What Are The Different Forklift Power Types? | East Midlands Forklifts
Free Quote
East Midlands Forklifts Logo

What Are The Different Forklift Power Types?

There are three forklift power types: electric, petrol and diesel. Which one you should use will depend on the application, run-time requirements, number of shifts and environment of your company. Understanding the differences between the different power types, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, will help you to determine which one to use in a particular situation.

What are the different forklift power types

In this article, you’ll discover the pros and cons of each forklift power type.

Electric forklifts

Electric forklifts are quick and easy to manoeuvre and are typically used indoors. 

Advantages:

  • Environmentally friendly — electric forklifts don’t emit any greenhouse gases
  • Quieter than LP or diesel-fueled forklifts
  • Cheaper to maintain
  • Better capacity and stability
  • Lightweight and concentrated mass of battery for easy manoeuvrability
  • Fewer waste fluids

Disadvantages:

  • Weaker performance in cold/wet applications
  • Forgetting to charge the battery may lead to significant productivity loss
  • You must have a suitable electrical outlet that can meet the voltage requirement

Gas forklifts

Gas forklifts are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making them ideal for businesses that require versatility. 

Advantages:

  • Limited downtime
  • Quieter and more environmentally friendly than diesel forklifts
  • Great acceleration, travel and lift speeds

Disadvantages:

  • Rear view visibility is hampered due to placement of the propane tank
  • Higher fuel costs
  • Freezing temperatures could cause reliability issues
  • Maintenance costs are higher than electric forklifts

Diesel forklifts

Diesel forklifts are built to withstand some of the toughest conditions, making them suitable for use on rough terrain and inclement weather.

Advantages:

  • Durable for outdoor applications
  • Powerful for better acceleration and increased speed lifts
  • Can perform well on hills
  • Long engine life

Disadvantages:

  • Unsuitable for indoor use
  • Noisy
  • Produce harmful carbon emissions

A East Midlands Forklifts, we supply all types of forklifts to customers across the East Midlands. No matter the application, we have a forklift to help. You can either buy our forklifts outright or higher them for short or long-term use. We also supply forklift parts and provide a full maintenance service to reduce downtime. Turnarounds are quick and we even offer on-site surveys should you require it.

Contact our team today to find out how we could help your business.

Get Your Free Quote

Complete the form below for a free quote or, for the fastest response, call FREE on 0800 998 1218

Which forklift type are you interested in?

Please fill in all required fields

Do you want to hire or buy forklifts?

Please fill in all required fields

Are you interested in new or used forklifts?

Please fill in all required fields

Any other requirements?

Please fill in all required fields

So that we can reach you, please leave our team some simple details.

Don't worry, this won't be used to flood you with spam.

Back
Top

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver personalised ads. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

More Information Accept