Volvo does not manufacture complete forklifts. Instead, the Volvo name appears in the forklift industry in two distinct ways: as a supplier of heavy-duty diesel engines for large forklifts, and as a manufacturer of wheel loaders that can be equipped with fork attachments for material handling.
Volvo Penta Engines in Forklifts
Volvo Penta, the company's engine division, supplies advanced diesel and electric power systems for material handling equipment. Their D11 engines power some of the world's largest reach stackers, capable of lifting loads up to 260 tonnes. Volvo Penta is also collaborating with manufacturers like TICO and FTMH to develop zero-emission electric terminal tractors and forklifts.
Major Chinese forklift manufacturers use Volvo engines in their heavy-duty models. Heli's G Series 38-46 tonne forklifts are equipped with Volvo original imported engines. SANY's 25-tonne SCP250C1A forklift also uses a Volvo TAD851VE engine. These engines deliver the high torque and reliability required for extreme lifting applications.
Volvo Construction Equipment
Volvo Construction Equipment offers wheel loaders that can be fitted with fork attachments, functioning similarly to forklifts in certain applications. These are not dedicated forklifts but versatile machines for construction, recycling, and yard operations.
Volvo CE has an extensive dealer network across North America. Dealers like TranSource and Power Equipment Company provide sales, service, and support for Volvo CE equipment, including wheel loaders with fork attachments. Some dealers, such as Hugg & Hall Equipment, also carry forklifts from other manufacturers alongside Volvo equipment.
The bottom line: Volvo does not manufacture forklifts but plays a significant role as a powertrain supplier. Volvo Penta engines power large forklifts from manufacturers like Heli and SANY, with capacities up to 46 tonnes. Volvo Construction Equipment offers wheel loaders with fork attachments for material handling, supported by a dealer network across the US. For a complete Volvo-powered forklift, look to brands like Heli or SANY; for a Volvo-branded material handler, consider Volvo CE wheel loaders with fork attachments.
