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ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS VERSUS INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FORKLIFTS - WHICH IS BETTER?

Electric forklifts and internal combustion engine forklifts are both necessary for goods handling in the warehouse. To answer which type of truck is better, you need to determine how that type of truck fits your actual needs. Through a comparison of cost, performance, safety... in detail for each item, let's clarify with Yale Forklifts Vietnam in the article below.

 

Table of contents:

1. Suitable business fields for electric forklifts and diesel/gasoline/gas forklifts

2. Comparison between electric forklifts and diesel/gasoline/gas forklifts

2.1. Investment cost and operation cost

2.2. Repair and maintenance requirement

2.3. Working environment diversity

2.4. Capacity and working time

2.5. Emission level 

2.6. Safety operation


 

1. Suitable business fields for electric forklifts and diesel/gasoline/gas forklifts

 

Yale Forklifts brand’s diesel forklift

Yale Forklifts brand’s diesel forklift

 

Diesel/gasoline/gas forklifts are often used for businesses that require heavy goods transportation, often working outdoors. Very common in below fields,  such as:

- Agriculture

- Construction materials

- Freight and logistics

- Woods manufacturers

- Raw materials 

- …

 

If forklifts with internal combustion engines produce emissions when operating, then electric forklifts are designed to solve this problem. Therefore, electric forklifts are suitable for working inside warehouses, requiring emission safety, narrow aisles, moving goods on high shelves like in the below industries:

- Retail

- Medical equipment & pharmaceuticals

- Foods and Beverages

- Cold storage

- …



 

2. Comparison between electric forklifts and diesel/gasoline/gas forklifts

Next, let's compare some aspects between these two trucks so businesses could consider whether electric forklifts or diesel / gas / petrol forklifts will be more worth the investment?

2.1. Investment cost and operation cost

Yale electric forklifts can be used inside warehouse (no emission)
 

Electric forklifts have a higher investment cost. Since businesses have to pay for the cost of batteries. In addition, the investment cost also includes the charging system for the battery. 

However, businesses need to depend on the type of goods, products, requirements and purposes of use to be able to choose a compatible truck.

2.2. Repair and maintenance requirement

An outstanding advantage of electric forklifts is that there are fewer parts and details compared to diesel / gas / gasoline forklifts. Thanks to that, repair and maintenance is also simpler. Meanwhile, forklifts with internal combustion engines need regular maintenance such as greasing, adjusting the engine, cleaning filters, coolers, etc. 

Maintenance is required with most equipment. However, in terms of resources, time and cost for truck maintenance, businesses will have more information to consider which truck to choose.

2.3. Working environment diversity

Yale Forklifts with internal combustion engines suitable for a wide range of working conditions

Yale Forklifts with internal combustion engines suitable for a wide range of working conditions

 

In terms of diverse working environments, internal combustion forklift trucks prevail. Although the working process produces emissions and is less recommended in some fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc. But when necessary, diesel/gas/gasoline forklift can still operate both indoors and outdoors.

Meanwhile, electric forklifts are not suitable for working outdoors or in wet conditions. In return, the truck will be a flexible choice in cold storage - where internal combustion forklift trucks cannot even start the engine.

2.4. Capacity and working time

Speaking of working time, internal combustion forklift trucks will prevail. As long as the engine is in good condition, just need to fill it up with gasoline/gas/oil and the truck can continue to operate. Meanwhile, electric forklifts usually work up to 8 hours (based on the battery capacity). After that, the battery will need time to recharge.

On the other hand, diesel / gas / gasoline forklifts are also optimal in rough terrain, with high slopes, providing higher performance than electric forklifts.

2.5. Emission level 

Because no fuel is burned to generate energy, electric forklifts produce almost no emissions when operating. This advantage also brings safety to the driver and the people around. 

Meanwhile, an internal combustion engine forklift will emit a certain amount of emissions. If in an enclosed space, the standards of occupational safety are not guaranteed, it will affect the driver and the operation process. In addition, this amount of emissions also cause an impact on the environment.

2.6. Safety operation

Not only Yale forklifts but most electric forklifts are only safe when the operator knows how to use and maintain the truck properly. For example, it is necessary to pay attention to safety when removing the battery, safe when charging the battery, etc.

Diesel/gas/gasoline forklifts also have potential risks related to fire and explosion. Or the fuel leak that can affect the operator's health after a long time of use.

 

Above, Yale Forklifts Vietnam has made comparisons between electric forklifts and internal combustion engine forklifts. Thereby, it can be seen that it is difficult to evaluate whether an electric forklift is better or an internal combustion engine forklift is better, but which forklift is more suitable for your business's operating needs. To choose the most suitable forklift, your business needs to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each type with the actual needs of your business.

We hope that the above information has helped you to imagine somewhat about the type of forklift that is right for your business’s needs. Need more information to choose the right forklift for your needs, please contact hotline 0896.461.728 to receive the fastest advice from Yale Forklifts Vietnam on the type of Yale forklift that suitable for you business, about electric forklift rental - new forklift purchase - forklift maintenance service.

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