Curtis is not a forklift manufacturer. Instead, Curtis Instruments is a global leader in electric vehicle control systems, and its name appears prominently in the forklift industry as the supplier of advanced electronic controllers for electric forklifts. Curtis controllers are widely used by major forklift manufacturers around the world, including Heli, Noblelift, Lonking, and many Chinese OEMs.
Curtis Controllers – The Brain of Electric Forklifts
Curtis produces a comprehensive range of motor controllers and instrumentation for electric forklifts, pallet trucks, and other material handling equipment.
Controller Series Voltage Current Application
1232SE 36–48V 350A AC traction drive or hydraulic pump duties; highest levels of functional safety
1236E — — AC induction motor controllers with embedded field-programmable logic controller
1268-5403 36–48V 400A DC motor speed controller
1232e-2321 24V 250A DC induction motor controller for forklift and pallet truck driving motors
1212p 24V 500A Brushless motor controller
1244-5651 36–48V 600A Series excited controller
1222-5101 24–48V 70A "Steer by wire" electric power steering systems
Key Curtis Controller Features:
Precise load management – Enables accurate and stable control for smooth operation
Maintenance-free AC drive system – Quicker and more accurate vehicle response
CANBUS communication – Faster and more reliable data transfer between all machine functions
Programmable logic – Field-programmable controllers offer unprecedented flexibility and power
Interactive LCD status monitor – Includes battery discharge indicator (BDI), hour meter, service monitor, and diagnostic code display
Forklift Brands Using Curtis Controllers
Many major forklift manufacturers equip their electric models with Curtis controllers:
Brand Models Controller Used
Heli CPD20 (2-ton electric) Curtis or Zapi
Noblelift Four-wheel electric counterbalance Curtis AC system
Lonking (Longking) Electric pallet trucks Curtis controller with MOSFETS drive
Neolift Electric counterbalanced forklifts Curtis controller
RUNTX 1.5–5 ton electric forklifts Curtis controller for precise load handling
Various Chinese OEMs 1–3.5 ton electric forklifts USA Curtis controller
Curtis Instruments and Components for Forklifts
Beyond motor controllers, Curtis produces a range of instruments and components for forklift applications:
Component Description
Battery Discharge Indicators (BDI) 12V, 24V, and 72V models available
Forward/Reverse Switches Bakelite switches for forklift direction control
DC Motor Controllers Various models for different voltage and current requirements
AC Motor Controllers 1238 series for smooth power delivery
Where to Buy Curtis Forklift Controllers and Parts
Curtis Instruments – Official source for OEM and aftermarket controllers (curtisinstruments.com)
Intella Parts – Aftermarket Curtis instruments with fast shipping across US and Canada
Machinio – New and used forklifts equipped with Curtis controllers
Made-in-China / Alibaba – Chinese forklifts with Curtis controllers for export
Cautop.com – Curtis AC and DC motor controllers
Buying Considerations
Verify controller compatibility – Ensure voltage and current ratings match your forklift's motor and battery system. Curtis offers controllers from 24V to 80V systems.
Consider programmable controllers – Models like the 1236E and 1268 series offer field-programmable logic for customized performance tuning.
Check for CANBUS integration – Modern Curtis controllers with CANBUS enable faster communication between forklift functions.
Aftermarket vs. OEM – Aftermarket Curtis controllers from suppliers like Intella Parts offer comparable performance at affordable pricing.
Inspect used equipment – When buying a used forklift with a Curtis controller, verify the controller's condition and check for diagnostic codes on the LCD display.
Summary
Curtis is not a forklift manufacturer but the world's leading supplier of electric vehicle control systems for forklifts. Curtis controllers—including the 1232SE (36–48V/350A AC), 1268-5403 (36–48V/400A DC), and 1236E AC induction controllers—are standard equipment in electric forklifts from Heli, Noblelift, Lonking, and numerous Chinese OEMs. These controllers provide precise load management, maintenance-free AC drive systems, CANBUS communication, and programmable logic for customized performance. Curtis also produces battery discharge indicators, switches, and power steering controllers. Controllers and parts are available through Curtis Instruments directly, Intella Parts, Machinio, and various online marketplaces.