Discussion:
Trying to Identify two old L5 / G5 Forklifts.....Can't Find the S/N

First Post Here, I thought you guys might be able to help me out with some info on these two old Yale Forklifts I have

I have two old Yale Forklifts. One we have had for awhile and we call "Big Red" (see why in pictures). The data plate says it is a L5-180-MAS, and it is supposed to be a 18,000 lb capacity lift. We really like it and have had it a couple years. It will easily lift like 20,000 and we have added some extra counterweight in the past to lift almost 24,000. The thing is a BEAST

The 2nd lift we just acquired and to keep them separate we are calling it "Old Yellow". I don't know what the model is or what the S/N is, because there is no data plate. It does look to be a similar body style as the one we already had except the frame is 12" longer in the middle (between the wheels) and about 2" longer behind the rear wheel. Otherwise they seem identical. The measurements on the Mast, Wheels, Tires, etc are all the same. The only other difference is the carriage is 31" which is larger than BIG Red's which is 27 1/2". The other major difference which is great is that someone has setup a side shift and fork positioner on it.

We would like to Fix up this new lift "Old Yellow", but first I would like to find out what the model, capacity, and S/N are. I can't seem to find the S/N anywhere though. I was told by someone that it should be stamped somewhere on the frame, but I can't find it.

Does anyone know where I would find the S/N Serial Number?
  • Posted 11 Dec 2016 08:40
  • By christopher_b
  • joined 11 Dec'16 - 2 messages
  • Ohio, United States
Chris Boggs
- Boggs Equipment -
Showing items 1 - 3 of 3 results.
I took a look at the pics- I don't think knowing the model & serial #'s is going to help you much as these machines are old. I seriously doubt that any parts would be available thru forklift channels for these units.

I think parts would have to be sourced by matching them up, getting them made, etc. Forklifts from back then were much easier to cross to their automotive roots.

With that said, I must say though that these lifts are a liability issue. If anyone were to get hurt on these lifts I'm quite sure you'd have legal issues. I'm sure that the operational manuals which are supposed to be kept with the lifts are no longer available, the capacities have to be listed on the machines (and the tags have to come from the manufacturer), etc. My advise would be to sadly retire these units before they bite you hard (IMHO) :(
  • Posted 16 Dec 2016 11:46
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
Can anyone help Christopher_b out?
His photos can be seen at this link,
http://www dot rodgerlamb dot net/?p=967

copy and paste the whole link into your browser and just replace the dots with a "."
  • Posted 14 Dec 2016 23:25
  • By Admin
  • joined 18 May'04 - 266 messages
  • Queensland, Australia
I am trying to add the photo gallery I have of these, but I can't figure out how to post it.

From Admin
The photos can now be seen at this link,
http://www dot rodgerlamb dot net/?p=967

copy and paste the whole link into your browser and just replace the dots with a "."

Cheers
from Admin
  • Posted 11 Dec 2016 08:52
  • Modified 13 Dec 2016 02:33 by administrator
  • By christopher_b
  • joined 11 Dec'16 - 2 messages
  • Ohio, United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

Movers & Shakers
Jim Tompkins Jim Tompkins
Chairman of the board, Tompkins Solutions
Director of government affairs, Associated Equipment Distributors
National dealer development manager, Castle Equipment Company
Sales operations, Heli
Global Industry News
edition #1252 - 16 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News , we report on the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index which shows Asian supply chains are at their busiest since June 2022 while the US and Europe’s supply chains remain under-utilised. One of the report authors describes the situation as being “as stable as it’s going to get”... Continue reading
Editorial calendar - planned features
CONSTRUCTION FORKLIFTS
HANDLING GOODS IN THE COLD
LOADING/UNLOADING FREIGHT
BROWNFIELD AUTOMATION
FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS
BATTERY AFFORDABILITY AND LIFETIME
FORKLIFT SAFETY
Upcoming industry events …
November 11, 2025 - Sydney, Australia
November 26-27, 2025 - Budapest, Hungary
May 20-22, 2026 - Jakarta, Indonesia
Global Industry News
edition #1252 - 16 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News , we report on the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index which shows Asian supply chains are at their busiest since June 2022 while the US and Europe’s supply chains remain under-utilised. One of the report authors describes the situation as being “as stable as it’s going to get”... Continue reading
Movers & Shakers
Jim Tompkins Jim Tompkins
Chairman of the board, Tompkins Solutions
Director of government affairs, Associated Equipment Distributors
National dealer development manager, Castle Equipment Company
Sales operations, Heli