Telescopic handler forklifts, which combine the functions of forklifts, loaders, and aerial work platforms, are widely used across multiple industries. As the power source at the heart of these machines, the engine directly determines the upper limit of the equipment’s performance. With years of experience in the construction machinery export sector, EPDAS offers diverse telehandler engine customization options and end-to-end tailored solutions to help industry clients clarify their selection criteria and choose the optimal engine configuration suited to their specific operating conditions and target markets.
Telescopic forklifts are used in a wide range of scenarios, from short-distance transport at ordinary domestic construction sites to long-term operations in North America’s stringent environmental zones, and from light-duty stacking in small-to-medium-sized warehouses to heavy-load, high-frequency construction in mines. Different operating conditions impose vastly different requirements on engine performance, durability, and brand reputation. Therefore, the scope for engine customization and brand compatibility have become the primary considerations during the selection phase.
In their standard configurations, EPDAS telehandler forklifts are equipped with engines from Yunnei Power or Yuchai. These two major domestic brands offer high cost-effectiveness, readily available parts, and convenient maintenance, making them ideal for cost-sensitive domestic markets or certain developing countries where operating conditions are less demanding.
However, if customers have specific requirements, EPDAS fully supports engine customization. Available brands include:
Cummins
Globally renowned for its powerful performance and high reliability, suitable for high-end markets and demanding operating conditions
Perkins
A British brand with high recognition in the European market and mature emissions technology
Kohler
An American brand offering better value for money than Cummins and shorter delivery times
Yuchai
A leading domestic brand with high torque reserve and tolerance for poor-quality fuel
Yanmar
A Japanese brand known for compact size and low noise, suitable for precision operations
Yunnei
The top choice for economy, with low maintenance costs
All custom engine replacements that are not standard factory equipment will incur additional customization costs. Within the same power range, there are significant price differences between engines of different brands. Prices vary by engine brand, and even within the same brand, prices differ significantly across different power ratings. The Yunnei/Yuchai engines included as standard on EPDAS models are already factored into the base vehicle price. If a customer requests a different brand, the price difference must be paid. The specific surcharge depends on the selected brand, power rating, and current procurement costs.
Tips
If the equipment will primarily be used locally and initial costs are a concern, we recommend selecting the standard Yunnei or Yuchai engines.
If the equipment will be exported to European or American markets, or used for continuous operations with extremely high reliability requirements, we recommend selecting Cummins, Perkins, or Kohler.
If the customer already has a designated service station, prioritize brands for which that service station can provide maintenance support.
In the export business of construction machinery, regional compliance certification for engines is a mandatory prerequisite determining whether equipment can clear customs, be legally registered, and be put into on-site operation. Its importance even surpasses that of engine power or brand reputation.
Currently, different regions worldwide have established independent and stringent certification management systems for non-road diesel engines. These standards are not interchangeable, the review processes are rigorous, and documentation requirements are comprehensive.
In the North American market, particularly in Canada, the EPA’s mandatory engine emissions certification is enforced, and some sub-regions have simultaneously implemented the EPI supporting management standards. These require that complete compliance documentation, including the corresponding CSA special certificates, be provided when exporting complete machines. Such certifications constitute official mandatory entry requirements; engines without compliance documentation—regardless of their superior power performance or brand recognition—cannot complete local registration and filing, and are strictly prohibited from operating on public roads or at job sites.
For overseas markets with high compliance requirements, engine selection must prioritize certification standards before considering brand and price. Taking Cummins engines—which are highly sought after by customers—as an example, the brand’s entire product line possesses comprehensive compliance credentials, easily meeting mainstream North American certification requirements such as EPA and EPI, with complete supporting certificates and high industry recognition.
However, from the perspective of actual project implementation, telehandler with cummins engine is not the optimal solution for all customers. Its core shortcomings lie in two areas: first, the high cost of customizing and procuring complete units significantly increases the final retail telescopic forklift price, resulting in lower price competitiveness; second, the long lead times for importing high-end custom models can easily disrupt customers’ distribution schedules, construction project start dates, and tender delivery deadlines.
