Forklift Fuel Types
What's right for you and your business?
When choosing the right forklift fuel for your business, there are plenty of aspects to consider. These can include ease of use, sustainability, efficiency, cost, performance and much, much more. That’s why Locators has put together this quick and handy guide. We'll cover the basics when it comes to the different forklift fuel types available, as well as their applications and advantages. With this information, you’ll be armed with the facts you need to make the right choice for you and your business.
LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)
The popular solution.
LPG-powered forklifts are a popular solution in warehouses and the manufacturing sector. This is especially the case when equipment is expected to work over long shifts, both in and outdoors.
Speedy Refuelling
LPG forklifts take roughly five minutes to refuel. Meaning, you and your business experience less downtime unlike having to re-charge batteries.
Low Carbon Emissions
LP Gas burns cleanly with no soot and leaves very few sulphur emissions. Better yet, Toyota LPG trucks have 3-way catalysts as standard.
Powerful Performance
LPG forklifts feature remarkably responsive engines. This innovative design results in superior travel speeds, rates of acceleration, and lift speeds.
DIESEL
Known for torque and power.
Of all the forklift fuels, diesel-powered machines tend to provide the most torque and power. Especially when it comes to heavy-duty outdoor applications. Why? Simply because emissions are not considered as much of an issue outside as they are no longer in an enclosed space.
Lower Running Costs
Diesel is a far more cost-effective fuel compared to LPG.
More Torque
Diesel forklifts typically have greater torque than other fuel types.
Greater Efficiency
Due to the size of their tanks, diesel forklifts are far more fuel efficient.
Speedy Refuelling
Much like LPG forklifts, diesel forklifts take around five minutes to refuel.
LEAD-ACID TRACTION BATTERIES
Avoid unhealthy emissions.
Lead-acid is one of the fuels used in battery-powered (or electric) forklifts. They resemble a car battery and come in a case with an electrolyte, water and sulphuric acid mixture. Many internal trucks are only available as battery-powered to avoid unhealthy emissions. However, unlike the speedy refuelling times of diesel and LPG, electric forklifts can take a whopping 8-12 hours to charge.
Lower Running Costs
Electric trucks require less serviceable parts to replace and is a cheaper fuel alternative to diesel or LPG forklifts.
Easy to Operate
Unlike LPG or diesel, electric forklifts only have a brake and accelerator pedal. They also feature automatic braking.
Quiet
Unlike the gas-guzzling motors, electric trucks present a far quieter and nicer operating environment.
Low Emissions
Lead-acid batteries keep your operation cleaner. There's a reason most - if not all - indoor trucks are electric!
LITHIUM (LI-ION)
Electric power.
Lithium is used in lithium-ion batteries to power electric forklifts. Despite being a relatively new technology, (it was first introduced in the 1990s) all manufacturers now offer Li-Ion options. However, Toyota is unique in that their own batteries are built using the most efficient chemical compounds. Plus, they're designed to be repairable in the field.
Fast Charging
You can fully charge a lithium-ion battery in as little as 2 hours. Opportunity charging is part of normal operation.
Less Time & Labour
Lithium-ion batteries don’t need to be changed for multi-shift or topped up and are maintenance-free.
Better Performance
Lithium-ion batteries deliver consistent voltage. This ensures that your machine doesn’t slow down as it loses charge.
Safer & Greener
Unlike LPG or diesel motors, electric trucks do not emit CO2 gas. There’s also no risk of acid spills.
FUEL YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD
Your choice of forklift fuel can have a huge effect on the operational costs and efficiency of your business. It’s important to get it right and we can help you make this all-important decision. At Locators, we’re an industry-leading independent materials handling company. For over 35 years, our team have specialised in industrial forklifts and storage solutions.