Gas Forklifts or electric forklifts? What’s the difference? If you own or manage a warehouse, this decision could be critical to your success and productivity in the coming years. Understanding how forklift fuel types work and what’s involved in switching from one type to another will help you understand if it’s the right move for your business and prepare you to get started if it is. Here’s what you need to know about gas vs electric forklifts and which fuel type might be best for your business.
What Are the Pros of Each Fuel Type?
Comparing gas vs. electric forklifts, there are multiple advantages to each system that help to make a business more efficient. Each fuel type has its own disadvantages as well, but when it comes down to choosing which one is best for your business, consider these questions first: what kind of terrain will you be travelling over most often? How many hours will your forklift be in use per day? And how far from charging stations will you be operating your forklift?
Gas forklifts have an edge over electric ones, with a higher fuel capacity that allows longer operation between refuelling. On average, gas forklifts are also more powerful than their electric counterparts, so they can lift heavier loads with less effort. While fuel costs are typically lower on gas-powered models, power costs tend to be higher.
On average, electric forklifts are easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces, making them ideal for indoor use. They are also lighter than gas-powered models, which makes them easy to move from one location to another. In addition, they require less maintenance than their gas counterparts, and they’re cheaper to operate due to lower fuel costs. However, it takes more time to charge an electric forklift’s battery packs so they can be used again.
Both fuel types offer their own advantages, but if you’re looking for a more powerful option that’s also easier to charge, gas forklifts may be your best bet. However, an electric forklift has its advantages too—which can be beneficial in indoor work environments—making it worth taking into consideration if you’re shopping around.
So which fuel type is best for your business, gas or electric? It depends on how you intend to use your forklift. If you know you’ll need more power—and plan to operate it outside regularly—gas-powered forklifts may be a good choice. In contrast, if you primarily operate inside with limited space, an electric option may suit your needs better.
When Should I Choose a Gas Forklift Over an Electric Forklift, and Vice Versa?
The type of forklift you choose will depend on your business needs, location, budget, and other factors. You should also consider if speed or distance is a greater concern for your operations; electric forklifts may be more appropriate in long-distance moves where fast acceleration isn’t necessary. That said, gas forklifts are more popular with warehouse workers who handle loads regularly and need to travel short distances. The increased torque gas forklifts provide makes them ideal for these situations. To learn more about gas or electric forklift requirements, contact us today at 0861 999 777.
Can I Use Both Types in My Fleet at Once, or Do I Need to Stick to One Fuel Type?
If you’re considering adding electric or gas forklifts to your fleet, it’s important to understand if both fuel types can be used in your business. If you’re looking to start a business in a market with temperature extremes, you may want to limit yourself only to gas-powered forklifts. Conversely, if you operate out of a climate-controlled warehouse, an electric forklift might make more sense.
Another consideration when deciding between gas and electric forklifts is how you plan to use them. For example, if you need to move heavier loads over longer distances, a gas-powered forklift will likely be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if you have a smaller fleet with less demanding needs, an electric forklift may be your best option. Either way, consulting with your fleet manager before buying a new forklift is strongly recommended.
If you’re unsure of whether or not your business could benefit from both types of forklift, consider adding one type to your fleet to get an idea of how it operates. This will give you time to test different models and find out which fuel type works best for your business, without having to commit to making a significant purchase. Once you know what kind of forklift is right for your business, we recommend speaking with a professional before making a purchase.
Buy or Rent Your Gas or Electric Forklift from Value Forklifts
We make it easy to find a forklift that’s right for your business, with the wide variety of forklifts available in our inventory. Call us today at 0861 999 777 or fill out our online request form to get started! If you have any questions about which fuel type is best for your business, call us now!
We proudly deliver exceptional service to our customers at every step of their purchasing process—from exploring which forklift is best for your needs to maintaining your fleet with regular scheduled maintenance and repair. We offer gas-powered forklifts as well as electric-powered forklifts so you can find exactly what you need. And we carry a wide range of other materials handling solutions including free new product demonstrations, sale of new equipment, lithium-Ion equipment, full maintenance leasing, short or long-term rentals, sale of used forklifts, parts sales and traction batteries among others. Check out our website or give us a call today!