10 Best Forklift Brands of 2025

Choosing the right forklift brand in 2025 can mean the difference between smooth, safe operations and constant downtime. To help you compare your options, we've ranked the 10 best forklift brands based on reliability, technology, product range, dealer support, and total cost of ownership.

Whether you're running a single-shift warehouse or a multi-site 24/7 operation, this guide walks through when each brand shines, typical price ranges, and what types of trucks they're best known for.

How to Use This 2025 Forklift Brand Guide

Rather than just listing names, this guide breaks down each forklift brand into real-world decision criteria:

• Approximate cost range
• Brand strengths
• Typical applications
• What kind of operation gets the most value from that manufacturer

The list is ordered by overall global presence and reputation in 2025, but the "best" brand for your business will depend on how and where you use your equipment.

3 Fast Tips Before Choosing a Forklift Brand

1. Match the Brand to Your Application: Some manufacturers excel at indoor electric trucks and narrow aisles, while others dominate heavy outdoor applications. Start with your environment and duty cycle first, then narrow by brand.
2. Think in Lifespan, Not Sticker Price: Cheaper trucks can cost more long-term if they require constant repairs. Premium brands may justify higher upfront costs with better uptime and resale value.
3. Don't Ignore Dealer Support: A strong local dealer network, service response times, and parts availability can matter as much as the forklift itself. A good truck with poor local support can become a bad experience.

1. Toyota - Global Leader in Reliability & Safety

Typical cost range (new): approximately $20,000 - $55,000+ (depending on capacity, mast, and powertrain)

Best for: High-throughput warehouses, manufacturing, and mixed fleets with both electric and IC trucks.

About Toyota Forklifts

Toyota consistently ranks as the top forklift manufacturer worldwide in units sold and lift-truck-related revenue. Their forklifts are widely recognized for:

• Long service life
• Low downtime
• Exceptional build quality

For many buyers, Toyota is the "safe bet" brand that sets the standard others are compared against.

Key Benefits of Toyota Forklifts

• System of Active Stability (SAS):
  Electronic stability system that helps reduce tip-over risks by monitoring forklift operation in real time.
• Huge product line:
  From hand pallet jacks to high-capacity IC pneumatics, plus reach trucks, order pickers, and lithium-ion electrics.
• Low total cost of ownership:
  Engineered for long intervals between major repairs, with strong resale value on the used market.

Where Toyota Really Shines

• Busy distribution centers with multiple shifts and almost no tolerance for downtime
• Operations standardizing on a single brand to simplify training and parts
• Fleets that need a strong mix of electric Class I-III units plus IC cushion and pneumatic trucks

Bottom line: If you're looking for a "set-it-and-forget-it" fleet with top-tier safety technology and strong dealer coverage, Toyota is often the benchmark.

2. CAT Lift Trucks - Rugged Lift Trucks with Strong Dealer Support

Typical cost range (new): approximately $18,000 - $50,000+

Best for: Mixed indoor/outdoor work, construction supply, lumber yards, and rental fleets.

About CAT Forklifts

CAT Lift Trucks builds on Caterpillar's history in heavy equipment. Their forklifts have a reputation for toughness and straightforward service, and they're especially popular:

• With operations that already use CAT in other machine categories
• Where long-term dealer relationships and parts access are important

Key Benefits of CAT Forklifts

• Durable frames and masts for rough floors, outdoor yards, and heavy attachments
• Easy access to parts via a large global dealer and service network
• Balanced lineup of IC cushion, IC pneumatic, and electric models

Ideal Use Cases

• Building materials and construction supply yards
• Rental companies needing rugged, general-purpose trucks
• Industrial plants where trucks move repeatedly between indoor and yard work

Bottom line: Choose CAT when uptime in tough conditions matters most and you want a brand your mechanics can work on with ease.

3. Hyster - Heavy-Duty Workhorses for Harsh Environments

Typical cost range (new): approximately $22,000 - $65,000+ for standard forklifts; more for high-capacity units

Best for: High-duty cycles, rough outdoor conditions, heavy loads, and specialty trucks.

