AssetTrader Buying Guide to Forklifts

Features and Options

Forklift trucks come with two different powering options depending on their size. Electric forklifts are powered by an onboard battery, or there are ones that run on internal combustion (IC) which is an engine that runs on more than one type of fuel.

Electric

Electric forklifts use heavy lead-acid batteries that provide enough power for a standard eight-hour shift. Which will power you through 5- 6 hours of constant use.
Electric forklift are the ideal indoor option. Much quieter to operate indoors, unlike the combustion engine, and there are zero gas emissions. The internal combustion models require a lot of ventilation. Also, with no extra fuel charge they cost much less per hour to run than the internal combustion truck. Although when price checking, don’t be put off by the extra 20% to 40% in higher initial costs. The initial higher output is also offset by the longer life span of an electric forklift as there are less moving parts.

As always with battery powered vehicles, the charge time and battery downtime can be a drawback. The charge time for the battery is a full 8 hrs and they need 8 hrs of cooling time before it can be used. This slow charge can affect operations, it is much advised to buy 2 batteries so one is always charging while the other is in use.

The other downside to electric forklifts are the space needed for a charging station which requires a ventilated, temperature-controlled environment and in order to change the battery, a small crane will be needed. Electric are also limited to weight capacity, usually only up to 15,000 lbs.

Internal Combustion
The combustion engines work with a few different fuels, gasoline, diesel, liquid propane gas (LPG), or compressed natural gas (CNG). Cheaper to buy initially they do cost more per hour to run. They also are only suitable for outdoor work, as ventilation for gas emissions is vital. Although combustion forklifts can run for longer hours during a day, and need very little to no downtime. For high-use forklifts the ability to refuel on the go, is a simple process of filling up at a gas pump or a loading a new canister is a big advantage. They also provide a much bigger lifting power.
IC forklifts provide a tougher, working machine, if you’re operation has loads greater than 15,000 lbs then you will definitely require an IC forklift. Also if you are using the forklift for all around purposes such as pushing or towing loads, or the forklift is working on a larger site or depot you may want higher speeds.

Fuel considerations will have an impact on maintenance costs. Gasoline is by far the highest costing, with diesel the lowest. LPG is in the middle, although these do vary state to state. LPG only requires space for an extra tank, but gas and diesel and propane need storage tanks and pumps.

These choices are generally based on what vehicles you are currently using on site. For the most versatile option, there are forklifts for indoor and outdoor use that have a duel fuel system. These let you simply switch back and forth between LPG and gasoline.
In the not so distant future look out for hydrogen fueled forklifts. These offer zero emissions and quiet operation as well as longer operation time, with no charge time and of course the best environmental option.