California hosts one of the most extensive and diverse forklift markets in the United States, driven by the state's massive logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and port industries. The market is shaped by major manufacturers, authorized dealers, rental providers, and service specialists, as well as the regulatory framework of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is phasing out internal combustion forklifts in favor of zero-emission models.
Major Forklift Manufacturers with California Operations
Manufacturer California Presence Key Models / Specialization
Toyota Extensive dealer network (Southwest ToyotaLift, Toyota Lift of Southern California) Electric, LPG, diesel; System of Active Stability™; CARB-compliant lithium-ion models
Caterpillar (CAT) Multiple dealers including Holt of California, Alta Lift Electric, LPG, diesel, rough terrain; heavy-duty applications
Clark Authorized dealers across the state Electric and internal combustion forklifts; cushion and pneumatic tire models
Mitsubishi Available through Cat dealers and other distributors Electric and internal combustion counterbalance forklifts
Hyster / Yale Available through dealers such as Hyster-Yale dealers Wide range of electric and IC forklifts; high-capacity models
Crown Authorized dealers and direct sales Electric warehouse forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers
Komatsu Available through Lyle Machinery and other dealers Electric and diesel forklifts; rugged construction
Heli Available through dealers such as Heli USA Chinese value brand; electric and diesel models
Major Forklift Dealers in California
Dealer Headquarters / Location Brands Key Services
Holt of California Central/Northern CA, East Bay Area Caterpillar (CAT), Mitsubishi, Clark Sales, rentals, service, parts; largest CAT dealer in region
Southwest ToyotaLift Anaheim, CA (and Las Vegas, NV) Toyota New/used sales, rentals, service, parts; Toyota Excellence Award winner
Alta Lift Selma, CA Caterpillar (CAT), Crown, Kalmar, Manitou, Combilift Full-service dealer; sales, rentals, service
Cal-Lift, Inc. City of Industry, CA Clark, Taylor Oldest family-owned dealer in Southern California; container handling specialists
Quinn Company Selma, CA Material handling solutions Sales, service, rentals
Big Joe Forklifts California Big Joe (electric) Warehouse equipment; electric forklifts and pallet jacks
Pacific Material Handling Solutions California Multiple brands Fleet management, new/used sales, rentals
Mitsubishi Logisnext Various (manufacturing) Cat, Mitsubishi, Jungheinrich Manufacturing and distribution
Forklift Rental Companies in California
Rental Provider Locations Brands / Equipment Notes
United Rentals Multiple CA locations Various National rental chain with large forklift fleet
Sunbelt Rentals Multiple CA locations Various Forklift and telehandler rentals
Holt of California Central/Northern CA CAT, Mitsubishi, Clark Full rental fleet with service support
Southwest ToyotaLift Anaheim, CA Toyota Short and long-term rentals
Cal-Lift, Inc. City of Industry, CA Clark, Taylor Heavy equipment and container handler rentals
Regulatory Environment – CARB Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has implemented the Zero-Emission Forklift (ZEF) Regulation, which significantly impacts forklift companies operating in the state. Key 2026 deadlines include:
January 1, 2026: Manufacturers cannot produce or sell new Class IV LSI forklifts unless zero-emission. Dealers cannot sell or lease new 2024 or earlier LSI forklifts.
January 1, 2029: Restrictions expand to Class V LSI forklifts with capacity up to 12,000 lbs.
Fleet operators must phase out existing LSI forklifts according to a schedule based on model year and class.
This regulation is accelerating the adoption of electric, lithium-ion, and hydrogen fuel cell forklifts in California and creating significant opportunities for dealers specializing in zero-emission equipment.
Where to Buy Forklifts in California
Authorized dealers: The primary channel for new equipment with full warranties and factory-trained service technicians.
Online marketplaces: Machinery Trader, Machinio, Equipment Trader, Eliftruck list new and used equipment.
Auction platforms: Ritchie Bros., Purple Wave, Proxibid feature used forklifts.
Direct from manufacturers: Toyota, Crown, Hyster, and other manufacturers have direct sales channels.
Rental purchase options: Many rental companies offer rent-to-own and lease-purchase programs.
Summary
California's forklift market in 2026 is served by a diverse network of manufacturers, dealers, and service providers. Major dealers include Holt of California (CAT, Mitsubishi, Clark), Southwest ToyotaLift (Toyota), Alta Lift (CAT, Crown, Kalmar, Manitou, Combilift), Cal-Lift, Inc. (Clark, Taylor), and Quinn Company. The market is heavily influenced by the CARB Zero-Emission Forklift Regulation, which is accelerating the transition to electric and lithium-ion models. Dealers offer comprehensive sales, rental, service, parts, and training programs to support businesses across the state's logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and port industries.