Whether you are thinking of expanding your business fleet of forklifts or if you are just starting with your first lift truck, the number of decisions that go into selecting a used or new forklift can be overwhelming. There are various options like for example electric units, internal combustion or IC engines or the newest hybrid lifts. Taking time to know your needs and get what you want out of your equipment so as to facilitate loading and unloading applications for your dock or warehouse is really important.
The upfront expenses are of course a key consideration when making a huge purchase. The long term operating costs of the lift truck also need to be considered. Like for instance, bear in mind that your biggest cost in this category is going to be the fueling expenses associated with using your lift truck.
Among the current internal combustion forklifts on the market today, the diesel model tends to offer some of the least expensive operating and fuel costs. These kinds of forklifts can easily out-lift and out-power your average electric forklift.
There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with diesel forklifts just as there are with all lift truck units. The following is a brief buying guide for diesel forklift units in order to help you cut through the confusion and help determine the model best for your needs. If you know about the potential pitfalls, you will be ready to make an educated purchase.
The low operating expenses of the diesel lift truck is probably their biggest benefit. The diesel model is normally the cheapest option for fuel for IC lifts. Even if electric lifts are less expensive in the long run, they don't necessarily work the best for outdoor applications.
On the other hand, though diesel lift trucks are great for outdoor use, they can't be used properly indoors. The emissions from a diesel units could be really dangerous if not ventilated correctly in an indoor warehouse. Moreover, diesel forklifts are significantly louder compared to their emission-free electric counterparts.