Linde H25 diesel forklift by KION Group AG - compact workhorse for mixed fleets

The Linde H25 diesel forklift rolls into the yard with a low growl, its red chassis speckled with dust from yesterday’s pallet runs. One pull on the fingertip hydraulic controls and the mast glides up smoothly, a scene that product manager Markus Schneider likes to call “precision in steel”.

Compact truck for 2.5-ton loads

The Linde H25 sits in the mid-range of Linde Material Handling’s H-series IC trucks, designed for loads up to 2.5 tons and a wide mix of pallets and containers. Its internal combustion drivetrain targets long outdoor shifts where electric charging is still awkward.

The truck is part of the Linde H20–H35 family, covering capacities from 2.0 to 3.5 tons, and shares the same basic chassis and cabin design. Linde positions these diesel and LPG models for building materials, timber, metal fabrication and general logistics yards where uneven ground and continuous lifting are normal.

Hydrostatic drive and twin pedal control

The H25 uses Linde’s hydrostatic drive, a closed hydraulic system that replaces a conventional transmission and allows smooth, jerk-free acceleration and reversing. Operators control travel direction with Linde’s characteristic twin pedals, right for forward and left for reverse, which many fleet managers highlight as reducing fatigue in tight spaces.

Under the seat, the compact diesel engine and hydraulic components are arranged for short service paths, with daily checks accessible after tilting the cabin or opening the hood. Schneider describes routine maintenance “as a three-minute ritual before the first coffee”, assuming the fleet is configured with Linde’s recommended service intervals.

Operator comfort and safety focus

Inside the cabin, the H25 follows Linde’s typical layout: adjustable seat, steering wheel, and armrest with hydraulic mini levers for mast control. Large glass areas and a slender mast design aim to improve forward visibility when stacking or loading trucks at dock height.

Linde equips the series with features such as Linde Curve Assist and optional Linde Safety Pilot on some models, which can intervene in driving behaviour or provide load information to reduce tipping risks. For fleets working in busy yards with pedestrians, these assist systems have become an essential tender requirement, according to procurement lead Julia Meier at a medium-sized logistics company.

Technical data and variants

On Linde’s German product pages, the H25 typically appears with a rated load capacity of 2,500 kilograms at a standard load center and with lift heights that can be configured via different mast options. Engine power, depending on variant, sits roughly in the mid double-digit kilowatt range, balancing performance and fuel consumption for multi-shift operation.

The truck can be ordered with different cab types, including full cabins for harsh weather, and with attachments such as side shifters and fork positioners to adapt to irregular pallet sizes. Many industrial customers also specify extra lighting and warning systems, which Linde offers as factory-fit packages to simplify compliance with site safety rules.

Diesel versus electric in the yard

The H25 sits in an awkward but still important spot in KION Group AG’s portfolio, sandwiched between fully electric trucks and larger combustion models. While Linde pushes electric forklifts hard, diesel like the H25 remain common where operators face long outdoor runs and limited charging infrastructure.

Consultant Thomas Berger notes that mixed fleets are typical: H25-class diesel trucks handle outdoor loading, while electric counterbalance trucks cover indoor warehousing. Such split use can stretch maintenance teams, but also spreads regulatory risk as low-emission zones tighten across Europe.

Pricing, availability and fleet buying

Linde sells the H25 mainly through its own sales network and certified dealers, with pricing depending heavily on configuration, contract type and local subsidies. Public list prices are rare, but for a mid-range IC truck like this, German buyers usually end up in the mid five-figure euro bracket for a typical spec.

Availability is broad across Europe, and KION’s footprint means the H-series also appears in other regions under the Linde brand, often with local engine and emission packages. Fleet managers can either buy outright, lease, or choose full-service rental schemes where uptime and maintenance become part of a guaranteed service level.

How the H25 fits into KION’s strategy

For KION Group AG, products like the H25 diesel forklift are still important cash generators because they feed replacement demand in long-standing customer fleets. At the same time, the group emphasizes electrification and automation in its investor materials, highlighting the growth potential in warehouse technology and electric trucks.

On Xetra, KION Group AG stock trades in euros and reflects expectations around that transition, including the need to balance profitable combustion models such as the Linde H25 with CAPEX for new technologies.