltd. is a CE-certified manufacturer of automatic packaging machinery founded in 1999 and located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. The company offers specialized packaging machinery by product, including for food products, paints, and metal parts. It also offers filling machines for liquid goods, and customizable mobile robot chassis for industrial facilities. The company owns over 20 patents, and products are commonly used in the industrial packaging and manufacturing sectors.
Shanghai Electrical Machinery Group Co Ltd., established in 2010 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a manufacturer that specializes in energy equipment, industrial equipment, and integration services. The company has a wide range of products, including thermal power equipment, nuclear power equipment, wind power equipment, power transmission and distribution equipment. It also provides elevators, machine tools, and automation equipment. Its product leads to reduced emissions, which can have a positive impact on the environment. The company has achieved ISO 14001:2004 Certification for its environmental management systems. It serves several industries, including energy, environmental protection, industrial automation, and elevators.
Manitou BIM, founded in France in 1958, is a manufacturer of handling, lifting, and earthmoving equipment. It offers a wide range of machines, such as aerial work platforms, vertical masted forklifts, mobile elevated work platforms, rotating telescopic handlers, and construction telescopic handlers, as well as maintenance and spare parts services. The company's machines are used in sectors such as aeronautics, defense, environment, and mining, in addition to primary applications in agriculture, construction, and industry.
Royal Forklift Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer of material handling equipment established in 2010 and based in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. The company specializes in designing and producing specialized forklifts, including electric forklifts for minimizing environmental impact, diesel forklifts for transporting heavy materials in industrial settings, and rough terrain forklifts for uneven outdoor environments. It also offers aerial platforms for workers operating at elevation. The company’s products are mainly used in the industrial engineering and construction sectors, as well as in onsite moving operations.
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Europe is based in Almere, Netherlands, and is a manufacturer and distributor of material handling products for the industrial sector established in 1992 as a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe B.V. The company offers electric forklifts rated for capacities of up to 12 tons, as well as internal combustion forklifts utilizing LPG or diesel, and rated to handle up to 16 tons. It also offers related material handling equipment for warehouse operations, such as stackers and pallet trucks. The company’s products are mainly used by clients in warehousing, port, and logistics operations.
Doosan Industrial Vehicle, established in 1968 and headquartered in Incheon, South Korea, is a material handling equipment manufacturer and supplier. The company's industrial vehicle product line includes bobcats with 133 separate models consisting of 82 various engine/battery configurations of internal combustion and electric-powered vehicles in capacities ranging from 3,000 to 55,000 pounds. It established its position as a part of the Doosan family in 2005 and is now expanding its global sales network based on more than 400 dealers in 93 countries worldwide.
CNH Industrial America LLC, established in 1842 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment. The company's diverse product range includes hay tools, planters and seeders, forklifts, excavators, telehandlers, and more. These products cater to a wide array of industries, including agriculture, infrastructure and construction, and mining machinery manufacturing. The company operates commercially through its brand portfolio, which includes names such as Case IH, New Holland Agriculture, CASE, and New Holland Construction Equipment.
Hyster-Yale Group, Inc. is a manufacturer of lift trucks and aftermarket parts founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ohio, USA. Under the brand names HYSTER and YALE, the company produces and services a comprehensive line of lifting trucks and aftermarket parts for operational optimization. Its products include container handlers, attachments such as forks, and hydrogen fuel cell stacks. The company also offers rental and integration services to its clients in the port, mining, and warehousing sectors.
Jiangsu Kinlift Equipment., Ltd. is a manufacturer of light & compact warehouse transport vehicles used in material handling, transport, and stacking; established in 2013 and headquartered in Jiepai Town, Danyang City. The vehicles are fully electric stackers, electric pallet trucks, order pickers, electric tow tractors, and semi-electric stackers. Forklifts such as counterbalanced forklifts and electric reach forklifts are provided. The vehicles are used in manufacturing, machinery, textile, food & beverage, and chemical industries. The company has the ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification and Utility Model Patents from the China National Intellectual Property Administration.
Niuli Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Heshan, China, is a manufacturer and distributor of material handling equipment. The company offers over 100 models of material handling equipment, including electric pallet truck, forklift, and electric hydraulic stacker. It produces an annual output of 4,00,000 pieces, and has a global presence with branches in over 120 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The company has obtained ISO 9001 certification, and most of its products have been approved by the CE/GS standard.
