Daewoo diesel forklifts have a long and respected history in the material handling industry. First manufactured in South Korea in 1968 under the Daewoo brand, these rugged machines earned a reputation for durability, reliable lifting power, and straightforward serviceability. In 2005, Doosan acquired the company, leading to the formation of Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV) in 2011. While new Daewoo-branded forklifts are no longer produced, the brand remains highly active in the used equipment market, where these diesel workhorses continue to serve warehouses, construction sites, lumber yards, and industrial facilities worldwide.
Daewoo Forklift Model Naming Explained
Understanding Daewoo’s model naming system helps identify the right machine for your operation:
D Series – Pneumatic tire diesel forklifts designed for outdoor and rough-terrain applications
GC Series – Cushion tire forklifts (typically LPG-powered) for indoor warehouse use on smooth surfaces
G Series – General-purpose internal combustion forklifts, available in diesel, LPG, and gasoline variants
B Series – Electric forklifts for indoor, zero-emission operations
NX Series – Newer generation diesel forklifts with advanced engine options and improved operator comfort
The number in the model name (e.g., D25S, D30S, D70S) typically indicates the lift capacity in hundreds of kilograms – D25S = 2,500 kg (approximately 5,500 lbs).
Popular Daewoo Diesel Forklift Models
D15S-5 (1.5–2.0 Tonnes)
A compact pneumatic tire diesel forklift ideal for light-to-medium outdoor applications.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 1,500 – 2,000 kg (3,307 – 4,409 lbs)
Load Center 500 mm
Overall Width 1,070 mm
Turning Radius 1,977 – 2,050 mm
Travel Speed 19 km/h
Engine Output 34.2 kW (46.5 hp)
Engine Displacement 2.434 L
Emission Level EPA Interim Tier IV / EU Stage IIIA
The D15S-5 features a 1-speed powershift transmission, virtually maintenance-free oil-cooled disc brakes, and the Operator Sensing System (OSS) which prevents truck movement when the operator is not properly seated.
D20S (2.0 Tonnes / 4,409 lbs)
A popular mid-range pneumatic tire diesel forklift.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Tire Type Pneumatic
Fuel Type Diesel
D25S-3 (2.5 Tonnes / 5,500 lbs)
A widely available used diesel forklift with proven reliability.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 2,500 kg (approx. 5,500 lbs)
Engine Daewoo 4-cylinder diesel
Transmission Powershift
Max Lift Height 173 inches (triple-stage mast available)
Tire Type Pneumatic
D30S (3.0 Tonnes / 6,600 lbs)
A robust 3-tonne diesel forklift for heavier industrial applications.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 3,000 kg
Fork Length 1,150 mm
Lift Height 3,300 mm
Tire Type Full rubber (pneumatic)
Engine Options Cummins B3.3 3.3L 4-cylinder diesel
D60S-5 / D70S-5 / D80S-5 / D90S-5 Series (6.0–9.0 Tonnes)
Heavy-duty pneumatic tire diesel forklifts for the most demanding applications.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 6,000 – 9,000 kg
Load Center 600 mm
Overall Width 2,108 mm
Turning Radius 3,331 mm
Travel Speed Up to 30 km/h
Engine Doosan Infracore DB58S – 6-cylinder, 5.8L diesel
Engine Power 68 – 74 kW (92.5 – 100.6 hp)
Transmission 2-speed powershift or 3-speed autoshift
Emission Level EPA Tier II / III, EU Stage II / IIIA
D70S (7.0 Tonnes / 15,400 lbs)
A widely available heavy-duty model in the used market.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 7,000 kg
Load Center 600 mm
Max Lift Height 4.5 m
Tires Double drive superelastic tyres
Transmission 3-speed ZF transmission
DV200S-7 (20.0 Tonnes / 44,092 lbs)
An ultra-heavy-duty diesel forklift for extreme industrial applications.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs)
Load Center 900 mm
Overall Width 2,540 mm
Length to Fork Face 5,580 mm
Engine Displacement 7,640 cm³
Transmission 3-speed autoshift
Emission Level EPA Tier III / EU Stage IIIA
The DV200S-7 features pilot-actuated hydraulic control valves, an optional Zeus Cabin for operator comfort, and the Operator Sensing System (OSS) with parking brake and seat belt warnings.
