How To Read Toyota Forklift Model Numbers

There are two general model number formats for Toyota forklifts which are split up based on forklift capacity. The first format covers models with base capacities of up to 17,500 lbs.

*Rated capacities should always be checked on the forklift data plate, which will be specific to your forklift’s configuration

As you can see in the diagram above, most models begin with a number signifying which model series it belongs to. For example, an “8” means that this forklift is an “8-series” model. Since model numbers are sequential, a higher number generally translates to a newer model.

The model series is followed by a series of letters, the first of which designates the category of the industrial vehicle. A “B” after the model series designator indicates the forklift has baselegs, which is commonly seen in model numbers for reach trucks and walkie stackers. The remaining explanations are pretty self-explanatory.

The third character in the model number indicates the type of drive or fuel type:

• “G” indicates it is powered by LP or gasoline.

• “D” stands for diesel-powered.

• “B” stands for battery-powered.

• On Class III products, a “W” in this position indicates that a forklift is a walk-behind unit.

• For Class, I products, an “N” designates that the forklift has a narrow chassis, which commonly indicates that the product is a stand-up, counterbalanced model.

The next character indicates a unique construction and is not present in all models. A model with cushion tires has a “C” in this position, and the lack of a letter “C” means that the forklift has pneumatic tires.

One tricky character here can be the letter “E”, which can mean the truck is a 3-wheel electric or an end control rider model. The difference is easily distinguishable by looking at the entire model number. Any model with an “F” in it is a forklift and any with an “H” are hand operated. So an “8FBE15U” is a 3-wheel electric model and an “8HBE30” is an end-controlled rider. Three-wheel electric models also have optional pneumatic tires, so you can’t rely on the model number alone to determine tire type in this case.

The next letter is generally a “U” signifying that the forklift was built in the United States. If there is no “U”, it means the forklift was built somewhere outside of the United States. There are some models where an “S” actually appears before the “U”, which indicates the vehicle has a short chassis. An example of this would be the 8FGCSU20. As of 2013, Toyota began placing the “U” at the end of the model number with the launch of the mid and large IC models built in Columbus, Indiana. This trend will continue to occur going forward.

Last, but not least, is the base capacity indicator. There are some exceptions, as noted above, but generally, the number represents base capacity in tons with one decimal place. So a “25” here would indicate that the base capacity is 2.5 tons or 5,000 lbs. Tonnage is sometimes rounded due to the fact that two numbers for tonnage are used. Be sure to always refer to your forklift’s data plate for capacity information related to your specific forklift configuration.

The second model number format applies to Toyota’s THD model lineup with capacities of 15,000 lbs and above.

*Rated capacities should always be checked on the forklift data plate, which will be specific to your forklift’s configuration

THD models have four unique designators, beginning with the model designation. “THDC” means it is a cushion tire IC model while “THDE” means it’s a cushion tire electric. “THD” alone means that it is an IC forklift with pneumatic tires. Pretty simple, right?

The next part of the model number represents the truck’s base lifting capacity in pounds. All you have to do is multiply the number by 10 (or add a zero to the end of it). So “2200” means the base capacity is 22,000 lbs and “12500” means the base capacity is 125,000 lbs. As with the lower capacity models, be sure to always refer to your forklift’s data plate for capacity information related to your specific forklift configuration.

The third designator indicates a special construction with “S” indicating a short chassis model and a “B” indicating a box car special model with a special, compact counterweight.

Finally, the last part represents the load center or the container handler type if it’s a port equipment model. A dash followed by two numbers tells you the truck’s load center for its rated base capacity. For example, a “-24” means the base capacity is rated at a 24” load center. A dash followed by an “E” tells you it’s an empty container handler model, while an “L” stands for loaded container handler, and an “R” stands for reach stacker. The number following an “E” or an “L” is the maximum container stacking height for the container handler. The number following an “R” states the maximum lift capacity of the reach stacker for the third row.

And that about does it! Hopefully you understand a little more about how Toyota’s model designations work and can begin identifying characteristics for all of your forklifts.