The 10 Biggest & Most Powerful Forklifts

Forklifts, also known as lift trucks, are industrial trucks that are designed to move cargo from one location to another. Every year, more than 1 million forklifts are sold around the world, as they remain one of the most important assets to any cargo handling operation. 

There are various types of forklifts, each having a unique purpose and application. While some are designed to increase productivity, others are required to move large and heavy cargo around. 

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the world’s biggest and most powerful forklifts. These Class 7 lift trucks can move massive loads (up to 72 tons) with ease, making them an essential piece of equipment for moving heavy cargo. 

1. Kalmar DCG720-10LB (72 tons)

Kalmar is a Finnish company that was founded in the 1940s and manufactures forklifts and other material handling equipment. Kalmar’s product range includes diesel, electric, and LPG-powered forklifts, terminal tractors, reach stackers, empty container handlers, and loaded container handlers. 

The Kalmar DCG720-10LB is the largest and most powerful forklift in the world and is primarily used for loading and unloading heavy and oversized cargo. With a lifting capacity of up to 72 tons and a maximum lift height of 4 meters, this forklift is suitable for a wide range of heavy-duty applications. 

It is also equipped with a variety of features that make it easy to use, such as an automatic lifting system and a self-leveling platform. The Kalmar DCG720-10LB is powered by a Volvo TAD1172VE 10.84l diesel engine, which produces up to 1,938 Nm of torque.

2. Konecranes SMV 65-1200 B (65 tons)

Konecranes is another renowned lift truck manufacturer, with forklifts that are marketed under the Konecranes and Linde brands. Konecranes lift trucks are designed for demanding industrial applications and offer advanced features, such as electronic stability control, that make them safe and easy to operate. 

The Konecranes SMV 65-1200 B is another powerful forklift that has a lifting capacity of 65 tons, making it a great choice for heavy-duty applications. It’s also incredibly versatile, with a wide range of features that make it perfect for a variety of different settings.

It features a raised cabin that allows for increased visibility during operation and its ergonomic interior is operator-oriented. The SMV 65-1200 B has various load-sensing hydraulics and is powered by a Cummins QSM 11 diesel engine. Its rugged and sturdy design makes it suitable for all types of industrial and commercial applications.

3. Versalift 100/140 (64 tons)

Founded in 1965, Versalift is a leading manufacturer of aerial lifts, telescopic and articulated boom lifts, forklifts, and other access equipment. The company’s products are used in a variety of applications, including construction, maintenance, production, and warehousing. 

The Versalift 100/140 is a heavy-duty aerial lift designed for various applications, including construction, industrial maintenance, and utility work. With a maximum lifting capacity of 64 tons, this Versalift model is one of the most versatile and powerful aerial lifts in its lineup and market.

It is available in a variety of configurations, including a standard model with a maximum lifting height of 100 feet, and a “jumbo” model with a maximum lifting height of 140 feet. This 128,000 lbs forklift is powered by a 4.3l GM diesel engine, a Rexroth Hydrostatic transmission, and a Rockwell drive axle.

4. MKF CS 600 D (60 tons)

The CS 600 D is a forklift manufactured by the German company MKF and boasts a lifting capacity of 60 tons. This enables it to move a variety of extremely heavy loads with little effort.

This forklift is powered by a 7.8l diesel engine with an output of 250kW and has four hydraulic outriggers. The CS 600 D is used for a variety of applications, including construction, logging, warehousing, and shipping.

It’s also available in a smaller version, the CS 600 D-L, which has a lifting capacity of 48 tons and a maximum boom length of 46 meters (151 feet). The CS 600 D-L is manufactured in Germany by MKF and can be customized depending on specific requirements.

5. Hoist P1250

Hoist Material Handling is a renowned manufacturer of lift trucks and other material handling equipment. Founded in 1918, Hoist has a long history of innovation and excellence in the material handling industry, particularly heavy-duty forklifts.  

