When it comes to industrial equipment rental or purchase, you typically have many factors to consider before choosing a particular piece of machinery. For example, should you rent or buy? Should you obtain a new or used piece of equipment? What kind of technology should you look for?
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One important factor to consider is the type of engine the equipment possesses. In particular, you will need to decide between an internal combustion engine, or an electric engine. To help you make your decision before you buy a forklift (or rent one), what follows is a look at each engine and some of the major pros and cons of each.
Internal Combustion Forklifts
An internal combustion (IC) engine on a forklift works much like the engine on your personal car or truck, and uses fuel to run. In the case of a forklift for sale or rent, this fuel is usually gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, or compressed natural gas. The internal combustion engine is one of the most common type of engine in industrial equipment such as forklifts, and with good reason. Here are a few of their advantages:
IC forklifts have a lower upfront cost.
When it comes to upfront cost, IC forklifts tend to be less expensive than electric forklifts, by up to 20 percent. For businesses that need a forklift but do not have the capital to purchase an electric forklift, the lower cost of an IC forklift can be appealing.
IC forklifts are versatile.
This type of forklift can be used both indoors and outdoors, and tends to have a higher load capacity, allowing these machines to be applied to a wide range of jobs and environments without compromising their ability to operate safely.
IC forklifts are faster and easier to refuel.
When you run a multi-shift operation, IC forklifts can be an appealing choice because of the ease with which they can be refueled. A forklift with an internal combustion engine can be refueled in about 5 minutes, allowing it to be used efficiently through multiple shifts.
Despite their advantages, forklifts that possess internal combustion engines do have some disadvantages that you must also consider before purchasing. Here are a few of them:
Forklift maintenance is more demanding for IC machines.
Thanks to the construction of internal combustion engines, with their large number of moving parts, forklifts that have IC engines tend to require more frequent (and expensive) forklift maintenance and repair.
IC forklifts create emissions that must be accounted for.
Internal combustion engines release carbon monoxide emissions that must be accounted for and dealt with during indoor use.
Long-term fuel costs are greater with IC forklifts.
Over the long-term, the costs of refueling an IC forklift will be greater than recharging an electric forklift, even though the process is faster and more efficient.
Electric Forklifts
An electric forklift uses a rechargeable battery to power the engine. Environmentally friendly, this type of engine is gaining popularity. Here are a few of the major advantages it offers to owners:
Electric forklifts have lower costs of ownership.
As mentioned above, electric forklifts can cost more upfront than do forklifts that use internal combustion engines. However, over time, this type of forklift actually has the advantage of costing less. For example, the cost of forklift repair and maintenance, lower fuel costs, and so forth mean that you spend less money over the life of an electric forklift than over the life of an IC forklift.
Electric forklifts improve operator ergonomics.
The comfort of your forklift operators can be an important factor in which type of machinery you choose. When it comes to operator ergonomics, electric forklifts have the advantage. They create fewer vibrations and a more comfortable ride than do forklifts that have internal combustion engines.
Electric forklifts are better for the environment.
When looking at forklifts for sale or forklift rental, you may find that cost is often the most important factor in deciding which machine to buy. However, for many businesses, environmental friendliness is also becoming a priority. Electric forklifts have the advantage of being better for the environment than are IC forklifts. They use less energy and create fewer emissions, making them an ideal "green" machine for industrial and warehouse projects.
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Electric forklifts require less maintenance and repair.
Finally, forklift maintenance and repair for electric forklifts are much less than for internal combustion forklifts. The reason is that these machines have fewer moving parts, meaning that they require less maintenance and fewer repairs overall.
Before selecting an electric forklift, however, you should also understand the disadvantages presented by this type of machine. Here are a few:
Electric forklifts are difficult to use outside.
Electric forklifts can be difficult to use outside, particularly when it is wet. In order to make them safe to use outdoors, they also often require expensive treatments of certain parts of the engine. However, newer technology has become available that allows more electric forklifts to operate outdoors with no issues.
Electric forklifts require more storage space.
Storing electric forklifts also tends to be a bit more complex than for IC forklifts. For example, they can require up to 200 square feet of storage space for the forklift, the battery (or batteries), and so forth. In addition, they need a place where they can be recharged.
