Forklift Engine Types Explained

By Steven Harrisson, November 27, 2014

The forklift trucks are powerful industrial trucks which are used for lifting and transporting different kinds of materials on short distances. These machines began to populate the industrial market at the beginning of the 20th century, however the forklifts reached their pick in the last few years. Today, the forklifts count as some of the most powerful, long lasting and reliable machines that are used in various industry sectors.

There are many forklift models on the market, and every model is designed for specific purpose. So, choosing the right forklift for your application might be a daunting task. No need to rush. First, find a reliable forklifts Brisbane supplier and discuss what you really need from a forklift truck. Make sure you have previously determined the type of project you want to finish and what type of fuel you prefer.

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It’s important to know that the industrial forklifts are classified into two categories: internal combustion and electric forklifts. The engine type determines where and how can you use the forklift truck. Therefore, talk to your forklifts Brisbane supplier in order to make the right choice. The engine type influence the weight capacity and the overall performance of the machine. The electric forklift trucks are most commonly used for indoor applications, on flat and even surfaces. Several types of electric forklifts stand out on the market: order pickers, scissor lifts, reach trucks, cushion tire forklifts, and pallet jacks. These electrical forklifts are powered by lead-acid batteries.

Every forklifts Brisbane supplier will tell you that the initial cost for a specific electric forklift is higher than the cost for a internal combustion forklift. But, if you look on the long run, then you will see that the annual costs as well as the maintenance costs for the electric forklifts are lower than those of the internal combustion forklifts. The electric forklifts that run on batteries can work up to 6 hours. After that, the batteries need to be replaced or recharged. You need to talk to your forklifts Brisbane supplier about how to properly charge the batteries. Furthermore, the electric forklifts don’t require too much attention. When compared to the internal combustion forklifts, they are much easier to maintain. Powered by batteries, the electric forklifts don’t release harmful gases, and that’s why they are recommended more for the food-processing facilities and healthcare sectors.

The internal combustion forklifts on the other hand, have longer life span than the electric models. These machines are powered by gas, propane or diesel. The most popular internal combustion forklifts are the rough terrain, pneumatic tire forklifts, boom lifts and the scissor lifts. Once you fill up the tank, you can run the machine for 8 consecutive hours, plus the refueling process lasts less than 10 minutes. When it comes to their performance, the internal combustion forklifts are powerful machines that can complete various applications quickly and efficiently. But don’t be fooled by the low initial costs, because you will have to spend more on fuel than you would on batteries. The choice is yours, but make sure you discuss with your forklifts Brisbane supplier before you make the final decision.