25,000-36,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift
The 25,000-36,000 lb pneumatic tire forklift class handles mill-duty applications including loaded shipping containers, structural steel, and heavy fabrication work. This size sits near the top of the pneumatic forklift ladder, bridging high-capacity industrial work and the specialized container-handling machines in the 36,000+ lb class. With load capacities from 11,340 to 16,329 kg (roughly 25,000 to 36,000 lb), these machines are built for heavy outdoor materials handling where precision meets extreme weight.
Cat classes
Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.
Key specifications
| Specification | Typical range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | 11,340–16,329 kg (25,000–36,000 lb) | Engineered for loaded containers, large steel assemblies, and bundled materials |
| Lift height | 9.8–13.1 ft (3.0–4.0 m) | Standard mast heights for container stacking and flatbed loading |
| Tire type | Pneumatic (air-filled) | Required for outdoor yards, gravel, and unimproved surfaces typical of heavy industry |
| Frame construction | Heavy-duty mill spec | Reinforced counterweight and frame designed for continuous high-load duty cycles |
How to choose
This size class is the correct choice for handling loaded 20- and 40-foot shipping containers, bundles of structural steel, large machinery components, and heavy fabrication assemblies in outdoor industrial yards. When loads consistently fall below 25,000 lb—such as lighter container work, packaged lumber, or general yard materials—the 15,000-25,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift offers better maneuverability and operating economy. For empty and loaded container handling in high-throughput intermodal facilities, or when regular loads exceed 36,000 lb, the 36,000+ lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift class provides the necessary capacity and specialized container-handling features.
What this size handles
- Loading and unloading loaded 20-foot and 40-foot ISO shipping containers onto chassis and storage yards
- Handling bundled structural steel, I-beams, plate, and heavy pipe in fabrication yards
- Moving large machinery components, transformers, and industrial equipment in manufacturing facilities
- Stacking heavy palletized goods and oversized crates in outdoor warehouse yards
- Positioning heavy precast concrete elements and construction materials at mill sites
- Transporting large diesel generators, compressors, and pumps in equipment staging areas
Safety & operation
- OSHA-compliant operator certification required; training specific to high-capacity forklifts and container handling
- Overhead guards and reinforced ROPS/FOPS structures standard due to heavy loads and outdoor industrial environments
- Load charts and capacity plates critical; even small shifts in load center dramatically affect stability at these weights
- Wide turning radius and significant counterweight require clear traffic routes and designated pedestrian exclusion zones
Transport & logistics
- Requires heavy-duty lowboy or RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers due to machine weight typically exceeding 40,000 lb
- Transport arranged by specialized heavy equipment haulers; machines of this size often require overweight permits
- Loading and unloading performed with heavy-duty ramps or dock-height facilities; self-loading not typical
Power & supply
- Diesel-powered engines, typically 100–150 horsepower, for the torque and fuel capacity required in mill-duty cycles
- Fuel tanks sized for extended shifts; daily refueling infrastructure necessary at high-use sites
- Dual-fuel (diesel-propane) configurations available on some models for emissions-sensitive industrial sites
Frequently asked
What distinguishes a mill-duty forklift from standard high-capacity models?
Can this size class handle both 20-foot and 40-foot loaded containers?
What mast options are typical for this capacity range?
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Komatsu FH135-1 | 29,762 lb (13,500 kg) | 13.1 ft (4.0 m) | - |
| Mitsubishi FB120NH | 26,455 lb (12,000 kg) | 11.2 ft (3.4 m) | - |
| XCMG XCF1606K | 35,274 lb (16,000 kg) | 9.8 ft (3.0 m) | - |
| XCMG XCF1206K | 26,455 lb (12,000 kg) | 9.8 ft (3.0 m) | - |
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Sources
Every specification is verified against the manufacturer's published data, with the source linked for reference.
25,000-36,000 lb Pneumatic Tire Forklift
32 models · Every spec cited to source
