Virtually all modern supply chains are dependent on forklifts, with these machines omnipresent wherever there are pallet loads to be moved. For the century or so that forklifts have been around, they have primarily been powered by fossil fuels, most often diesel, petrol, and liquified petroleum gas (LPG). However, of all the fossil-fuel-powered options, diesel has emerged as the most practical and most popular.
All other things being equal, diesel forklift truck models tend to offer more torque, robustness, and field reliability than either petrol or LPG equivalents. Petrol and LPG models have historically offered a low-emissions alternative for indoor use, but these are fast being supplanted by current-generation electric forklifts.
Both diesel and electric forklifts come in different models featuring differing performance envelopes, so it can be difficult to generalise between the two types. Regardless, both have distinct advantages. Let’s look at the key points of each type and then look into the more specific considerations for your warehousing operations:
Electric Forklifts
Similar to other electric vehicles (EVs), electric forklifts feature motors powered by rechargeable batteries like lead-acid or lithium-ion. They produce minimal noise and zero emissions during operation, making them ideal for indoor use and in environmentally sensitive areas. They also tend to be mechanically less complex than forklifts powered by fossil fuels, leading to a theoretical reduction in maintenance and running costs.
Diesel Forklifts
These forklifts rely on tried-and-true internal combustion engines powered by diesel fuel. As mentioned, diesel forklifts can produce significant power and are the preferred option for outdoor applications where rugged terrain and heavy lifting are common.
Also, despite having more moving parts than their electric equivalents, diesel forklifts tend to be more reliable in the field because they are less sensitive to environmental conditions; generally, they only need sufficient fuel and basic service to keep going. They also do not require EV infrastructure, which may not always be practical to set up in remote worksites.
Considerations for Different Forklift Types
1. Operational Environment
Electric forklifts can be a good option for indoor use, particularly in well-prepared warehouse environments. Meanwhile, diesel models are the clear choice for the outdoors and for indoor-outdoor environments where emissions and noise can be controlled.
2. Lifting Capacity
For very heavy lifting tasks, diesel forklifts remain the best choice due to the output offered by modern heavy-duty diesel engines. However, as electric forklifts continue to evolve, this may become less true in the future.
3. Energy Costs
When their charging stations are attached to renewable energy sources, the cost to charge electric forklifts can be significantly lower compared to a diesel model with similar specifications. However, EV charging infrastructure does come with its own costs and may not be feasible in many situations. Diesel forklifts, on the other hand, enjoy wider accessibility thanks to existing fossil fuel supply chains.
4. Maintenance Requirements
Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts, which means fewer things can break down. However, if things do get damaged, they are not always user-serviceable. Diesel forklifts are based on vetted technologies which means that it can be easier to keep running in a wider range of scenarios.
5. Noise Levels
If noise is a concern, especially in residential neighbourhoods or indoor environments, electric forklifts are the quieter option.
6. Environmental Impacts
There are some diesel forklifts with remarkably clean emissions but they don’t come close to the zero emissions of their electric counterparts. If your warehouse operation has limited ventilation or sustainability goals, electric forklifts are the clear choice. That said, if the power grid connected to the forklift charging stations is not powered by clean energy, the environmental benefits may be reduced.
7. Initial Investment
Diesel forklifts typically have a lower upfront cost, but electric models may offer better value over time due to lower operational costs. In the end, though, this all depends on current fuel and electricity prices.
8. Operational Range
EV battery technology has evolved by leaps in the past few decades and can hold charges for longer. That said, diesel forklifts can generally run longer without needing to refuel. Moreover, refuelling a diesel forklift only takes a couple of minutes whereas doing the same with an EV forklift can take significantly longer. In practical terms, this means diesel forklifts can do more trips and have shorter downtimes compared to electrics with similar capacity.
9. Regulatory Compliance
Local regulations may restrict either electric or diesel forklifts because of pollution concerns or due to specific considerations concerning the setup of EV charging stations. In either case, your business will be restricted to whichever technology is allowed within a given jurisdiction.
10. Resale Value
Because of their ease of repair and maintenance, diesel forklifts may retain their value for longer than a comparable electric. This may be especially true in regions with a high demand for heavy-duty industrial equipment.
Tailor Your Forklift Choice to Operational Demands
Both electric and diesel forklifts can shine in the right scenarios. So, before purchasing forklifts, be sure to take stock of your specific operational needs, budget, and stock management environment. With the key advantages of each type of forklift in mind, you and other stakeholders will be better placed to invest in the products that match the business’s most urgent needs.
Also Read: Why Quality Inspection Matters When Buying Heavy Duty Commercial Trucks