Zhejiang Maximal Forklift Co. Ltd., founded in February 2006, based in Zhejiang, China is a manufacturer and distributor specializing in forklifts and material handling equipment. The company’s range of forklifts includes the AX Series, M Series Forklifts, AA Series Forklifts and heavy-duty forklifts. It also offers warehouse equipment, catering to industries such as construction, warehousing, food and beverage, among others. The company holds seven national invention patents and over 70 patents for utility models and appearances. Backed by a robust customer support system that includes online sourcing options, the company serves clients worldwide.
Xiamen Topway Machinery Co. Ltd., established in 1992 and headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian, China, is an earthwork machinery and material handling equipment developer, manufacturer, and supplier. The company's earthwork machinery includes wheel loaders, crawl excavators, and wheel excavators that are primarily designed for new road projects and preparing construction site land for commercial buildings. Its handling equipment line comprises various forklifts with heavy-duty lifting, rough terrain, and telescopic handling capacities. It exports to more than 100 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Toyota Material Handling is a manufacturer and distributor of forklifts and other material-handling equipment. It is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, and was established in 1956. The company's products include electric forklifts, gas forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet jacks. It also offers services, such as parts and services, financing, and training. The company also offers other material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks, order pickers, and automated guided vehicles. Toyota Material Handling products are used in multiple industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Toyota Material Handling is a subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corporation, a Japanese multinational conglomerate.
Kalmar, a company established in 1940 and based in Helsinki, Finland, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in cargo and material handling equipment. The company's product portfolio includes forklift trucks, Masted container handlers, and Kalmar electric straddle carriers. These products are applied in various sectors, including wind energy production, metals processing, and ports and terminals. The company provides services including technical support, spare parts supply, and equipment upgrades to improve the productivity and regulatory compliance of its equipment. The company has global locations in various countries including the United States, China, and Spain.
Xiamen XGMA International Trading Co. Ltd, established in 2007 and headquartered in Xiamen, China, is a distributor of construction machinery and spare parts. The company is a subsidiary of Xiamen XGMA Machinery Co. Ltd., under the Xiamen CCRE Group Co. Ltd. It exports hydraulic crawler excavators, industrial machinery, and full-face TBMs, utilizing XGMA's capabilities in technology research, manufacturing, and logistics. It also offers various souvenir items such as cups, bulldozer models, and customized hourglasses. The company ranked 67th on China's 500 valuable brands in 2013.
C&C Lift Truck is a distributor of forklifts, and a service provider specializing in material handling contract operations that was established in 1977 in Edison, New Jersey, USA. The company stocks forklifts and related equipment from brands such as Genie, Komatsu, and Big Joe. It offers new and certified used models, as well as rental, repair and maintenance services for customers requiring additional support. The company chiefly serves clients in North America’s construction, warehousing, and paper and printing industries.
Emhiser Micro-Tech was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Nevada, United States, as a supplier of ceramic resonator VCOs designed for narrow-band applications with very low phase noise. EMT persistently challenges the conventional practices linked to commercial VCO producers by creating, manufacturing, and promoting a product that ensures comprehensive quality, dependability, and customer contentment. The organization acknowledges the challenges inherent in the customer experience and is engrossed in delivering customer service, fostering loyalty, and offering a dependable product.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Ruger Industries, Inc. |
7.3%
|
2 | Cat Lift Trucks |
6.2%
|
3 | ANHUI GS INDUSTRY CO.,LTD |
4.8%
|
4 | Forklift Systems, Inc. |
4.2%
|
5 | Jungheinrich |
3.8%
|
6 | Superlift Material Handling Inc. |
3.8%
|
7 | Jiangsu Kinlift equipment.,Ltd. |
3.5%
|
8 | Zhejiang UN Forklift Co., Ltd. |
3.5%
|
9 | i-Lift Equipment Ltd. |
3.5%
|
10 | HANGZHOU VANS MACHINERY CO., LTD |
2.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the forklift page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
China | 11 | 47.8% |
United States of America | 4 | 17.4% |
Italy | 2 | 8.7% |
Canada | 1 | 4.3% |
Taiwan | 1 | 4.3% |
Japan | 1 | 4.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 4.3% |
Netherlands | 1 | 4.3% |
Austria | 1 | 4.3% |
1 product is listed.
Alumi Ace
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