Electric or combustion forklift?

Forklifts are the basic equipment of warehouses, logistics and reloading centers, as well as production plants. Thanks to them, close transport and lifting of heavy loads are carried out efficiently and safely. Are you thinking about leaseing or purchasing an additional vehicle and are not sure whether to choose an internal combustion forklift or an electric forklift? Here is a comparison of these devices.

 

What types of forklifts are there?

Forklifts are such a common element of factory and warehouse equipment that it is difficult to imagine functioning without them. However, in order for the device to fulfill its role well and have a real impact on the improvement of work, it is important to select its appropriate type.

These material handling vehicles can be classified based on several criteria. We can talk about, for example, differences in construction - side trucks, front lift trucks, those with an internal mast, gantry trucks or specialized trucks work diffeleasely. But the key difference is the type of drive used in the stroller. The two most important and popular types of vehicles according to this criterion are internal combustion and electric forklifts. 

How do they differ? First of all, the way of power supply. The electric forklift is equipped with a special battery, and the combustion forklift needs gasoline or oil fuelso that he can move. It may also be LPG gas. This difference has significant consequences - both for efficiency and work safety and for the range of applications. Therefore, it is worth knowing the properties of both types of vehicles before making the final decision.

 

Petrol or electric wheelchair? Comparison

If you want to decide whether your company will use a battery-powered forklift or one powered by an internal combustion engine, you need to know what the practical impact of the differences in the power supply method is. It is worth looking at this issue from several aspects: place of use, noise generated, device efficiency, lifting capacity, and price. Let's discuss all these issues.

 

Can the combustion trolley be used inside the hall?

The issue of where to use the material handling vehicle is crucial. Why? Because A combustion truck, as the name suggests... emits exhaust gases. Yes, in recent years, manufacturers have released fuel-powered devices equipped with filters that absorb a large part of harmful substances. But still Internal combustion forklifts will not be the best choice for small, closed halls. They can be used in semi-open spaces and, above all, in uncovered areas - this is where they will perform best.

Unlike the combustion engine, an electric forklift is a great choice for closed spaces. The engine of such a device does not emit exhaust gases, so its use, even in small spaces where many people work, does not pose a threat.

Battery vs. combustion forklift – acoustics

Electric forklifts run quieter than combustion ones. Therefore, their use in places where a large number of people work - e.g. in a logistics center - may be a more reasonable solution. There is then no need to use additional personal protective equipment against excessive noise.

What are the differences between combustion and electric forklifts? Even that approx. 20-30 dB difference. For example, a standard electric cart will emit noise of approximately 70-75 dB, which is equivalent to the noise level of a crowded restaurant. 

However, the sound intensity generated by a combustion forklift can reach almost 100 dB - this is also the noise level of a chain saw. Of course, it is worth remembering that these maximum values ​​apply to the most powerful machines, with very heavy loads - A truck with an LPG installation will generate slightly less noise. However, this is another factor in favor of using combustion forklifts only outside buildings.

 

Efficiency of an electric forklift vs. efficiency of a combustion forklift

The term "efficiency" can be applied to many operating parameters of material handling equipment, but the most important is how much the device can work at once. You have to take this into account the electric motor for a forklift is powered by a battery, usually lithium-ion. It works on a similar principle to a phone battery - it needs to be charged. The time needed to replenish energy is usually 8-12 hours, and a single charge is enough for a day of intense work (although it all depends on the capacity of the battery, its technical condition and the power needed to power a specific vehicle). 

In the case of a combustion truck, there is no need to replace the battery or charge it - just ensure the appropriate level of fuel in the tank or replacing the gas cylinder with a new one. Then the device can work for long hours. 

 

Forklift capacity and power supply type

Does the lifting capacity of a forklift depend on the device's power supply type? Yes. Internal combustion forklifts have much greater capabilities in this respect - they can lift up to 20 tons. Electric wheelchairs have a lower lifting capacity - most often a maximum of several tons. So again, it all depends on how you use the vehicle.

 

Internal combustion forklift vs. electric forklift – price 

Internal combustion forklifts are usually slightly cheaper than internal combustion ones, although the differences between vehicles with similar parameters are small. To find out what the specific leaseal and purchase costs are, it is worth comparing specific models.

So what is better: a combustion or electric wheelchair? There is no single answer to this question. It all depends on your needs. Therefore, if you need a wheelchair, use the help of our advisors. We will analyze your expectations and indicate the best solution.