Baker was a pioneering American forklift manufacturer that produced electric industrial trucks from the 1920s through the 1980s. Known for the innovative Baker Hi-Tailer series, the brand dominated the electric forklift market for decades. Today, Baker forklifts are no longer in production and are found exclusively on the used, vintage, and collector market. Below are the most commonly encountered models.
Common Baker Forklift Models
Model Type Capacity Key Features
Baker Hi-Tailer Electric sit-down 2,000 – 6,000 lbs 36V or 48V lead-acid battery system, solid cushion tires
Baker B-Series Electric stand-up 3,000 – 5,000 lbs Narrow aisle design, 36V system
Baker 30/30 Electric compact 3,000 lbs Compact chassis for tight spaces
Baker Hy-Drive Electric 4,000 lbs 36V sit-down rider, 2-stage mast
Baker 4,000 lb Electric 4,000 lbs Simplex mast, solid tires, 140″ lift
Key Model Details
Baker Hi-Tailer (Most Popular)
Capacity: 2,000 – 6,000 lbs
Voltage: 36V or 48V lead-acid
Tire Type: Cushion (solid rubber)
Typical Lift Height: 120″ – 180″
Application: General warehouse material handling
Baker B-Series
Capacity: 3,000 – 5,000 lbs
Operator Position: Stand-up
Application: Narrow aisle warehouse work
Baker 4,000 lb Model
Capacity: 4,000 lbs
Mast: Simplex (2-stage)
Lift Height: Up to 140″
Tires: Solid cushion
Application: Light to medium-duty indoor work
Current Market Status
Baker forklifts are no longer manufactured. The brand was acquired by Clark Material Handling in 1983 and is now part of the Toyota Industries family. Today, these vintage machines are only available on the used and collector market. Parts availability is limited; some components are compatible with Clark models of the same era.
The bottom line: Baker produced a range of electric forklift models from the 1920s through the 1980s. The Baker Hi-Tailer series was the most popular, with 2,000–6,000 lb capacities and 36V/48V battery systems. Other models include the B-Series (stand-up, narrow aisle) and the 4,000 lb compact model. Today, Baker forklifts are only available on the used market with limited parts availability.
