The most well-known forklift manufacturers

Anyone looking for a suitable forklift or industrial truck is quickly confronted with a multitude of brands, models, and technologies. But which manufacturers dominate the market? Which companies stand for quality, innovation, and a broad product portfolio? And who offers the best solutions for warehousing, logistics, or rough terrain?

In this article, we introduce you to the most important and leading forklift manufacturers – from global market leaders to specialists for telehandlers or compact intralogistics systems.

overview

Linde Material Handling

Linde MH is one of the world's leading manufacturers of forklifts and industrial trucks. The Aschaffenburg-based company is part of the KION Group and offers a comprehensive range of electric, diesel, and gas-powered forklift trucks, as well as warehouse equipment. Linde stands for ergonomic operating concepts, durable machines, and a broad service network.

Special strengths:

• Innovative drive technology (e.g. hydrostatic)
• Ergonomic design & high energy efficiency
• Market share particularly strong in Europe

Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich AG, headquartered in Hamburg, is a global intralogistics specialist and one of the world's largest manufacturers of industrial trucks. Its portfolio ranges from electric forklifts and reach trucks to automated logistics solutions.

Special features

• In-house development of batteries and chargers
• Extensive experience in internal logistics

STILL

STILL is also part of the KION Group and is headquartered in Hamburg. The company is known for innovative warehouse technology, electric forklift trucks, and industrial trucks with state-of-the-art technology. STILL stands for intelligent intralogistics solutions and a comprehensive portfolio for small and large companies.

Strengthen:

• Smart assistance systems
• Ergonomic design and energy efficiency
• Strong presence in the European market

Toyota Material Handling

Toyota is not only a global player in the automotive sector, but also one of the world's largest forklift manufacturers. Toyota Material Handling stands for quality, durability, and a strong international dealer network. Production takes place in Europe, Japan, and the USA, among other locations.

Strengthen

• High innovative power
• Focus on energy efficiency and safety
• Wide product portfolio: electric, gas, diesel forklifts and warehouse technology

Clark

Clark is considered one of the pioneers among forklift manufacturers – after all, the US company developed the first industrial forklift in 1917. Today, Clark produces in several plants worldwide and offers a wide range of industrial trucks for a wide variety of applications.

Special features

• Solid technology, robust construction
• Models with electric, diesel and LPG drive
• Strong presence in the used forklift market
• Ideal for industry, warehouses and crafts

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is a long-established manufacturer in the material handling sector. Under the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks brand, the company offers a wide range of industrial trucks for a wide variety of requirements. Nissan Forklift and UniCarriers are also part of the Logisnext Group.

Caterpillar (CAT Lift Trucks)

Caterpillar is primarily known worldwide for its construction machinery – but with CAT Lift Trucks, the company also offers a broad portfolio of forklifts and industrial trucks. Caterpillar forklifts are characterized by their durability, robust construction, and high load capacity. Many models are produced in cooperation with Mitsubishi Logisnext.

Strengthen

• Particularly durable and easy to maintain
• Wide selection of diesel, gas and electric forklifts
• Ideal for demanding applications in industry, construction and logistics
• Strong worldwide sales and service network

Hyster-Yale

The US group is known for its robust forklift trucks and a global sales and service network. The Hyster and Yale brands cover all common categories: from small warehouse trucks to heavy-duty forklifts for the port and industrial sectors.

Features

• Particularly durable
• Diverse equipment options
• Great focus on ergonomics and ease of use

Manitou

French-based Manitou is one of the world's leading manufacturers of rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers. These machines are particularly in demand for use in agriculture, construction, and municipal applications.

Highlights

• Versatile telehandlers with high load capacity
• High ground clearance & all-wheel drive
• Specialist for rough terrain

Merlo

Merlo, based in Italy, also operates in the telehandler sector. The company develops and produces compact, rotating, and highly specialized telehandlers that can also be combined with work baskets.

Strengthen

• Innovation driver for rotors & multifunction loaders
• Combination of lifting technology and driver comfort

Squid

Kalmar is a global leader in the manufacture of heavy-duty forklifts, container handlers, and reach stackers—a top choice for handling heavy loads and extreme applications. The company is part of the Finnish Cargotec Group and is primarily used in ports, terminals, and heavy industry.

Typical features:

• Specialist for heavy load and container handling
• Forklifts with very high load capacity (up to 50 tons and more)
• Powerful diesel and electric models
• Focus on automation and low-emission solutions

Hangcha

The Chinese manufacturer Hangcha has established itself strongly in the international market in recent years. Hangcha offers a huge product range for forklifts, electric forklifts, and warehouse technology.

Particularly interesting

• Attractive price-performance ratio
• Solid basic equipment
• Good availability through partners in Europe

Doosan

The South Korean company Doosan is internationally active and manufactures forklifts for almost every application: from compact electric forklifts to powerful diesel models.

Plus points

• Robust machines for tough applications