How To Choose The Right Power Source for your Forklift

Should the electricity sources your forklift fleet utilize be evaluated now? These days, a diversity of energy sources can run forklifts, from batteries to hydrotreated vegetable oil! Recent industry statistics by ACS Omega show that although a declining percentage—31%—are run on an internal combustion engine, 69% of exported forklifts are now electric.

This tutorial will teach you the variations among several fuels to help you choose one that fits your running conditions.

Types of Forklift Power Sources

Forklift power sources go into either electric or internal combustion categories, which lets you pick more exact solutions to meet your company.

Electric

Estimates from the Electric Power Research Institute indicate that compared to propane-, diesel- or gas-powered versions, 5,000-pound capacity electric forklifts have roughly 1/5 energy cost. Operating and maintenance expenses are almost half as high as those of fossil-fuel-powered lifts, as moving components count for less.

Should you determine an electric forklift is appropriate for your company, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classifies them as Class I, Class II, or Class III based on their capacity:

• Class I: Riding electric motor vehicles
• Class II: Electric motor small aisle trucks
• Class III: Hand/Rider trucks or electric motor hand trucks

Three power sources run electric forklifts:

• Modern sustainable electricity comes from lithium-ion batteries. They have a space-saving architecture, low maintenance, and constant energy in hot and cold climates.
• Fuel cells fueled by hydrogen: Hydrogen-powered forklifts offer rapid refilling in as low as three minutes and silent running. Furthermore, it is ecologically beneficial as the fuel originates from natural, recyclable materials.
• Lead acid is a conventional electric power source with a lengthy track record of success and fewer starting expenses. Among the newer choices in this area are thin pure plate lead.

Inner Combustion

Internal combustion engine forklifts run on fuels like gasoline, diesel, or compressed natural gas. They provide advantages such as:

• Capacity to operate in places without access to a power grid
• Little fuel infrastructure to maximize available space
• a brief refueling period to enable additional work to be done
• Extended running hours between refills

Here’s an overview of internal combustion power options:

Compared to alternative fuels, diesel offers superior efficiency and longer run periods. It increases torque as well. One drawback is that diesel generates soot that accumulates in exhaust systems. Diesel forklifts’ increased emissions and loudness make them also meant for outdoor operation.

Gasoline: Although the paucity of gasoline stations and the popularity of dual-fuel forklifts make this fuel source very unusual, for those with easily accessible fueling stations, this fuel source performs great. Without a liquid petroleum (LP) tank, gasoline forklifts have superior rearward view and run more power than diesel.

Since you simply have to buy tanks and storage, liquid petroleum gas offers the lowest initial cost among fuels. Can be replaced in minutes, the gasoline tanks run on both indoor and outdoor forklifts.

Since the tank may be replenished rather than removed like LP tanks, compressed natural gas (CNG) has mostly advantages in terms of emissions and speed of refilling. The costly infrastructure for CNG recharging, insufficient CNG supply, and the necessity of obtaining appropriate permissions constitute the drawbacks.

Deciding Between Electric vs. Fossil-Fuel-Powered Forklifts

Although there are many power sources, depending on the requirements of your company, you should balance the advantages and drawbacks. The two primary types of lifts you will come across are internal combustion and electric; furthermore, several new technologies, such as hybrid forklifts and hydrogen fuel cells, are available. Among the things you have to weigh are run time, starting cost, pollutants and noise.

Here are a few benefits, drawbacks, and things to think about.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Forklift Power Sources

Power Source	Advantages	Disadvantages
Internal combustion engine (ICE)	Power, continuous running duration	generates pollutants and can be loud.
Electric	Quiet, zero emissions	Shorter running time calls for occasional recharging.
Hydrogen fuel cell	Zero emissions, quick refueling	Maybe more costly than conventional ICE or electric forklifts are new technologies.
Hybrid	blends electric power sources and ICE’s benefits.	Perhaps more costly than electric or internal combustion forklifts

Important Things to Think About Before Buying

These are some things to give thought to before deciding on a forklift.

Operational Cost

Some factors that influence operational costs include:

Working Environment

Think about how forklift operations are affected by extremely high or low temperatures. Extremely low temperatures can reduce the efficiency of any piece of equipment. Generally speaking, combustion forklifts operate better across a wider temperature range.

Space for Facilities

There are warehouses where every square foot counts. While more recent models require less space, electric forklifts generally require more room for charging infrastructure. Fuel can be stored outdoors with combustion models, giving your operations more space. Determine the amount of space you will require and whether doing so will result in a reduction in your storage inventory.

Training of Operators

The people who use a given forklift have a big influence on how well it works. Businesses that concentrate on increasing forklift efficiency will see a substantial return on their investment. Electric forklifts frequently require more maintenance for optimal performance because of their charging needs.

Cost to the Environment

These are the key considerations for the environmental cost of your forklift.

Emissions

Working in an enclosed warehouse might mean regularly monitoring pollution. Particularly sectors like food or medicine have to satisfy high standards for clean air. Your company might potentially have certain criteria to satisfy environmental objectives. For low-emission areas, electric forklifts usually show to be the best option.

Electricity Access

Whether you live off-grid or want to cut your utilities, you might look for a forklift model that runs without power. Under these conditions, internal combustion engines excel. Certain companies have highly expensive electrical access available to them. Determine your power use and include it in your running costs.

Initial Cost

Usually starting at a higher price point than combustion engine versions, electric-run forklifts are Within the category of electric forklifts, there could be some price range. Perhaps more costly than alternatives like lithium-ion are other technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells.

Refueling Cost

Using electric forklifts lets you pay your power bill for the refilling. Usually, your rates will be far lower than those of fueling combustion-powered machinery. Your compensation will vary depending on the fuel type; diesel frequently has the highest refilling cost.

Maintenance Costs

Less moving components and fluids mean that electric forklifts can have fewer maintenance needs. You will have some maintenance costs regardless of the forklift you decide upon. Still, certain models will let you run for longer without maintenance. When thinking about maintenance charges, also include potential costs from missed operating time.

Downtime

Your equipment should keep that speed if your operation runs day and night. Usually needing more downtime to charge, electric forklifts are a better option for light-duty or single-shift operations. Hydrogen cells are the best option for companies looking for minimal downtime with an electric model.

Explore AmericanForklifts of Electric and ICE Powered Forklifts

American Forklifts carries a selection of top brand electric and combustion forklifts. Whether your preferred forklift is electric or diesel, you will find fresh, used or rental choices that boost output and save costs. Talk about your equipment needs today by contacting our staff online.