| Comparison
of Forklift Attributes |
||
| Fuel | Versatility | Cost |
| Propane | •
Indoor and outdoor use • Capable of handling rugged, unpaved, outdoor terrain, and steep grades • Can operate in inclement weather |
•
Lower initial investment costs than comparable electric, CNG or diesel
forklifts • Lower maintenance costs than diesel and electric forklifts • Inexpensive cylinder exchange or onsite fuel storage • Pilfer-proof; reduced loss from spillage and evaporation |
| Diesel | • Predominantly outdoor use only | • Additional cost due to pilfering, spillage losses, evaporation |
| CNG | • Similar to propane | •
Recertification costs: CNG cylinders must be recertified every three years • Establishments with CNG forklift fleet may require major capital investment of up to $40,000 in refueling station • If the electric service goes down, the CNG compressor station will not work resulting in a potentially significant production loss • CNG compressors are expensive to overhaul |
| Electricity | •
Typically for indoor use • Operate only on paved or hard surfaces • Cannot handle steep inclines |
Higher
initial investment due to: • Extra equipment such as batteries, charger, and battery hoist, battery charging and wash down rooms • Additional indoor space for recharger and battery storage • Labor costs for changing batteries for second and third shifts • Ventilated storage area is required for batteries |
| Gasoline | Typically for outdoor use | •
Additional cost due to pilfering, spillage losses, evaporation • High costs to upgrade on-site fuel storage |
| Comparison of Forklift Operating Characteristics | |||
| Fuel | Power | Approximate Operating Time (Per Tank or Battery) | Maintenance |
| Propane | •
Speed (max): 9.5-10.5 mph • Lift (loaded): 83-88 fpm • Maintains 100% power consistently throughout full operation |
8 hours (1 shift) | •
Easy maintenance • Maintenance intervals may be extended because of propane's clean-burning characteristics |
| Diesel | •
Speed (max): 9.5-10.5 mph • Lift (loaded): 83-88 fpm |
8 hours (1 shift) | •
Requires expensive oil changes |
| CNG | •
Speed (max): 9.5-10.5 mph • Lift (loaded): 74-78 fpm |
2-4 hours (¼- ½ shift) | •
Requires frequent refueling • CNG compressors will require expensive overhaul |
| Electricity | •
Speed (max): 8-9 mph • Lift (loaded): 83-88 fpm • Loses power as battery discharges |
6-8 hours (¾- 1 shift) | •
Requires additional training • Maintenance intervals depend on conditions • Must operate in a controlled environment (e.g., not in the rain) • Second and third shifts requires labor for battery change |
| Gasoline | •
Speed (max): 9.5-10.5 mph • Lift (loaded): 83-88 fpm |
8 hours (1 shift) | •
Requires more frequent oil changes than propane |