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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, we’ve purchased a (we’re guessing) 1960 Hyster forklift and the data tag is missing. Where else do we find the serial number?
Stamped in the side of the frame. Clean old paint, it might be beneath old paint
Thankyou for that, any more info on which side of the frame or where it would be near to find the stamp would be great!?
Hi, trying to find out year of hyster sn c177 BO 742 OM
1991
I am trying to identify a Hyster forklift. Stamped on passenger side frame under seat sheet metal is A187.V0 3312F. Only thing i can make out on gauge/dash sheetmetal near steering column is LPS and 602022. Can you help identify? I need parts for brake rebuild.
You have a S40Xl or S50XL or S60XL depending on size of counterweight. Year built: 1985
Email [email protected] for parts.
I am trying to identify a Hyster forklift I just got, the tag by the seat is ruined and half missing. The number stamped on the frame back by the counterweight is D6D2385S. It has Challenger 110 decals on it. It has a Chevy 250 6 cyl and a Hystamatic. I am wanting a service manual and some parts for the transmission. Can you identify what the machine is?
You have a H110F, 11000 pound capacity at 24 inch load center
Year built was 1972
Please email us at [email protected] or call 616-796-6638, parts are still readily available for this unit.
I am trying to make repairs on a Hyster S60A Serial Number A4L 1647B but can’t seem to find any online parts / service manuals or even what year this thing is (old is all I know). Any suggestions?
We can help with that, we have a manual on that. Shows it should have a Continental F226 engine. Email us at [email protected], include the serial number and our tech team will provide you with the parts you need on it.
I inherited an old three wheel propane Hyster. I believe the serial number is B1D 5250 K. The equipment tag is old and barely legible.
I am in need of the model number, operating manual to start the maintenance process on this guy. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I reviewed the info provided in the article, but didn’t see one like described. Jobs happy to send the pic of the tag if that helps.
Thanks,
Kelly
That’s a B001 series…model is H20E or H30E. Built in 1966. I’m fairly certain the manufacturer does not supply any operating manuals or anything for it anymore.
I Have a really old hyster spacesaver 30. The identifaction label is pretty rough and hard to make out the numbers. It’s either a109 7478 N or a10d 7473 N. Any help with this would be great
You have a S30A, serial number A10D7473N, built in 1969
3000 pound capacity. We can still get parts for this unit. [email protected]
thank you
Even after looking at these codes I’m still having trouble figuring out any information about the forklift that I want to purchase lol. The numbers that I see on the plate on the forklift are D002D and 3940X with a model number S40E. Approximately 8,150 lb. This is a lift truck that I’m interested in purchasing but I’m just trying to figure out which engine it has in it as well as if there are any common problems. Any help would be appreciated.
To be honest that’s an ancient forklift. Built in 1977. 4000 pound lifting capacity. Has a GM 4-153 4 cylinder engine.
It’s too old of a model to know of any ‘common problems’. Parts are readily available still for this, Hyster is a common brand.
I have what we think is a pre 1957 Hyster forklift. Need to redo the brakes and need to find the model so I can get parts. the only stamping we have found is B4D3486 i don’t know what this number is but it is all I can find. it is located on the right side about center moto compartment.
That’s the serial number, we can work with that. I’ve forwarded your inquiry to our tech team who will contact you.