Last updated 01 September 2026
Lift up to 2.5 tonnes with this tough, low-maintenance, Lithium-ION powered electric forklift
Running costs are climbing across the board, and more Australian businesses are taking a hard look at what it actually costs to keep an LPG or diesel forklift operational. At the same time, workplace air quality rules are tightening, particularly for machines running indoors or in enclosed spaces. It's a big part of why so many operations are turning to electric forklifts as a practical, budget-friendly way forward.
Balanced and versatile. That's the essence of the new and improved Baoli KBE 20-25 series 1293 electric forklift (successor to the 6091 series). It brings together a tough and reliable counterbalance forklift in an energy-efficient and budget-friendly package.
Already sold? You can get a no obligation, 7-day FREE trial of the KBE25 2.5 tonne truck right now! Click here, fill in your details on the form and we’ll get you set up ASAP. And if you decide to purchase the KBE25, we’ll trade-in* your old gas forklift for a guaranteed minimum $2,000!
Want to learn more about the KBE 20-25 and its features? Read on below.
KBE 20-25 Electric Forklift Performance
The Baoli KBE 20-25 is a 2.0 to 2.5 tonne electric counterbalance forklift built to deliver high performance and productivity. It's a genuine electric forklift for indoor or outdoor use, matched with an ideal balance of low energy consumption and low maintenance needs, so you're not trading power for running costs.
Electric vs LPG: What It Actually Costs to Run
Electric costs more to buy than an equivalent LPG counterbalance forklift, and it's worth being upfront about that. Where an electric forklift makes up the difference is in what it costs to keep running.
LPG forklifts need regular engine servicing: oil and filter changes, spark plug replacements, exhaust system checks and periodic gas system inspections. Fuel costs also move with the LPG market, and every bottle swap is time your operator isn't lifting pallets.
A budget electric forklift, like the KBE 20-25, skips almost all of that. There's no engine to service, no fuel filters to replace and no exhaust system to maintain. Power from a standard point is generally more predictable than bottled gas, and with a lithium-ion forklift battery there's no watering or equalising to schedule either.
Run the numbers over two or three shifts a day across a few years and the lower running costs on an electric forklift start to close the gap on that higher purchase price. It won't suit every site, high-intensity multi-shift operations still lean on LPG's unlimited runtime, but for most indoor and outdoor use, total cost of ownership favours electric.
Baoli KBE Forklift Comfort
In addition to their reliable performance, the KBE 20-25 series forklifts have been built for operator comfort.
Careful consideration has been put into giving operators an ergonomically designed cab for fatigue-free work, which includes:
- A fully suspended, spacious driver’s cabin
- A large, comfortable footwell
- Adjustable steering column
- A fully suspended, adjustable comfort seat
- Lots of storage compartments
Thanks to the hydraulic damping mounts the spacious cabin is isolated from vibration, noise and shock.
The combination of the forklift’s compact steering wheel, adjustable steering column and hydraulic steering system, gives the driver an easier and more comfortable steering experience than ever before.
Baoli Forklift Safety
When it comes to safety, the KBE 20-25 series is everything you would expect from a Baoli forklift backed by Linde Material Handling Australia. The KBE series gives operators an optimal view of the forklift's load and travel path, thanks to its optimised visibility design. This electric forklift also features Linde Curve Assist, which regulates cornering speed by automatically monitoring the steering angle, reducing the forklift's speed and minimising the chance of tipping. Its large step-in plate also features an anti-slip design, making it safe both under cover and outside in wet weather.
KBE25 Electric Forklift Full Specifications
Here's a complete breakdown of what the KBE 20-25 delivers across both the 2.0 tonne and 2.5 tonne variants.
| Specification | KBE20-Li-01 (2.0 tonne) | KBE25-Li-01 (2.5 tonne) |
|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity | 2,000 kg | 2,500 kg |
| Load centre distance | 500 mm | 500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,495 mm | 1,495 mm |
| Service weight | 3,310 kg | 4,105 kg |
| Axle load laden (front/rear) | 4,720 / 590 kg | 5,870 / 735 kg |
| Tyre type | Pneumatic | Pneumatic |
| Tyre size front | 23x9-10 | 23x9-10 |
| Tyre size rear | 18x7-8 | 18x7-8 |
| Mast tilt forward/backward | 6° / 10° | 6° / 10° |
| Mast lowered height | 2,070 mm | 2,068 mm |
| Standard lift height | 3,000 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Mast extended height | 4,045 mm | 4,045 mm |
| Overhead guard height | 3,370 mm | 3,370 mm |
| Overall width | 1,265 mm | 1,265 mm |
| Ground clearance (wheelbase) | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Turning radius | 2,046 mm | 2,046 mm |
| Aisle width, 1000x1200 crossways | 3,710 mm | 3,710 mm |
| Aisle width, 800x1200 lengthways | 3,910 mm | 3,910 mm |
| Travel speed (laden/unladen) | 15 / 15 km/h | 15 / 15 km/h |
| Lift speed (laden/unladen) | 0.33 / 0.38 m/s | 0.28 / 0.38 m/s |
| Max. gradeability (laden/unladen) | 18% / 20% | 18% / 20% |
| Drive motor | 10.2 kW | 10.2 kW |
| Lift motor | 11.5 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Battery voltage / capacity (Li-ion) | 51.2V / 412Ah | 51.2V / 412Ah |
| Battery voltage / capacity (lead-acid) | 48V / 600Ah | 48V / 600Ah |
| Sound level at operator | 67 dB(A) | 67 dB(A) |
KBE 20-25 Warehouse Forklift Mast Options
The KBE 20-25 is available across a wide range of mast configurations to suit different racking heights and building clearances. The lowered mast height is the critical number to check against any doorway or overhead clearance in your facility.
