To choose an electric forklift, match four things to your job: rated capacity at your load center, required lift height, indoor or outdoor use which sets tire type, and battery chemistry where lithium suits multi-shift and lead-acid suits budget. Then confirm aisle width and duty cycle before requesting a quote.
Choosing the wrong electric forklift is costly to unwind on an import order. This guide covers the specs that drive the decision, and where factory-direct FOB beats local retail. Contact us for a spec sheet and quote.
Capacity and load center
Rated capacity is only true at a stated load center, usually 500 mm; the further the load sits from the forks, the less the truck lifts safely. Size for your heaviest real load plus margin, not the catalog peak. Electric ranges run 1.5 to 3.5 t indoors and 5 to 10 t for heavy yards.
Lift height, indoor or outdoor, tires
Standard masts reach around 3,000 mm; high-bay needs 6,000 mm or more, and reach trucks roughly 11,000 mm. Higher masts cut residual capacity, so quote height with capacity. Cushion tires suit smooth indoor floors; pneumatic or solid tires handle outdoor ground. Three-wheel and cushion units turn tighter for narrow aisles.
Battery: lithium vs lead-acid
Lithium LiFePO4 suits multi-shift duty with opportunity charging, low maintenance and long life, at a higher upfront price. Lead-acid is cheaper and proven for single shifts but needs watering and battery swaps for heavy duty. Most UN and Xilin models offer both, so pick by duty cycle, not sticker price.
Aisle width and buying smart
Match your narrowest aisle to turning radius: reach and three-wheel trucks fit tight aisles and maximize cube; counterbalance trucks need width but move faster in open space. Light single-shift work suits a stacker; heavy throughput justifies lithium. Factory-direct FOB removes dealer markup, and OEM ODM lets you spec mast, fork, voltage and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lithium or lead-acid?
Choose lithium LiFePO4 for multi-shift use with opportunity charging and no watering, at a higher upfront cost. Choose lead-acid for single-shift work on a tighter budget. Most UN and Xilin models offer either; we advise based on your shift pattern.
What capacity do I need?
Size for your heaviest real load at its actual load center, not the catalog maximum, since capacity drops as the center of gravity moves from the forks. Send load weight and dimensions and we confirm rated capacity.
Custom specs and certs?
Yes. We support OEM ODM for mast, fork, voltage, tires and color, and supply CE marked, SGS TUV tested units with UL and ISO 9001 documentation available. Tell us your destination market and we confirm the certification package.
Lead times and shipping?
Typical lead time is about 4 to 6 weeks by configuration and quantity. We ship FOB or CIF worldwide from verified Chinese factories. Send specs, quantity and destination port and engineers reply within 3 business days with a quote.
Get a factory-direct quote
Send your specs, quantity and destination port — our engineers reply within 3 business days. OEM/ODM welcome.
Request a Quote →← More guides