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Xilin BF-III vs DF-III Hand Pallet Truck: Which to Choose

June 6, 2026 — Lê Văn Thăng

Compare Xilin BF-III (2-3 tonne) and DF-III (5 tonne) hand pallet trucks: capacity, fork length, wheels and price. Choose the right one the first time.

BF-III and DF-III are the two most asked-about Xilin low-lift hand pallet trucks at ICD. Many people assume DF-III is just an upgrade of BF-III, but the two lines target different needs: BF-III handles 2-3 tonne loads for everyday use, while DF-III is built for heavy 5 tonne loads and rough floors. Choosing wrong means buying excess capacity or overloading a truck that wears out fast. This guide compares the two lines in detail with a spec table, real prices and a simple decision framework.

BF-III vs DF-III Xilin comparison

Criterion BF-III DF-III
Load capacity 2,000 - 3,000 kg 5,000 kg
Lift height 200 mm 200 mm
Fork length 1,150 mm 1,220 mm
Wheel type Polyurethane (PU) Nylon or PU
Frame and cylinder Standard, lightweight Reinforced, high load capacity
Suitable floor Flat, epoxy, clean warehouse Rough, concrete, port surfaces
Warranty 2 years genuine 2 years genuine

When to choose BF-III

Daily loads of 2-3 tonnes

BF-III is designed for 2-3 tonne loads, enough for most consumer-goods pallets, logistics warehouses and container yards. The frame is compact, the pump is smooth and it manoeuvres quickly in tight spaces. It is the best-selling line for general warehouse operations.

Flat, clean floors

The PU wheels of the BF-III run smoothly on flat and epoxy floors without leaving marks. It suits food warehouses, clean rooms and finished floors. The narrow-fork BF-III 2.5T can also slide into pallets with tight entry gaps.

Tight budget

BF-III is priced from 3,500,000 VND (the 2.5T narrow-fork version) to 5,100,000 VND (the 3T wide-fork version), far cheaper than DF-III. If your loads never exceed 3 tonnes, BF-III is the most economical choice.

When to choose DF-III

Heavy loads up to 5 tonnes

DF-III carries 5,000 kg, nearly double the BF-III. It is used for super-heavy pallets: steel, concrete, brick, machinery and port cargo. The frame and cylinder are reinforced so they do not deform under large loads.

Rough, uneven floors

The nylon or hard PU wheels of the DF-III roll well on rough concrete, port surfaces and construction warehouses. The longer 1,220 mm forks support large pallets firmly. This is the line for harsh environments that the BF-III cannot handle over the long term.

Frequent heavy-duty use

If every shift lifts loads near the capacity limit, DF-III lasts longer because it is rated for continuous heavy loads. Using a BF-III to lift 4-5 tonnes regularly overloads it and quickly damages the cylinder and seals.

How BF-III and DF-III differ in construction

The labels BF and DF are not upgrade generations of one another, but simply different frame and pump-unit designs. Understanding the construction helps you choose correctly and repair more easily.

BF-III: single frame, easy to service

BF-III uses a compact single-frame design, with pump-unit parts connected by threaded fittings that are easy to dismantle and replace. It suits standard 2-3 tonne loads and general warehouse operations.

DF-III: reinforced double frame

DF-III uses a reinforced double frame, with thicker forks and cylinder to withstand heavy loads and high frequency. This is why DF-III can take 5 tonnes and rough floors without deforming, whereas a BF-III used for continuous heavy loads quickly fatigues the frame.

Full technical specifications of both lines

The specifications below follow the low-lift hand pallet truck standard, helping you cross-check when selecting by pallet and aisle.

