Forklift Fuel Types: Finding The Best Option for Your Needs
What are the forklift fuel types you can choose from?
- Electric Forklifts
- Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Forklifts
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Forklifts
- Diesel Forklifts
Because this material handling equipment provides increased productivity and efficiency in any job site, numerous companies utilize a forklift in the Philippines. For example, it has great lifting and loading capacities in tight and narrow areas in any warehouse or shipping facility. Other than that, it also has the strength to unload building materials from a delivery truck and transport it inside a construction site. That’s why if you’re planning to get these material handling devices, you need to know the forklift fuel types. Keep on reading!
Forklifts can be divided into two types according to their power source—internal combustion engine-powered forklifts or battery-operated electric forklifts. While the former has always been the primary choice when it comes to this equipment, the latter has been also becoming popular because it is a great eco-friendly solution.
Electric Forklifts
Electric forklifts are powered by batteries, which means that it doesn’t have fossil fuels that can produce exhaust emissions—making it suitable for indoor use. Because of this, the air quality inhaled by workers is also improved. As a bonus, the vehicle runs quietly and doesn’t produce noise pollution in the workplace.
Aside from that, maintenance costs are also lower because you have fewer parts to regularly service, unlike internal combustion forklifts which need frequent oil changes. But because electric forklifts are battery-operated, you need a designated area in your facility to charge them for a while. Because of that, you might have to schedule your employees’ shifts strategically or invest in additional batteries to reduce downtime.
When it comes to the cost of electric forklifts, you need to invest a higher amount of money for the batteries and chargers in the beginning. After that, you can experience savings on fuel costs in the long term, which makes it a sound choice for numerous companies.
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Forklifts
Moving on from electric forklifts, you can also choose from three types of internal combustion-powered engines. One of the energy sources you will commonly see in forklifts is LPG, which is one of the most convenient choices when it comes to refueling.
This is because Liquid Petroleum Gas tanks can be easily sourced and stored in your facility. Unlike electric-powered forklifts, these can be refueled in a few minutes because you only need to change the tanks instead of charging the battery for a few hours. For this reason, you can have multiple shifts in your operations which can increase your productivity.
Because you only need to invest in propane tanks aside from the forklift itself—which is also affordable—this makes it the most budget-friendly out of all the forklift choices. It is also quieter to operate than diesel-powered equipment and can be used in a well-ventilated space indoors. Instead, you might have to spend a bit more during maintenance and servicing compared to electric forklifts.
Compressed Natural Gas Forklifts
Compared to LPG Forklifts, equipment powered by compressed natural gas needs a designated refilling station. Because of this, you can experience less downtime in your facility as your forklifts are easily refueled in a matter of minutes. But just like LPG, CNG-powered forklifts can be used outdoors and indoors if there is excellent ventilation.
In addition to that, CNG forklifts are also a better choice if you’re concerned about the quality of the air and the risk of spills. This is because when a leak occurs, it quickly evaporates in the air. In addition to that, it also has fewer chances of igniting since it requires a higher temperature to do so.
This type of forklift also has lower maintenance costs than other internal combustion engine fuel types. With all these advantages, the only thing you need to consider is having a continuous supply of natural gas in your facility. Because of this, a hefty amount of investment may be needed for land and installation if you don’t already have a refilling station. For this reason, it is not as widely available as the other types of forklifts.
Diesel Forklifts
If you’re looking for equipment for only outdoor use, you might benefit greatly from diesel forklifts instead. This is because they provide higher run times and torque than other fuel types. Because of this, you will experience better acceleration and performance in handling heavier loads.
When it comes to maintenance, diesel forklifts have a more traditional design which makes them more convenient and simple to repair by experienced technicians. Although this can be prevented if this equipment is inspected and serviced regularly to keep them in top condition. They are also easy to refuel in a matter of minutes when you have a refilling station available.
Aside from that, diesel fuel is also more affordable than LPG and CNG. Because it provides a longer run time before it needs to be refueled again, you can benefit from more savings too. The only thing to remember with diesel forklifts is they are only suitable for outdoor use because of the exhaust emission.
Key Takeaway
Depending on the location of your facility, budget, performance requirements, and preference, the type of forklift you might need might also differ. But no matter what you choose, you can expect improved productivity and efficiency in your worksite with this versatile and convenient material handling equipment.
If you want to know the forklift fuel types available at Multico, you can send a message here! As the authorized carrier of Clark Forklift in the Philippines, you can experience the increased performance and safety features of this material handling equipment in your facility.
