The 10 Biggest Forklifts in the World

If you’re interested in finding out what the largest and most powerful forklifts are capable of, you need to look at the Kalmar DCG850, which is now the Guinness World record holder for the highest lifting capacity, being able to lift close to 190,000 pounds.

On the other hand, when you think about "large," the maximum weight a forklift can lift while remaining stable, and therefore the most the forklift weighs, is almost invariably the higher the lift capacity is — the more the forklift weighs.

In terms of functionality, you may need a high-capacity forklift for a heavy-duty project. In this case, you ought to also make a lift height and turning radius comparison apart from looking into its weight and lift capacity.

Based on the aforementioned requirements, this article identifies the world's biggest forklifts. Our top 10 list focuses exclusively on the pneumatic forklift category since there are dozens of marina forklifts that may have exceptional weight, but they serve very particular purposes and are not typical in the market.

If you need a large forklift, our list will help you make an accurate choice — we present the ten most significant forklifts in the world.

Understanding the Types and Sizes of the Biggest Forklifts

Rated from the largest forklifts to the smallest, we bring out the names and corresponding models of the tiniest and biggest forklifts in the sector. Even though companies like Kalmar and Hoist have some really high-capacity units that may be worth considering, our list covers only one model of each brand.

1. Kalmar DCG850-12LB

First — and the most significant — is the breath-taking Kalmar DCG850-12LB, setting the bar impressively high. Below are the details:

• Lift capaCity: 187,393 lb

• Weight: 214,951 lb

• Lift height: 13’1”

• Engine: Volvo DANA T30 Stage V

If we go over to see the best choice, the Kalmar DCG850-12LB, the word forklift is used as an understatement as it is more of a true vehicle with a robust body and unbelievable performance. With a lifting capacity that smashed the Guinness World Record from 187,393 pounds, this fuel cell forklift is a beast in heavy-duty material handling.

In this easy-to operate vehicle, there are a lot of futuristic things, such as a great cabin giving an operator room to stretch and digital controls for accuracy. When using the DCG850-12LB, your task will be quick and easy even in the presence of a mountain of heavy-duty stuff.

2. Konecranes SMV 65-1200 C

Number two on our list is Konecranes SMV 65-1200 C. Even though the 143,300-pound lift capacity is not a match to the Kalmar’s, this still is a very good and reliable one to mention. Please find below the data:

• Lift capacity: 143,300 lb

• Weight: 197,534 lb

• Lift height: 13'1"

• Engine: Volvo

• Outside turning radius: 13'8"

The Konecranes SMV 65-1200 C lift truck brings to the table unparalleled lifting power and pinpoint handling precision for all your heavy-duty materials shifting needs.

Not only is it designed to master the most arduous of tasks, but it also flaunts top-grade features such as an automated touchscreen and superior load-sensing hydraulics. The vehicle's designers have thought of everything, even safety and convenience, by including a wide and large operator cabin to cover all sight angles and a powerful and resistant chassis to tackle different working situations.

3. Versalift 100/140

The third one on our countdown is the Versalift 100/140. See the detailed specifications below:

• Lift capacity: 140,000 lb

• Weight: 120,000 lb

• Engine: 4.3L GM Engine

The Versalift 100/140 forklift basically combines rugged construction with strong lifting power. Drawing its formidable 140,000 pounds load capacity, the model is equipped with an array of refinements such as sophisticated control systems and an extraordinarily enhanced chassis for sustaining shocks and vibrations while working under severe conditions.

Affirmed by their expertise in specialized lifting solutions, Versalift is a household name to reckon with, having been caterers of the segment for over a number of applicable years. The 100/140 model is below of their resolution to bring innovation, and its usage is immense from construction sites to industrial warehouses.

4. MKF CS 600/1000 D

The fourth position goes to the MKF CS 600/1000 D which has a lift capacity of 132,277 pounds.

When it comes to durability and lifting force, the MKF CS 600/1000 D forklift is really the best way to go if you have heavy-duty material handling at hand. This forklift boasts a strong chassis that is unsurpassed in terms of sturdiness in various operation settings and also comes with a load management system whose technology is up to the minute, plus it can be operated wirelessly using a remote control.

