Whether you’re looking to expand your business fleet of forklifts or are just getting started with your first truck, the number of decisions involved in selecting a new or used forklift can be overwhelming. Between electric forklifts, internal combustion lifts (or even the relatively new-to-market hybrid lifts) choosing the right equipment for your warehouse or loading dock is essential.
A big consideration for your purchase is the upfront cost, of course. But don’t forget to consider the long term cost to operate your forklift. Typically you’re biggest expense in this category is going to be costs for fueling your lifts.
And that’s where diesel forklifts come in. They have some of the cheapest operating costs and fuel costs among internal combustion forklifts, and can out-power and out-lift your average electric forklift.
Like all lift varieties, there are plenty of pros and cons associated with diesel forklifts. In the interest of helping you cut through the confusion, here’s a brief buying guide for diesel forklifts — what you need to know, potential pitfalls, and how to prep for your purchase.
The Good
Probably the biggest advantage with diesel forklifts is their low cost to operate. Diesel is typically the cheapest fuel option for internal combustion lifts. While electric lifts will be cheaper in the long run, they aren’t necessarily cut out for outdoor environments.
Another huge plus that diesel forklifts share with other IC lifts is how quick they are to refuel. The high-capacity batteries in electric forklifts can take several hours to recharge, and take just as long to ‘cool down’. Diesel lifts can simply be refuel on-site, and are ready to go immediately.
Even compared to other IC engines styles such as propane, diesel boasts plenty of advantages. As their fuel system is internalized (as compared to propane’s external, rear-mounted tank), they are generally a bit less bulky and easier to maneuver. Plus, general engine maintenance for diesel is usually lower than propane, and they will usually last significantly longer than a comparable propane forklift.
The Not-So-Good
While diesel can be a great choice for an outdoor environment, they can’t easily be used indoors. Their emissions can cause a hazard if not ventilated properly in an indoor warehouse, and they are significantly louder to operate than emission-free electrics.
While their fuel costs are lower than propane, for quick refueling on-site you’ll probably need to install a secondary storage tank and pump at your warehouse. They also will often have a higher up-front price tag compared to other IC lift trucks, but a long term purchase can help to offset these costs thanks to the fuel savings.
If you’re ready to purchase a new fleet of forklifts for your business, diesel can be a fantastic choice, and knowing the pros and cons can help you make the best decision for your business.