Specification BF-III (2-3 tonne) DF-III (5 tonne)
Lowest fork height 85 mm 85 mm
Highest fork height 195 mm 195 mm
Fork thickness 3.5 mm 6 mm
Width per fork 160 mm 160 mm
Distance between forks 230 mm (narrow) / 685 mm (wide) 230 mm (narrow) / 685 mm (wide)
Load / steer wheels Polyurethane Nylon or hard PU
Steer wheel turning angle 115 degrees 115 degrees

A fork thickness of 3.5 mm versus 6 mm is the clearest evidence of the DF-III reinforced frame. The 85 mm lowered height lets the forks slide under low pallets.

Choosing fork width by pallet

Both BF-III and DF-III come in narrow-fork and wide-fork versions, chosen according to your actual pallet size.

Fork width Distance between forks Suitable pallet
Narrow fork ~540-550 mm total Small pallets 1000×1000, 1100×800, tight aisles
Wide fork 685 mm 685 mm Large pallets 1100×1100, 1100×1200, bulky cargo

BF-III and DF-III price list at ICD

Model Load capacity Fork length Retail price
BF-III 2.5T (narrow fork) 2,500 kg 1,150 mm 3,500,000 VND
BF-III 3T (standard fork) 3,000 kg 1,150 mm 4,200,000 VND
BF-III 3T (wide fork 685mm) 3,000 kg 1,150 mm 5,100,000 VND
DF-III 5T heavy duty 5,000 kg 1,220 mm 7,800,000 VND

Reference prices as of June 2026. All Xilin hand pallet trucks at ICD carry a 2 year genuine warranty with spare parts in stock.

Quick decision framework

Answer two questions to pick the right line:

How heavy is your heaviest load in kg?

Under 3 tonnes, choose BF-III; from 4-5 tonnes, choose DF-III. Always select by the actual heaviest load, not the average, so the truck is not overloaded when it meets a heavy item.

What is your warehouse floor like?

Flat, epoxy or clean-warehouse floors call for the BF-III with PU wheels. Rough, concrete or port surfaces call for the DF-III with hard wheels. The wrong wheel type makes the truck sluggish, wears the wheels fast or scratches finished floors.

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Frequently asked questions

1. What is the basic difference between BF-III and DF-III?

BF-III handles 2-3 tonne loads, flat floors and everyday use at a lower price. DF-III handles heavy 5 tonne loads, rough floors and has a reinforced frame. The difference is in load capacity and durability for heavy environments, not a simple upgrade.

2. For a 3.5 tonne load, which line should I choose?

Choose the DF-III 5 tonne. BF-III maxes out at 3 tonnes, so using it for 3.5 tonnes is overloading and quickly damages the cylinder and seals. Pick a truck with a rated capacity higher than the actual load for longer life.

3. Can BF-III be used on rough concrete floors?

It can, but it is not optimal. The PU wheels of the BF-III suit flat floors better. For rough floors and port surfaces, use the DF-III with hard wheels so the truck rolls easily and the wheels last longer.

4. How much is the price gap between BF-III and DF-III?

BF-III runs from 3,500,000 VND to 5,100,000 VND depending on capacity and fork. The DF-III 5 tonne is around 7,800,000 VND. DF-III is more expensive due to its reinforced frame and heavy load capacity. If you do not need over 3 tonnes, BF-III is more economical.

5. How long is the warranty on both lines?

Both BF-III and DF-III at ICD carry a 2 year genuine Xilin warranty, with spare parts in stock and technical support.

6. What do BF and DF mean in the truck names?

BF is the single-frame line, with the pump unit connected by threaded fittings for easy servicing, rated for 2-3 tonne loads. DF is the reinforced double-frame line, with thicker forks and cylinder, rated for heavy 5 tonne loads and rough floors. The difference is in frame structure, not an upgrade generation.

Contact and quote for Xilin hand pallet trucks from ICD

ICD Viet Nam Industrial Production Company Limited

North: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186

South: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186

Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Chat on Zalo now · Contact page

Tell us your heaviest load and warehouse floor type, and ICD will advise whether BF-III or DF-III fits and quote with a 2 year warranty.


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