Lift trucks are nowadays commonly used for lifting anything from stock in a warehouse to people required to perform tasks at a certain level.  Warehouse staff has a wide array of lift trucks to choose from.  Modern technology allows not only for convenience and safety but also productivity in a warehousing or storage area. Procuring a suitable lift truck for a specific operation might sound easy, but there are many factors to be considered when deciding which lifting equipment is appropriate for specific tasks.  We recommend that the decision maker take the following factors into consideration about the materials being handled:

• What are the dimensions and properties of the materials that have to be lifted?
• How will the materials be stored?
• How will the materials be received and shipped?
• What is the weight of materials that have to be lifted?
• At which height must the materials be stored?

Once the properties of the materials are determined, the capabilities and options of the lifting equipment should be evaluated. As you begin to assess which power source suits your needs, it's a good idea to understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with electric and internal combustion (I.C.) engine forklifts. It's true that each one performs the same function, but the way each forklift does this and what they are capable of doing depends upon the power source. Selecting the right power source is based on a number of factors including:

• Application or usage
• Operating conditions
• Materials handled
• Fleet size
• Work cycles
• Economic/cost considerations
• Environmental factors
• Safety concerns
• Government/union regulations
• Maintenance factors

In all workplaces, government, corporate and safety regulations may dictate what type of forklift can be used. It's important to consult a material handling expert to determine if any government regulations or safety issues might apply to your operation. Below is a list of pros and cons for each truck type.

ELECTRIC

Pros

• Low operating and maintenance costs
• Generally longer life cycle
• Low operating emissions
• Quiet when operating (virtually vibration-free)
• Generally a more compact design allowing a tighter turning radius
• Low charging costs
• Programmable speeds for traveling or specific operations

Cons

• Initial purchase price higher (must purchase battery and charger)
• Not designed for harsh applications
• Designated charging area required
• Not intended for pushing loads
• Long steep ramps reduce operating times
• Requires additional batteries for extended overtime shifts
• Slower travel acceleration than I.C. truck

INTERNAL COMBUSTION

Pros

• Generally lower initial purchase price
• More suitable for outdoor or harsh conditions
• No charging room required
• Better acceleration than an electric truck
• Greater torque for ramps and grades
• Well-suited to extended overtime shifts

Cons

• Higher maintenance costs
• Higher fuel costs
• Slightly noisier with more vibration than electrics
• Not as compact as an electric truck
• I.C. engines emit some emissions and fumes
• Travel and lifting speeds cannot be pre-programmed

Common Questions

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