Guide to Purchasing Diesel Forklifts

Forklifts are essential pieces of equipment to help lift and move heavy loads. Before purchasing a forklift, it is important to understand the differences in gas and model types to know what is right for your specific needs. 

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Fuel type is one of the most significant specifications to consider when selecting a forklift. Diesel models offer a range of benefits that may make these models the best options for your applications. With this guide, you can understand the benefits and challenges of this equipment to make an informed purchase decision.

Advantages of Diesel Forklifts

Explore the benefits of diesel to determine whether this type of forklift is right for your job site.

High Power & More Loading Capacity

Diesel-powered equipment is known for its high-performance capabilities. Diesel forklifts have more drive line torque than propane or electric models at a given RPM. When you have heavy-duty jobs, diesel models are likely the best option.

Suited for Outdoor Use

The diesel model&#;s higher drive line torque allows diesel engines to work harder and contributes to better performance when working on outdoor job sites. While propane models can also operate outdoors, diesel forklifts are a highly popular choice because they can easily handle rugged terrain. These models can also work in wet or damp conditions.

Easy Refueling & Less Downtime

Compared to electric models, diesel forklifts are quick and easy to refuel. If you run out of fuel on the job site, you can refill the tank and return to your task. There is no wait time to recharge a battery. Easy refueling reduces your downtime and makes it easier to navigate if you have a multiple shift operation.

Better Visibility

Diesel forklifts do not have a tank on the back like propane models, allowing your operators to have greater visibility. Rear visibility is essential when navigating crowded work sites. If your team frequently operates on busy grounds, this extra safety feature can be a significant benefit.

Longevity with Less Maintenance

Diesel engines tend to last longer than propane counterparts and typically require less scheduled maintenance.  If you&#;re searching for a long-lasting investment, diesel forklifts can deliver the return you&#;re looking for.

Disadvantages of Diesel Forklifts

While diesel forklifts offer a range of benefits, considering their disadvantages ensures you make an informed decision. If you choose to purchase a diesel forklift, you&#;ll need to prepare for these potential challenges.

Noise and Fumes

While diesel forklifts offer exceptional power, this performance comes at a cost. These models create dense fumes and loud noise. The noise can be harmful to workers&#; ears, and the fumes are not safe to breathe in the long term. While these factors make diesel models unsuitable for indoor work, they are generally less of an issue when operating forklifts outside.

Bulky Design

Diesel forklifts tend to be on the bulkier side, which reduces maneuverability. Electric or propane forklifts may be better suited to your applications if you need to navigate tight spaces. 

On-Site Fuel Storage

Bulk tank storage may be required to store your diesel fuel, which often comes at a high price and involves municipal regulations. You&#;ll also need to factor in possible liabilities with keeping diesel fuel on your property.

Signs a Diesel Forklift Is Right for You

It is very important when purchasing a forklift to consider your applications and working conditions to determine whether this fuel type is the best option for you.

Generally, diesel models are a strong choice for teams that:

• Work outdoors
• Handle high load capacities
• Have space to store a fuel tank
• Face busy worksites and need quick refueling

Discover the Benefits of Diesel Forklifts at Springer Equipment

Springer Equipment carries a broad range of used forklifts for any budget. With the many benefits of diesel forklifts, this fuel type can be an excellent choice for your next purchase. Enjoy those advantages at a reduced cost. Get in touch with us today if you have questions for our team.

A common question asked by many prospective forklifts owners is how much diesel fuel does a unit consume per hour of operation?

Similar to a car forklift manufacturers test unit performance and provide guided estimates of fuel consumption, however there are a number of factors that may affect a forklifts consumption throughout operation.

This week&#;s blog details how much diesel is consumed by standard Hyster 2T &#; 3.5T counterbalance forklifts, whilst also briefly examining some common factors that need to be taken into account when calculating a forklifts fuel consumption.

How Much Diesel Fuel Does a Forklift Consume?

An example of forklift diesel consumption provided by globally recognised forklift manufacturer Hyster is provided below.

The highly popular versatile Hyster XT forklift series can consume between 2.7L and 3.6L of diesel per hour of operation depending on the lift capacity and engine type.

The company is the world’s best 5 ton forklift diesel consumption per hour supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Fuel consumption values listed above are the average result from A

MIL

268C test course. Variations of plus or minus at least 20% can be expected depending on duty cycle & operator driving habits.

Factors That May Affect Forklift Diesel Fuel Consumption

There are a number of factors that can impact a forklifts fuel consumption.

Four of the main factors are discussed below.

1. Size and Weight of Loads

The size and weight of loads being lifted may have a significant impact on the amount of fuel a forklift consumes whilst in operation.

Generally speaking a forklift will consume more fuel to be able to lift heavier loads or higher distances as the energy requirements for the lift are higher.

2. Travel Distances

Forklifts that have to travel long distances whilst fully loaded are likely to consume more fuel due to the extended travel carry heavy loads.

To reduce fuel consumption it is recommended a site survey is undertaken to optimise the locations of pick-up and drop-off zones as well as travel routes within the facility to ensure they aren&#;t unnecessarily long reducing the overall distances the forklift needs to travel to complete work.

3. Operator Behavior

The way an operator drives a forklift can impact its fuel consumption greatly.

During training operators are advised on best practice to find the right balance between productivity and performance/efficiency.

Operator best practices may include:

• Turning off the machine when it is not in use &#; An idle running forklift is still consuming fuel albeit at a reduced rate, if left running idle for an extended period of time or on multiple occasions throughout a shift the forklifts fuel consumption will be increased without seeing any productivity.
• Gradual Acceleration &#; Rather than depressing a forklifts accelerator pedal rapidly seeking fast acceleration, drivers are trained to gradually depress the pedal for smooth acceleration until maximum speed is reached. Faster acceleration consumes more fuel.

4. Preventative and Routine Maintenance

Planned proper maintenance of a forklift not only keeps the unit functioning optimally can also contribute to lower fuel consumption.

Properly maintaining or replacing old parts such as tyres can significantly lower a forklift fuel consumption.

Damaged or underinflated tyres may require operators to drive a forklift harder, demanding more performance from the unit&#;s engine increasing fuel consumption and decreasing efficiency.

For owners of diesel forklifts telemetry systems such as ForkTrack from Adaptalift Group&#;s technology partner Speedshield Technologies can monitor and provide accurate fuel level readings for a single forklift or a whole fleet.

By taking a fuel level reading at the start and end of shifts fleet managers and owners can begin to develop a trend of a unit&#;s fuel consumption across shifts and whether the unit is being operated to maximise productivity whilst consuming the least amount of fuel possible.

For more information on how to maximise your forklifts fuel consumption or to find out how your fleet can benefit from ForkTrack fuel level monitoring contact us on 13 22 54 or fill out our contact form.

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