Investing in a forklift fleet is no simple method. With the comprehensive and ever-increasing volume of forklift trucks, how can you know which ones are the exemplary option for you?
You will probably find yourself querying key elements such as the vehicle's situation- is it used, new, or renovated, and evaluating whether you want to buy, rent, or hire. But there are other, very significant factors to take into account, namely, do you prefer an electric forklift or an internal combustion (IC) Engine?
In this report, we’re going to examine these two primary options and how they perform in terms of sustainability, cost, downtime, size, comfort, and noise pollution. This straightforward comparison will help you to achieve a deeper insight into the benefits and disadvantages of each forklift truck and determine which is the most suitable option for your material handling operations.
Electric vs. IC engines: 6 key concerns
1. Sustainability
As the UK government has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, many companies want to guarantee that their operational strategies are as bearable and environmentally friendly as possible.
Electric: these vehicles have 0 carbon emissions, meaning they function to reduce your carbon footprint and offer a cleaner, safer working atmosphere for forklift operators and those around them.
IC engine: These trucks use a combination of fossil fuels, including diesel and LPG (liquid petroleum gas) for power, making them less environmentally pleasant than electric vehicles. Because of this, IC engines are evolving more strictly controlled.
Whilst sustainability is a hugely significant factor to consider, not just for the health of the environment, but also for the health and protection of your workforce, other factors may contribute to your decision-making procedure.
2. COST
The price of a forklift truck is an essential consideration, especially when purchasing, renting, or hiring a full fleet.
Electric: The initial investment cost is commonly more expensive compared to IC engine ideals. Nevertheless, other aspects make electric forklifts less costly over the life of the truck. With more occasional moving regions, electric vehicles usually need less maintenance and fewer rehabilitation than those with IC engines. This has the cost advantage of less money lost through decreased productivity due to the truck being out of commission.
IC engine: Typically, the purchase price for an IC forklift is lower than an electric forklift, and that can make it an attractive, cost-effective choice if you’re on a more consolidated budget or only using the truck sporadically. For trucks in everyday use, an expansion in maintenance costs should be factored in, and day-to-day fuel expenses and type (diesel or LPG) will need to be assessed— for example, diesel costs in the UK have risen especially since the end of the red diesel subsidy in 2022.
3. DOWNTIME
Electric: This gear uses a battery to power the entire procedure. The battery can last anywhere up to a double shift, depending on its condition and how well the truck is maintained. Nevertheless, once the battery is depleted, it requires charging, which can take around 8 hours – if it is to be reformed to its full capacity. During this period, the truck is stationary and cannot be employed, so it’s a good idea to always have an extra, fully charged battery on hand as a substitute.
Of course, you then have to account for the duration taken to switch the batteries, albeit a small portion of time. Ideally, method information and battery change activity should be delivered to forklift operators, both of which are supplied by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks.
IC engine: For internal combustion engines, refuelling is straightforward, assuming less than 5 minutes. Further, one LPG tank can last the whole of an 8-hour shift. This implies you can get back to moving more materials much faster than you can with an electric counterbalance. Nonetheless, there is more time needed for a service of this kind of tool, due to the spirit of the motive power.
4. AVAILABILITY
Whether you’re performing in a compact warehouse, an obstacle-laden building area, or an extensive shipyard, the truck’s size will be a key characteristic to consider.
Electric: The truck chassis acquires stability by weighing the battery low in the chassis. They are more compact than IC engines, providing a smaller turning radius and more useful residual capacity. This makes it straightforward to manoeuvre both in a warehouse background and when cross-docking or unloading, for example. Electric forklifts are favorably suited to indoor use, nonetheless, they are prepared for outdoor operations, too.
IC engine: due to the current demand, IC engines are agreeably fitted to the highest capacities needed – 5.5 tonnes and above. Technology is transforming rapidly, and the weights lifted by electric trucks will grow over the next couple of years. IC engines are well-suited to work in severe environments, including intense heat and cold.
Whether you’re operating in a tight warehouse, an obstacle-laden building site, or an extensive shipyard, the truck’s size will be a key factor to consider.
5. COMFORT
The comfort of operators is a meaningful factor in the decision-making method. If you enjoy working with a happy, effective team, facilitating relaxed working conditions is critical.
Electric: Electric forklifts typically have operator-friendly components, such as progressive ergonomic steering wheels and hydraulic management, making them more efficient and smoother to work with. They also make fewer vibrations and noise, making them a lot easier for drivers – this is essential as some operators spend a whole working day on a forklift. A significant ergonomic approach works to control RSI (repetitive strain injury) and, thus, long-term damages, which enhances comfort and also helps your staff take less time off suffering, reducing your total cost of operation (TCO). Further, the lower stage makes this more comfortable for the driver to access.
IC engine: The driver encounters additional vibration and noise, which can lead to uneasiness and exhaustion.
6. NOISE POLLUTION
Forklifts can cause a lot of noise, and long-term exposure to increased noise can cause health issues. Some assignment zones can be noise-sensitive, and the combined noise of diverse working forklifts in an enclosed atmosphere could contribute.
Electric: AC (alternating current) motors create less noise than an internal combustion engine. Noise can be a problem, but it's also a safety matter when you have numerous devices and pedestrians moving around you.
IC engine: If noise level is a concern, then IC engines may not be the correct option for you. That being said, the noise of these forklifts serves to caution pedestrians of their presence, which can be seen as a blessing.