Forano was a Canadian manufacturer of heavy-duty, high-capacity lift trucks, primarily serving the lumber, mining, and industrial sectors. The company was based in Plessisville, Quebec, with operations also in British Columbia and Georgia.
Company History
Forano was incorporated in 1882 as The Plessisville Foundry. The "Forano" trademark was used on its products. The company underwent several name changes over the decades—to Forano Ltee in the 1940s–1950s, and to Forano Inc. in 1978. In 2001, Forano was acquired by USNR (a leading U.S. manufacturer of sawmill machinery), which continues to support the Forano product line.
Forano Forklift Models
Forano specialized in heavy-capacity lift trucks, often with pneumatic tires for outdoor use. Specific models include:
Model Capacity Engine Key Features Source
F-255 25,500 lbs — 183" lift height, fork positioning, side shift, enclosed cab with heater/AC, 507 hours
F355 35,500 lbs Cummins B5.9-C Diesel (5.9L, 6-cyl) 184" lift height, 2-stage mast, fork positioner, enclosed cab
E-175 (Eaves Forano) 17,500 lbs Cummins Diesel Rough terrain, 2-stage mast, side shift, 70" forks
E-355 35,500 lbs — 1999 model
Eaves F-300 — Diesel 2-stage mast, side shift, fork positioners, cab with A/C & heat
Other models mentioned include the Eaves-Forano 01-L4105 diesel forklift.
Market Availability (2026)
Forano forklifts are no longer in production and are only available on the used and auction market. Recent listings include:
Model Location Condition Source
Forano F355 (35,500 lb) Nisku, AB, Canada 2,865 hrs, auction
Forano F-255 (25,500 lb) New Caney, TX 507 hrs, auction (2020)
Eaves Forano E-175 (17,500 lb) Jacksonville, FL 5,125 hrs
Note: Most used units are sold "as-is, where-is" with no warranty. Always inspect in person before bidding.
Summary
Forano was a Canadian manufacturer of heavy-capacity lift trucks (17,500–35,500 lbs), founded in 1882 and acquired by USNR in 2001. Key models include the F-255 (25,500 lbs), F355 (35,500 lbs, Cummins diesel), and E-175 (17,500 lbs, rough terrain). Forano forklifts are no longer in production and are only available through used equipment dealers and auction platforms such as Ritchie Bros., Bidspotter, and Machinio.