Electric Forklift or Internal Combustion Forklift?

A question that is being asked more often today is whether an operation should use an electric forklift or an internal combustion engine forklift (IC forklifts).  Many forklift manufacturers are emphasizing the benefits of electric forklifts; but is an electric forklift right for you?

Electric lift trucks have been around for a long time.  Some of the earliest lifting machines were battery powered lift tables that helped load rail cars in the early 1900s.  The variation and configuration of electric lift trucks has changed considerably over the years but the main idea of using a powerful, yet small, electric motor is still the same.

Internal combustion engine sit down rider forklifts are very popular as well.  Many businesses use IC forklifts for their reliability, ease of use, and for familiarity with components. Most forklift manufacturers offer a wide variety of internal combustion forklifts that can be used inside and outside for any number of lifting and stacking tasks.

While there are some forklifts that must unavoidably be powered by electricity, such as a narrow aisle reach truck, there are instances when an electric or IC forklift can do the same job.  One example is a machine shop that moves machines or parts.  When an electric or IC forklift will complete a task the same way, how do you decide which is right for you?

Here is a list of some of the advantages and disadvantages of a standard capacity (2200kg or 5000lbs) IC forklift and electric forklift.

IC Forklift – Advantages

• Advanced electrical knowledge not necessary.  Knowledge of IC engines is more common than knowledge of electric motors and systems
• Refueling is as easy as changing a tank, or adding more gasoline or petrol, or diesel.
• No need to buy a battery charger
• Initial price tag typically lower

IC Forklift – Disadvantages

• More moving parts to maintain
• Machine can only be used as long as the engine is good. Replacing an engine is usually cost prohibitive.
• Carbon emissions
• Driver experiences more vibration from the engine
• Driver experiences more noise from the engine

Electric Forklift – -Advantages

• Typically lower lifetime maintenance costs.
• Lower lifetime fuel costs
• Quieter operation with less pollution
• Less vibration
• Machine is still good even if the battery needs to be replaced.

Electric Forklift – Disadvantages

• Can be complicated to repair on your own
• Battery run time decreases over time.  Battery eventually becomes junk and replacement cost is high.
• Changing batteries takes longer than changing LP tanks or refueling
• Initial price tag typically higher
• Must purchase a battery charger

After considering the list of advantages and disadvantages for each forklift you will also want to consider how much you will be using your forklift.  The reason you do this is to determine if you can spread the higher cost of a new electric forklift over all of the loads you will pick up with the machine.  This is like asking yourself if buying an expensive boat or a second home on the lake will get all the use you think it will.

If you only have one forklift at your operation and you use it only a few times per week, then you might not experience a cost savings from buying an electric forklift.  You won’t be handling enough loads to justify the higher initial cost of the electric forklift.  Furthermore, forklift batteries perform better and last longer when they are used more often and regularly maintained.

Now if your operation uses a dozen machines for two or three shifts per day, then you could easily see a cost savings from switching to a fleet of electric forklifts.

There are other considerations when choosing between an electric forklift and an IC forklift such as travel speed, precise handling, and the work environment.  For example, if you are handling food or explosive or flammable materials, then you may only be able to use an electric forklift.  On the other hand, you might be working in an outdoor environment that does not have access to a battery charger, then you may have to use an IC forklift.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when purchasing a forklift.  You don’t want to take the decision lightly so the best thing you can do is ask your dealer representative for help.  Your dealership has been helping customers pick the right forklift for years, and will be experts at helping you uncover the best option for your operation.

Author: Andrew Guild

Email: aguild@nationalwarehouse.com

www.nationalwarehouse.com/blog

Andrew Guild is the sales manager for National Warehouse Equipment, a supplier of used forklifts in North America.

This article was written on behalf of East Midlands Forklifts.

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