Forklifts are essential equipment in many industries, from manufacturing to warehousing and construction. However, anyone who isn’t familiar with the finer points of these machines would be forgiven for thinking that they’re all alike except, perhaps, in terms of size and capacity. While those capabilities do matter, the power source is just as important, even if the more specific benefits are less obvious.
In modern warehousing and other material transfer operations, the most common power types for forklifts include electric, propane, petrol, and diesel. Each option comes with its own benefits depending on your operational needs. For instance, electric forklifts excel in indoor operations that require low noise, while diesel forklift truck models are known for their superior power and performance in a range of conditions. Petrol and propane tend to be in between the other two, with some exemptions.
Of all the available power source options, diesel tends to be the most recommended across many situations for the following reasons:
1. Superior Lifting Power
The basic advantage of diesel engines is their high torque output. This gives diesel forklifts significantly more lifting capacity for the size and weight compared to the alternatives. As such, diesel equipment is ideal for heavy-duty industries such as construction, manufacturing, or shipping, where large, bulky loads are commonplace and must be moved efficiently.
2. Fuel Efficiency
With close to a century and a half of continuous optimisation, today’s diesel engines can be very fuel efficient. When you also consider the relatively low price and ubiquity of diesel fuel, diesel forklifts become quite attractive for operations with limited resources.
3. Can Run Almost Continuously
The efficiency of modern diesel forklifts also means they can run for longer periods on a single tank of fuel compared to their propane and petrol counterparts, which reduces downtime required for refueling. This advantage is even more evident versus electric forklifts, which need to be parked and charged for several hours to cover a shift. So long as there’s fuel in the tank, a well-kept diesel forklift will keep running. This makes diesel models excellent choices for logistics and manufacturing businesses that need to operate around the clock with minimal interruptions.
4. Durability and Ruggedness
Because of their tough builds, resilience to extreme temperature variations, and easier access to diesel fuel, diesel forklifts are often the only practical choice for many outdoor operations or harsh environments. Additionally, the high torque provided by diesel engines also makes them the preferred power source for forklifts that must navigate uneven ground, inclines, or rough terrain. Even in less challenging environments, their durability ensures they have a long operational lifespan, making them a cost-effective investment for many businesses.
5. Lower Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Compared to the alternatives, diesel engines generally enjoy longer maintenance cycles and tend to require less complex fixes when problems do occur. Even when a diesel forklift experiences a serious failure, special expertise is rarely required and the needed parts are usually easier and cheaper to repair or replace. All of these benefits contribute to a lower overall cost of ownership over time.
6. Less Need for Special Infrastructure
Remote areas may not necessarily have suitable charging infrastructure or even a steady supply of petrol and propane, but there is almost certainly diesel available in any small to midsize town. What’s more, diesel engine parts can be sourced affordably from virtually anywhere in the world, simplifying routine maintenance and repairs.
Scenarios Where Diesel Forklifts Are the Best Choice
Whatever the job, you can find diesel forklifts that will do it. That said, the emissions and noise levels of these machines do mean that they excel in outdoor applications as well as in lifting loads that simply could not be handled by other types of forklifts. If your business needs forklifts in the following scenarios, diesel is probably the best choice:
- Construction Sites
- Logistics and Warehousing
- Outdoor Storage Yards
- Agriculture and Farming
- Ports and Shipping Docks
- Mining and Quarrying Operations
- Lumber Yards
- Open Air Recycling Facilities
- Remote Worksites
You’ll Find Diesel Forklifts for Every Need
If an application requires forklifts, you’ll probably find a diesel model that fits it to a tee. Even though other power trains may offer some very specific advantages over diesel, this specialisation means that they are often less suited for readaptation compared to most modern diesel models available in the market.
However, the real reason to go with diesel is their unbeatable combination of lifting power and numerous cost-efficiencies, especially when noise and emissions are not a concern. With material transfer operations now expected to shift increasingly massive amounts of stock faster than ever, the extra lifting power and round-the-clock reliability of diesel forklifts are quite welcome. Unless you have a very good reason to adopt forklifts with alternative power sources, diesel should probably be the default when you’re weighing the pros and cons of your next forklift acquisition.
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