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Gas vs. Electric Forklift

 If you've been looking for a new forklift to add to your fleet, you may be wondering if you should get a gas forklift or an electrical forklift. Gas-powered forklifts have always been a staple in many warehouses and facilities, but electric forklifts have also become available, offering an alternative to gas. 

At Trupar America, we've put together a guide on gas and electric forklifts to help you make the right choice for your business! 


Gas Powered Forklifts 

What are the Benefits of Gas-Powered Forklifts?

From moving heavy materials around your warehouse or loading goods onto trucks, gas-powered forklifts are a great asset for your business—these work using internal combustion engines that use different types of gas to function, such as compressed natural gas, gasoline, diesel, and liquid petroleum gas. 

These are excellent tools for everyday operations, with advantages such as:

Easy on your budget- When you purchase a gas-powered forklift, you can expect an upfront cost of 10% to 15% lower when compared to electric forklifts. You can also find replacement parts much easier to find, and maintenance costs also tend to be affordable. 

Great for outdoors- If you plan to use your machinery outdoors, gas-powered forklifts work great! They are well suited for rough terrain and have a rugged strength that can be used to move heavier materials. They are built to withstand wet, dirty, and harsh conditions. 

More power- Gas-powered forklifts can produce more torque than electric forklifts. With this strength, they can move heavy loads, maneuver easily, and accelerate faster. 

Some disadvantages include the following:

Fuel costs - You can power a gas forklift for roughly eight hours before refueling. The fuel costs will add up quickly and can increase your facility's yearly costs. 

In-depth maintenance - With the many moving parts, gas-powered forklifts require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure they continue to work efficiently. Over time, the chances of breakdowns and leaks will increase, which can cause your maintenance costs to rise. 

Pollution - Gas is a fossil fuel that creates dangerous exhaust fumes. This machinery also increases carbon monoxide emissions. They have a larger carbon footprint than electric forklifts and should primarily be used outdoors. 

Electric Forklifts 

What are the Benefits of Electric-Powered Forklifts?

Electric-powered forklifts have become a popular option for many businesses. Research shows that electric forklifts comprise around 60% of the forklift market. These forklifts run using batteries rather than the fuel. 

Electric-powered forklift advantages:

Easy to use - The electric forklifts operate more quietly than gas-powered ones and are also easy to maneuver, are lighter, and also offer great balance. They are an ideal match for smaller spaces. 

Low maintenance - Since they use an industrial battery, they offer you are longer useful life of up to five years compared to gas-powered forklifts. They also have fewer moving parts, so you will spend less money on replacement parts and repairs. 

At Trupar America, we can help you with your electric forklift maintenance by providing electric forklift repair to Pittsburgh businesses. 

Less pollution- Since they don't burn fossil fuels, they are safe for indoor use and create less pollution because they don't emit carbon monoxide. 

Electric forklift disadvantages:

More downtime - Batteries work for about eight hours, then will need to charge for about eight hours. You will need to make sure that you charge the batteries after business hours so they are ready for the next day. If the batteries don't get charged, you will deal with at least eight hours of downtime. 

Mainly used for indoor applications - Unlike gas-powered forklifts, electric-powered forklifts are not built for wet or damp conditions. Severe damage can occur if the components become wet. They work best on level, even surfaces indoors. 

Higher cost - Upfront, electric forklifts carry a higher price tag. Batteries and chargers are also often sold separately.

How Do I Choose The Right Forklift?

Choosing the right forklift will depend on your budget, the type of materials you need to handle, indoor or outdoor requirements, maintenance, costs associated with the machinery, and how often you plan to use it. 

The above criteria, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each forklift, need to be considered when making your decision. 

New and Used Forklifts for Sale in Pittsburgh

Trupar America, your top forklift dealer in Pittsburgh, offers a wide array of new and used forklifts that you can rent or buy for your operations. Contact us today to learn more! 
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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