Category: Forklift Buying Guides
Choosing between a 3 ton and a 3.5 ton electric forklift should not be reduced to selecting the larger nameplate capacity. Procurement teams also need to check the heaviest normal and exceptional loads, load center, target lift height, aisle and turning constraints, operating hours, charging conditions and any attachment that may affect residual capacity.
Mingbang’s CPD-30 and CPD-35 are configurable ride-on electric forklift platforms. The figures below are reference configurations. Final battery, motor, mast, fork and attachment selections should be confirmed against the application before quotation.
CPD-30 vs CPD-35 Reference Configuration
| Item | CPD-30 | CPD-35 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity | 3,000 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Travel motor | AC 7,500 W | AC 10,000 W |
| Lift motor | AC 5,000 W | AC 7,500 W |
| Voltage | 72 V | 72 V |
| Length without forks | 2,750 mm | 2,900 mm |
| Length with forks | 3,970 mm | 4,120 mm |
| Drive axle | Cast-steel 310 | Cast-steel 380 |
| Optional lift height | Up to 6,000 mm* | Up to 6,000 mm* |
*Optional lift height is subject to the selected mast, rated load, load center, attachments and operating conditions. It must not be interpreted as full rated capacity at every height.
When the CPD-30 May Be the Better Starting Point
The CPD-30 is the more appropriate starting point when the confirmed load remains within the 3,000 kg capacity class and a shorter base vehicle is useful for the planned route. It should still be checked against load dimensions, load center, fork length, turning space and the required capacity at height.
When the CPD-35 May Be the Better Starting Point
The CPD-35 provides a 3,500 kg rated-capacity starting point with higher reference travel and lift motor ratings. It may suit applications where verified load weights, handling attachments or operating requirements justify the higher capacity class.
A buyer should not select the CPD-35 only to create an undefined safety margin. The actual load, load center, lift height and attachment combination must still be reviewed, and the larger base dimensions should be checked against the travel route.
Five Questions to Answer Before Choosing
1. What is the heaviest normal and exceptional load?
Record the load weight and dimensions, not only the nominal pallet weight. Include long loads, uneven loads and special attachments in the configuration request.
2. What is the load center?
Rated capacity is tied to a defined load center. Provide the load depth and center-of-gravity information during quotation.
3. How high must the load be raised?
Measure the highest rack position as well as doorway, container, sprinkler and overhead clearances. Mast selection also depends on overall lowered height, overall raised height and free-lift requirements.
4. Will an attachment change capacity or dimensions?
Side shifters, fork positioners, longer forks and application-specific attachments may change the load center, residual capacity and clearance requirements.
5. What are the shift and charging conditions?
Provide daily operating hours, continuous running periods, charging windows, available electrical supply and battery preference. Battery selection should be matched to the duty cycle.
For the wider selection process, use the electric forklift selection guide. To describe battery, mast and site requirements, review the custom configuration checklist.
Information to Include in an RFQ
- Maximum normal and exceptional load
- Load dimensions and load center
- Target lift height and capacity required at that height
- Lowest doorway and overhead clearance
- Aisle width and turning route
- Indoor or outdoor use, floor condition, slope and temperature
- Operating hours and charging windows
- Battery preference and available power supply
- Fork length and attachment requirements
- Quantity, destination port and target schedule
Request a model and configuration review or compare the full electric forklift range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3.5 ton electric forklift always better than a 3 ton model?
No. The more suitable capacity class depends on the verified load and application. Vehicle dimensions, route, lift height, attachments, duty cycle and configuration also matter.
Can CPD-30 and CPD-35 lift to 6 metres?
Lift heights up to 6,000 mm are available as optional configurations. Final suitability depends on the mast, load, load center, attachment and operating conditions. Full rated capacity at 6,000 mm is not claimed without a model-specific load chart.
Can the battery and motor be customized?
Yes. Battery capacity, motor configuration and lift height can be reviewed according to the buyer’s operating requirements. The approved quotation should identify the final configuration.