FD280 28 Ton Electronic Powershift Heavy Lift Forklift With Kessler Drive Axle

The FD280 sits between the volume 25 tonne class and the port specific 30 tonne machines, and it exists because many yards need exactly that margin. It carries 28,000 kg at a 1250 mm load centre on a 4500 mm two stage mast, driven by a Weichai WD10 engine through an electronic powershift transmission in which shift points and clutch modulation are controlled by a transmission control unit rather than the operator. A Kessler drive axle with integrated wet disc brakes handles the torque, and the frame uses 22 mm side plates with an additional cross member behind the counterweight. The result is a truck that stacks loaded boxes three high all shift without the driveline abuse that mechanical shifts allow.

• 28,000 kg Load Rating Rated at 28 tonnes on a 1250 mm load centre, filling the gap between 25 and 30 tonne classes without over specifying the machine.
• Electronic Powershift A transmission control unit manages shift points and clutch engagement, eliminating operator induced shock loads and extending gearbox life in high cycle duty.
• Kessler Drive Axle A Kessler planetary axle with integrated wet disc brakes and differential lock delivers proven reliability in continuous loaded container work.
• 4500 mm Duplex Mast Wide channel mast sections with 1600 mm free lift reach the third tier with clearance while keeping the lowered height shippable.
• Reinforced Frame 22 mm side plates and an extra cross member behind the counterweight resist torsional loads from offset picks and single fork lifts.
• Thermal Management Separate hydraulic and transmission coolers with thermostatic fan control hold oil temperatures stable through twelve hour terminal shifts.

Loaded container stacking in terminals where boxes frequently exceed 26 tonnes gross, steel slab and coil logistics, heavy machinery relocation and precast element handling. Fleets that need one machine to cover both container and general heavy cargo duty usually land on this capacity class because it carries the margin without the cost of a 30 tonne port truck.

A dry port in Gujarat was overloading 25 tonne trucks with dense cargo containers averaging 27.4 tonnes gross. Two FD280 units were introduced and the practice ended. In the first 5,000 hours the terminal recorded no transmission repairs, and residual capacity compliance checks during a safety audit passed at every tier height.

Manufacturing strength is where this machine begins. The SLD production base in Shandong covers 86,000 square metres of fabrication, machining and assembly floor, with CNC plasma cutting, robotic welding cells and a 200 tonne load test bed on site. Annual heavy lift forklift output reaches 600 units, and roughly 65 percent of that volume ships to ports, steel mills and container depots in more than 70 countries. CE and ISO 9001 certification is maintained through annual third party audits, and every chassis carries a 12 month structural warranty.

Production experience on this platform reaches back to 2009, when the first 16 to 25 tonne trucks left the line for domestic port customers. Since then more than 4,000 heavy units have been delivered, and the current generation reflects eleven structural and hydraulic upgrades driven by maintenance feedback. Each chassis is welded under certified procedures, shot blasted, primed and top coated in a two pack system, then validated on a 200 tonne test bed. Field failure reports are reviewed monthly by the engineering team.

Q: What distinguishes the electronic powershift from a mechanical box?
The transmission control unit selects shift points and modulates clutch pressure, so shifts stay consistent regardless of operator technique, which reduces clutch pack wear substantially in loaded cycling.

Q: Is the Kessler axle serviceable locally?
Kessler parts are distributed through regional partners in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Wear parts such as brake discs and seals are also stocked in our own warehouse.

Q: What residual capacity applies at 4500 mm?
Capacity at full height with a 1250 mm load centre is 24,500 kg, and the mast data plate lists values every 500 mm.

Q: Can a container spreader be fitted?
Yes. A 20 ft spreader can be mounted, with derating to 21,000 kg at a 1600 mm load centre, and a telescopic 40 ft spreader is available on request.

Q: What delivery time applies?
Thirty five working days for standard configuration. Custom paint, spreader fitment or non standard mast heights add two to three weeks.

Machines leave the factory on flat rack containers, mast lowered, counterweight secured with timber blocking and the whole unit wrapped in marine grade protection. Delivery takes 30 working days, payment by T/T or L/C, one unit minimum. Warranty runs 12 months or 2,000 hours on structure, hydraulics and driveline, with remote commissioning by video for first time buyers. A commissioning spare parts package including filters, hydraulic seals and brake components ships with every order at no extra charge.