Evidence of the good workmanship of MKF, the manufacturer of such a powerful machine, is that their reputation in the field of lifting solutions is not left to fall behind. The availability of the CS 600/1000 D model is all that matters to the company in staying proactively in the industrial markets that have a high need for a superior lifting solution.

5. Toyota THD12500-48

Another great option is the Toyota THD12500-48 with the following specifications:

• Lift capacity: 125,000 lb

• Weight: 159,400 lb

• Lift height: 23’1”

• Engine: Cummins

• Outside turning radius: 25’4”

You are familiar with the uncompromising reliability and the efficiency that Toyota offers in cars and industrial equipment, and the Toyota forklift of enormous size is no different.

The THD12500-48 caters to the exacting requirements of heavy-duty material handling and has a capacity for lifting of up to 125,000 pounds. It is fortified with such features as the disposition control and the frame reinforcing for the stability needed for difficult conditions, thus with the safety features, it is also heightened by the OPSS to detect or recognize the operator when driving.

6. Hoist P1250

Then there is the Hoist P1250. Here are the details:

• Lift capacity: 125,000 lb

• Engine: Cummins 6.7L

Hoist P1250 is an optimized solution for rigorous industrial material handling operations. The forklift capitalizes highly on state-of-the-art equipment like hydraulics of impeccable precision, the ruggedness of the frame for the most difficult stability conditions.

The vehicle’s robustness and performance factors are laid in elements like its cushion tires promoting a reliable long runtime and being backed up by an engine protection system as well as a load-sensing hydraulic system, which will further add to your of the productivity and economy of the vehicle.

Hoist has been experienced in the market for decades and still manages to craft the heaviest-duty products in material handling, and the P1250 is one of them. With 125,000-pound load capacity, it can withstand the mechanical and operational requirements in modern-day warehouses, manufacturing units, and building sites that are diverse.

7. HangCha CPCD480-W61

We will now move down the list to examine the HangCha CPCD480-W61. This is what we have:

• Lift capacity: 105,822 lb

• Weight: 137,789 lb

• Engine: Cummins QSM11-CT3

Good news for everyone! You, with 105,822-pound liftoff, are sure to find that it is as big as they come. hangcha has always been known for the manufacture of good and effective material handling equipment.

It is precision-made by high-quality engineers which feature cutting-edge hydraulics, and a reinforcement frame that not only guarantee maximum performance and reliability but also can cope with the various complex operational situations, thus the CPCD480-W61 becomes a wise choice to handle most of the industrial challenging tasks available.

8. Hyster H1050XDS48

Number eight on the list is the Hyster H1050XDS48. Specifications are as follows:

• Lift capacity: 105,000 lb

• Weight: 134,400 lb

• Lift height: 14’4”

• Engine: Cummins

• Outside turning radius: 23’3”

Usually, the Hyster H1050XDS48 forklift truck is characterized in big, manual labor intensive sectors where the transport and handling of bulky goods from locations to customers take place.

By being able to lift 105,000 lb, the H1050XDS48 forklift truck persuasively delivers very heavy goods with high agility.

Notable features of the Hyster forklift truck include an advanced hydraulic system, a balanced and ergonomic mainframe, and an optimized, low-temperature exhaust flow as well as an auto-throttle function that guarantees an ultra-silent efficiency of operation.

Hyster, as a trusted and reliable company of long-standing, with a reputation for producing efficient, state-of-the-art material handling equipment, remains as such in the public's eye by launching the model H1050XDS48.

9. Svetruck 52120-60

The next model we are going to tackle is no other than Svetruck 52120-60. Below are its technical specifications:

• Lift capacity: 104,000 lb

• Weight: 132,498 lb

• Lift height: 13’1”

• Engine: Cummins

• Outside turning radius: 27’6”

The product called Svetruck 52120-60, designed with state-of-the-art features like precision control system and rock-solid frame, is the go-to if you're looking for a standard forklift to do a wide array of operations like in lumber yards to shipping terminals.

Svetruck carved itself as an indomitable leader in the heavy-duty forklifts arena, a trend maintained in this particular model. The brand's dedication to the aspect of quality as well as maintaining pace with the technology has seen that Svetruck units, such as 52120-60, are made specifically for industrial uses, that are rigorous and demanding in terms of lifting capabilities, and reliability.

