Table of Contents
- BF-III vs DF-III Xilin comparison table
- How do the BF-III and DF-III differ in construction?
- When to choose the BF-III
- When to choose the DF-III
- Loads over 3 tonnes: choose the WB, not the DF-III
- Full specifications of both series
- Choose the fork width to match the pallet
- BF-III and DF-III pricing at ICD Vietnam
- A quick decision framework
- Frequently asked questions about the BF-III and DF-III
- 1. How do the BF-III and DF-III fundamentally differ?
- 2. Which model should I choose for a 3.5-tonne load?
- 3. Can the BF-III be used on rough concrete?
- 4. How much price difference is there between the BF-III and DF-III?
- 5. How long is the warranty on both models?
- 6. What do BF and DF mean in the name?
- 7. How low can a low-profile pallet truck go to enter a pallet?
- Contact ICD Vietnam for Xilin pallet truck quotes
- References
- Related articles
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 44/2026
The BF-III and DF-III are two Xilin low-profile hand pallet trucks with the same 2,500 kg and 3,000 kg capacities and the same 1,150 mm or 1,220 mm fork lengths. They differ in grade: the BF-III is the Premium version with a one-piece cast pump body (no welds) and an overload valve, while the DF-III is the Standard version with a chrome-plated piston and lifting rod. Xilin’s 5-tonne truck is the WB, not the DF-III.
“BF-III or DF-III?” is the question buyers ask most when choosing a hand pallet truck, and the common belief that the DF-III is the heavy-duty version leads to wrong purchases. Every specification below comes from the official Ningbo Ruyi (xilin.com) data sheet for each series, cross-checked against the models ICD Vietnam distributes.
BF-III vs DF-III Xilin comparison table
Put the two manufacturer data sheets side by side and the difference is not in capacity but in the pump assembly, the safety features and a few millimetres of dimensions. The table below summarises what a buyer needs to know; the full 15-parameter table follows later.
| Criteria | BF-III | DF-III |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer grade | Premium | Standard |
| Capacity | 2,500 / 3,000 kg | 2,500 / 3,000 kg (2,000 kg version available) |
| Pump assembly | One-piece cast pump body, no welds | Chrome-plated piston and lifting rod |
| Overload valve | Yes | Not listed in the specification |
| Fork lowering speed | Adjustable | Not listed in the specification |
| Maximum lift height | 195 / 185 mm | 200 / 190 mm |
| Fork length | 1,150 / 1,220 mm (800 - 1,100 mm optional) | 1,150 / 1,220 mm (800 - 1,000 mm optional) |
| Net weight | 56 - 70 kg | 55 - 65 kg |
| Optional extras | Foot lowering pedal, two-speed fast lift, 200 mm steering wheel | Nylon, PU or rubber wheels; single or tandem fork wheels |
| Warranty | 2 years from the manufacturer | 2 years from the manufacturer |
The two figures in the size cells correspond to two fork versions: a 85 mm lowest-height fork and a 75 mm low-profile fork. The 75 mm version fits pallets with lower openings but lifts 10 mm less and leaves only 22 mm of ground clearance instead of 32 mm.
How do the BF-III and DF-III differ in construction?
The BF and DF designations are not upgrades of each other. On Xilin's site the BF-III sits in the Premium group and the DF-III in the Standard group, while the BF (without the III) is the Classic group. Understanding the construction helps you choose correctly and repair more easily, because most hand pallet truck faults sit in the hydraulic pump assembly.
BF-III: one-piece cast pump body with an overload valve
The first thing the manufacturer stresses on the BF-III is a one-piece cast pump body with no welds, so there is no weld seam to leak oil. The truck has an overload valve: when the load exceeds the rated capacity, the valve releases pressure so the pump will not lift further, which prevents bent forks and damaged seals. The fork lowering speed is adjustable, so fragile goods can be set down gently. The manufacturer also describes the BF-III frame as having better force distribution, and the handle base has a hole for fitting a control chain.
DF-III: chrome-plated piston and lifting rod
On the DF-III the manufacturer stresses a chrome-plated piston and lifting rod for smooth operation and less wear on the pump and seals. The steering wheel swivel angle is listed as 180 degrees. The data sheet gives 10 pump strokes at 11 mm per stroke: 10 strokes x 11 mm = 110 mm, close to the 115 mm travel from 85 mm to 200 mm. In other words, about 10 strokes take the forks to full height.
