15,000-25,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift
The 15,000–25,000 lb pneumatic tire forklift is a heavy-duty outdoor machine designed for yard and plant work involving machinery, pipe racks, and large crates. Positioned between general industrial models and ultra-heavy material handlers, this size class offers 7,000–10,433 kg load capacity with lift heights ranging 9.8–24.3 ft. Major manufacturers include Hyster, Mitsubishi, XCMG, Unicarriers, Sany, Nissan, Hangcha, and Clark, with 39 models spanning this capacity range.

Cat classes
Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.
Key specifications
| Specification | Typical range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | 7,000–10,433 kg (15,400–23,000 lb) | Rated capacity at load center, supporting heavy machinery and bulked materials |
| Lift height | 9.8–24.3 ft (3.0–7.4 m) | Maximum fork height varies by model; higher masts suit rack stacking and elevated unloading |
| Tire type | Pneumatic | Air-filled tires for outdoor surfaces, rough terrain, and unimproved yards |
| Powertrain | Diesel or LPG | Compression-ignition or propane engines sized for continuous high-torque outdoor duty |
How to choose
This size class suits heavy yard work where loads routinely exceed five tons — moving machinery, stacked pipe, bundled steel, and large crated equipment across gravel, asphalt, or compacted earth. When loads stay below 15,000 lb and lift heights are modest, the 10,000–15,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift offers better maneuverability and lower operating cost. For loads approaching or exceeding 25,000 lb — shipping containers, heavy fabrications, or dense palletized material — the 25,000–36,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift provides the structural margin and stability required.
What this size handles
- Relocating CNC machines, presses, and industrial equipment within fabrication yards
- Stacking and retrieving bundled pipe, structural steel, and rebar in storage yards
- Unloading large crated machinery and factory components from flatbed trailers
- Handling palletized aggregate materials, bagged cement, and bulk construction supplies
- Moving heavy molds, dies, and tooling in foundries and metalworking plants
- Staging precast concrete elements and heavy building panels at construction laydown areas
Safety & operation
- Operator certification per OSHA 1910.178 or equivalent jurisdictional standard; separate training required for high-capacity counterbalanced machines
- Ground conditions critical — soft soil, uncompacted fill, or deteriorated pavement can destabilize machines under load
- Load center and center of gravity verification necessary; off-center or unevenly distributed loads dramatically reduce safe capacity
- Overhead clearance and mast tilt angles must account for combined machine and load height during travel and placement
Transport & logistics
- Requires heavy-duty lowboy or tilt-deck trailer with 25,000+ lb payload capacity and ramps rated for concentrated axle loads
- Overall width typically 6–8 ft; height with mast lowered often exceeds 8 ft, requiring oversize permits and escort vehicles on public roads in many jurisdictions
- Loading by driven ascent onto trailer or by crane; machine weight and ground pressure demand reinforced loading zones
Power & supply
- Diesel models require on-site refueling infrastructure or staged fuel drums; consumption varies 3–6 gallons per hour under load
- LPG (propane) units use 33 lb or larger cylinders; continuous operation requires cylinder exchange capability and secure storage
- Electric models rare in this weight class but require 480V three-phase charging where available
Frequently asked
What differentiates this size from smaller pneumatic tire forklifts?
Can this size class handle shipping containers?
What surface conditions are acceptable for operation?
Compare popular models
Find by spec →Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.
| Model | Load capacity | Lift height | Engine power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi FB70N | 15,432 lb (7,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
| Mitsubishi FB70NH | 15,432 lb (7,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
| Mitsubishi FB80N | 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
| Mitsubishi FB80N-900 | 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
| Mitsubishi FB80NH | 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
| Mitsubishi FB80NH-900 | 17,637 lb (8,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
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Sources
Every specification is verified against the manufacturer's published data, with the source linked for reference.
15,000-25,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift
39 models · Every spec cited to source