The number of choices that has to be made when selecting a new or used forklift can really be overwhelming, regardless if you are thinking of expanding your business fleet of lift trucks or if you are starting with your first lift truck. There is such a wide array of choices like internal combustion or IC engines, electric units or the newest hybrid lifts. Making time to review all your needs and get what you would like out of your machinery so as to facilitate unloading and loading applications for your warehouse or dock is vital.
Of course a huge consideration as with the majority of big purchases is the upfront cost. Be sure to think about the long term expense associated with utilizing your forklift. Like for example, take note that your biggest cost in this category is going to be the fueling expenses associated with using your lift truck.
Diesel lift trucks provide some of the least expensive fuel and operating costs amongst IC lift trucks available on the market. These types of forklifts could easily out-lift and out-power your typical electric lift truck.
There are many pros and cons associated with diesel forklifts just as there are with all lift truck varieties. The following is a brief buying guide for diesel lift truck models in order to help determine the model best for your requirements and help you cut through the confusion. If you know about the potential pitfalls, you would be ready to make an educated purchase.
The low operating costs of the diesel forklift is probably their biggest advantage. The diesel unit is usually the cheapest choice for fuel for IC lifts. Though electric lifts are less costly in the long run, they don't necessarily work the best outdoors.
On the other hand, though diesel lift trucks are great for outdoor applications, they can't be used properly indoors. The emissions from a diesel model could be vary hazardous if not ventilated correctly in an indoor warehouse. Furthermore, diesel forklifts are significantly louder than their emission-free electric counterparts.