Electric forklifts are more difficult to refuel.
It can take significantly longer to replace a battery on an electric forklift than to refuel a forklift with an internal combustion engine. In addition, because batteries must often charge for 8 hours and then cool down for 8 hours in between uses, you may need one battery per shift. This requirement can add significant cost to purchasing and owning an electric forklift. However, some brands of electric forklifts are able to operate more efficiently and run two shifts without recharging the battery. Make sure and ask an electric forklift specialist for details on how this might work for your operation.
Forklifts come in many shapes and sizes, which means it can be tough to figure out which one will work best for your needs. Of course, you can probably figure out that a massive forklift capable of picking up and moving pallets that weigh over 7,000 pounds doesn’t belong in your moderately-sized supply yard, but the question remains: Electric or combustion engine? Let’s go over the pros and cons of each.
Combustion forklifts: Yay or nay?
A combustion engine is a traditional vehicle engine that burns fuel to create tiny explosions that push a piston (or series of pistons), which in turn rotates a crankshaft. This moves a system of gears that ultimately drives the vehicle’s wheels and moves other parts of the machine, including a set of hydraulic pistons that lift and lower the fork.
Forklifts with combustion engines normally use gasoline, diesel fuel, liquified petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) in their engines. LPG is a type of natural gas, while CNG is a compressed natural gas that is commonly used in ovens and furnaces. Diesel is a denser type of gas with a higher price point but an estimated 20 percent more fuel efficiency than regular gasoline.
Combustion engine machinery is traditional, and there are plenty of reasons to choose a fuel-burning forklift for your business. Of course, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind as well.
Pros of internal combustion forklifts:
- Quick to refuel
- More often designed for outdoor work
- Consistent power levels
- Higher speeds when travelling
Cons of combustion-engine forklifts:
- Not ideal for indoor spaces because of the carbon monoxide in the fuel exhaust
- Can be noisy
- Require fuel storage
- LPG engines can be damaged if you run completely out of fuel
- Negative environmental impact
Electric-engine forklifts: Why and why not?
Electric vehicles run on battery packs, which are normally charged via electrical sockets. They can also recharge at specialised charging ports like those designed for road vehicles, so long as the proper voltage is available. The electricity used to power a vehicle battery can come from a variety of sources, including hydroelectric plants and coal-burning plants.
Electric motors work by converting primary electricity into movement, just as a combustion engine converts the force from burning fuel into movement. In this case, the electric current from the battery is run through a magnetic field, which creates a force that spins a wire coil and produces the movement required for anything from a blender to a forklift truck.
The advantages of using an electric forklift over a fuel-burning one are mostly quite obvious, but there are some benefits and drawbacks to using this type of work vehicle that you may not have considered before.
Pros of electric-engine forklifts:
- No fumes from exhaust
- No noise
- Little effect on ambient temperature, so won’t raise the temperature of your cold storage space
- No fuel cost
- No fuel storage necessary
- Running a vehicle on electricity is cheaper than running one on fuel
- Fewer moving parts that need to be maintained and replaced over time
Cons of electric-engine forklifts:
- Generally less powerful than combustion-engine models
- Higher purchase cost
- Fewer electric models designed for outdoor work
- Longer down-time while battery recharges
According to the World Industrial Vehicle Statistics Association, 2.34 million forklifts were purchased in , and 1.61 of those were electric. The trend is clearly moving towards the electric option, particularly indoors, where it’s necessary to maintain clean air for staff and other people entering the area.
One of the main concerns when operating an electric forklift is the battery power. Once your battery has drained, it will take several hours to recharge—and during that time, your machine is useless. However, you’ll find that universal battery packs work in many forklifts so that you can simply insert a pre-charged battery into the machine while the drained battery charges.
Why go electric?
Moving to electric power in place of fuel-burning engines in your forklifts and other equipment means no emissions and a much lower negative environmental impact. If you live in a region where electric power is supplied by fuel-burning power plants, then this can seem like a fallacy; however, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the case everywhere!