About Hyster Forklifts

Hyster has nearly a century of experience building forklifts and is well known for high-capacity trucks used in ports, lumber, metals, and paper. In recent years they've pushed into:

• Larger electric models
• Lithium-ion options in higher capacities

Key Benefits of Hyster Forklifts

• Extremely durable designs that stand up to long shifts and harsh environments
• Strong high-capacity lineup (10,000 lb+), including container handlers and big electric pneumatics
• Operator comfort and visibility with modern cabs designed for productivity and safety

Best Fit Operations

• Ports, terminals, and intermodal yards
• Steel, lumber, paper, and other heavy industries
• Manufacturers needing reliable, high-capacity counterbalance trucks

Bottom line: If your lifts run all day in tough conditions with heavy loads, Hyster is almost always on the short list.

4. Yale - Ergonomic Warehouse Specialists

Typical cost range (new): approximately $18,000 - $45,000+

Best for: Warehouses and distribution centers with lots of electric riders and narrow-aisle trucks.

About Yale Forklifts

Yale is one of the oldest forklift brands and has deep experience in material handling. They're particularly strong in Class I-III electric trucks, with designs that emphasize:

• Visibility
• Ergonomics
• Safety features for long shifts

Key Benefits of Yale Forklifts

• Comfortable operator compartments with intuitive controls and great visibility
• Wide electric lineup including reach trucks, order pickers, and pallet trucks
• Ongoing innovation in stability, energy efficiency, and safety systems

Ideal Use Cases

• Third-party logistics (3PL) warehouses
• Retail distribution centers with heavy order-picking needs
• Operations upgrading from IC to electric fleets for lower emissions and noise

Bottom line: Yale is an excellent choice if your fleet leans toward electric warehouse trucks and you want operators to stay comfortable, safe, and productive.

5. Linde - Precision European Engineering

Typical cost range (new): approximately $25,000 - $70,000+

Best for: High-intensity warehouse and production operations that value smooth, precise control.

About Linde Forklifts

Linde, part of the KION Group, has a strong presence in Europe and a growing footprint in North America. Their electric counterbalance trucks are known for:

• Hydrostatic or advanced drive systems
• Extremely smooth, precise load handling

Key Benefits of Linde Forklifts

• Hydrostatic and advanced traction control for responsive, precise maneuvering
• Strong electric lineup from compact indoor units to heavy-duty high-capacity electrics
• Operator assistance features like curve speed reduction and enhanced stability controls

Ideal Use Cases

• High-value manufacturing where precise load placement is critical
• Warehouses with very tight turning aisles
• Operations transitioning to high-capacity electrics to reduce emissions

Bottom line: Linde is perfect for operations that want a "car-like" driving feel, advanced electronics, and top-tier electric performance.

6. Jungheinrich - Warehouse Automation & Lithium-Ion Specialists

Typical cost range (new): approximately $24,000 - $65,000+

Best for: High-density warehouses, narrow aisles, and operations exploring automation.

About Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich is a major European manufacturer with deep expertise in:

• Electric warehouse trucks
• Lithium-ion technology
• Automation solutions like AGVs and VNA trucks

They focus heavily on energy efficiency and long service intervals.

Key Benefits of Jungheinrich Forklifts

• Advanced lithium-ion solutions with fast charging and long battery life
• Strong warehouse portfolio: reach trucks, turret trucks, pallet movers, and order pickers
• Automation-ready designs that can be integrated into more advanced material-handling systems

Ideal Use Cases

• High-bay warehouses running multiple shifts on electric trucks
• Operations planning gradual moves into AGVs or semi-autonomous equipment
• Businesses focused on reducing energy use per pallet moved

Bottom line: If you're building a future-ready warehouse with dense storage and automation in mind, Jungheinrich deserves a close look.

7. Crown - North American Warehouse Powerhouse

Typical cost range (new): approximately $16,000 - $45,000+

Best for: High-volume pallet movement, grocery warehouses, and cold storage (with proper options).

About Crown Forklifts

Crown is particularly strong in North America for Class I-III electric trucks. They're well known for:

• Rugged electric pallet trucks
• Stand-up counterbalances that save space at docks and in aisles

Key Benefits of Crown Forklifts

• Excellent pallet truck lineup for high-throughput loading and unloading
• Compact stand-up counterbalances ideal for crowded dock operations
• Operator-focused design with intuitive controls and strong visibility

Ideal Use Cases

• Food and beverage distribution centers
• Retail DCs with intense pallet-in/pallet-out cycles
• Warehouses wanting reliable electrics with strong local parts availability

Bottom line: Crown is a top contender if your business revolves around fast pallet movement and you prefer electric stand-up trucks.

