The invention discloses a single-pump hydraulic system used for a forklift. The single-pump hydraulic system comprises a hoist cylinder, an oblique cylinder, a steering cylinder and a gear pump which is used for supplying high-pressure oil fluid to the hoist cylinder, the oblique cylinder and the steering cylinder; the single-pump hydraulic system further comprises a hydraulic oil tank, a multi-way reversing valve and a full-hydraulic steering gear; the oil inlet end of the gear pump is connected with the oil outlet end of the hydraulic oil tank; the oil outlet end of the gear pump is connected with the multi-way reversing valve; the multi-way reversing valve is connected with the oil return end of the hydraulic oil tank; the hoist cylinder, the oblique cylinder and the steering cylinder are all connected with the multi-way reversing valve; and the full-hydraulic steering gear is connected between the multi-way steering valve and the steering cylinder. According to the single-pump hydraulic system used for the forklift disclosed by the invention, the production and manufacture cost is lowered; the operation is more convenient and comfortable; and the production efficiency is improved.