When it comes to buying or renting an industrial forklift, you will be faced with the choice between an internal combustion engine vs an electric forklift engine. When your business depends on forklifts, it’s essential that you research your options before you go ahead with the purchase. The differences between electric and internal combustion lift trucks are plenty. Let us find out the basic distinctions that may be strong enough to influence your choice before buying the right Material handling equipment & Warehouse Equipment.
IC forklifts
ADVANTAGES
Less costly – When it comes to upfront cost, IC forklifts tend to be less expensive than electric forklifts, by up to 20 percent.
Comes with a high load carrying capacity of over 40,000 lbs – They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and tend to have a higher load capacity. This enables them to be applied to a wide range of jobs and environments without compromising their ability to operate safely. They are good for long runs, high speed, and ramps.
Can be refueled with an easily available diesel – The main benefit of an IC forklift is the ability to refuel on the fly.
DISADVANTAGES
Dissipation – The IC engine dissipates a lot of heat and carbon monoxide and hence requires good ventilation.
The maintenance cost is higher – The IC engines are constructed in such a way that they have a large number of moving parts. Hence, these forklifts require more frequent and expensive maintenance and repair.
Higher fueling cost – Over the long-term, the costs of refueling an IC forklift will be greater than recharging an electric forklift.
ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS
ADVANTAGES
- Produce zero emissions – The electric engine emits no carcinogens and carbons, which means improved operating conditions and better health for your employees.
- Reduced maintenance & repair cost– Since these machines have fewer moving parts than the IC engine, they require much less maintenance and fewer overall repairs.
- Better ergonomics– Electric engines are more efficient, smooth and clean and operator friendly as compared to IC engines, which produce not only emissions but also vibration and heat, both of which contribute to operator fatigue.
- Lower noise levels –Electric engines produce much less noise than the IC engines.
- Lower fueling cost – when used judiciously, batteries and chargers cost less and energy costs are more stable.
- Aisle width requirements are less than an IC lift truck
DISADVANTAGES
- Higher initial cost– Although electric forklifts require less maintenance cost and repair, they are more expensive than the IC forklifts.
- Limited availability over 15,000 lbs– Electric forklifts are less powerful as compared to a Heavy duty Diesel Forklift and hence can only be used for low to medium lifting applications.
- More storage space– Storing electric forklifts batteries and their charging stations require additional space in a warehouse. They can require up to 200 square feet of storage space for the forklift, the battery and so forth. In addition, they need a place where they can be recharged.
- Difficult to use outdoors– Electric forklifts can be difficult to use outside, especially when it is wet.
If you are looking to buy a reach truck, a heavy-duty diesel forklift or a very narrow aisle truck buy it from Linde MHE. Here you have multiple options suiting all your warehouse needs.