A "dinky forklift truck" most commonly refers to a die-cast model produced by Dinky Toys, the renowned British toy manufacturer. The most iconic model is the 401 Coventry Climax Fork Lift Truck, produced from 1949 to 1964 in the UK and from 1950 to 1961 in France. This model features an orange body, black mast, green or yellow forks, grey tires, and a light brown driver. A silver knob on the chassis operates a string mechanism to raise and lower the forks. These vintage Dinky Toys forklifts are highly collectible, with prices ranging from approximately $17 to several hundred dollars at auction depending on condition and rarity. For serious collectors, the Dinky 401 remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after industrial vehicle models from the mid-20th century.
In industrial equipment contexts, "dinky forklift" is sometimes a misspelling of Donkey Forklifts, a specialist manufacturer founded in 1985 known for innovative truck-mounted and rough terrain forklifts. However, the Dinky Toys die-cast model remains the primary association with the term.