| Mast Type | Lift Height | Retracted Height | Free Lift | Extended Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3,000 mm | 2,070 mm | 150 mm | 4,045 mm |
| Standard | 3,300 mm | 2,220 mm | 150 mm | 4,345 mm |
| Standard | 3,500 mm | 2,320 mm | 150 mm | 4,545 mm |
| Standard | 4,000 mm | 2,620 mm | 150 mm | 5,045 mm |
| Standard | 4,500 mm | 2,870 mm | 150 mm | 5,545 mm |
| Standard | 5,000 mm | 3,120 mm | 150 mm | 6,045 mm |
| Standard | 5,500 mm | 3,420 mm | 150 mm | 6,545 mm |
| Duplex | 3,000 mm | 2,036 mm | 1,385 mm | 4,045 mm |
| Duplex | 4,000 mm | 2,586 mm | 1,935 mm | 5,045 mm |
| Duplex | 4,500 mm | 2,836 mm | 2,185 mm | 5,545 mm |
| Triplex | 4,100 mm | 1,986 mm | 1,335 mm | 5,145 mm |
| Triplex | 5,000 mm | 2,336 mm | 1,685 mm | 6,045 mm |
| Triplex | 5,500 mm | 2,586 mm | 1,935 mm | 6,545 mm |
| Triplex | 6,000 mm | 2,836 mm | 2,185 mm | 7,045 mm |
| Triplex | 6,500 mm | 3,036 mm | 2,385 mm | 7,545 mm |
Choosing the Right Mast Height for Your Facility
Before choosing a mast, measure your doorway heights, roller doors and any overhead beams or sprinkler pipework the forklift will need to clear. That measurement gets checked against the mast's lowered height, not the extended height, since that's the figure that matters when the truck is moving through the building with the mast down.
Lift height should match your highest racking level, with a bit of headroom to spare rather than cutting it fine. Free lift is the distance the forks can rise before the mast itself starts to extend upward, useful anywhere with a low ceiling or overhead obstruction where you still need to reach into the top of the load.
If your site has restricted overhead clearance but you still need real lift height, a duplex or triplex mast is usually the better call. They give you more lift for a similar lowered height than a standard mast can manage.
The Baoli KBE 20-25 Comes with Two Battery Options to Suit Your Operation
With two battery configurations, you get the flexibility to match the machine to your shift pattern and operational demands.
The lead-acid option (48V / 600Ah) is a proven, cost-effective choice for single-shift operations with overnight charging. A full charge takes approximately 8-12 hours, so it needs a dedicated charging window outside of operating hours.
The lithium-ION forklift battery option (51.2V / 412Ah) is the better fit for multi-shift environments. This electric forklift is fully maintenance-free, supports opportunity charging during breaks and between shifts, and delivers a longer overall service life with no watering or equalisation charges required. A full charge takes approximately 2-3 hours, and it can also be topped up during breaks or changeovers rather than waiting on a full cycle.
As a rough guide: if running one shift a day with clear downtime overnight, lead-acid does the job at a lower upfront cost. If running two or three shifts, or needing the forklift available on and off throughout the day, the lithium-ion forklift battery is worth the extra dollars, since opportunity charging means the machine is rarely sitting idle waiting for a full charge.
Both variants use Italian-made AC motors with regenerative braking technology, which recovers energy during braking and mast lowering to extend runtime and reduce overall energy consumption, a real advantage in high-cycle operations.
The KBE 202-25 is Suitable for Outdoors: Pneumatic Tyres and Real Ground Clearance
Pneumatic tyres on both the 2.0 tonne and 2.5 tonne variants provide the grip, cushioning, and surface adaptability that polyurethane-tyred warehouse machines simply can't match on outdoor surfaces. Combined with 120mm of ground clearance at the wheelbase and a maximum gradeability of 18% laden and 20% unladen, the KBE 20-25 handles outdoor sealed yards, loading areas, ramps, and light uneven surfaces with confidence.
