The 16 Best Forklift Brands
Choosing the right forklift brand can impact productivity, safety, maintenance costs, and long-term equipment performance. Different manufacturers design forklifts for specific applications, including warehouse operations, heavy-duty lifting, narrow aisles, and electric material handling.
1
Toyota Forklifts
COST
$12,000–$50,000+
ABOUT
Toyota has been the top-selling forklift brand globally since 2002. With more than 50 years in the industry and over 2,000,000 industrial engines built since 1958, Toyota produces high-quality, durable lifts proven to stand the test of time
BENEFITS OF TOYOTA FORKLIFTS:
KEY BENEFITS OF YALE FORKLIFTS:
- Toyota designs and builds its own engines specifically for lift trucks, tested extensively for reliable performance.
- System of Active Stability (SAS) helps auto-detect and correct instability, reducing safety incidents and maintenance costs.
TOYOTA FORKLIFTS LEGACY IN BRIEF:
- Toyota introduced the world's first system of active stability to reduce tip-over risk through electronic monitoring. Committed to dependable engineering paired with sustainable manufacturing practices.
TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE:
- A customer-first approach centered on safety, value and a strong overall driving experience.
THE BOTTOM LINE FOR TOYOTA LIFTS:
Toyota aims to be the #1 brand for quality, durability and reliability, with a low cost of ownership that's kept it on top for over two decades.
2
Cat Forklift
COST
$12,900–$21,000
ABOUT
Cat Lift Trucks carries Caterpillar's reputation for rugged heavy equipment into material handling. Built for demanding outdoor and industrial environments.
BENEFITS OF CAT FORKLIFT:
KEY BENEFITS OF CAT FORKLIFTS:
- Heavy-duty frame and components built to withstand tough daily use.
- Strong pulling and lifting power suited to lumber yards, construction sites and outdoor operations.
CAT FORKLIFTS LEGACY IN BRIEF:
Brings decades of Caterpillar's construction-equipment engineering into the lift truck category, with recognizable branding tied to one of the most trusted names in heavy machinery.CAT CUSTOMER SERVICE:
- Cat proudly guarantees maximum safety and productivity to its customers.
- Cat stands behind its warranties and strives to provide outstanding customer service.
THE BOTTOM LINE FOR CAT LIFTS:
A strong pick for businesses that need rugged, outdoor-ready trucks from a name synonymous with heavy equipment.
3
Clark Forklift
COST
$10,900–$14,900
ABOUT
Clark invented the first hydraulic forklift in 1917 and remains a true pioneer of the industry, today producing a wide lineup of IC and electric trucks.
BENEFITS OF CLARK FORKLIFT:
KEY BENEFITS OF CLARK FORKLIFTS:
- Straightforward, easy-to-maintain designs across a broad range of counterbalance trucks.
- Strong parts availability given the brand's long history in the U.S. market.
CLARK FORKLIFTS LEGACY IN BRIEF:
- Over a century of forklift manufacturing history as the inventor of the category.
CLARK CUSTOMER SERVICE:
- CLARK prioritizes responsiveness and progressiveness.
THE BOTTOM LINE FOR CLARK:
A historic, no-nonsense brand for buyers who want proven, straightforward equipment.
4
Crown Forklift
COST
$12,900–$25,900
ABOUT
Crown leads the industry in ergonomics. Specializing in rough terrain and counterbalance forklifts, Crown is built for safe, confident driving and is well known for being innovative, reliable and high-tech.
BENEFITS OF CROWN FORKLIFT:
KEY BENEFITS OF CROWN FORKLIFTS:
- InfoLink fleet management system lets businesses track and analyze truck usage.
- QuickPick Remote order-picking technology increases operator efficiency.
CROWN FORKLIFTS LEGACY IN BRIEF:
More than 50 years of experience in material handling, family-led for four generations, with a history of award-winning designs.CROWN CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Values trust-based relationships and prioritizes driver comfort and safety.THE BOTTOM LINE FOR CROWN:
Crown builds high-performance, reliable and innovative trucks aimed at lowering total cost of ownership, with its C-5 range leading in heavy-duty industrial forklifts.
5
Doosan Forklift
COST
$77,750
ABOUT
Doosan, part of the South Korean industrial group Doosan Bobcat, builds a full range of electric and IC forklifts known for strong lifting capacity and value pricing. In parts of North America, the lineup is transitioning to the Bobcat brand name.
BENEFITS OF DOOSAN FORKLIFT:
KEY BENEFITS OF DOOSAN FORKLIFTS:
- Competitive pricing relative to lifting capacity across a broad range of tonnage options.
- Backed by Doosan Bobcat's industrial manufacturing scale.
DOOSAN FORKLIFTS LEGACY IN BRIEF:
Built a strong reputation in industrial and construction equipment before expanding into forklifts.DOOSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE:
- Customers choose Doosan because of their caring and responsive support systems.