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Example of the Hyster forklift Intella operates
Hyster forklift serial numbers
Q: How do I decode my Hyster forklift serial number?
A: Post-1957 Hyster forklift serial numbers come in four parts and give information about four different things: the design series of the lift, where the lift was manufactured, the sequence of the lift, and the year it was made. See below for an example of how to read a Hyster forklift serial number.
Part 1: This section should be a combination of letters and numbers. This sequence refers to the design series and model of the lift, according to the table to the right. Click the table for a larger image.
Part 2: This section should be a single letter. It identifies the manufacturing plant of the forklift, as described below.
- A = Irvine, Scotland
- B = Craigavon, Northern Ireland
- D = Danville, IL, USA
- E = Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- F = Flemington, NJ, USA
- G = government contracts
- L = Lenoir, NC, USA
- N = Greenville, NC, USA
- R = OBU, Japan (OBU-SHI, Aichi-Ken, 474 IT)
- S = Sulligent Mfg Plant; Sulligent, AL, USA
- T = Masate, Italy
- V = Berea, KY, USA
Part 3: This section should be a number sequence. It indicates the sequence of manufacture at the manufacturing plant of the lift truck. The numbering of production models for each plant begins at 1501.
Part 4: This last section should be a single letter. It indicates the year that the lift was manufactured. 1957 began with letter A, 1958 being B, 1959 being C, and etc. The full alphabet is used, except for I, O, and Q. Below are some recent years for reference.
| Letter = Year the Forklift Was Manufactured (For older models) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A = 1957 | J = 1965 | T = 1973 | B = 1981 | K = 1989 | U = 1997 | C = 2005 | L = 2013 | U = 2021 |
| B = 1958 | K = 1966 | U = 1974 | C = 1982 | L = 1990 | V = 1998 | D = 2006 | M = 2014 | V = 2022 |
| C = 1959 | L = 1967 | V = 1975 | D = 1983 | M = 1991 | W = 1999 | E = 2007 | N = 2015 | W = 2023 |
| D = 1960 | M = 1968 | W = 1976 | E = 1984 | N = 1992 | X = 2000 | F = 2008 | P = 2016 | X = 2024 |
| E = 1961 | N = 1969 | X = 1977 | F = 1985 | P = 1993 | Y = 2001 | G = 2009 | Q = 2017 | Y = 2025 |
| F = 1962 | P = 1970 | Y = 1978 | G = 1986 | R = 1994 | Z = 2002 | H = 2010 | R = 2018 | Z = 2026 |
| G = 1963 | R = 1971 | Z = 1979 | H = 1987 | S = 1995 | A = 2003 | J = 2011 | S = 2019 | |
| H = 1964 | S = 1972 | A = 1980 | J = 1988 | T = 1996 | B = 2004 | K = 2012 | T = 2020 | |
Check out the image below for REALLY old years. Remember, if the last digit of your serial number is one of these letters then that’s the age of the forklift. Remember Hyster re-uses letters every 20 years.
Hyster forklift model numbers
Q: How do I decode my Hyster forklift model number?
Similar to a serial number, Hyster forklift model numbers also have four parts: the type of truck, the truck’s capacity, the design series of the truck, and a further indicator of type for electric truck models.
Part 1: The first part is a single letter. This letter identifies the series of the lift, according to the following list.
- B = electric walkie/rider
- C = electric walkie, center control
- E = electric lift truck: counterbalanced rider, cushion tires
- H = pneumatic tire lift truck (IC)
- J = electric lift truck: counterbalanced rider, pneumatic tires
- N = electric narrow aisle truck
- R = electric order picker truck
- S = cushion tire lift truck (IC)
- T = electric tractor
- V = very narrow aisle
- W = electric walkie
Part 2: This section is either a number or a combination of numbers and letters, and it indicates the capacity of the lift truck. If the capacity is in the inch system, multiply the number in the model code by 100. This capacity is in pounds. For example, if this section of the code is “30,” the capacity of the truck is 30 x 100 lbs, or 3,000 lbs.
If the capacity is in the metric system, look at the number within this section. This gives the capacity directly in metric tons.
Part 3: This section is a single letter, and it designates the design series of the truck. The first design used is represented by A, the second by B, the third by C, and so on through the alphabet. The letters D, G, I, and O are not used.
Part 4: Finally, the last section is either a single letter or two letters that indicate further the specific type of an electric truck model. Note that XL and XM describe design concepts and can be disregarded.
- A = straddle
- C = center control – standrive
- H = pneumatic
- L = low level pallet
- R = reach
- R = rear standrive
- S = short wheelbase
- S = stepped battery compartment
- T = high level pallet
- T = three-wheel
- DR = double reach
- MD = man down
- MU = man up
Hyster older series codes
For Hyster forklifts built before the 1990s, see below chart
For more information and step-by-step instructions, read our other articles on forklift model numbers, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.
Hi There, I have a Hyster with Serial Num C2D 14523T, I am guessing from the above info that this is from the year 1973, can you confirm this and any other information that might be helpful in restoring it?
S30C or S50C depending on size of counterweight
Please use us for any parts needs you have when you do your restoration!
Have a hyster serial number of A177B13844H. Any one know the model of that?
H40Xl H50XL or H60XL depending on size of counterweight. Most likely a H50XL which is 5,000 capacity lift.
I’m trying to find a new bearing for what I believe is a Hyster motor. I only have the motor for a project I am doing. The serial stamped on it is, 36D845656AAG01. Under it it has the letter F. Stamped elsewhere on the motor is “NJ9-8” and KEE101 513. Any ideas?
What you have there is the part number for the head (metal cast part) of the electric motor. Contact us at [email protected] for more help we have some other resources
Need a valve cover gasket for an S60XM, s/n D187V22575Y. Can you provide a part number for the gasket or at least a model number crossover for the forklift? I can supply photos of the data tag and engine, if needed.
Please contact us at [email protected] for quick replies on tech lookups!
I received a Hyster forklift, that needs engine repairs. The serial numbers stamped on the frame is : A10 D5608L ….. I need some information as tho where to buy parts and repair manual for the engine? Bill @ Williams Motorsports
Hello, Bill. Give us a call at 616-796-6638 and we can help you!
Hi….can you tell me what a H130J with a serial E6Y-2237F is please …..are parts available etc …. thx
H130J is a 13,000 pound capacity pneumatic tired Hyster forklift built in the 1960s.
Intella can still supply parts for these trucks contact us at 616-796-6638
Hello, I’m trying to find the year of manufacture for a Hyster Model H90XL2S, Serial # GOO5D12870V.
Thank you
Because of the suffix letter ‘V’ in the serial number, your Hyster is either a 1975, 1998, or a 2021 model.
I have a Hyster with serial number F005A07449J. What model is it?
Model H70-110XL.
All I have is C004D03790Z. Need to know the model please.
This series can be S60E S80E S100E or S120E