For operations that move between indoor and outdoor environments throughout the day like manufacturing facilities, building suppliers, food production sites, and mixed-use distribution centres, the KBE 20-25 is a versatile single-machine solution.
Linde Curve Assist: Automatic Cornering Safety
One of the KBE 20-25's standout safety features is Linde Curve Assist, which automatically monitors the steering angle as the machine corners and reduces travel speed accordingly. This significantly lowers the risk of tipping when carrying loads through turns, particularly important in busy yard environments or when travelling at speed between locations.
Is the KBE 20-25 Right for Your Operation?
A great fit if you:
- Need 2.0 or 2.5 tonne lift capacity for standard to heavy pallet handling
- Operate in mixed indoor and outdoor environments: pneumatic tyres and 120mm ground clearance handle outdoor sealed surfaces confidently
- Want a zero-emission alternative to LPG or diesel for indoor or enclosed spaces
- Need flexible mast options ranging from 3,000mm up to 7,545mm extended height
- Want Italian-made AC motors with regenerative braking for lower energy costs and longer runtime
- Prefer the flexibility of choosing between lead-acid and lithium-ION battery configurations
May not suit you if you:
- Need more than 2.5 tonne capacity: A larger counterbalance forklift would be required
- Operate regularly on heavily uneven, muddy, or rough off-road terrain: A diesel or LPG counterbalance forklift would be more appropriate
- Run very high-intensity continuous multi-shift operations where LPG's unlimited runtime is a priority
Try This Electric Forklift, Risk-Free
Want to see how the KBE25 2.5 tonne lithium-ion forklift performs on your own site before you commit? We're offering a 7-day free* onsite trial of the KBE25, with free delivery to certain metro included. And if you're looking to replace your old gas counterbalance forklift, you'll receive a minimum $2,000 trade-in* on it.
Click the button below to arrange your free trial.
Frequently Asked KBE 20-25 Electric Forklift Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Baoli KBE 20-25 electric forklift?
The KBE 20-25 can lift loads from 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes.
What type of battery does the Baoli KBE 20-25 electric forklift come with?
The KBE 20-25 is available with two battery options depending on your operational needs. The standard lead-acid option (48V / 600Ah) is a reliable, cost-effective choice well suited to single-shift operations with overnight charging. The lithium-ION option (51.2V / 412Ah) is available for operations that need more flexibility. It's maintenance-free, supports opportunity charging during breaks and between shifts, and offers a longer service life with no watering or equalisation charges required. Both options are paired with Italian-made AC motors and regenerative braking technology to maximise energy efficiency and runtime.
What is the Baoli KBE 20-25 electric forklift best used for?
The Baoli KBE 20-25 electric counterbalance forklift is best suited to small and medium-sized businesses that need a capable, zero-emission machine for both indoor and outdoor use. With lift capacities of 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes, pneumatic tyres, 120mm ground clearance and an 18% gradeability rating, it handles the demands of mixed indoor and outdoor environments, from warehouse racking and loading docks to sealed outdoor yards and ramps, without needing a separate machine for each setting.
Its AC motors with regenerative braking keep energy consumption low, while mast options ranging from 3,000mm up to 7,545mm extended height give it genuine versatility across a wide range of racking configurations. The choice of lead-acid or lithium-ION battery makes it adaptable to both single and multi-shift operations, and as a fully electric machine, it's well suited to food production, manufacturing and any facility where emissions, noise or air quality are a consideration.
Is financing available for the Baoli KBE 20-25 electric forklift and what options are offered?
Yes, financing is available for the KBE 20-25 electric forklift through Baoli Forklifts' exclusive Australian distributor, Linde Material Handling. You can learn more on Linde's Equipment Finance Options page. Financing options include rent-to-own, as well as leasing options such as short and long-term rental.
What happens when the KBE 20-25 electric forklift needs servicing?
With the KBE 20-25 electric forklift, you will have the backing of Linde Material Handling Australia's nationwide support infrastructure. Linde’s qualified mobile technicians are all trained and graded specifically on Baoli products, supported by fully equipped workshops and spare parts stores in every capital city. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide, local support is on hand when you need it.
Can I try the KBE 20-25 before I buy it?
Yes. We’re currently offering a 7-day free* onsite trial of the KBE25 lithium-ion forklift, with free delivery to certain metro areas included, so you can put it to work in your own facility before making a decision. If you're trading in a gas counterbalance forklift at the same time, you'll also receive a minimum $2,000 trade-in* on it!
How long does it take to charge the KBE 20-25's battery?
Charging time depends on the battery type. A lithium-ion battery takes approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge while a lead-acid battery takes approximately 8-12 hours.