In fact, 60 percent of Canada’s electricity generation comes from hydropower, 5 percent from wind and a fraction of a percent comes from wind. The infrastructure is growing throughout Canada to support more electrical vehicles, and to provide more energy to those vehicles, homes and commercial properties through environmentally sustainably methods. One day, that electric car charging port that seems silly in a fossil-fuel-heavy region won’t need to convert fossil fuel to electricity.
Other considerations in choosing a forklift
It’s important to think about how a forklift will be used while making a decision about which model is the best for your needs. Forklifts, like other equipment, can underperform or suffer damage if used improperly, so for the sake of longevity and saving money on maintenance and repair costs, follow your machine’s instructions!
Take care not to use your forklift in the wrong environment. There are specially designed electric forklifts that operate better than other models in cold warehouses, as they are better protected against the cold and condensation. Other models, both electric and fuel-powered, are better designed for heavy lifting outdoors in the dirt, mud, sand and weather. You’ll also need to think about the tires on your work vehicle—will they damage the floor of your warehouse, or be unable to grip slippery mud in the yard?
There are two basic types of forklifts available: The electric stacker forklift and the construction forklift. Basically, stacker forklifts are designed to pick up and transport palettes over very short distances indoors, while construction forklifts are designed to handle very heavy palette loads and transport them over longer distances.
Checklist for choosing a forklift
To help you make a decision about which forklift you need, we’ve compiled all the information you need to keep in mind. Read through the following checklist and think carefully about each factor—from load weight to the workspace—while shopping for forklifts. Once you’ve purchased your work vehicle (or several) you’ll need to have easy access to fuel, a charging station, off-hours parking and somebody who can perform maintenance and repairs.
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Lifting Requirements
- Lift Height: Determine the required elevation for your loads. If you're dealing with trailers, consider the forklift's lowered mast height.
- Capacity: Identify the maximum weight you need to lift. Ensure your forklift can handle your heaviest loads, accounting for attachments that may reduce capacity. Common capacity ranges include:
- Less than 2,000 lbs
- 2,000 – 6,000 lbs
- 6,000 – 7,000 lbs
- 7,000 – 12,000 lbs
- 12,000 – 17,500 lbs
- 17,500+ lbs
- Load Type: Forklift capacities are based on a standard pallet size with a 24-inch load center. If you work with non-standard loads like long, wide, or irregularly shaped items, it will affect capacity. In such cases, consider specialised forklifts like 4-direction forklifts. Consult a material handling expert to determine the right capacity for your specific needs.
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Space Considerations
- Aisle and Doorway Width: Your choice of forklift should accommodate your workspace. Three-wheel and stand-up rider forklifts are suitable for narrow aisles (less than 10 ft or 10-12 feet). In some situations, narrow aisle order pickers or reach trucks might be more appropriate. Measure the narrowest spaces your equipment will navigate before purchasing. Standard forklifts are designed for areas 12 feet or wider. Reach trucks can work in a 9-foot aisle, while models designed for aisles can manage a 7-foot or narrower aisle.
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Environment and Terrain
- Indoor or Outdoor Use: The operating environment influences your choice of fuel type and tire selection. Consider whether the forklift will be used indoors, outdoors, or both.
- Concrete or Rough Terrain: Select appropriate tires based on your work surface. Cushion tires are suitable for indoor settings like warehouses and loading docks with concrete floors. Pneumatic tires are best for outdoor use, such as on asphalt, dirt, or gravel. In some cases, you can combine both types for versatility.
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Fuel Type
- Electric or Internal Combustion: Decide between electric forklifts powered by batteries and IC forklifts with traditional engines running on various fuels like CNG, diesel, gas or liquid propane. Consider emission requirements, particularly for handling food, where electric forklifts are often necessary. Many applications previously reliant on IC forklifts are discovering that electric conversions save time and money while being environmentally conscious.
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Usage Patterns
- Operational Hours: Determine how many hours per day and days per week you will use the forklift. For busy multi-shift operations, collaborating with material handling experts is advisable to analyse your application thoroughly and identify the most suitable fuel and equipment solutions.
Help us help you!
The professionals here at Starke Forklift can answer any questions you have about selecting the right machinery for the job. Just get in touch with us online or at our headquarters in Thorold, Ontario, and we’ll help you get the ball rolling!
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