The reasons why forklift trucks mostly use diesel can be summarised as follows:
Type of Power
Forklifts have two main power sources: internal combustion forklifts and electric forklifts. Internal combustion forklifts usually use either diesel or petrol, but most opt for diesel. This is because diesel forklifts perform better in several ways.
Classification
Diesel forklifts can be divided into three categories:
1. Electric Diesel Forklift
These forklift trucks use electric motors as power and batteries as energy source. The carrying capacity is usually between 1.0 and 4.8 tonnes, and they are suitable for working environments with a width of 3.5 to 5.0 metres. They are widely used in industries with high environmental requirements, such as the pharmaceutical and food sectors, due to their non-pollution and low noise levels. However, the batteries need to be recharged after 8 hours of operation, so back-up batteries are usually required to support multi-shift operations and specialised charging facilities are needed at the workplace.
2. Warehouse Diesel Forklifts
Mainly used for cargo handling in warehouses. Most warehouse forklift trucks are driven by electric motors and are suitable for the warehouse industry due to their compact structure, flexible movement, light weight and good environmental performance. Similar to electric forklift trucks, these forklift trucks also require battery backup and charging facilities when operating in multiple shifts.
3. Internal Combustion Engine Diesel Forklift
These include heavy duty forklift trucks, general internal combustion forklift trucks, container forklift trucks and lateral forklift trucks. These forklift trucks are usually powered by diesel, petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas, and have a carrying capacity of more than 5 tonnes. Due to their relatively high exhaust emissions and noise, these forklift trucks are mostly used in outdoor places where the requirements for these factors are not stringent. In addition, diesel forklift trucks are easy to refuel and are suitable for long hours of continuous operation in harsh environments.
Advantages
1. Safety: diesel fuel has a high ignition point, reducing the risk of fire.
2. Low failure rate: diesel engine does not need carburetor and ignition device, compared with petrol engine, its structure is simple, low failure rate, maintenance is also more convenient.
3. Environmental impact: the emission pollution of diesel engine is relatively small, especially the content of carbon monoxide is low, which is less harmful to human body.
Overall, due to the advantages of diesel forklift in terms of carrying capacity, economy, safety and environmental protection, it has become the mainstream choice in modern industry and warehousing.