Engine Options Across the Lineup
Daewoo diesel forklifts are equipped with various engine configurations depending on the model and generation:
Engine Configuration Applications
Daewoo 4-cylinder diesel 4-cyl D25S, D30S models
Doosan Infracore DB58S 6-cyl, 5.8L D60S/D70S/D80S/D90S-5 series
Cummins B3.3 4-cyl, 3.3L D30S (2006 model)
Weichai 3.2L 4-cyl NX series
Yanmar 3.0L / 3.3L 4-cyl NXP series (Standard/Premium)
Key Features Across Daewoo Diesel Forklifts
Virtually Maintenance-Free Oil-Cooled Disc Brakes
Standard across most models, these brakes provide exceptional durability and reduced maintenance costs.
Operator Sensing System (OSS)
A critical safety feature that prevents truck movement when the operator is not properly seated, locks hydraulic lifting and lowering, and provides parking brake and seat belt warnings.
Powershift and Autoshift Transmissions
Depending on the model, Daewoo forklifts feature 1-speed, 2-speed, or 3-speed powershift or autoshift transmissions for smooth, reliable power delivery.
Pilot-Actuated Hydraulic Control
Standard on larger models, providing precise load control and reduced operator fatigue.
Emission Compliance
Daewoo diesel forklifts are available with various emission certifications including EPA Tier II, III, and Interim Tier IV, as well as EU Stage II, IIIA, and IIIB.
2026 Pricing and Availability
Since Daewoo-branded forklifts are no longer in production, they are exclusively available through the used and auction markets.
Used Market Examples
Model Year Hours Price / Notes
Daewoo G20E-3 (diesel) Used — $3,000 – $3,500 USD
Daewoo D25S-3 2004 11,407 hrs Available on Machinio
Daewoo D30S-3 2000 6,926 hrs Available on Machinio
Daewoo D70S Used — 7,000 kg capacity, available in UK
Daewoo D25S-3 2004 — Sold at auction for $27.50
Note: Prices vary significantly based on condition, hours, location, and configuration. Most used units are sold "as-is, where-is" with no warranty.
Where to Find Daewoo Diesel Forklifts
Machinio – Extensive listings for used Daewoo forklifts worldwide
Mascus – Used Daewoo diesel forklifts across Europe, Australia, and Asia Pacific
Purple Wave – Auction listings for Daewoo forklifts
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers – Daewoo forklifts at auction
DirectIndustry – Product specifications and manufacturer documentation
Buying Considerations for Used Daewoo Diesel Forklifts
1. Check the Model Number
The model number indicates capacity – D25 = 2.5 tonnes, D30 = 3.0 tonnes, D70 = 7.0 tonnes.
2. Verify Engine Hours
Higher hours require more maintenance. Examples range from 4,298 hours on a D30S-3 to over 21,000 hours on a D70S-2.
3. Inspect the Mast
Check for wear on mast chains, rollers, and hydraulic cylinders. Triple-stage masts offer greater lift height (up to 173+ inches).
4. Test Transmission and Brakes
Daewoo’s powershift transmissions and oil-cooled disc brakes are durable but should be tested for smooth operation.
5. Check for Emission Compliance
Depending on your region, ensure the model meets local emission requirements (EPA Tier II/III, EU Stage IIIA).
6. Parts Availability
Since Daewoo forklifts are now under the Doosan and Bobcat brands, parts are generally available through Doosan/Bobcat dealers. Service manuals are available for most models.
The Daewoo Legacy – Why They Remain Popular
Despite the brand transition, Daewoo diesel forklifts remain sought after for several reasons:
Proven Durability: Built to withstand demanding conditions including ramps, grades, and rough terrain
Simple Serviceability: Straightforward access to major components reduces maintenance costs
Strong Lifting Power: Reliable diesel engines deliver consistent performance for heavy loads
Wide Parts Availability: Through Doosan and Bobcat dealer networks
Competitive Pricing: Used units offer excellent value compared to newer alternatives
Summary
Daewoo diesel forklifts, manufactured from 1968 until the brand was absorbed by Doosan in 2005, represent a legacy of rugged, reliable material handling equipment. The lineup spans from compact 1.5-tonne pneumatic tire models (D15S-5) to massive 20-tonne heavy-duty workhorses (DV200S-7). Key series include the D Series (pneumatic tire diesel), GC Series (cushion tire LPG), G Series (general purpose IC), and NX Series (newer generation diesel). Common engine configurations include Daewoo 4-cylinder diesels, the Doosan Infracore DB58S 6-cylinder 5.8L engine, Cummins B3.3, Weichai 3.2L, and Yanmar 3.0L/3.3L options. Standard features across the lineup include oil-cooled disc brakes, the Operator Sensing System (OSS), and powershift or autoshift transmissions. While no longer in production, Daewoo diesel forklifts remain widely available in the used market through platforms like Machinio, Mascus, and auction houses, offering durable, cost-effective material handling solutions for businesses worldwide.