The Komatsu BX50 Forklift Product Review

Komatsu is a name synonymous with quality and reliability. And we’re excited to announce that the brand’s BX50 series - a unique internal combustion (IC) offering that can suit a number of warehouse applications - is now a part of The Lilly Company family of brands!

If you’re in the market for an IC forklift today, read on to learn more about these models and how they can help you. 

If you’re not, now’s a great time to bookmark this page and revisit later, or continue reading anyway so when the time does come, you can make the right choice.

What are the Basic Features the Komatsu BX50 Does Right?

With load capacities that fall between 4,000 and 6,500 pounds depending on the model, the BX50 low-pressure gas forklifts are highly versatile across various warehouse tasks.

The cushion tire model is great for indoor applications if you need an agile and maneuverable forklift. The pneumatic model is better suited to outdoor use for better traction.

The IC engine (ICE) BX50 line is constructed with reliability and durability in mind, with three primary goals:

• Increase productivity/minimize operator fatigue
• Reduce operating costs
• Improve the working environment

These three priorities are always top of mind for our customers, so, if nothing else, this demonstrates the care taken by Komatsu to meet the needs of the people using their equipment. 

4 Key Features of the Komatsu BX50 Comfort

A lot of these points actually become apparent as soon as you operate the truck, especially in the category of comfort.

For starters, the innovative design of The Komatsu Komfort ZoneTM means that the cabin and the rest of the forklift are constructed separately and supported by both suspension mounts and dampening mounts. This reduces vibration, noise, and heat, which not only contributes to the durability of the equipment but the comfort of the operator. 

Also, operators come in all sizes, and the BX50 is designed with extra room in mind to accommodate all of them. The “Komfort S” suspension seat is wide and well-padded with an adjustable backrest, easy-to-access seatbelt, and front-to-back adjustment.

Thanks to fully hydrostatic power steering (FHPS) that functions even when at rest, the operator can comfortably steer the smaller diameter steering wheel with ease, eliminating kickback and reducing fatigue.

Hot engine air is another potential cause of quicker fatigue but the BX50 handles this by using angled exit ports to divert air down and away from the operator. That means less hot air and less dust blowing up in team members’ faces and eyes.

To keep the operator informed and in control at all times, the console is equipped with easy-to-read displays including:

• Neutral Indicator
• Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
• Low Battery/Alternator
• Fuel Gauge
• Hour Meter
• KOPS (Komatsu Operator Presence System) Plus
• Hydraulic Lock Indicator
• Check Engine Indicator
• Maintenance Error Code Display
• Internal Combustion Engine Temperature Gauge 

Safety

To help prevent the numerous forklift-related incidents that unfortunately take place each year, Komatsu has paid special attention in creating their EZView® mast, which gives the operator a larger than usual line of sight of the fork tips and surroundings. Likewise, the upper corners of the counterweights in the rear are angled for better sightlines while in reverse.

Another huge safety feature is KOPS Plus, which protects the equipment and people once the seat is left unattended. It will automatically lock the forklift when the seat is vacant for more than three seconds, making it unable to lift, lower, tilt, or travel. This also helps to prevent forklift-related incidents as well as keeping unauthorized personnel from operating the equipment.

Cost Reduction

Yes, Komatsu forklifts are known for their durability but what is it that makes them so reliable? The answer is in their advanced engineering. 

You know how important it is to maintain your equipment, so you’ll love the fact that the BX50 was built to allow for daily maintenance checks thanks to rapid access to the engine compartment. It’s as simple as removing the durable, lightweight engine cover and lift-up floorboard. 

It also helps that the system is low-maintenance, to begin with. The underhood cooling mechanism relies on sophisticated airflow that moves air through the radiator and across the exhaust system. If the internal combustion engine is on the verge of overheating, a two-stage temperature sensing system will shut the engine down to protect it if coolant temperatures exceed safe operating limits.

Even the steering system is low-maintenance, using a double-acting, double-ended cylinder in place of fast-wearing drag links and tie rods. Combine that with waterproofed wiring and heavy-duty hardware for optimal reliability.

With an easy-to-use, handheld diagnostics system, any issues or potential issues can be immediately identified and fixed in-shop or by your forklift experts. Plus the drum and shoe brakes are self-adjusting and easy to maintain, with brake linings designed for durability and a healthier working environment.

In 2017, EquipmentWatch awarded the BX50 series forklift with the honor of Highest Retained Value, a testament to the quality of these forklifts and yet another reason they might be the right choice for you.

Ecology and Economy 

If you value lowering fuel emissions, you’ll be happy to know the BX50 produces exceptionally low emission levels as a result of Komatsu’s Engine Control Module (ECM) which regulates air-fuel levels for optimum internal combustion. Thanks to this module, the BX50 exceeds Tier II regulations for gasoline and LPG engine exhaust emissions set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

On top of this, the EZLift HydraulicsTM system uses a tandem pump so that it can lift loads without revving up the engine, reducing fuel consumption, in addition to preventing stalling and producing less temperature build-up.

Optional Equipment

• Warning Lights & Audible Travel Alarms
• Tilt Cylinder Boots
• Cotton-Core Radiator
• Spinner Knob Steering Wheel
• Dual-Fuel System (Pneumatic Only)
• Sideshifter - Integral or Hang-On
• 4-Way Valve and Internal Hosing
• Seats
• Tires
• Masts: 2-Stage, 3-Stage & 4-Stage
• Fire Extinguisher
• Attachments
• Rear Assist Grip with Horn Button
• Steel Cab (Pneumatic Only)

Komatsu BX50 IC Forklift Cons

There is one area of concern that has been expressed by our clients despite the fact that they are proponents of Komatsu equipment and, well, it’s rather minor. Some people don’t like the sound of the horn, which is something we’ve heard fairly consistently. 

It really is a small point but, personally, we’d prefer a forklift horn that has been called “annoying” over one that can easily be tuned out, for safety reasons. And if that is really the only consistent criticism, it reinforces the point that Komatsu equipment is some of the best on the market.

Need Help Learning More About the Right Forklift for You?

With so many options available from Komatsu alone, not to mention all of the Clark and Linde forklifts we have available right now as authorized dealers, you want to make sure you’re making the right choice and we can help.

Give our forklift experts a call at 844-LILLYCO and we’ll be happy to help find the best option for you.

At the Lilly Company, we’re experts in helping you find and choose the right equipment for your needs, serving customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and eastern Arkansas. 

Contact a forklift expert at The Lilly Company online or by phone at 844-LILLYCO with any questions you have, or visit us at one of our 13 locations across the Mid-South:

Arkansas – Jonesboro
Alabama – Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi – Tupelo, and Richland
Tennessee – Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, and Kingsport

Further Reading:
The Seven Different Kinds of Forklifts (According to OSHA)
Understanding Forklift Deration
Forklift Extensions: What You Need to Know