Built for Real-World Material Handling
The T5 Series forklift delivers consistent performance across diverse material handling applications. Designed with proven technology and practical features, it serves businesses that need reliable equipment to support their daily operations.
Part of the TCM internal combustion counterbalance range, the T5C Series offers powerful performance, uncompromising reliability, excellent visibility, and enhanced safety features. These robust forklift trucks are designed to deliver high productivity, secure lifting, and extended service life across demanding operational environments.
The T5 Series combines thoughtful engineering with robust construction, offering the capabilities businesses need for warehousing, retail, and general industry applications. As part of Criterion Equipment’s comprehensive TCM forklift range—which covers most forklift classes, including internal combustion counterbalance trucks, electric counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, and powered pallet trucks—the T5 Series provides businesses with access to proven material handling solutions backed by nationwide technical support.
Versatile Capacity and Configuration Options
The T5C Series is available in 2.5-tonne and 3.0-tonne capacity variants, addressing common material handling requirements across different industries. Both diesel (FD) and LPG/gas (FG) power options are available, allowing businesses to select the fuel type that best suits their operational environment and cost structure.
The counterbalanced design provides stability during lifting operations, with a low centre of gravity that supports safe material handling across varied working conditions. This design allows the T5C Series to handle loads confidently whilst maintaining operator safety.
Solid Tyre Technology for Enhanced Durability
Criterion equips the T5C Series with solid tyres engineered for demanding commercial and industrial applications. Solid tyres deliver uninterrupted operation across varied surface conditions.
The solid construction eliminates downtime associated with flat tyres – a critical advantage where equipment availability directly impacts productivity. The maintenance-free nature reduces both direct tyre costs and labour expenses, contributing to the T5C’s low total cost of ownership.
Solid tyres excel in environments with debris, sharp objects, or rough surfaces. The tread patterns provide reliable traction on smooth warehouse floors and outdoor surfaces alike, ensuring confident operation across warehousing, retail, and manufacturing environments.
Designed for Operator Comfort
The T5C Series features an ergonomic operator compartment designed to support productivity during extended shifts. The adjustable seat and adjustable steering column allow operators to achieve their optimum driving position, reducing fatigue while promoting efficient operation.
Controls are intuitively positioned for natural hand and foot placement, helping new operators become productive quickly while allowing experienced operators to work efficiently. Clear visibility through the mast supports safe navigation and precise load placement in busy warehouse environments, while the overhead guard provides protection without compromising sightlines.
Hydraulic Power Steering for Enhanced Manoeuvrability
The T5C Series features hydraulic power steering that enables smooth operation and precise control in confined spaces. This system reduces the physical effort required during extended shifts, allowing operators to manoeuvre the forklift with minimal strain even in tight warehouse aisles.
The compact design and responsive steering make the T5C Series well-suited for warehouses and facilities where space efficiency is critical, enabling operators to navigate narrow aisles and congested work areas with confidence.
Applications Across Multiple Industries
Warehousing and Distribution
In busy warehousing and distribution environments, the T5C Series delivers real benefits thanks to its strong load capacity (2.0 to 3.0 tonnes) and rugged build.
The unit’s design emphasises operator comfort, reliable performance and durability – all of which matter in high-utilisation settings where throughput is key. For example, the T5C’s standard solid tyres improve durability and reduce maintenance (especially important in high-cycle environments) and its low centre of gravity and high-torque engine enable steady lift speeds with heavy loads.
In a distribution centre where pallets arrive, move, are staged and shipped rapidly, the T5C’s combination of power, stability and ease of manoeuvring make it a strong fit.
Retail Operations
Retail operations (including distribution centres feeding stores, large stockrooms, and mixed indoor/outdoor logistics zones) will appreciate the versatility of the T5C Series. The T5C offers improved manoeuvrability in confined spaces and enhanced visibility all around, allowing operators to work efficiently and safely.
The 2.5 to 3 tonne capacity range is well suited to full-pallet loads headed to store replenishment, bulk packaged goods, and general material movement in retail logistics. Its counterbalance, internal combustion build means it can handle semi-outdoor loading bays or sheltered outdoor areas as well as indoor warehouse stockrooms.
Light Manufacturing
In manufacturing facilities – particularly light-manufacturing environments where raw materials, in-process items and finished goods all need to be moved – the T5C Series offers dependable performance aligned with lean-material-flow principles. Its robust structural integrity means it is built for continual use.
Further, its features like solid tyres (reducing downtime), high stability and operator-friendly design reduce fatigue and support smooth workflow. Accordingly, it fits well for tasks such as moving raw material pallets into production, transporting WIP between stations, and shifting finished goods into dispatch.
Nationwide Support and Service Network
The T5C Series forklift is backed by Criterion Equipment’s comprehensive support infrastructure across Southern Africa. As the sole distributor of TCM forklifts in the region, Criterion Equipment operates through a network of six company-owned branches and authorised dealers strategically located throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries.
This nationwide presence ensures businesses have access to factory-trained technicians who understand TCM systems and can diagnose issues quickly. Criterion Equipment maintains extensive parts inventory across all outlets, stocking a wide range of genuine TCM components including engine and electrical parts, chains, bearings, filters, and accessories. Most standard parts are available within 24-48 hours of ordering, minimising downtime and keeping operations running smoothly.
For customer emergencies, Criterion Equipment provides 24/7 standby support with experienced field service teams available to perform maintenance, repairs, and service of equipment on-site. All branches feature fully equipped workshops with the required equipment to guarantee every machine adheres to original manufacturing standards.
Flexible Acquisition Options
Criterion Equipment recognizes that different businesses have varying capital requirements and operational needs. The T5C Series is available through multiple acquisition pathways designed to support business growth while managing cash flow effectively.
Outright Purchase allows customers to acquire equipment through cash payment or by utilising their own banking facilities, providing full ownership from day one.
Operating Lease arrangements enable businesses to enjoy the use of T5C Series forklifts with a full maintenance contract for the rental duration, while Criterion Equipment retains ownership. This option eliminates upfront capital expenditure and includes comprehensive maintenance support.
Finance Lease (commonly known as rent-to-own) combines the benefits of manageable monthly payments with a full maintenance contract. Once all lease obligations are fulfilled, the customer retains full ownership of the equipment.
Short-term and long-term rental options are also available through Criterion Equipment’s nationwide branches, providing flexibility for seasonal demands, special projects, or emergency equipment needs.