CHICAGO — Big Joe Forklifts this week announced four new products at ProMat 2025. The new industrial vehicles integrate lithium-ion technology and demonstrate Big Joe’s intention to lead the electrification of the market, said the company.
“The mix of industrial lift trucks making up the North American market has been trending electric at a snail’s pace since it was a 50/50 mix of electric and internal combustion back in 1984,” stated Martin Boyd, a 33-year industry veteran and Big Joe’s new chief marketing officer.
“When you dig below the surface however, this slow movement toward electrics has primarily been driven by equipment found within the warehousing and distribution space, whereas sit-down type counterbalance equipment has continued to favor internal combustion over that same period with very little movement,” he added.
Big Joe shows off new offerings
Big Joe provided specifications for its new products, which it showed at ProMat.
The LCE65S has a 6,500 lb. capacity and is designed to replace ITA Class 4 cushion-tire internal combustion (IC) forklifts. The company claimed that it “makes the idea of operating a propane-powered forklift indoors incomprehensible, like smoking in an airplane or at a restaurant.”
Big Joe projected that its LPE100S is projected to run with a 30% higher lift speed, a 20% higher travel speed, and improved gradeability compared with its predecessor, the LPE100. The LPE100S can replace Class 5 pneumatic tire IC forklifts, handle loads up to 10,000 lb. (4,535,9 kg), and eliminate expensive engine maintenance and unexpected costs, it said.
The LPX155 has permanent magnet synchronous motor control and is powered by an integrated high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Big Joe said its multiple cooling systems intelligently keep core components cool for reliable operation in high-throughput applications. The system is designed to handle loads up to 15,500 lb. (7030.6 kg) in both outdoor and indoor environments, surpassing IC performance.
Big Joe said its Mobile Power Unit (MPU) can supplement limited grid power or act as a power source for sites with limited or no electrical supply. The MPU is liquid-cooled and heated, with the ability to charge up to three forklifts concurrently at 60kW total output.
The new trucks will be available later this year, said the company.
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‘Powering Process’ sets innovation, sustainability priorities
Big Joe also revealed its new corporate theme — “Powering Progress” — that it said shows its focus on industrial electrification. The Madison, Wis.-based company said it helps partners replace existing forklifts with its purpose-built systems. Big Joe said they can boost productivity and efficiency, reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), and improve employee and environmental health.
“With our Powering Progress mindset, Big Joe is poised to be the industry leader in electrification, partnering with organizations that have the need or desire to make the switch from internal combustion but haven’t been able to in the past,” Boyd said.
Big Joe provides material handling equipment and autonomous systems for warehouses and distribution centers. It also offers customer service through a nationwide dealership network.