Its wet disc brakes allow for quick stopping motions in tough conditions while keeping the brakes from overheating.

10. Sany SCP460C

In this last position, the winner of the wooden spoon, the smallest of the heavyweights, the Sany SCP460C for our lift capacity list ends the game. Thus, we present to you the Sany SCP460C that can perform the following functions:

• Lift capacity: 101,413 lb

• Weight: 127,648 lb

• Lift height: 13’1”

• Engine: Volvo

Even in the 14th round, the Sany SCP460C remains one of the distinct members of the material handling industry and still retains its significance. It is highly recommended for lifting capacities of over 101,000 pounds and is designed for heavy-duty use in such industries as construction and manufacturing.

Several of the advanced properties include a very controlled system, stabilizer automatics for the prevention of the hazardous situations which might emerge in the operation of lift trucks, and a robust chassis which make the lift truck SCP460C the ultimate weapon in the fight for secure and precise material handling.

Further, the design of the SCP460C is in line with SANY's mission to solve the dynamic problems in industrial material handling.

High-Capacity Forklift Applications

General material handling is not merely general but it is a very broad thing that covers a lot of areas and applications. High-capacity forklifts are the most suitable for the very extreme categories, the most demanding jobs with a very heavy load capacity, skills in precise and stable operation and high power requirements.

Below is a detailed list of the most common scenarios of a hyperbolic nature that these forklifts can do:

• Wind power handling: Forklifts designed for high loads can move wind turbine parts such as blades, towers, and nacelles, usually during the construction and maintenance stages of wind farms.

• Steel and concrete: The main role of high-capacity forklifts is to carry several heavy materials of a compound nature like steel coils, beams, and concrete blocks, all of which are typical in steel mills, construction sites, and manufacturing plants.

• Industrial and manufacturing: So, in the manufacturing industry, high-capacity forklifts can bring in and put in place heavy-duty machinery or raw materials along the length of the manufacturing process.

• Ports and shipping yards: Port areas are accustomed to seeing high-capacity forklifts which are responsible for the loading and unloading of heavy goods, cargo such as large-sized shipping containers, and bulk goods as ships come and go.

• Construction sites: Development and building units would prefer to use, for instance, the forklifts for the specific purpose of handling the heavy pre-fabricated materials, but the same forklifts are versatile enough to cover for all stages of the building project starting from site preparation.

• Warehousing and logistics: These forklifts are conversant with moving and carrying heavy pallets, machinery, and raw materials within and inter-warehouses, possibly high-stacks where storage, retrieval, and distribution tasks are being done.

• Mining and quarry operations: Forklifts with high loading capacities are employed to transport heavy machinery, as well as to move large amounts of excavated materials.

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Forklift

When the need arises for more than one forklift for the grinding pits, the latter are purchased or rented from forklift dealers and rental companies that give a solution to the problem of load transportation in the mining industry.

For the most part, deciding to go with a class V forklift rather than sticking with a normal model is intertwined with the topic of capacity. In case you are working in the field that needs heavy-duty, you should pick the high-capacity machinery.

These are some insights into how different types of forklifts can be used in a mining process explained in terms of these diverse contexts, one of which being the expansion to a pit.

As with size, it is not advisable to use machines with larger capacities than needed, and so one is advised to see the correct load for a forklift depending on the nature of the work to be carried out; picking the exact right one does no good and makes no sense in case one decides not to use it.

Grinding, especially underground or in hard-to-reach areas, is known to be a high risk of operation that usually involves heavy machinery, material types not popular among the workers, and hard-to-get-to-space; proper consideration can only make this work or process safe.

It is no coincidence that forklifts are used to lift the load due to the fact that there is no other machine for this dubious purpose.

For example, we may often encounter the need for a type of heavy-duty forklift that is capable of not only hoisting but also transferring, which can be done through a rough terrain forklift, a grasp forklift, a swing mast forklift, a side loader, or a telescopic forklift; each of these forklifts has a different application and is suitable for different load types.

Summary

It is essential to know the limits of the process in terms of the trucks that are being used to move loads in and out or to stockpile minerals.

Originally, a forklift might have its own battery, which could be installed whenever needed. But nowadays, fast charging is already resolved as an efficient method to keep electric forklifts up and running...