2024 Top 5 Best Selling Small Diesel Forklifts
2024 is a fascinating year for modern industry in the material handling sector. As CEO of IVITAL, we are always aware of the changes within the industry, and we are always mindful of our competitors' products. Today, I will focus on a topic very close to my heart and vital to many of our partners: the small diesel forklift trucks. We will objectively examine the best-selling small fuel forklifts, including sales, customer feedback, operational efficiency, and innovation.
1:Yale GP040UX Diesel Forklift

The GLP040UX forklift is an outstanding model in Yale's renowned UX series, epitomizing the perfect combination of power, precision, and environmental awareness. The forklift features a powerful PSI 2.4L spark ignition engine. Rated at 4,000 lbs. in a 24-inch load center, it features a full suspension seat, wide-view mast, and low-profile top guard to enhance safety and efficiency further, minimize blind spots, and maximize operational visibility and protection. The GLP040UX meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) emissions regulations and features noise isolation, making it a responsible choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Yale's GLP040UX.This pedestal forklift is powered by a powerful PSI 2.4L engine that offers LPG dual fuel capability. It is rated at 4,000 pounds with 24-inch load centers. The strategic load distance from the center of the driveshaft to the forks is 18.7 inches, and the wheelbase is 63 inches.
The GLP040UX has a load capacity of 7,458 lbs. with pneumatic tires (7.00-12-12 front and 6.00-9-10 rear). This configuration, along with a 38.2-inch front tire tread and 38.6-inch rear tire tread, allows it to operate smoothly over a variety of terrain. The forklift's mast tilts 6° fore and aft to optimize cargo loading and unloading, while its mast height reaches 79.1 in. when lowered and extends to 158.5 in. when loaded with backrests.
The GLP040UX is designed for safety with an overhead guard height of 85.8 inches and a seat height of 45.9 inches. With an overall length of 142.9 inches and a width between 45.3 and 62.5 inches, depending on configuration, it operates efficiently in tight spaces. Fork dimensions of 1.6 x 4.8 x 42.1 inches ensure compatibility with a wide range of pallet sizes.
The GLP040UX has a turning radius of 90.2 inches plus an internal turning radius of 5.4 inches. This model is a powerful performer with a travel speed of 11.2 mph fully loaded and 11.1 mph unloaded. Lift speeds are 97 ft/min loaded and 103 ft/min unloaded, and lowering speeds range from 85 ft/min loaded to 79 ft/min unloaded.
The GLP040UX is equipped with a hydraulic braking system and has a 63 hp engine with an output of 2250 hp per minute, supported by an automatic drive. Operational noise levels are maintained at 84 dB(A) at the operator's ear, with a guaranteed noise power of 103 dB(A), meeting environmental and safety standards.
2:Toyota Model: 50-8FGC35U

The Toyota 50-8FGC35U model is the internal combustion engine cushion tyre forklifts benchmark. Designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, this model has an 8,000 lb. load capacity and a 24-inch load centre. Equipped with an LPG power type, the forklift provides superior comfort and stability by attracting seated operators with cushioned tyres at the front and rear. Powered by a powerful Toyota 4-cylinder 3.7-litre OHV engine, the forklift is environmentally conscious with EPA/CARB emission certification. Toyota's Active Stability System (SAS) and Operator Presence Sensing System (OPSS) prioritise safety, minimising risk while maximising productivity.
Key external dimensions of the 50-8FGC35U include:
- A maximum fork height of 159.5 inches.
- A free lift height of 33.1 inches.
- Fork dimensions of 2 x 6 x 42 inches.
With a forward tilt range of 5 degrees and a rearward tilt range of 5 degrees, this model offers versatility and ease of operation. Fork face length is 103.9 inches, overall width is 55.9 inches, mast lowering height is 81.1 inches, and overhead guard height is 83.5 inches. The model has a 90-inch turning radius, reflecting its maneuverability in tight spaces.
Regarding performance metrics, the maximum travel speed is 11.8 mph (forward and reverse), with lifting and lowering speeds optimized for efficiency and safety. The 50-8FGC35U has a GVWR of 13,730 lbs, demonstrating its rugged construction and ability to handle large loads.
The forklift is powered by a Toyota 4-cylinder 3.7-litre OHV engine for reliable performance that meets EPA/CARB certification standards. It features a distributorless ignition system and an automatic transmission with an oil cooler to ensure reliable operation in various conditions.
3:CAT DP20 Compact Diesel Powered Forklifts

The Cat® Lift Trucks DP20N3 forklift excels in outdoor environments and under demanding conditions with a 2000 kg capacity powered by a robust engine. It's designed for:
- Stability and Agility: Features a 500 mm load center and a 1600 mm wheelbase, ensuring precise handling and maneuverability.
- Operator Safety and Comfort: An ergonomic operator compartment offers easy access with low step heights and excellent visibility for enhanced efficiency.
- Environmental Compliance: Meets strict ecological standards with reduced emissions and fuel consumption, supporting sustainability goals.
- Equipped with a powerful DO4EG diesel engine, it generates 36 kW of power and achieves maximum torque at 1,800 rpm.
- The standard lift height is up to 7,000 mm.
- The chassis width is 45.3 in (1,150 mm), and the chassis height is 82.9 in (2,100 mm).
- Gross weight 8,210 lbs (3,720 kg).
- Designed for industrial applications, it provides excellent traction on sloping or smooth surfaces with solid pneumatic tires.
- Features an in-built warning system and simple maintenance procedures to keep the forklift truck up and running and minimize costs.
- Equipped with a vehicle control module that manages a variety of truck and operator functions for easy troubleshooting and diagnostics.
- It includes an LCD display that provides information on truck operation, maintenance status, and soot levels (for diesel models).
- Rugged chassis with full belly guard to protect the engine compartment from dust, water, and dirt
- The vehicle has a diesel capacity of 76 liters.
- CAT DP25N3 diesel forklift trucks have a maximum lifting height of up to 7,000 mm
- The CAT DP25N3 diesel forklift trucks typically have a fuel consumption rate of between 2.7 L/h and 3.8 L/h
4:Linde H20 Small Diesel Powered Forklifts