The Hoist P1250 is a versatile and powerful forklift that can handle a variety of tasks. With a lifting capacity of up to 57 tons, it can easily move heavy loads. It’s powered by a Cummins diesel engine and most of its components are manufactured and assembled in-house at their East Chicago plant.

Additional features of the Hoist P125 include a planetary drive axle, a Dual-action bolt-on cylinder, an electrical control system, a raised operator cabin for increased visibility, and an electronic engine diagnostics module. It also comes with a list of various options depending on the application that it’s required for.

6. Svetruck 55200

Svetruck is a manufacturer of heavy-duty lift trucks, which was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Part of their range includes the Svetruck 55200, a heavy-duty forklift that is capable of lifting up to 55 tons. 

Equipped with an 8.9l Cummins QSL 9 diesel engine with an output of 405 hp, the Svetruck 55200 is suitable for a multitude of applications ranging from moving heavy cargo, to stacking containers. 

It also features a 16-speed automatic transmission and has a 1000 liter fuel tank to ensure that the 60.1-ton forklift endures long operating hours, before requiring refueling. The Svetruck 55200 has a duplex mast with a total lifting height of 13.8 meters giving it an exceptionally high reach.

7. Hyster H52.00XM-12

Hyster is a leading manufacturer of material handling equipment, with over 90 years of experience in the industry. They offer a comprehensive range of lift trucks and are known for their heavy-duty range, such as the Hyster H52 series.

The Hyster H52.00XM-12 is a powerful lift truck that is designed for use in demanding applications. It features a powerful Mercedes 11-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine, a ZF transmission, and a robust design that makes it capable of handling heavy loads such as containers and cargo. 

The H52.00XM-12 is also equipped with a number of features that make it easy to operate and maintain. Some of these features include a central lubrication system, full LED lighting, pneumatic tires, a modern operator’s cabin, a pneumatic seat, and various types of attachments for specific applications.

8. Kalmar DCF 520-12

Another Kalmar forklift that has made it into the list of the most powerful forklifts is the DCF 520-12. This forklift has a total lifting capacity of 52 tons and a lifting height of 12.6 meters, due to its two-stage mast.

The Kalmar DCF 520-12 is a versatile forklift that can be used in a variety of applications, including warehouse, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. There are two engine options available, which are the Volvo TAD1250VE and the Cummins QSM11 that power the 63-ton forklift. 

These powerful engines propel the Kalmar DCF 520-12 through various types of terrain at about 20 km/h under load. Other features include an informational display, different forklift attachments, and a high-quality hydraulic system, amongst various others. 

9. Hoist F1100

The Hoist F1100 is another versatile heavy-duty forklift that is suitable for a variety of applications, ranging from manufacturing and warehousing to construction and shipping. However, its limited lifting height of 3.1 meters may impose some restrictions. 

Its strong lifting capacity of 50 tons and a high degree of maneuverability make it perfect for tasks that include loading and unloading trucks, moving materials around a warehouse, or even handling heavy raw materials. 

The F1100 is equipped with a diesel-powered Cummins QSB 8.7 engine that powers this massive 75.9-ton forklift through various types of terrains. Additional features include a built-in safety system, an emergency stop button, and a raised operator’s cabin.

10. Hyster H48XMS-12

Hyster H48XMS-12 is a less powerful version than the Hyster H52.00XM-12, although its maximum lifting capacity is still impressive at 48 tons. The raised operator’s cabin and large pneumatic tires make it an excellent forklift for handling heavy cargo, especially shipping containers. 

This forklift is powered by a Cummins QSL 9 diesel engine with an output of up to 400 hp or 298 kW that produces a maximum torque of 1627 Nm. As the H48XMS-12 has a lifting height of about 16 meters, its most commonly used as a reach stacker for shipping containers. 

Along with countless other features, it’s equipped with built-in safety systems, an ergonomic cab, an LED lighting system, automatic engine shutdown, several alarm sensors, and even a wireless forklift tracking system.