3-ton electric forklift: STILL RCE 30 vs RX 60-30

A 3-ton electric forklift is the right choice when pallets are heavy, loads are bulky or the truck has to carry an attachment that leaves a 2-tonne truck with no capacity reserve. It is also the class where many businesses still run diesel or LPG trucks and want to switch to electric. Below we compare the RCE 30, RX 60-30 and RX 70-30 diesel/LPG truck, plus the criteria for choosing a 3-tonne electric forklift.

When should you choose a 3-tonne electric forklift?

Moving from 2 to 3 tonnes is not just 1,000 kg more. A larger truck has a heavier counterweight, a longer body and needs wider aisles, so upgrade only when one of these conditions occurs regularly:

Your heaviest pallet is close to or above 2 tonnes, or weights vary by season and sometimes hit the limit.
Loads are deep, long or off-centre, such as steel coils, paper rolls, stacked sacks or wooden machine crates.
The truck needs an attachment such as a clamp, rotator or fork extensions; attachments have their own weight and push the load centre outwards.

If loads are light, the warehouse is tight and work is mainly indoors, a smaller truck is often more efficient; see our article on the 2-ton electric forklift to compare the two classes.

Residual capacity: how much of 3 tonnes is left at height?

For the RCE 25–35 series, STILL states a capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes at a 500 mm load centre. In the 3-tonne class, the two factors that reduce real capacity most are attachments mounted on the carriage and lift height. An RX 60-30 has a highest mast of 7,390 mm, but how much it can lift near the top of the mast must be read from the load chart for the exact mast and attachment selected.

The safe approach is to build a three-column table for each type of load: weight, load depth and highest placement height. Then request the load chart for the configuration you intend to buy and check each line. If the heaviest line at the top level exceeds the chart, you need a higher-capacity truck or a different racking layout. The detailed method is in our guide on how to choose forklift capacity and in how to read a forklift specification sheet.

STILL 3-ton electric forklift models compared

Every 3,000 kg model of the three series:

Model	Energy	Max. capacity (kg)	Max. lift height (mm)	Speed (km/h)	Voltage (V)
STILL RCE 30	Electric	3,000	6,500	15	80
STILL RX 60-30 / Li-Ion	Electric	3,000	7,390	20	80
STILL RX 60-30L / Li-Ion	Electric	3,000	7,390	20	80
STILL RX 60-30L/600 / Li-Ion	Electric	3,000	7,390	20	80
STILL RX 70-30	Diesel / LPG	3,000	7,390	21	–
STILL RX 70-30/600	Diesel / LPG	3,000	7,390	21	–
STILL RX 70-30T	Diesel / LPG	3,000	7,390	21	–
STILL RX 70-30T/600	Diesel / LPG	3,000	7,390	21	–

Figures from the manufacturer’s model tables. Both electric series also come in 2,500 kg and 3,500 kg versions.

STILL RCE 30: simple, for low and medium intensity

STILL positions the STILL RCE 25 – 35 as the ideal electric forklift for low and medium intensity requirements, handling occasional transport and stacking tasks indoors or outdoors. The RCE 30 lifts up to 6,500 mm at 15 km/h. Drivers choose the Economy, Efficiency or Performance programme on the 4.3-inch display and see the remaining operating time. Optional Curve Speed Control slows the truck in bends. The truck comes in three pre-configured equipment packages and can be ordered with a fully closed cab for outdoor work.

STILL RX 60-30: high performance, replacing diesel

STILL describes the STILL RX 60 2.5 – 3.5 t as achieving optimum handling performance in capacity classes up to 3.5 tonnes, with the highest range per battery charge in its segment. A small turning radius and compact body allow work in narrow aisles; the battery is changed from the side. Every RX 60 model can be upgraded with attachments: work platforms, fork extensions, tipping skips, shovels and fork positioners. If you plan to retire diesel trucks, see also our article on the heavy-duty STILL RX 60 electric forklift replacing diesel.

Benchmark: the STILL RX 70-30 diesel/LPG truck

The STILL RX 70 2.0 – 3.5 t runs on diesel or LPG with a diesel-electric hybrid drive and reaches 21 km/h. It still has its place in large outdoor yards; for enclosed halls, see electric vs diesel forklift.

The 3-ton electric forklift runs on 80V: what to know

Unlike the 2-tonne class, which offers both 48 V and 80 V, every 3-tonne electric model in the table above uses an 80 V system. With heavy loads, higher voltage keeps current moderate when the truck accelerates, lifts or climbs a ramp. Practical consequences for buyers:

Charging room, sockets and chargers must be 80 V compatible; if your site already runs 48 V trucks, they cannot be shared.
When switching from diesel, plan power infrastructure and charging locations from the start, before the trucks arrive.

3-wheel or 4-wheel chassis at 3 tonnes?

Three-wheel trucks have the advantage of a small turning radius, but this strength mainly applies to lower capacities: of the STILL series discussed here, the RCE 15–20 (up to 2 tonnes) is the one offered in both three-wheel and four-wheel versions. The data for the RCE 25–35 and RX 60 does not state the wheel configuration, so TCID engineers confirm it for the specific model and mast. See 3-wheel vs 4-wheel electric forklifts for the principles of both chassis types.

STILL RX 60 3-ton electric forklift in operation

Batteries for a 3-ton electric forklift: lead-acid or lithium-ion?

At 3 tonnes, the truck uses more energy, so the battery choice decides whether it lasts the whole shift. For the RX 60, STILL states that with lithium-ion technology the truck can run three shifts without a replacement battery. The lithium-ion RCE has a quick-charging access for interim charging between shifts anywhere. Lead-acid batteries still fit single-shift work with time for a full overnight charge; in two or three shifts, lead-acid requires spare batteries and a battery change area. See the detailed comparison in our forklift battery guide and in lithium-ion vs lead-acid forklift battery.

Other STILL series, from light to heavy capacities, are in our electric forklift category.

Frequently asked questions

How do the RCE 30 and RX 60-30 differ?

Both carry 3,000 kg on an 80 V system. The RCE 30 lifts up to 6,500 mm at 15 km/h and targets low to medium intensity with a simple configuration. The RX 60-30 lifts up to 7,390 mm at 20 km/h, offers many attachments and targets high-intensity multi-shift operation.

Should I buy a 3.5-tonne truck to be safe instead of 3 tonnes?

Only if the load chart of the 3-tonne truck does not cover your heaviest pallet at racking height or with the attachment fitted.

Can a 3-tonne electric truck replace a diesel truck in the yard?

In many cases, yes. The RCE 25–35 offers a closed cab for outdoor use; STILL designed the RX 60 for both warehouse and outdoor work. Yard surface, gradients and number of shifts need to be assessed to choose the right configuration.

Need advice on a 3-ton electric forklift? Send your heaviest loads, racking height, required attachments and number of shifts via our request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70 so a TCID engineer can propose a configuration.