Countries and regions worldwide have established strict regulations regarding emission standards for non-road mobile machinery. Whether in the EU, North America, Australia, the Middle East, or certain developed nations in Southeast Asia, local authorities are continuously tightening emission limits for construction machinery diesel engines and mandating that new equipment entering the market must comply with these increasingly stringent standards.
China: China III, China IV (non-road); currently, most regions require China IV
EU: Stage IIIA, IIIB, IV, V (Euro 5)
U.S.: EPA Tier 4 Final
Canada: Generally follows U.S. EPA standards; some provinces also require CSA certification (Canadian Standards Association)
EPDAS recommends the most suitable engine based on the customer’s actual operating conditions and local emission requirements. This means we do not blindly promote engines with higher emission ratings; instead, we recommend configurations that precisely meet local regulations based on the region where the customer’s equipment will operate. For example, Euro III or China III standards may be entirely sufficient for markets in Southeast Asia or Africa, whereas machines exported to Europe require Euro V with a urea system.
Tips
Before signing a contract, clearly inform EPDAS of the country and province where the telehandler will ultimately be used.
Require the supplier to provide a written commitment ensuring the engine’s emission standards comply with local regulations.
Do not blindly choose the highest emission standard in an attempt to “get it right the first time,” as higher emission standards often entail more complex aftertreatment systems and higher failure rates.
Engine power parameters, internal configuration, and配套 aftertreatment systems must be precisely matched to the telescopic forklift’s tonnage specifications, lifting height, standard load capacity, and operating environment; This constitutes a key technical prerequisite for ensuring the equipment’s efficient operation, durability, zero-failure performance, and fuel economy.
Scenario 1: General Construction Sites
Recommended Configuration: China III or Euro III standard engines without a urea system. Meets basic environmental requirements, offers the lowest cost, and is simple to maintain.
Scenario 2: City Centers, Airports, and Large Venues
Recommended Configuration: China IV, Euro V, or EPA Tier 4, typically with a urea system. Emissions inspections are stringent, requiring low-emission equipment.
Scenario 3: Cross-border Deployment
Recommended Configuration: Select engines based on the strictest standards (e.g., Euro 5), or choose engine platforms that can be upgraded by installing aftertreatment systems. EPDAS offers “dual-standard compatible” solutions, such as engines with hardware capable of meeting both Euro 5 and EPA Tier 4 standards, requiring only a software update to the ECU for switching between standards.
From an analysis of the procurement cost structure, the engine is a core component accounting for a very high proportion of the total telescopic forklift cost. There are significant price differences among engines of different brands, emission levels, and certification standards. The standard-equipped domestic engines from Yunnei and Yuchai, with large-scale mass production, have the lowest procurement costs, allowing the overall machine price to be kept within an affordable range. This makes them suitable for high-volume distribution and cost-performance-based market competition; Mid-range imported engines, with moderate pricing that balances compliance, performance, and cost, are the preferred choice for high-end export projects; top-tier international brands like Cummins, with high customization premiums that significantly increase the telehandler price, are only suitable for specific tenders, designated-brand requirements, and projects with ultra-high standards.
Delivery lead times are also a core competitive factor for export orders. Most overseas orders for construction equipment have clear project start dates, distribution schedules, and tender delivery deadlines; delivery delays can easily lead to customer contract breaches, lost orders, and damage to channel reputation. Standard mass-produced models rely on mature supply chains, with stock readily available, enabling rapid production scheduling and fast shipping; standard mid-range custom models have controllable production lead times and can meet the timelines of most routine overseas orders; however, high-end imported custom engines, such as those from Cummins, are subject to multiple factors including overseas manufacturer production schedules, international logistics, and customs clearance and transshipment, resulting in significantly extended overall delivery cycles—making them completely unsuitable for urgent orders or short-cycle projects.
When a customer specifies a particular brand (such as Cummins) but faces excessively long lead times or a budget constraint, EPDAS proactively recommends alternative solutions. For example, a Canadian customer requested Cummins, but EPDAS suggested switching to Kohler because Kohler meets EPA standards, costs 30% less, and has a delivery time that is half as long. This “proactive substitution recommendation” is precisely where the value of EPDAS’s customized service lies.
