It is vital to choose the right forklift, if your business uses it. The three primary fuel options are – LPG Gas, Diesel and Electric.

As a leading dealer of used forklifts for sale, we have come up with the following review, by type of the equipment to assist you to make an informed decision when acquiring new or used lift truck for your business.Forklift

Forklift

LPG Gas Forklifts

Forklifts run by LPG are proficient of maintaining 100% power throughout the day. They have the capacity to push hefty loads at full capacity, up and down gradients quicker and for a longer amount of time than electric forklifts. The preliminary capital cost is generally lesser when compared with either one electric or diesel forklifts. LPG forklifts can also be operated both indoors and outdoors, unlike their electric and diesel equivalents. This augmented tractability is vital, if your business has both yard and warehouse storage applications. If you are operating it indoors, then the workspaces must be aerated.

Also, the time taken to refuel an LPG forklift is much less when compared to electric powered forklifts. While the refilling of an LPG cylinder is quick, however an electric forklift could take up to eight hours to recharge. So, if go with an LPG forklift you have no down time or the added cost of acquiring extra batteries. Lastly, valuable indoor storage space can be saved due to an LPG cylinder storage cage or LPG refuelling station, when compared to an indoor electric recharge station. Also, to be noted cylinder storage cages are normally provided by your forklift gas supplier.

Electric Forklifts

The biggest advantage of using battery-operated electric forklifts is that they do not produce tailpipe emissions and make less noise. Most often, food processing companies prefer electric forklifts because they generate no smoke. While these are good for indoor use, they are generally unsuitable for outdoor applications.

It is also important that electric forklifts must have a charged battery to operate. However, forgetting to charge the battery overnight could result in significant output losses the next day, particularly when the business operates with limited number of forklifts. And, when the battery is on charge, the forklift is unavailable for use, unless you invest in a unit with easily changeable batteries and the spare battery packs. Charging a forklift battery typically takes 8 hours, though some units do charge faster. In lieu of the battery and recharging needs, the initial investment for an electric forklift is usually higher than the other possibilities. Additionally, chargers have certain voltage and amperage requirements.  

Your present servicing partner may not meet these requirements, demanding added cost to remedy. Therefore, choose a service partner with caution. Large Lift Trucks is an expert service partner as well dealer for new, used and forklift rental Houston services. Also, the battery charging station takes up important warehouse space, plus the ‘parking spaces’ necessary for the forklifts while charging.

Diesel Forklifts

Diesel forklifts comprise of internal combustion engines, which create exhaust fumes and particulate matter, therefore this option is not safe for indoor use. The cost of procurement for diesel forklifts is normally higher than LPG but lower than electric models. Diesel forklifts need more space to move than the LPG or electric alternatives, since these units are loftier in size. However, diesel models usually offer more torque output than the substitutes.

Diesel models are good for constant heavy loads. However, one worrisome aspect of diesel forklifts is the operator’s health. The smoke is poisonous and is a fine particulate matter which is carcinogenic. Specialists at the World Health Organisation (WHO) say diesel engine exhaust fumes can cause cancer in humans. While this may not be much of an issue with truck drivers, who are sitting in enclosed cabs, however, forklift operators are in close proximity to the exhaust.

Once you know the type of forklift you want to purchase, contact us to help you zero-down the right brand for your business.