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Know The Types of Forklifts – Electric Forklift | Gas Forklift | Diesel Forklift

Types of Forklifts

Forklifts – or load carriers – are commonly found in warehouses, and are used to lift and move heavy goods from one place to another for further processing or storage. There are three main types of forklift trucks available these days – electric, LP gas (propane), and diesel engines. Each type is used for different purposes, depending on the needs of your business or warehouse operation where it may be deployed from time to time.

Read on for the capabilities and efficiency of each type:

Gas forklifts:

Gas-powered forklifts use propane gas as fuel and have lower emissions than diesel. Compared to electric forklifts, these are costlier but offer greater power and better fuel economy. For a single shift operation of 8 hours, a gas forklift can work for 160 – 200 hours. The maintenance cost of gas forklifts is also low and the operating range of gas forklifts is 10,000-30,000 lbs. For outdoor usage, gas forklifts are preferred, though their indoor usage is restricted due to higher noise levels.

Electric forklifts:

Electric forklifts are very popular these days because they are environmentally friendly. Electric forklifts are quiet, clean, easy to maintain and operate, and have zero emissions, but need to be recharged or have batteries replaced at intervals to keep their charge. This is why they’re the preferred option for indoor operations. The operating range of electric forklifts is 3,000-8,000 lbs.

Diesel forklift:

A diesel forklift is the most traditional and has incredible power, but their emissions are high and they cannot be used in enclosed spaces. They offer 40-50% more performance and power than gas-powered forklifts. The operating range of diesel forklifts is 8,000-20,000 lbs. Maintenance of diesel forklifts can be high when compared to gas or electric forklifts, and they can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Whatever type of forklift you might require, if you are planning on buying forklifts for your warehouse, make sure you buy the one which best meets your needs.

Conclusion: Today, you can choose from electric forklifts, gas forklifts, and diesel forklifts, and it’s important to look into both the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. Before buying a forklift for your company, make sure you understand your requirements and do your due  diligence to ensure you select the right one.