A 1.5 ton forklift has a rated capacity of 1,500 kg (approximately 3,300 lbs) at a standard 500 mm load center. It is a popular mid-size class for warehouses, manufacturing, and distribution centers, offering a balance of lifting capacity and maneuverability for a wide range of material handling tasks.
Key Specifications (Typical 1.5 Ton Diesel Model)
The table below shows representative specs for a 1.5-ton diesel forklift:
Specification Value
Rated Lifting Load 1,500 kg
Load Center Distance 500 mm
Overall Length (with forks) 3,180 mm
Overall Width 1,090 mm
Overhead Guard Height 2,050 mm
Wheelbase 1,400 mm
Min. Turning Radius 1,950 mm
Min. Right Angle Aisle Width 3,630 mm
Fork Size 920 x 100 x 35 mm
Max Travel Speed (Full Load) 14 km/h
Max Lifting Speed (Full Load) 500 mm/s
Max Gradeability (Full Load) 20%
Forklift Weight 2,900 kg
Popular 1.5 Ton Forklift Models (2024–2026)
Model Type Voltage Turning Radius Lift Height Weight
Jungheinrich EFG BA 115 Electric 48V 1.438 m Up to 5 m 2.513 t
Noblelift FE3R15E Electric 48V 1.59 m 3 m 2.44 t
UniCarriers TX3-15S Electric 48V 1.45 m 3.3 m 2.432 t
Manitou ME 315 FOB Electric — — — 2.86 t
EP CPD15TV8 Electric 48V 1.48 m 3 m 3.05 t
Manitou MI 15 G ST5 FOB Rough Terrain LPG — — 2.7 t
Komatsu FR15K-3 Electric — — — —
The Jungheinrich EFG BA 115 features the smallest total width in its class at 990 mm. The UniCarriers TX3-15S offers one of the tightest turning radii at 1.45 m.
Price Range (2026)
1.5-ton forklift prices vary widely based on brand, type, and configuration:
Price Tier Range Typical Models
Entry-Level / Chinese Brands $1,900 – $6,000 Sino CPD electric, basic diesel models
Mid-Range $6,000 – $12,000 Tavol diesel, GP diesel
Premium Brands $12,000 – $20,000+ Jungheinrich, Manitou, UniCarriers
A basic 1.5-ton electric forklift from a Chinese manufacturer can be found for around $1,900**. Diesel models from established Chinese brands typically range from **$5,277 to $6,983. Premium European and Japanese brands command significantly higher prices.
Types of 1.5 Ton Forklifts
Electric Counterbalance Forklifts – Zero emissions, quiet operation, ideal for indoor warehouse use. Most use 48V systems. Popular models: Jungheinrich EFG BA 115, Noblelift FE3R15E, UniCarriers TX3-15S.
Diesel Forklifts – Higher torque, unlimited runtime, suitable for outdoor and heavy-duty applications. Popular models: CPC15, GP CPCD15.
Rough Terrain Forklifts – Built for uneven ground, construction sites, and outdoor yards. Popular models: Manitou MI 15 G ST5 FOB.
Walk-Behind Stackers – Pedestrian-operated units for light-duty warehouse work. Prices start around $2,399.
Truck-Mounted Forklifts – Compact units that attach to delivery trucks. The PALFINGER FLM 15 weighs just 1,420 kg (without forks).
Selecting the Right 1.5-Ton Forklift
1. Power Source
Electric models (48V) are best for indoor, zero-emission environments. Diesel models are better for outdoor, heavy-duty, and continuous operation.
2. Aisle Width
If your warehouse has narrow aisles, the Jungheinrich EFG BA 115 offers the smallest width (990 mm), while the UniCarriers TX3-15S features a tight 1.45 m turning radius.
3. Lift Height
Standard mast configurations lift approximately 3,000 mm, but some models offer up to 5,000 mm of lift height.
4. Terrain
For outdoor or rough terrain use, consider a diesel rough terrain model like the Manitou MI 15 G ST5 FOB.
The bottom line: A 1.5-ton forklift offers 1,500 kg capacity with a standard 500 mm load center. Prices range from approximately $1,900 for entry-level electric models** to **over $20,000 for premium brands. Popular models include the Jungheinrich EFG BA 115 (990 mm width, 1.438 m turning radius), UniCarriers TX3-15S (1.45 m turning radius), and Manitou MI 15 G ST5 FOB (rough terrain, LPG). Consider power source, aisle width, lift height, and terrain when selecting the right model for your operation.