The STILL RX 20 electric forklift is STILL’s best-selling electric counterbalance truck series, covering the 1.4–2.0 tonne capacity range. STILL describes the latest generation as the best RX 20 it has ever developed: strong acceleration, a top speed of 20 km/h, precise manoeuvrability and round-the-clock availability. This review covers its real strengths, the applications it suits best and how to choose the right STILL RX 20 configuration for your warehouse.
What is the STILL RX 20 and where does it sit?
The STILL RX 20 is a sit-down electric counterbalance forklift with capacities from 1,400 to 2,000 kg and a maximum lift height of up to 7,930 mm depending on the model. Every model in the data sheet runs on a 48 V system and is available as a Li-Ion version. This is the most common capacity class in trade, logistics and production supply: consumer goods pallets, beverages, components and materials.
Compared with a diesel truck of the same capacity, the RX 20 produces no local emissions, runs quietly and suits enclosed warehouses. If you are still weighing the two drive types, read electric vs diesel forklift.
Key strengths of the STILL RX 20
High handling performance
The RX 20 offers several operating programmes: an efficiency mode to save energy and a Performance-Boost function (sprint mode) when you need to speed up the loading rhythm. According to STILL, the truck delivers the highest handling performance in its class with the lowest energy consumption per tonne handled.
The independent F+H forklift test calculated a throughput of 430 pallets in eight hours. Some of the measured results:
| Test item (F+H) | Sprint Mode | Efficiency Mode | Test average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint over 27.2 m | 7.1 s | 7.9 s | 8.6 s |
| Lift speed with 1000 kg load | 65.1 cm/s | 55.6 cm/s | 44.0 cm/s |
| Travel speed with 1000 kg load | 19.0 km/h | 15.8 km/h | 15.1 km/h |
| Operating time | 14.0 h | 16.1 h | 7.7 h |
Worth noting: even in Sprint Mode the measured operating time stays well above the test average. The truck does not simply trade all its energy for speed.
Availability with Li-Ion batteries
According to STILL, the RX 20 has the largest Li-Ion battery capacity in its class and the fastest lateral battery change in its class. With the Li-Ion version, just 30 minutes of charging extends usage by several hours of operation; quick intermediate charging during breaks is enough to run the truck around the clock on a single battery. The optional Onboard Charger allows charging at many locations, independent of a charging room. The RX 20 Li-Ion battery is also suitable for cold stores. For a detailed comparison of the two battery technologies, see lithium-ion vs lead-acid forklift battery.
Manoeuvrable in narrow aisles
Compact dimensions and precise control let the RX 20 work well in narrow aisles. On the four-wheel version, the Combi floating axle gives the truck the smallest turning radius in its class and improves the working aisle width. In a warehouse that is already densely racked, this is a direct space advantage.
Safety and visibility
- A slim mast and large windows give a clear view in all directions and upwards.
- Large grab handles, non-slip rubber mats and a wide step make getting on and off safe.
- An optional pre-shift check on the display supports the daily safety inspection.
- Curve Speed Control automatically reduces speed in bends; the SafetyLight 4Plus projects blue light spots about 5 m in front of and behind the truck to warn pedestrians.
Overall warehouse safety solutions are covered on the warehouse safety page.
Cab and controls
The cab is spacious, with plenty of legroom and storage compartments. The STILL Easy Control on-board computer shows all relevant information and activates performance functions at the push of a button. Operators can choose their control type: multi-lever, mini-lever, Fingertip or Joystick 4Plus. Travel speed and lift speed can be adjusted for each operator.
Best-fit applications
STILL states that the RX 20 shows its strengths most clearly in narrow aisles in heavy-duty two- or three-shift applications, specifically:
- Beverage and hardware stores and warehouses.
- Goods receipt and dispatch in trade and logistics.
- Production supply in mechanical engineering and the automotive industry.
- Cold stores, when using the Li-Ion battery version.
If your warehouse has very high racking, very narrow aisles and works mainly indoors, also compare it with a reach truck – see what is a reach truck.
STILL RX 20 1.4 – 2.0 t configurations
The source data sheet lists the following Li-Ion models (all with 20 km/h travel speed and 48 V):
| Model | Max. capacity (kg) | Max. lift height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| RX 20-14C/Li-Ion | 1,400 | 7,870 |
| RX 20-16C/Li-Ion, RX 20-16/Li-Ion, RX 20-16L/Li-Ion | 1,600 | 7,870 |
| RX 20-16P/Li-Ion, RX 20-16PL/Li-Ion | 1,600 | 7,870 |
| RX 20-18/Li-Ion, RX 20-18L/Li-Ion | 1,800 | 7,720 |
| RX 20-18P/Li-Ion, RX 20-18PL/Li-Ion | 1,800 | 7,720 |
| RX 20-20L/Li-Ion, RX 20-20P/Li-Ion, RX 20-20PL/Li-Ion | 2,000 | 7,930 |
The letters C, L and P in the model names distinguish chassis and battery variants. When advising, our engineers check aisle dimensions, battery type and number of shifts to select the right variant, rather than looking at capacity alone.
How to choose the right RX 20 configuration
- Capacity: take the heaviest pallet and check its load centre and the highest rack level on the load chart of the exact mast. Detailed guide: how to choose forklift capacity.
- Lift height: the maximum height in the table refers to the tallest mast; the actual capacity at great heights may be lower than the rated capacity.
- Energy: single-shift work can use a lead-acid battery; for two to three shifts consider Li-Ion so you can top up between shifts.
- Controls and safety options: choose the control type your operators are used to, and add SafetyLight 4Plus or Curve Speed Control if the warehouse is busy with pedestrians.
- Fleet management: with several trucks, consider connecting operating data through a fleet management solution.
Frequently asked questions
Can the STILL RX 20 run three shifts continuously?
Yes, with a Li-Ion battery and short intermediate charges during breaks. According to STILL, this is enough to run the truck around the clock on one battery. With lead-acid batteries, plan for a lateral battery change.
Can the RX 20 be used outdoors?
The RX 20 is best suited to level indoor floors and yards with good paving. For rough yards, frequent ramps or loads above 2 tonnes, look at larger electric forklifts such as the RX 60, or the RX 70 diesel truck.
What do the C, L and P suffixes on the RX 20 mean?
They are different chassis and battery variants within the same series. The source data sheet does not explain each suffix in detail, so have an engineer match them to your aisles and actual duty cycle.
Need a STILL RX 20 configured for your warehouse? Send your load, rack height and number of shifts via the request a quote form or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70 to speak to a T&C engineer.