Tips
Plan your project timeline in advance and incorporate the engine customization cycle into your overall procurement plan.
If the project is urgent, prioritize brands and power ranges with stock availability.
Request a comprehensive TCO comparison table from EPDAS; don’t focus solely on the purchase price.
Whether you prefer globally renowned brands like Cummins and Perkins, cost-effective options like Kohler and Yanmar, or economical and practical choices like Yuchai and Yunnei, EPDAS has you covered. We have established long-term partnerships with Tier 1 distributors for each engine brand, enabling us to deliver customizations at more competitive prices and with shorter lead times.
The power range for customized telehandler forklifts is 30 kW to 130 kW., covering telescopic handler forklifts from 1.5 to 10 tons. Emission standards can be customized to include China III, China IV, Euro III, Euro V, and EPA Tier 4—any option is available. Aftertreatment systems can be configured according to customer requirements, including the inclusion of a urea system or a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). Interface customization—such as special PTOs, dual-engine setups, and hydraulic pump interfaces—can all be designed to non-standard specifications.
For equipment exported to markets such as Canada, the United States, the EU, and Australia, EPDAS provides a complete package of emission certification documents, including engine EPA/Euro 5 certificates, complete vehicle emission test reports, and certificates of origin. When necessary, we assist with obtaining safety certifications such as CSA and CE.
EPDAS’s technical team will not forcefully recommend high-priced engines solely to earn a markup. Instead, we ask clients the following questions: Will the equipment be used primarily indoors or outdoors? Does the local environmental agency conduct random exhaust inspections? Have operators received training on urea injection? Does the minimum winter temperature drop below -15°C? Based on these real-world scenarios, we provide the most suitable engine solution. Sometimes clients initially prefer Cummins, but EPDAS may recommend Kohler or even Yuchai based on actual conditions to save the client money.
During the quotation phase, EPDAS clearly communicates the price and delivery time for the standard engine, as well as the price difference and estimated delivery time for each optional brand. We also specify how much time and money can be saved by choosing an alternative brand (e.g., Kohler instead of Cummins). EPDAS is not merely a telescopic handler assembly plant, but a provider of customized powertrain solutions. Our goal is not to sell the most engines, but to help customers select the most suitable engine.
Q: Do your engines meet emission standards?
A: EPDAS recommends the most suitable engine models based on the customer’s actual operating conditions and the emission regulations of the country or region where the equipment is located. We guarantee that the engines you purchase will meet local environmental requirements and operate normally. This guarantee can be included in the contract.
Q: Are there significant differences in maintenance intervals and costs between different engine brands?
A: The differences are significant. International brands such as Cummins and Perkins have longer maintenance intervals, but their spare parts and oil filters are relatively expensive. In contrast, domestic brands like Yunnei and Yuchai have slightly shorter maintenance intervals, but their spare parts are affordable and readily available.
Q: If my equipment will be used in multiple countries, how should I choose the engine emission standards?
A: We recommend configuring the equipment to meet the most stringent standards of the target market. If there are significant differences between national standards, EPDAS can provide a “dual-standard compatible” solution—selecting an engine platform that meets both Euro 5 and EPA Tier 4 standards at the hardware level, and adapting to different regional testing requirements solely through ECU software switching.
Q: Will delivery time be extended if I customize a non-standard engine?
A: Compared to standard, in-stock models from original manufacturers, delivery cycles for custom orders of high-end imported brands will be longer, telehandler with cummins engine custom models having the longest production and logistics lead times. Before placing an order, EPDAS will provide an accurate delivery timeline in advance to help customers plan their projects.
Selecting an engine for a telehandler forklift is far more than just considering power output and brand. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of five key factors: brand customization options, regional compliance certifications and standard compatibility, emission standards and environmental compliance requirements, suitability for actual operating conditions, and delivery time and total cost of ownership. With years of customization experience and a complete supply chain covering multiple brands, EPDAS can provide you with a tailor-made telehandler engine solution.