When to choose the BF-III
Loads regularly close to the rated capacity
If your pallets often weigh close to 2.5 or 3 tonnes, the BF-III overload valve is worthwhile protection: the operator cannot keep pumping when the load exceeds the rating, so the forks and pump accumulate less overload damage. This is the situation where we recommend the Premium version, even if your loads do not yet reach the limit.
Environments that need minimal oil leakage
Food warehouses, clean storage and good epoxy floors do not tolerate oil stains. A one-piece cast pump body without welds removes one common source of leaks. Combined with PU wheels, the truck runs smoothly on a flat floor and leaves no marks.
When you need special options
The BF-III offers options the DF-III does not list: a foot lowering pedal, two-speed fast lifting (double speed lifting) and a 200 mm steering wheel. If you need fast lifting when the load is light, or a larger steering wheel for floors with grooves, ask about a BF-III configuration.
When to choose the DF-III
Loads under 3 tonnes, used per shift
The DF-III has the same 2.5 and 3-tonne rated capacities as the BF-III. In logistics warehouses, container stuffing areas or consumer goods stores, where trucks are used per shift and loads rarely approach the rating, the Standard version is enough. It is not the 5-tonne heavy-duty series that many sources describe.
When you need a 2-tonne version or shorter forks
According to the manufacturer's notes, the DF-III also comes in a 2,000 kg version with optional fork lengths of 800, 900 and 1,000 mm. ICD Vietnam's range includes DF-III models with 880 mm short forks as well as long forks, suitable for narrow warehouses or small pallets.
Concrete floors and port aprons
On a rough floor the most important choice is the wheel: nylon or hard PU wheels roll better on rough concrete and port aprons. Both the DF-III and BF-III offer nylon, PU and rubber wheel options. If the truck takes heavy impacts and heavy loads, prefer the BF-III because of its one-piece cast pump.
Loads over 3 tonnes: choose the WB, not the DF-III
This is the easiest point to get wrong. Both the BF-III and DF-III top out at 3 tonnes; using them for 4 - 5 tonne pallets is overloading and quickly damages the cylinder and seals. Xilin makes a 5-tonne WB series with a lowest fork height of 88/78 mm and a maximum lift of 205/195 mm. According to the manufacturer, the WB self-lifts twice as fast when the load is under 600 kg, which speeds up moving empty pallets.
General rule: choose by the heaviest real pallet, not the average, and leave spare capacity. A 3.5-tonne load must go on a WB.
Full specifications of both series
The specifications below come from the manufacturer's official data sheets. The two numbers in one cell correspond to the 85 mm and 75 mm fork versions, or to the 1,150 mm and 1,220 mm fork lengths.
| Specification | BF-III | DF-III |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (kg) | 2,500 / 3,000 | 2,500 / 3,000 |
| Lowest fork height (mm) | 85 / 75 | 85 / 75 |
| Maximum lift height (mm) | 195 / 185 | 200 / 190 |
| Steering wheel (mm) | φ180 | φ180 / φ160 |
| Single / tandem fork wheels (mm) | φ74x93 / φ74x70 | φ70x80 / φ70x60 |
| Handle height when pulling (mm) | 1,214 | 1,186.5 / 1,176.5 |
| Overall length (mm) | 1,543 / 1,613 | 1,520 / 1,590 |
| Fork length (mm) | 1,150 / 1,220 | 1,150 / 1,220 |
| Width of each fork (mm) | Not listed | 150 |
| Overall fork width (mm) | 520 / 550 / 685 | 520 / 550 / 680 |
| Ground clearance at the axle (mm) | 32 / 22 | 32 / 22 |
| Minimum aisle width, 1000x1200 pallet entered on the 1000 side (mm) | 1,743 / 1,813 | 1,720 / 1,790 |
| Minimum aisle width, 800x1200 pallet entered on the 800 side (mm) | 1,793 / 1,813 | 1,770 / 1,790 |
| Turning radius (mm) | 1,276 / 1,346 | 1,265 / 1,335 |
| Net weight (kg) | 56 - 70 | 55 - 65 |
All Xilin pallet trucks at ICD Vietnam carry a 12-month warranty, with replacement parts in stock. At the same fork length, the DF-III is about 23 mm shorter than the BF-III and needs an aisle about 23 mm narrower; in a warehouse with tight aisles, those few tens of millimetres sometimes decide whether the truck can turn at all.
