One of the most commonly asked material handling questions today is, “Should I use electric or internal combustion (IC) forklift trucks?” Selecting the ideal forklift for your application can save your business time and money. Because work environments and applications can vary significantly, it is extremely important to talk about your specific operation before making a final decision.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION FORKLIFTS

APPLICATIONS

Internal Combustion (IC) forklift trucks are ideal for outdoor use, but if fueled by propane, they can be used both indoors and outdoors.

ADVANTAGES

• Lower initial cost
• Better for long runs, high speed and ramps
• Capacity of over 35,000 lbs.
• Easy to refuel

DISADVANTAGES 

• Indoor use requires good ventilation
• Higher maintenance
• Higher fueling cost

REFUELING

The main benefit of an IC forklift is the ability to refuel on the fly; simply load a new LP tank or refill gas or diesel at an OSHA-approved refueling station and your forklift is ready to continue working. The downside is that in some applications, you may be required to refuel during a shift.

MAINTENANCE COST

Maintenance costs can vary greatly for IC forklifts. IC lift trucks require regular engine maintenance and inspections to support lower long-term repairs and maintenance costs.

PERFORMANCE

IC forklifts tend to be utilized in heavier-duty applications, such as brick and lumber yards, where larger capacity and performance is required to move the application’s loads. Electric lift trucks have traditionally been offered in lower capacities, however advances in electric lift truck designs are now allowing them to be utilized in more outdoor applications than the past.

 

ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS

APPLICATIONS

Electric forklift trucks are ideal for working indoors due to their low emissions. However, those with sealed components, including motors, controllers and connectors, can also be operated outdoors.

ADVANTAGES

• Produce zero emissions
• Reduced maintenance cost
• Longer economic life
• Lower noise levels
• Lower fueling cost
• Aisle width requirements are less than an IC lift truck

DISADVANTAGES

• Higher initial cost
• Limited availability over 15,000 lbs
• Need for battery changing station
• Need for battery maintenance training

RECHARGING

The biggest consideration of an electric forklift is the recharging process. A typical battery for an electric forklift will take 8 hours to recharge completely and then an additional 8 hours to cool down before it should be used. For example, a single charge could last from 3 to 12 hours depending on the application and other factors. Depending on the make and model of your forklift, you may need to purchase additional batteries if your operation has multiple shifts.  Proper maintenance and the general condition of your batteries can also impact battery life.

Energy efficiency is a key factor to consider when selecting an electric lift truck. Run times are critical to productivity for your operation. Qualifying models are guaranteed to run 2 Shifts on 1 Battery charge, helping you to move more product, save valuable time and spend less on batteries and chargers for your fleet.

FUEL COST

Electric lift trucks operate on battery power, resulting in significant fuel cost savings over time.

MAINTENANCE COST

Maintenance costs on an electric forklift in terms of material and labour is often lower due to less moving parts, requiring less overall maintenance.

LEARN MORE

Still deciding between electric and internal combustion forklifts? Contact your local forklift dealer to learn more about our specific lift truck models and to receive guidance on electric and IC forklifts that are best suited for your application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IC & ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS

WHAT KIND OF FUEL DOES A FORKLIFT USE?

An internal combustion forklift can use a variety of different fuel types. The most commonly used fuel types for an IC forklift are:

• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
• Diesel
• Gasoline
• Liquid Petroleum (LP) Gas