Most of the buyer’s guides in our resource library cover a single model number with one capacity and one fuel type. The Crown FC Series is different. It’s a lineup of eight-plus electric counterbalance models, sold in varying capacities, mast combinations, and batteries. If you're looking to add a Crown FC forklift to your fleet, use this guide to learn what makes each one unique and how to choose the right model number based on your needs.
Browse Crown FC Forklift ListingsCrown’s current North American FC Series is an electric, 4-wheel, counterbalance sit-down rider built across three chassis sizes. Depending on the chassis, its rated capacity runs from 4,000 lbs up to 6,500 lbs, with a 24-inch load center on every model.
That range is the whole point of an equipment series like this: instead of picking between separate model lines, you pick the capacity and configuration that match your actual loads, and the truck underneath stays largely the same. As an electric series, these forklifts are built for smooth indoor floors and paved surfaces.
Rather than a single spec sheet, the FC series is better understood model by model. We've included one model per capacity point, and all three chassis sizes at the 5,000-lb capacity point, since that's where the chassis choice varies most for buyers.
| Model | Capacity | Battery | Length to fork face | Width (standard / wide tread) | Wheelbase | Turning radius | Lift speed, loaded (36V / 48V) | Travel speed, loaded (36V / 48V) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC 5715-40 | 4,000 lbs | 1,210 Ah | 78.4 in | 43.9 in / 47.5 in | 49.7 in | 66.6 in | 86 / 113 fpm | 10 / 11 mph |
| FC 5715-50 | 5,000 lbs | 1,210 Ah | 81.4 in | 43.9 in / 47.5 in | 49.7 in | 69.3 in | 75 / 113 fpm | 10 / 11 mph |
| FC 5725-50 | 5,000 lbs | 1,430 Ah | 84.6 in | 43.9 in / 47.5 in | 54.7 in | 72.1 in | 75 / 113 fpm | 10 / 11 mph |
| FC 5745-50 | 5,000 lbs | 1,650 Ah | 87.7 in | 43.9 in / 47.5 in | 54.7 in | 74.9 in | 75 / 113 fpm | 10 / 11 mph |
| FC 5725-60 | 6,000 lbs | 1,430 Ah | 87.9 in | 45.7 in / 48.0 in | 54.7 in | 74.9 in | 64 / 92 fpm | 10 / 11 mph |
| FC 5745-65 | 6,500 lbs | 1,650 Ah | 91.0 in | 45.7 in / 48.0 in | 54.7 in | 77.7 in | 58 / 80 fpm | 10 / 11 mph |
A few takeaways from this list:
The three 5,000-lb models are the best examples of how chassis size changes what you buy. Take the 5715-50 and 5745-50, for example: you get the same rated capacity and load center, but the 5745-50 chassis carries a higher battery rating, meaning more run time between charges. The tradeoff is a heavier truck with a wider turning radius. If space is a concern, the 5715-50 is the better starting point, even though both are rated for the same load.
The FC Series ships with a choice of five mast types:
| Mast Type | Free Lift | Max Lift Height |
|---|---|---|
| TL | 5.8 in | 57 - 112 in |
| TL, Limited Free Lift | 5.8 in | 115 - 194 in |
| TF | 28 - 70 in | 105 - 196 in |
| TT | 34 - 76 in | 171 - 291 in |
| QUAD | 34 - 58 in | 240 - 312 in |
If you’re comparing two used FC Series trucks, don’t assume they’re interchangeable just because the capacity and model prefix match. Get the mast type and both the collapsed and extended heights off the data plate before you compare prices.
As an electric forklift series, the buying decision that shapes the Crown FC is voltage and battery chemistry. Crown FC forklifts are built to run on either a 36-volt or 48-volt setup. A higher voltage typically means more power, faster travel and lifting speeds, and therefore, a higher upfront cost.
If you're running a single-shift operation, a 36V is usually the more cost-effective option, but a 48V is worth the extra cost if you're running multiple shifts of longer hours.
Aside from voltage, the battery chemistry matters too. Lead-acid batteries are the lower-cost option, but require more upkeep. They need a dedicated watering and charging routine; batteries must be watered regularly and require a scheduled equalizing charge. This means if you run the forklift for 8 hours, it usually requires an 8 hour rest period.
Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, offer opportunity charging. They can be charged during breaks without watering. They're a better fit for around-the-clock operations, but cost more upfront.

The general "buying a used-forklift basics" still apply here:
But an electric truck has its own inspection points that a propane or diesel buyer’s checklist doesn’t cover. It all comes down to the battery age and condition.
In the 4,000 lb – 6,500 lb counterbalance class, the FC Series competes against similar-capacity trucks from industry-leading brands like Toyota, Hyster, and Yale (though most of those are LP gas trucks, so the real comparison isn’t lifting ability, but fuel source).
If your facility already has electric charging infrastructure in place, or you’re trying to cut fuel costs and indoor emissions, the FC Series is the more direct fit. If you need a truck that can also work outdoors on light-duty pavement without worrying about charge time, a propane model from this same capacity class may suit you better.
Crown forklift pricing ranges by chassis size, capacity, mast, and battery chemistry more than it does for a single fixed-spec model. Get the configurations you need nailed down before comparing quotes between sellers.
123Forklift can help you do exactly that! Fill out a quick form with your operating requirements, and we'll match you to units that meet your exact needs. Try it today for free!
Request Free, Personalized Quotes