"Allis forklift" refers to the forklift trucks manufactured by the American industrial giant Allis-Chalmers. While the company is most famous for its tractors and heavy agricultural equipment, it also produced a significant line of industrial forklifts from the mid-20th century until the 1980s. Today, these machines are considered vintage and are found primarily on the used and auction market.
Brand History and Status
Allis-Chalmers was a major American manufacturer with roots dating back to 1847. The company produced a wide range of industrial and agricultural equipment, including a full line of forklifts from the 1950s through the 1980s. However, Allis-Chalmers no longer manufactures forklifts. The brand's industrial equipment division was sold off in the 1980s, and the company's remaining agricultural assets were acquired by AGCO Corporation in the 1990s. As a result, any "Allis forklift" you encounter today will be a vintage machine.
Common Allis-Chalmers Forklift Models
Allis-Chalmers produced a variety of forklift models, ranging from small electric units to heavy-duty propane and gasoline-powered trucks. Here are some of the most commonly referenced models:
Model Type / Fuel Capacity Key Features
ACE 30A Electric 2,000 lbs @ 24" load center 130" lift height, weighs ~4,773 lbs
ACC-40 LPS LPG (Propane) 4,000 lbs Sold at auction for $797.50
ACC45LPS LPG (Propane) 4,000 lbs 130" lift height, simplex mast, no side-shift
FT20-24 Unknown Unknown Sold at auction for $1,705
FP-50-24 Gasoline 5,000 lbs 5,470 hours, manual transmission, 156" free lift
ACP60KC PS LPG (Propane) 6,000 lbs 2-stage mast, 60" forks, side shift
FL-60-24 Propane 6,000 lbs 6-cylinder engine, 8,634 hours, solid tires
DLA Gasoline 6,000 lbs 1,211 hours, hydrostatic transmission
FP 40-24-2PS Unknown Unknown Listed for parts only, does not run
FTB-30 Unknown Unknown Non-running, sold for parts or repair
I-600 Unknown Unknown 21 ft mast, non-running, needs shuttle clutch rebuild
Prices listed are historical auction results and may not reflect current market value.
The naming convention for Allis-Chalmers forklifts often follows a pattern where the letters indicate the series (e.g., "FT" series from the late 1950s to early 1960s) and the numbers indicate the capacity (e.g., FL-60-24 refers to a 6,000 lb capacity).
Specifications and Typical Features
Allis-Chalmers forklifts were built with a variety of powertrains, including gasoline, LPG (propane), and electric motors. Depending on the model, these trucks feature manual or automatic transmissions, pneumatic or solid cushion tires, and mast configurations ranging from simple simplex masts to 2-stage and 3-stage masts.
Current Market and Where to Find Them
Because Allis-Chalmers no longer produces forklifts, these machines are only available on the used and collector market. They are frequently found at industrial auctions (such as BigIron, Purple Wave, and Ritchie Bros.) and on online marketplaces like Machinio.
Example Pricing from Recent Auctions:
Allis Chalmers 630: Sold for $7,040
Allis-Chalmers FPL40-24: Sold for $3,520
Allis-Chalmers DS: Sold for $5,500
Allis Chalmers ACC-40 LPS: Sold for $797.50
Allis Chalmers 706G: Sold for $3,000
Allis Chalmers DLA: Sold for $2,585
Prices vary widely depending on condition, hours, and specific model, with running and well-maintained units commanding a premium over "parts-only" machines.
The bottom line: Allis-Chalmers is a vintage American brand that manufactured a wide range of industrial forklifts from the 1950s through the 1980s. These machines are no longer produced and are only available on the used and auction market. Common models include the FP-50-24 (5,000 lbs, gasoline), FL-60-24 (6,000 lbs, propane), and various ACC and ACE series trucks. Prices range from under $1,000 for parts units to over $7,000 for well-maintained operational units.