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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.
I’m told our current model is C40SRF36T189, which this page suggests might be a walkie, but we actually have a electric ride-along, non-pneumatic tires. Could you confirm model/specs? Specifically interested in turning radius right now, but all specs would be good. Thanks!
That’s not a Hyster model of forklift. Are you certain it’s not a Raymond? What color is it?
We have an old Hyster lift that I need to service but can’t find info for. The tag on the firewall says it’s a model TC200 and the s/n is 109087. It’s a six cylinder diesel. Hoping to find what kind of engine so I can change the oil. Can you help?
TC200 wasn’t a Hyster model. I’m guessing it’s a Royal or CAT forklift.
If it’s a diesel 6 cylinder engine you’ll be fine with any name brand 15W40 for engine oil.
Could you help me identify forklift and 4cylinder gas engine as I need a starter motor. Sn a3s 2546k. I believe it is a he50 but unsure of engine it has a flat head with distributor sticking out of top. Can see markings B 18 U. Thanks Paul
Thanks, we will reply with info with an email from [email protected]
I have an older hyster and the only number I can find on it is B7P2305J. Any info would be appreciated.
H150E H200E or H250E 1965
I am trying to determine what starter I need for a s50xl with serial # A187V10056J all info will be helpful and appreciated. thank you
Please email [email protected]
Hello. I’m trying to Identify my old Hyster Forklift. The only number I can find is B3D 3728 L. Appears to be a 1967 but I don’t see where the remaining numbers match the charts. I have currently removed the cylinder head to have refurbished and mainly need specs and possibly part numbers for that repair. I can most likely find the specs just want to make sure I’m starting with the correct Info. I believe the engine is a continental G193. Any help is appreciated! Thanks
B3D prefix is a H30F H50F or H60F, same truck, different counterweight.
My records show the engine should be Continental G-193
We carry parts for that truck yet! email us at [email protected] with your model serial number and we can quote out what you need.
Hello,
I am trying to decide the model I have, Ser/No: B3A5005S
Can anyone tell me where it was built, year and model etc?
The label has Model H507 but I cant find much details online and I want to order parts for the power steering.
This is a H30F or H50F or H60F. Same truck, just different counter weight. 30 =3000# capacity, 40 = 4000# capacity, etc.
S at the end means it was built in 1972
Please contact us at [email protected] for those power steering parts
Can’t seem to figure out exactly what this thing is… A177B6783E. Pneumatic tires 1984 seems like a probable date based on pictures of similar year models. Runs on gas, looks like an inline 4 cylinder. No tags on it other than a metal UL tag that states “Classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc as to Fire Hazard Only. Type G Industrial Truck.”
Either H40XL H50XL H60XL (same truck, just depends on size of counterweight on back of forklift)
Most likely H50XL as 5000# is most common. E = 1984
Hyster Model: P80A Serial Number: A18D4988
Can’t find any info about this model, need clutch adjustment or replacement procedure
P80A, prefix A18. Rough terrain forklift, pretty much the last time Hyster dabbled in this market/truck type.
Came with a Continental F227 gas/lpg engine OR Perkins 4.236 diesel engine
If you need parts on this please email [email protected]