8. Komatsu - Tough Outdoor & Construction-Oriented Forklifts

Typical cost range (new): approximately $20,000 - $55,000+

Best for: Lumber, masonry, precast, and other rugged outdoor applications.

About Komatsu Forklifts

Komatsu leverages its construction equipment heritage to build forklifts that are comfortable on:

• Rough terrain
• Uneven surfaces
• Heavy outdoor workloads

Their IC pneumatic trucks are especially popular in yards and outdoor storage areas.

Key Benefits of Komatsu Forklifts

• Strong outdoor performance with robust frames and suspensions
• Reliable IC engines designed for long life under heavy stress
• Good visibility and ergonomics for operators spending long days on the truck

Ideal Use Cases

• Construction supply yards and precast concrete plants
• Outdoor steel and lumber storage
• Operations where forklifts double as yard and loading equipment

Bottom line: Komatsu is a solid pick when your forklifts spend more time on rough pavement or yard conditions than on smooth warehouse floors.

9. Doosan - High Value, Feature-Rich Trucks

Typical cost range (new): approximately $16,000 - $45,000+

Best for: Value-focused fleets that need a balance of price, features, and reliability.

About Doosan Forklifts

Doosan is known for offering capable forklifts at competitive prices, often with many features included as standard equipment rather than expensive add-ons.

They offer both IC and electric models that cover a wide range of industries.

Key Benefits of Doosan Forklifts

• Strong value proposition for businesses wanting lower acquisition costs
• Comfort-oriented cabs with ergonomic controls and good visibility
• Balanced lineup covering common capacities in both cushion and pneumatic configurations

Ideal Use Cases

• Small to mid-sized warehouses and manufacturers
• Rental fleets serving a variety of short-term users
• Companies upgrading from older used units into newer, more efficient trucks

Bottom line: Doosan is an attractive choice when budget matters, but you still want a modern, comfortable, full-featured truck.

10. Heli - Fast-Growing Global Player

Typical cost range (new): approximately $15,000 - $42,000+

Best for: Cost-conscious fleets that still need a full range of capacities and power options.

About Heli Forklifts

Anhui Heli is one of the largest Chinese forklift manufacturers, expanding quickly worldwide. They offer a wide selection of IC and electric forklifts, including:

• Smaller electrics
• High-capacity IC trucks

-usually at competitive prices.

Key Benefits of Heli Forklifts

• Broad product range from small indoor units to high-capacity outdoor trucks
• Competitive pricing vs. many traditional "big name" brands
• Increasing global support as distributor networks expand

Ideal Use Cases

• Growing companies needing modern trucks without premium pricing
• Mixed fleets combining higher-end brands with value-oriented units
• Applications with moderate duty cycles and consistent maintenance

Bottom line: Heli is a brand to watch in 2025-strong value, increasing global reach, and a surprisingly complete range of models.

Side-by-Side Snapshot: Top Forklift Brands of 2025

FAQ: Choosing the Best Forklift Brand in 2025

Which forklift brand is #1 in the world right now?

Toyota continues to hold the top global position in forklift sales and lift-truck revenue, and is frequently ranked #1 in independent industry reports.

Is it better to buy new or used from a top brand?

• New forklifts give you the latest safety tech, longer warranties, and predictable costs.
• High-quality used trucks from brands like Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Linde, and Crown can be a smart option if they've been properly reconditioned and matched to your duty cycle.

Should I standardize on one brand or mix brands?

• Standardizing on one core brand simplifies training, technician knowledge, and parts stocking.
• Many fleets still carry a "core brand + specialists" mix (for example, Toyota for core counterbalances and Jungheinrich for VNA or automation projects).

What's the biggest mistake buyers make with forklift brands?

The biggest mistake is focusing only on upfront cost. A cheap truck with poor uptime, weak dealer support, or high parts prices can quickly cost more than a premium brand that:

• Stays in service
• Uses less fuel/energy
• Holds its value at trade-in

Final Thoughts

When in doubt, start by mapping your:

• Loads (weight and dimensions)
• Aisle widths
• Duty cycles (hours per shift, shifts per day)
• Environment (indoor, outdoor, or both)

Then compare 2-3 brands from this list side by side, including local dealer support and total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price.