2-ton electric forklift: STILL RCE 20 or RX 20?

A 2-ton electric forklift is the most widely used counterbalance class in distribution warehouses, factories and logistics centres: strong enough for most pallets, yet compact enough to run between racks. In the STILL electric forklift range, two product lines cover exactly 2 tonnes: the RCE 15–20 from the Classic Line and the high-performance RX 20.

When does your operation need a 2-ton electric forklift?

The 2-tonne class makes sense when your heaviest pallet sits clearly below the rated capacity and racking height is moderate. Typical situations:

Goods in and goods out at the dock, truck loading, feeding pallets to picking areas.
Supplying production lines in mechanical engineering, automotive and electronics.
Workshops with narrow aisles where the truck must turn tightly between racks.

If, on the other hand, your heaviest pallet is already close to 2 tonnes, goes into the top racking level, is long, or the truck needs a clamp or rotator, look at the 2.5–3 tonne class instead. See our article on the 3-ton electric forklift.

Load centre and real capacity at lift height

The 2 tonnes in the model name only applies under standard conditions. For the STILL RCE 15–20, the manufacturer states a capacity of 2.0 tonnes at a 500 mm load centre. When the centre of gravity of the load lies further out from the fork face – long crates, rolls of material, loads pushed towards the fork tips – the tipping moment rises and the permitted load falls.

The second factor is height. The model table lists maximum capacity and maximum lift height in separate columns, but the truck does not reach both at once. The RX 20-20L/Li-Ion lifts 2,000 kg and has a highest mast of 7,930 mm; near the top of the mast, the permitted load is the value on the load chart of that specific mast, not 2,000 kg. Before committing to a configuration, do three things:

Take the weight of the heaviest pallet actually stored.
Measure the depth of the load to estimate the load centre, and add any attachment fitted to the carriage.
Check the load chart at the exact height of the top racking level and compare it with the heaviest pallet.

The full method is in our guide on how to choose forklift capacity; for the meaning of each line on a data sheet, see how to read a forklift specification sheet.

STILL RCE 20P four-wheel 2-ton electric forklift

STILL 2-ton electric forklift models compared

The 2,000 kg models of the two electric lines, plus diesel/LPG models of the same capacity for comparison:

Model	Energy	Max. capacity (kg)	Max. lift height (mm)	Speed (km/h)	Voltage (V)
STILL RCE 20	Electric	2,000	6,500	16	80
STILL RCE 20P	Electric	2,000	6,500	15	80
STILL RX 20-20L/Li-Ion	Electric	2,000	7,930	20	48
STILL RX 20-20P/Li-Ion	Electric	2,000	7,930	20	48
STILL RX 20-20PL/Li-Ion	Electric	2,000	7,930	20	48
STILL RX 70-20/600	Diesel / LPG	2,000	7,390	21	–
STILL RX 70-20/600 T	Diesel / LPG	2,000	7,390	21	–

Figures from the manufacturer’s model tables. Lighter loads can use the RCE 15, RCE 16, RCE 16P or RX 20 models from 1,400 to 1,800 kg.

STILL RCE 20: just right for intermittent work

STILL positions the STILL RCE 15 – 20 for occasional transport and stacking tasks, indoors or outdoors. It is just under 110 cm wide, lifts up to 6.5 m and uses an encapsulated 80 V AC drive motor with front-wheel drive. Exposed components are made of steel instead of plastic, which suits workshop conditions.

STILL RX 20-20: for two or three shifts and narrow aisles

The STILL RX 20 is STILL’s best-selling electric forklift and shows its strengths in narrow aisles in two- or three-shift operations. It travels at up to 20 km/h, offers a Performance-Boost function for rush periods and the STILL Easy Control on-board computer that activates performance functions at the push of a button. Strengths and configuration are covered in our STILL RX 20 electric forklift review.

Compared with the STILL RX 70-20 diesel/LPG truck

The STILL RX 70 2.0 – 3.5 t has 2-tonne models running on diesel or LPG, with 21 km/h and masts up to 7,390 mm. Diesel/LPG trucks suit large outdoor yards; in enclosed halls, a 2-tonne electric truck produces no local emissions and runs more quietly.

2-ton electric forklift: 48V or 80V?

At 2 tonnes, STILL offers both voltage systems: the RX 20 runs on 48 V, the RCE 15–20 on 80 V. Voltage alone does not decide how strong a truck is; what matters are the operational consequences:

Batteries and chargers follow the voltage. 48 V and 80 V trucks cannot share batteries or chargers. A mixed fleet needs two sets of charging equipment and separate spare parts.
Current. For the same power, a higher-voltage system works with lower current, which benefits motors and cables under heavy loads and repeated acceleration.
Fleet consistency. If your site already runs many trucks on one voltage, choosing new trucks on the same system simplifies charging infrastructure and maintenance.

3-wheel or 4-wheel at 2 tonnes?

This is one of the few classes where both options exist. The RCE 15–20 comes in three-wheel and four-wheel versions: according to STILL, the three-wheeler moves safely even in the tightest spaces, while the four-wheeler is stable even on uneven ground. The four-wheel RX 20 uses a new combination axle, which STILL states gives the smallest turning radius in its class. Flat floors and narrow aisles favour three wheels; yard work and poor surfaces call for four. The full analysis is in our article on 3-wheel vs 4-wheel electric forklifts.

STILL RX 20 2-ton electric forklift working in a warehouse

Choosing a battery for a 2-tonne electric truck

The RCE 15–20 runs on lithium-ion batteries, with a lateral quick-charging access for interim charging at several points during the shift. The RX 20 can use various battery types; for the Li-Ion version, STILL states the largest Li-Ion battery capacity in its class, just 30 minutes of charging can add several hours of operation, the electronics monitor each cell in real time and the battery is also suitable for cold stores. Lead-acid batteries still make sense for single-shift trucks charged overnight with an existing charging room. Sites running two or three shifts, or with no space to change batteries, should favour Li-Ion. See our forklift battery guide to compare battery types, charging and maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

How high can a 2-tonne truck lift?

According to the model tables, the RCE 20 lifts up to 6,500 mm and the RX 20-20 up to 7,930 mm. Near maximum height, the permitted load depends on the load chart of the selected mast, so check it against your heaviest pallet.

Should I choose the RCE 20 or the RX 20-20?

The RCE 20 suits moderate intensity, a simple configuration and runs on lithium-ion batteries. The RX 20-20 suits multi-shift warehouses with high pallet throughput that need speed and more driver assistance functions.

Can a 2-tonne electric forklift work outdoors?

Yes, if the yard surface is good enough: the RCE 15–20 has high ground clearance and an optional closed cab. For rough yards, long ramps or loads close to capacity, consider a 3-tonne truck.

Need a 2-ton electric forklift configured for your warehouse? Send your heaviest pallet weight, racking height and number of shifts via our request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70 to speak to a TCID engineer.