A 2.5 t forklift is rated to lift 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs) at a standard 500 mm load center. This mid-capacity class is one of the most popular sizes for warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing, and logistics operations, balancing lifting capability with maneuverability.
Power Source Options
Power Source Best For Key Advantages
Electric Indoor warehouses, food/pharma, multi-shift Zero emissions, quiet operation, lower maintenance
Diesel Outdoor yards, construction, heavy loads Higher torque, unlimited runtime, durable
LPG / Gasoline Mixed indoor/outdoor, cold storage Quick refueling, consistent power, cleaner than diesel
Key Specifications (Electric Models)
Specification Yale ERP2.5N Yale ERP25VLL UN Forklift FB25
Load Capacity 2,500 kg 2,500 kg 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm 500 mm 500 mm
Voltage 80V 80V 80V
Width 1,185 mm 1,289 mm 1,170 mm
Height 2,193 mm 2,193 mm 2,215 mm
Weight 3.16 t 3.89 t 3.86 t
Turning Radius 1.96 m 2.07 m 2.37 m
Travel Speed 18 km/h 21 km/h 19 km/h
Lift Height 3.26 m 3.35 m 3.0 m
Traction Motor 18 kW 20 kW 10 kW
Hoist Motor 20.7 kW 24 kW 12 kW
*Sources: * [5†L15-L20][8†L16-L20][9†L16-L21]
Key Specifications (Rough Terrain / Diesel Models)
Specification UN FD25T-DNJE1 Hyster F2.5UT
Load Capacity 2,500 kg 2,500 kg
Load Center 500 mm 500 mm
Weight 4.82 t 4.465 t
Width 1.6 m 1.557 m
Height 2.26 m 2.256 m
Lift Height 3.0 m 3.0 m
Travel Speed 17–18 km/h 20 km/h
Climbing Ability 50% 37%
Engine Yanmar 4TNE98 Yanmar 4TNE98
Engine Power 42.1 kW 42.1 kW
*Sources: * [6†L15-L22][7†L15-L22]
2026 Price Ranges
Type Price Range (USD) Notes
Entry-Level Diesel (Chinese) $4,600 – $7,000 CE/EPA certified, standard 3m mast [3†L12-L15][4†L27-L31]
Mid-Range Diesel $7,000 – $16,000 Japanese engines, enhanced features [3†L17-L24]
Electric (Lead-Acid) $6,800 – $11,000 80V systems, standard mast [2†L15-L16][11†L9]
Electric (Lithium-Ion) $9,500 – $16,400+ Fast charging, zero maintenance [2†L15-L16][4†L11-L14][11†L9]
Premium Electric (Linde) $13,600+ (¥98,000) Imported motors, dual-pedal system [10†L4]
Rough Terrain / 4x4 Diesel $15,800+ 4WD, rugged terrain capability [3†L17-L20]
Popular 2.5 Ton Forklift Models
Brand Model Power Key Feature
Yale ERP2.5N Electric 80V, 18 kW traction, 20.7 kW hoist, 18 km/h [5†L15-L20]
Yale ERP25VLL Electric 80V, 20 kW traction, 24 kW hoist, 21 km/h [8†L16-L21]
Linde CPDS E25B Electric 2.5t capacity, 5m lift height, dual-pedal system [10†L4-L8]
Heli CPYD25 Diesel 2.5t internal combustion, warehouse/industrial use [4†L5-L9]
Hyster F2.5UT Diesel 2.5t rough terrain, Yanmar 42.1 kW, 50% gradeability [7†L15-L22]
UN Forklift FD25T-DNJE1 Diesel 2.5t rough terrain, 4.82t weight, 17–18 km/h [6†L15-L22]
Tavol 2.5t Diesel/Electric Factory-direct pricing, optional fork lengths up to 1,670mm [4†L27-L31]
Huaya 2.5t 4WD Diesel All-terrain, 4x4, lift heights up to 7m, CE certified [4†L20-L26]
What to Consider Before Buying
1. Power Source
Electric is best for indoor, zero-emission, multi-shift operations. Diesel is better for outdoor, heavy-duty, and continuous use with quick refueling. LPG/gasoline offers a middle ground for mixed indoor/outdoor applications.
2. Lift Height
Standard mast lifts 3,000 mm. Options up to 4,500–7,000 mm are available at additional cost. Check your racking height and overhead clearance.
3. Battery Type (Electric)
Lithium-ion costs 30–50% more upfront than lead-acid but offers zero maintenance, fast charging, and longer lifespan [11†L9-L10]. For multi-shift operations, lithium pays for itself quickly.
4. Operating Environment
For smooth warehouse floors, cushion tires are sufficient. For mixed indoor/outdoor use, pneumatic or superelastic tires provide better traction and stability.
5. Service and Support
Check dealer proximity and parts availability. Premium brands (Yale, Linde, Hyster) offer extensive dealer networks. Chinese brands offer lower prices but may have limited local support.
The bottom line: A 2.5 t forklift offers 2,500 kg capacity at 500 mm load center. Electric models like Yale ERP2.5N (80V, 18 kW, 18 km/h, $6,800–$16,400+) are ideal for indoor use; diesel models like Hyster F2.5UT (Yanmar 42.1 kW, 50% gradeability, $4,600–$16,000) suit outdoor heavy lifting. Linde offers premium electric from $13,600+, while entry-level diesel starts at $4,600. Choose based on your operating environment, shift schedule, and dealer support.