How Forklift Specs Differ by Manufacturer

Quick Facts: Forklift Specs by Manufacturer

• Lift capacity runs from about 3,000 lbs (Crown) up to 160,000 lbs (Kalmar).
• Hyundai blends power and smart design for mixed environments.
• Crown handles tight spaces with ease and precision.
• Combilift is ideal for long or awkward loads.
• Kalmar dominates in ports, yards, and heavy industries.
• Electric forklifts are cleaner and quieter. Diesel models handle the toughest jobs.
• The right forklift depends on what you lift, where you work, and how long your shifts run.

Summary

Every manufacturer has its own way of building forklifts. Some go for raw strength, others for agility or comfort. The truth is, there isn’t one “best” forklift, it’s all about the kind of work you’re doing. We see it every day: a model that’s perfect in one warehouse might slow down another. So let’s talk about what makes each brand different.

Understanding Forklift Specs

When comparing forklifts, a few specs provide more insight than any brochure could.

You’ve got lift capacity, how much weight you can safely raise. Then there’s lift height, which matters when you’re stacking or loading high racks. Turning radius tells you how well it’ll handle in tight spots. And fuel type, electric, diesel, or propane, makes a huge difference in torque, emissions, and maintenance.

Finally, operator comfort and tech. You’d be surprised how much things like seat design, visibility, or display screens affect daily productivity. Once you get what each of these means, comparing brands actually starts to make sense.

Hyundai Forklift Specs: Power That Feels Smooth

Hyundai forklifts are known for striking a balance. They’ve got plenty of muscle, but they’re easy to handle too. Their models range from around 3,000 to 55,000 lbs of lift capacity, covering both electric and diesel lines.

Operators like them because they’re comfortable to sit in all day, with good visibility, reliable displays, and quiet cabins. Hyundai’s tech features aren’t just for show. Load-sensing hydraulics and smart monitoring really help reduce strain and downtime. The lithium-ion electrics recharge fast and run longer than you’d expect, especially for indoor operations trying to go greener.

Crown Forklift Specs: Small Space, Big Control

Crown Lift Trucks really shine indoors. You’ll find them in tight warehouse aisles, weaving between pallets like it’s second nature. They typically lift between 2,500 and 10,000 lbs, which fits most warehouse work.

What sets Crown apart is control and feedback. Their Access 123® and InfoLink® systems give operators a ton of visibility into how the truck’s performing. It’s one of those brands that, once you get used to it, it’s hard to switch to something else. Everything feels responsive and precise, which is perfect for sites where space is at a premium.

Combilift Forklift Specs: The Flexible Workhorse

If you’ve ever tried to move long pipes, steel beams, or timber in a standard forklift, you know how tricky it gets. That’s where Combilift comes in.

Their multi-directional forklifts can go forward, backward, or sideways, so you can carry big or awkward materials without knocking into anything. Some models can lift up to 60,000 lbs and come in diesel, LPG, or electric versions. They’re a real favorite for lumber yards, metal fabrication shops, and places that need one truck to do several jobs.

Kalmar Forklift Specs: Heavy-Duty by Design

If Hyundai and Crown cover everyday warehouse jobs, Kalmar handles the heavy stuff. You’ll see their forklifts in ports, steel plants, and large manufacturing yards, anywhere that requires serious muscle.

Capacities start at around 18,000 lbs and go beyond 160,000 lbs. Kalmar machines are tough, with reinforced frames, hydraulic sensing, and auto-greasing systems built in. They’re not flashy, but they last. Telematics tech is standard on most, letting you keep an eye on maintenance and usage from anywhere.

Electric vs Diesel Forklift Specs

This one always sparks debate. Both have their place, it really depends on your environment.

Electric forklifts, like Hyundai, Crown, and some Combilift models, are clean, quiet, and great for indoor use. You don’t deal with fumes or as much maintenance, but you’ll need to plan around charging schedules.

Diesel forklifts are built for strength. They run long shifts outdoors and have the torque to lift heavy, bulky loads. You’ll find them in yards and construction sites where air flow isn’t a problem.

Propane models are the middle ground, easy to refuel and good for mixed spaces where you might move between indoor and outdoor areas.

In most cases, the right choice comes down to your workload and how long you expect your forklift to run between breaks.

Choosing the Right Forklift

Here’s the thing, there’s no single “best” forklift. It’s about matching specs to your operation.

If your aisles are narrow, Crown is almost always the right call. If you move between inside and outside, Hyundai fits that balance. If your loads are long or awkward, Combilift saves time and space. If you’re moving shipping containers or massive pallets, Kalmar is built for that world.

We see it all the time, companies trying to make one forklift do it all. Usually, once they switch to a model better suited to their space, productivity jumps immediately.

Conclusion

Honestly, comparing forklift specs is about more than numbers on a sheet. You can have two models with the same lift height and capacity that behave completely differently on the job. Hyundai, Crown, Combilift, and Kalmar all make great machines, but for totally different reasons.

From what we’ve seen in the field, Hyundai wins for comfort and all-around power. Crown’s unbeatable in tight warehouse layouts. Combilift is the smart pick for tricky or oversized materials. Kalmar is the heavy hitter that just keeps going, year after year.

If you’re not sure which one fits your needs, contact Thompson Lift Truck. We work with these brands every day and can help you compare real-world specs, not just brochures, to find what’s right for your space, crew, and workload.