Choose the fork width to match the pallet
Both the BF-III and DF-III come in three overall fork widths: 520, 550 and 685 mm (680 mm on the DF-III). Choose by the real pallet entry: the two forks must fit between the feet or blocks, and wider forks support the pallet more steadily.
| Overall fork width | Suitable for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 520 - 550 mm | Pallets with narrow openings, small pallets, narrow aisles | Supports large pallets less steadily |
| 680 - 685 mm | Large pallets, bulky loads that need wide support | Measure the pallet opening before ordering; if the forks do not fit, the truck cannot be used |
The surest method is to measure the gap between the feet on the side where you will insert the forks, then send those measurements with the pallet size when you ask for a quote.
BF-III and DF-III pricing at ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam does not publish fixed prices on its website and quotes by configuration, because the price depends on many choices: 2.5 or 3-tonne capacity, fork length, fork overall width, wheel type and options such as the BF-III lowering pedal or two-speed fast lift. By the manufacturer's grading the BF-III is the Premium version and the DF-III the Standard version; the exact difference depends on configuration and quantity. Contact for a quote.
A quick decision framework
Answer three questions to choose the right model:
How heavy is your heaviest load in kg?
Up to 3 tonnes: BF-III or DF-III. Over 3 tonnes up to 5 tonnes: WB. Always choose by the real heaviest load, not the average, so the truck is not overloaded when a heavy item turns up.
Do your loads often run close to the rating?
Frequently close to 2.5 - 3 tonnes, or you need to limit oil leaks: BF-III. Moderate loads used per shift: DF-III.
What is the warehouse floor like?
Smooth, epoxy and clean floors call for PU wheels. Rough concrete and port aprons call for nylon or hard PU wheels. The wrong wheel type makes the truck sluggish, wears wheels out quickly or scratches a good floor.
Frequently asked questions about the BF-III and DF-III
1. How do the BF-III and DF-III fundamentally differ?
Same 2.5/3-tonne capacity and same fork lengths. The BF-III is the Premium version: one-piece cast pump body with no welds, an overload valve and adjustable lowering speed. The DF-III is the Standard version: chrome-plated piston and lifting rod, with 10 strokes to full lift. They are not upgrades of each other.
2. Which model should I choose for a 3.5-tonne load?
Choose the 5-tonne WB. The BF-III and DF-III top out at 3 tonnes, and using them at 3.5 tonnes is overloading that quickly damages the cylinder and seals. Pick a truck with a rated load above your real load for a longer life.
3. Can the BF-III be used on rough concrete?
Yes, as long as you choose the right wheel. Rough floors and port aprons call for nylon or hard PU wheels; soft PU wheels suit smooth floors. The BF-III one-piece cast pump handles impact better on poor floors.
4. How much price difference is there between the BF-III and DF-III?
It depends on the capacity, fork length, overall width, wheel type and options. The BF-III is the Premium version, so it usually costs more than a DF-III in the same configuration. Send the configuration you need and ICD Vietnam will give a specific quote.
5. How long is the warranty on both models?
Both the BF-III and DF-III come with a 12-month Xilin warranty at ICD, with replacement parts and technical support available.
6. What do BF and DF mean in the name?
They are Xilin product line names. On the manufacturer's site, the BF is the Classic group, the BF-III the Premium group and the DF-III the Standard group. They differ in the pump assembly and safety features, not in being a newer generation or a single or double frame.
7. How low can a low-profile pallet truck go to enter a pallet?
Both the BF-III and DF-III come with an 85 mm lowest-height fork and a 75 mm low-profile fork. When lifted, the BF-III reaches 195/185 mm and the DF-III 200/190 mm, enough to lift a pallet off the floor and pull it away.
Contact ICD Vietnam for Xilin pallet truck quotes
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Northern Vietnam: 3rd Floor, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Southern Vietnam: 551/212 Le Van Khuong Street, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Chat on Zalo now
Tell us your heaviest load and warehouse floor type, and ICD Vietnam will advise whether to choose the BF-III or DF-III and quote with a 12-month warranty.
References
- BF-III data sheet: Ningbo Ruyi - Premium Type BF-III (one-piece cast pump body, overload valve, dimensions, options).
- DF-III data sheet: Ningbo Ruyi - Standard Type DF-III, xilin.com/product/hand-pallet-truck/standard-type.html (chrome-plated piston, 10 strokes, 11 mm per stroke, 2,000 kg version).
- Xilin BF-III catalogue: states compliance with EN ISO 3691-5 (pedestrian-propelled trucks).
- Specifications and models follow the Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) products that ICD Vietnam distributes officially (DF-III, BF-III, WB, SDJ, SDJA, SJJA20E, CBD15W-E, CBD20R-II, ES15-15ES, CQDH18C); updated October 2026. 12-month warranty.
