Bobcat has confirmed the launch of its largest diesel forklifts to date with the introduction of the DV180S-9 and DV250S-9 models, which will make their debut at LogiMAT 2026 in Stuttgart later this month. The new machines expand the company’s heavy duty materials handling portfolio across the Europe, Middle East and Africa market and mark a significant step into the high capacity forklift segment.
The two new forklifts sit at the top of Bobcat’s current line up and are designed for demanding industrial applications where large and heavy loads must be handled safely and efficiently. With lifting capacities of 18 tonnes and 25 tonnes respectively at a 1200 mm load centre, the machines are intended for sectors such as steel production, timber processing, ports and heavy manufacturing where conventional counterbalance trucks may not offer sufficient capacity.
High capacity forklifts continue to play a crucial role in industries handling oversized materials or bulky goods. In these environments, equipment must operate reliably under high load conditions while maintaining stability and operator control, particularly when working outdoors across large industrial sites.
Both the DV180S-9 and DV250S-9 are powered by the HDI DL08V diesel engine and are equipped with a ZF 4 WG 211 four speed powershift transmission paired with a Kessler drive axle. The drivetrain combination is designed to provide the torque and durability required for continuous heavy duty operation while supporting smooth gear changes when manoeuvring large loads.
Despite its lifting capacity, the DV180S-9 has been designed to remain relatively compact for its class. With a machine width of under 2550 mm, it can be transported without special permits in many markets, which can help reduce logistics costs and provide additional flexibility for operators and rental companies moving equipment between sites.
Bobcat says the new forklifts have been engineered with durability and load stability as key priorities. The machines are designed to maintain safe operating speeds and stable handling even when carrying maximum loads, an important consideration for industrial sites where forklifts may routinely transport materials weighing several tonnes.
Operator comfort has also been a focus in the design of the new trucks. Heavy capacity forklifts often operate for long shifts in challenging environments, making ergonomics and cab visibility important factors for maintaining productivity and reducing operator fatigue. The cab layout and control systems have been developed to provide improved comfort and control during extended working periods.
The introduction of the DV180S-9 and DV250S-9 will form part of a wider Bobcat display at LogiMAT 2026, which takes place from 24 to 26 March at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre. The company will showcase a range of materials handling equipment on its stand in Hall 9, including diesel and electric forklifts alongside warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks and stackers.
Among the electric models on display will be the B18NT, B25NS and B80NS forklifts, representing Bobcat’s expanding electric counterbalance range. The exhibition will also feature the company’s established D90S-9 diesel forklift.
In addition to forklift models, the stand will include several items of warehouse handling equipment such as the BPM16N-7 pedestrian pallet truck and the BPR20N-7 platform pallet truck, designed for horizontal transport tasks in warehouse and manufacturing environments. Platform stacker models including the BSR16N-7i will also be on display, aimed at storage and picking operations across warehouse facilities.
Bobcat will also highlight its BNT series of lithium ion three wheel forklifts, which represent the company’s first Li ion powered trucks in this configuration. The B18NT model, with a lifting capacity of 1.8 tonnes, is designed for light to medium duty operations where manoeuvrability is important, particularly in confined warehouse environments. The range also includes the B16NT and B20NT models with capacities of 1.6 and 2.0 tonnes.
These three wheel electric forklifts have been developed with compact dimensions and ergonomic design features intended to improve operator comfort while maintaining stability during operation. Their smaller footprint allows them to operate efficiently in tight warehouse spaces where manoeuvring room is limited.
LogiMAT has grown into one of Europe’s leading exhibitions for intralogistics and materials handling technology, providing manufacturers with an opportunity to introduce new equipment and showcase developments in warehouse automation, storage systems and materials handling vehicles.
For Bobcat, the introduction of the DV180S-9 and DV250S-9 highlights the company’s continued expansion in the materials handling sector, particularly in the high capacity forklift market where demand remains strong in heavy industrial applications. As operators in sectors such as steel, construction materials and bulk logistics continue to require equipment capable of lifting increasingly heavy loads, machines in the 18 to 25 tonne class remain an important part of the materials handling landscape.