What are the world’s leading forklift brands?

The global forklift market has long been shaped by a relatively small group of dominant manufacturers. On this page, you’ll find an overview of the biggest forklift brands worldwide, from established names to fast growing challengers.

We also take a closer look at rising Asian brands that are gaining ground through innovation and international expansion. Which forklift brand stands out most, and which names are in highest demand on the used market?

Which brands hold the largest market share?

A handful of manufacturers have been leading the global market for years, both in unit sales and in perceived reliability. According to Modern Materials Handling’s 2024 figures, Toyota remains the clear market leader with a global share of 26.6%. KION Group follows with 15.8% and is known for brands such as Linde, Still and Baioli. Jungheinrich comes next at 9.3%, with Hyster Yale Group close behind at 8.6%. The report also highlights that the largest forklift brands continue to dominate demand, not only for new trucks but also in the used forklift market.

The top 10 forklift brands

When you look at global leadership in forklifts, the same names tend to stand out year after year. Based on annual revenue and the number of units sold, these manufacturers are generally seen as the leading players worldwide:

Other well known forklift brands

Outside the global top 10, there are plenty of manufacturers with a strong footprint in specific industries, regions or specialist applications. These brands often stand out through versatility, smart engineering or a clear niche focus.

JCB - Best known for construction equipment, but also supplies telehandlers and forklifts. Frequently seen in construction and agriculture.

Hyundai Material Handling - A South Korean manufacturer with growing traction in Europe. Offers a broad line up, including electric models and combustion engine trucks.

Manitou - Focused on telehandlers and rough terrain machines. Commonly used in farming environments and on building sites.

Kalmar - A major player in heavy duty forklifts and container handling equipment, with a strong presence in ports and terminals.

Nissan Forklift - Now part of UniCarriers, but many of the older Nissan models remain popular thanks to their reputation for reliability, especially on the used market.

Frequently asked questions about forklift brands

What is the best forklift brand?

There is no single best brand for every situation. The right choice largely depends on how and where the truck will be used. When factors such as reliability, availability and operating costs are taken into account, brands like Toyota, Linde and Jungheinrich are often mentioned.

Which forklift brand sells the most units?

Toyota leads the global market, both in terms of revenue and total units sold.

Which forklift brands are suitable for warehouse operations?

For warehouse use and internal logistics, brands such as Jungheinrich, Still and EP Equipment are commonly selected, mainly because of their electric ranges and strong manoeuvrability.

Which forklift brands are a good choice when buying used?

On the second hand market, Toyota, Linde, Still and Jungheinrich are widely regarded as dependable options. These machines tend to retain their value well and can be deployed across a broad range of applications.

Are Chinese forklift brands reliable?

Yes. Manufacturers such as Hangcha and HELI now produce trucks that are comparable to Western brands in terms of performance and build quality. They are also becoming more popular on the used market. That said, Western brands still tend to have a slight edge when it comes to long term performance and residual value in used forklifts.

Forklift brands with the strongest residual value

For businesses such as dealers and wholesalers, resale value is often a deciding factor when sourcing a used forklift. That’s where the major global brands typically stand out. Their trucks tend to keep their value well, are built to handle demanding work and are relatively straightforward to maintain, which keeps them highly sought after on the second hand market.

What drives that value retention is a combination of long term durability, accessible spare parts and predictable maintenance costs. For many buyers, a pre owned forklift from a top tier manufacturer is therefore a solid long term investment. To ensure that reliability in practice, used trucks from these leading brands are thoroughly inspected before being offered for sale, so they are ready to perform again for a second or even third working life.

Emerging forklift brands from Asia

In recent years, Asian forklift manufacturers have been gaining momentum at a rapid pace. Competitive pricing, combined with steady advances in quality and technology, has made these brands an increasingly common sight in warehouses around the world. At the same time, they are investing heavily in service networks, narrowing the gap with long established European and American players. Brands such as Hangcha, HELI and EP Equipment now deliver trucks that can compete on performance and durability, alongside names like BYD, Lonking and Liugong.

On the used market, Asian manufacturers, especially those from China, are becoming a more serious consideration. As newer models start to appear as pre owned options, buyers benefit from a wider selection, better parts availability and a noticeable increase in demand. Electric trucks are a key driver here, particularly for logistics companies that want an affordable solution with low maintenance requirements. With a stronger international footprint and rapid product improvements, these brands are increasingly viewed as genuine market players rather than low cost alternatives.

Which brand matches your requirements and expectations?

Choosing a forklift brand depends largely on how the truck will be used, what budget is available and whether you prefer a new machine, a young used truck or a model with higher operating hours. The leading manufacturers are often selected for their proven reliability, strong service coverage and solid residual value, even when the truck changes hands for a second, third or fourth time.

Lisman Forklifts: worldwide expertise in used forklift brands

Lisman Forklifts supplies pre owned forklifts from the best known manufacturers worldwide. We trade in used equipment at scale, adding new trucks to our inventory every day for transport and logistics environments. Because we sell directly from stock, machines are available quickly and can be deployed without delay.

Beyond the familiar A brands, we also source specialist trucks built for specific industries or unique working conditions. Need help comparing forklift types, or searching for a particular make and model? Our international team will support you in finding equipment that fits your needs and your customer’s operation.