Linde forklift trucks are engineered with a hydrostatic drive system that directly ensures efficient power transmission to the drive wheels and lifting hydraulics, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical components and reducing maintenance. Their rugged, robotically welded chassis is built for durability and is capable of enduring heavy-duty tasks with an impressive uptime ratio. Designed with operator comfort in mind, these trucks feature a spacious cab, ergonomic controls, and premium seating to minimize fatigue and boost productivity. Safety is a priority, with systems like Linde Curve Assist and Linde Load Assist enhancing protection for operators and loads. Additionally, connectivity options allow integration into fleet management systems, facilitating efficient monitoring and deployment. Linde forklifts offer versatility through various customizable options to meet diverse operational requirements, making them a robust, efficient, and adaptable solution for material handling needs.
The Linde H20 has a load capacity of 2.0 tonnes. For environments requiring stringent safety measures, the H20/600D diesel explosion-proof forklift trucks have a capacity of 2 tonnes and a load center distance of 600 mm, tailored for hazardous work areas.
Exclusive to Linde forklift trucks is the hydrostatic drive system, which forgoes traditional mechanical components such as clutches and drum brakes to minimize maintenance.
The ergonomically designed cab features a spacious interior, adjustable armrests, and hydrostatic steering to reduce operator fatigue, thus prioritizing operator comfort and safety.
Linde forklift trucks offer a variety of customization options, including ultrasonic fuel level indicators, biodiesel compatibility, and personalized paint options that can be adapted to specific operational requirements. The explosion-proof H20/600D meets the safety requirements of potentially explosive environments.
The Linde H20 series offers remarkable maneuverability with turning radii between 2,373 mm and 2,478 mm. It can reach speeds of up to 22 km/h (13.7 mph) and remains fuel efficient, consuming between 2.2 and 2.4 liters of fuel per hour. Combining performance, safety, and efficiency, the Linde H20 series is the first choice for a wide range of material handling tasks.
5:HELI Gseries2-2.5T forklift

The HELI G series forklift trucks are available in capacities ranging from 2 to 2.5 tonnes and are powered by diesel engines that comply with the latest emission standards.
The new streamlined design enhances aesthetics and incorporates advanced features such as environmentally friendly hydraulics, sound insulation and ergonomic controls for operator comfort. Thanks to an automatic engine monitoring and control system, these forklifts are characterised by high efficiency and low fuel consumption. The range also offers lithium-ion battery electric models that promote zero emissions and lower operating costs. Customisation options including solid pneumatic tyres, third valves and LED lights are also available, providing tailored solutions to meet specific operational needs.
HELI's highly regarded product line, the G series 2-2.5T model, is a diesel-powered forklift designed to deliver unrivaled performance and reliability. This model has a powerful load capacity of 2,000 kg and a strategic load center of 500 mm. It is diesel-powered to ensure efficient operation and meets the latest emission standards, making it an environmentally friendly choice for businesses.
Equipped with pneumatic tires at the front and rear, the forklift ensures excellent traction and stability on all terrains. The wheel configuration is 2x/2. The truck has a maximum fork height of 3,000 mm and fork dimensions of 920 x 122 x 40 mm.
The forklift has a maximum fork height of 3,000 mm and fork dimensions of 920 x 122 x 40 mm with a forward tilt angle of 6° and a rear tilt angle of 12°. The overall design consists of a length-to-fork face of 2,482 mm and an overall width of 1,150 mm. The mast height with the forks down is 1,995 mm, and the overhead guard height is 2,070 mm.
The maneuverable outside turning radius is 2,170 mm. Performance indicators show a maximum travel speed of 17.0 km/h with a load, with lifting and lowering speeds of 570 mm/sec and 450 mm/sec, respectively, highlighting its operational efficiency.
The G series 2-2.5T has a hydraulic foot-operated service brake and a mechanical handle-operated parking brake for reliable braking capability and safety. 12V/60AH batteries are available for power requirements. The model's heart is the NISSAN H20 KA engine, rated at 32.3 kW (44 Ps) at 2,300 rpm and 142 N.m (14.5 kg.m) of torque at 1,600 rpm for robust and reliable performance. 60 L of fuel capacity ensures extended operating time between refueling, increasing productivity.
The forklift market 2023 is characterized by several compelling models that stand out for their efficiency, durability, and innovative features to meet a wide range of material handling needs. Not only are they compliant with the latest emission standards, but they also offer customization options to meet various operational requirements. As the industry grows, the need for reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly forklift trucks becomes paramount.
If you'd like to look at electric forklifts, you can also click on our article to read it, which contains the top 5 most popular electric forklifts.
Exploring the top-selling forklifts of 2024 is a step in the right direction for businesses looking to enhance their material handling operations with cutting-edge technology, durability, and efficiency. Contact us to learn how these top models can transform your operations and help you succeed.
Release time: 2024-04-07
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