Zusammenfassung
When choosing the right forklift for your company, you're probably wondering whether a diesel or electric forklift is better suited. Both drive types offer specific advantages that can be crucial depending on the application . Diesel forklifts, equipped with robust combustion engines, are particularly well-suited for outdoor use and lifting heavy loads. Electric forklifts, on the other hand, impress with their low operating costs and emission-free operation in enclosed spaces.
In this article, we'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both forklift types in detail and show you in which situations an electric motor or a combustion engine is the better choice. We'll also examine the purchase, maintenance, and lifetime costs to help you make an informed decision.
diesel forklifts
Advantages of diesel forklifts
Diesel forklifts are particularly robust and powerful , making them the first choice for outdoor use. Thanks to their powerful combustion engines, they can easily lift heavy loads and operate continuously for extended periods. Diesel engines offer a long service life and are less prone to downtime , making them ideal for intensive use on construction sites or in large warehouses.
A clear advantage of this type of drive is the independence from charging stations, as diesel forklifts can be powered by fuel. This makes them particularly suitable for areas with limited power supplies or uneven terrain, where a mobile fuel supply is easily implemented.
Disadvantages of diesel forklifts
A disadvantage of diesel forklifts is their higher initial cost and the tendency for them to require more maintenance than electric forklifts. Diesel engines require regular maintenance and filter changes, which incur additional costs and operating overhead.
In addition, exhaust emissions make their use in enclosed spaces difficult. These emissions require good ventilation of the work site and may be restricted by law in certain work areas. Furthermore, diesel forklifts generate higher noise levels, making them less suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Areas of application for diesel forklifts
Diesel-powered forklifts are ideal for use on construction sites, in ports, or in large outdoor areas, where they excel in handling heavy loads. Thanks to their high performance, they are also well-suited for difficult ground conditions. While electric forklifts are more commonly used in enclosed spaces and for indoor operations, diesel forklifts are preferred where large loads need to be moved over long distances. Their exhaust fumes and noise levels make them less suitable for use in enclosed areas, where emission-free solutions such as electric forklifts or gas-powered forklifts would be a better choice.
Electric forklifts
Advantages of electric forklifts
Electric forklifts offer many advantages, primarily thanks to their emission-free operation and low noise levels. These characteristics make them ideal for use in enclosed spaces and in-plant environments where clean air and low noise levels are important. Electric forklifts operate without an internal combustion engine and are powered by batteries, reducing maintenance costs and increasing operating efficiency.
Additionally, the initial purchase price is often lower than that of diesel forklifts, especially for used models. The lower operating costs make electric forklifts a cost-effective long-term choice for many businesses.
Disadvantages of electric forklifts
A disadvantage of electric forklifts is the need for a charging station and the limited operating time per battery charge. This requires careful planning of operating hours and a suitable charging infrastructure to avoid unnecessary downtime.
In addition, forklift batteries lose capacity over time, which shortens their service life and requires more frequent charging cycles. This can significantly impact efficiency, especially with older batteries, as forklifts lose power sooner and are no longer able to last full shifts.
Regular battery replacement is necessary, requiring additional resources and maintenance. Companies should therefore consider whether the benefits of low operating costs outweigh the long-term limitations of limited operating time, charging requirements, and the natural loss of battery capacity.
Tip: Instead of a new forklift battery, you can also use a used forklift battery .
Areas of application for electric forklifts
Electric forklifts are particularly suitable for in-house use in warehouses, production facilities, and other enclosed spaces where low emissions and low noise levels are crucial. They are the first choice for handling goods in sensitive environments such as food warehouses or pharmaceutical companies, where freedom from pollutants is a must. Thanks to advanced lithium-ion batteries, modern electric forklifts can be used around the clock, provided a charging station is available. Their compact design also offers advantages over combustion-engine forklifts in confined work areas. In terms of environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, electric forklifts represent a future-proof option, especially for companies looking to reduce their operating costs while operating sustainably.
The alternative: LPG forklifts
LPG forklifts represent a flexible alternative to diesel and electric forklifts. These internal combustion engine forklifts offer the advantage of low-emission operation and are suitable for both outdoor and certain indoor applications. Thanks to their gas propulsion and lower emissions, they can be used in enclosed spaces, provided adequate ventilation is provided. Compared to diesel forklifts, LPG forklifts are often more compact and have lower wear, making them easier to maintain.
Another advantage is the easy refueling with gas cylinders, making these forklifts ready for use around the clock without the need for a charging station like electric forklifts. These forklifts offer the perfect balance between the advantages of electric and combustion-engine-powered industrial trucks, especially for companies that need to work both indoors and outdoors and require the flexibility of a gas forklift.
Decision-making aid: electric or diesel
The choice between electric and diesel forklifts depends largely on your specific requirements. Electric forklifts are ideal for indoor use, where zero emissions and soot-free operation are crucial. They are particularly compact and ideal for tight spaces, but they require a charging station and must be recharged after a certain period of use. Diesel-powered forklifts, on the other hand, offer high performance thanks to their powerful combustion engines and are ideal for outdoor use and lifting heavy loads. They do not require a charging cycle and are ready for use at any time thanks to refueling. However, they require more maintenance and produce higher emissions.
If you're still unsure which industrial trucks are best suited to your needs, we'd be happy to advise you. At BIBERGER , you can rent both electric and combustion-engine-powered forklifts to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
Do you have further questions about the forklift drive or other topics such as load diagrams or floor conditions?
Contact us.
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