Datsun forklifts are no longer in production. In the mid-1980s, the Datsun brand was phased out globally in favor of Nissan. Today, all "Datsun" forklifts on the market are used units, often decades old, built during the 1970s and 1980s. While parts and service are still available through legacy Nissan dealers and aftermarket suppliers, buyers should approach these machines as vintage industrial equipment requiring careful inspection and maintenance planning.
Brand History – Datsun to Nissan
Datsun began producing forklifts in the 1960s and 1970s, building a reputation for rugged, reliable industrial trucks. In 1975, Datsun established a dealer network in the United States, with Lift Truck Service Center Inc. becoming one of its first official dealers. By the early 1980s, the Datsun brand was gradually replaced by Nissan across all vehicle lines, including forklifts. Dealerships like Northwest Forklift (founded as Northwest Datsun Lift Trucks in 1976) and Datsun Lift (established in 1976 in Texas) transitioned to Nissan as the brand evolved.
Popular Datsun Forklift Models
Datsun produced a variety of forklift models across different capacities and fuel types. Below are some of the most commonly found models in the used market:
Model Fuel Type Capacity Typical Lift Height Key Features
CF01 Type G LPG 2,000 lbs 106" Nissan 4-cyl, 2-stage mast, solid tires
CFG103-1 LPG 3,000 lbs 130" Compact cushion tire, hydrostatic transmission
CPF02A25V LPG 5,500 lbs 128" Pneumatic tires, adjustable forks
PF02A25V LPG 5,500 lbs 128" 4-cylinder, counterbalance, single-speed trans
UF03A35V Gasoline 7,600 lbs 145" Nissan 6-cyl, side shift, 2-stage mast
FG007 Gasoline 9,000 lbs 120" 6-cylinder, 2-stage mast, solid tires
40H Diesel 8,818 lbs (4 tons) Varies Nissan SD33T 3.3L turbo diesel, robust construction
CHF03A35V Dual Fuel 8,000 lbs 106" Nissan 3000 6-cyl, 2-stage mast, full free lift
Where to Find Datsun Forklifts for Sale
Since Datsun forklifts are no longer manufactured, they are exclusively available through used equipment channels:
1. Online Auction Platforms
Platform Typical Listings
Purple Wave Datsun CF01, UF03A35V, FG007, PF02A25V models; no-reserve auctions
BigIron Auctions Datsun PF02A25V, GFG 103-1 models; unreserved auctions
IronPlanet Datsun CHF03A35V and other vintage models
HiBid Datsun FG103 and other models
2. Equipment Marketplaces
Platform Typical Listings
Machinio Datsun (Nissan) forklifts, including 40H diesel models
TrucksNL Datsun forklifts with specifications and documentation
3. Legacy Datsun/Nissan Dealers
Some dealerships that originally sold Datsun forklifts continue to service and occasionally sell used units:
Dealer Location Notes
Lift Truck Service Center Inc. Arkansas Nissan dealer since 1975; sales, service, parts
Northwest Forklift Pacific Northwest Founded as Northwest Datsun Lift Trucks in 1976
Datsun Lift Rio Grande Valley, TX Family-owned since 1976
Recent Auction Prices (2024–2026)
Prices for Datsun forklifts vary widely based on model, condition, hours, and location. Below are recent auction results for reference:
Model Year / Hours Sale Price Date Location
CF01 Type G 4,702 hrs $1,705 March 2025 Murdock, KS
UF03A35V 1,395 hrs $5,280 Dec 2025 Ozark, MO
FG007 5,436 hrs $3,850 Nov 2022 Jennings, OK
6000 lb model Unknown $3,520 July 2024 Cheyenne, WY
Nissan 3000 Unknown $3,080 Nov 2024 Oklahoma City, OK
FG103 Unknown $1,250 May 2026 Online auction
Note: Prices shown are final auction sale prices and do not include taxes, fees, or transport costs. Actual selling prices vary based on condition, location, and bidding activity.
Key Buying Considerations
1. Age and Condition
Datsun forklifts are typically 40–50 years old. Expect wear on hydraulic systems, mast components, and engine parts. Many units are sold "as-is, where-is" with no warranty.
2. Hours of Operation
Verify hour meter readings, but be aware that meters may be non-operational or inaccurate on older units.
3. Parts Availability
While Nissan engines (e.g., SD33T diesel, Nissan 3000 6-cylinder) are well-supported, other components may be harder to source. Legacy Nissan dealers and aftermarket suppliers like TVH and Intella Parts can provide some parts.
4. Fuel Type
Datsun forklifts were produced in LPG, gasoline, and diesel configurations. Diesel models like the 40H with the Nissan SD33T engine are prized for their durability.
5. Mast and Attachments
Check mast stages (2-stage vs. 3-stage), lift height, side shift functionality, and fork condition. Many older units have basic 2-stage masts with limited lift height.
6. Inspection
Always inspect the unit in person before bidding. Online auctions typically do not guarantee operability.
Summary
Datsun forklifts are vintage industrial machines, no longer in production since the brand was replaced by Nissan in the 1980s. Available exclusively through used channels—auction platforms (Purple Wave, BigIron, IronPlanet), equipment marketplaces (Machinio), and legacy dealers—these units range from compact 2,000 lb LPG models to 9,000 lb gasoline and 4-ton diesel workhorses. Recent auction prices range from $1,250 to $5,280, depending on model and condition. When buying, prioritize in-person inspection, verify hour meters, assess parts availability, and understand that most units are sold "as-is" with no warranty.