Whether you are thinking of expanding your business fleet of lift trucks or if you are just beginning with your very first lift truck, the number of decisions that go into selecting a used or brand new forklift could be overwhelming. There is such a huge variety of choices such as electric models, IC or internal combustion engines or the newest hybrid lifts. Making time to review all your needs and get what you want out of your machinery in order to facilitate loading and unloading applications for your dock or warehouse is important.
The upfront costs are of course a major consideration when making a big purchase. The long term operating costs of the forklift also need to be considered. For example, bear in mind that your biggest expense in this category is going to be the fueling costs associated with running your lift truck.
Diesel forklifts offer some of the cheapest fuel and operating expenses amongst IC lift trucks on the market. These forklifts could out-lift and out-power your typical electric lift truck easily.
There are numerous advantages and disadvantages associated with diesel lift trucks just like there are with all forklift units. The following is a brief guide for purchasing diesel forklift units in order to help you cut through the confusion and help determine the model best for your needs. By knowing about the potential pitfalls, you will be ready to make an educated purchase.
More than likely the largest advantage enjoyed with diesel forklifts is their low operating cost. Typically, diesel is the cheapest fuel option for internal combustion lifts. Though 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 forklifts are great for outdoor applications, they can't be utilized correctly indoors. The emissions from a diesel units could be dangerous if not properly ventilated in an indoor warehouse. Moreover, diesel forklifts are a lot louder compared to their emission-free electric counterparts.