Fuel forklift trucks usually use an internal combustion engine as the power source, and the power of the internal combustion engine is generally larger than the power of the electric motor of the electric forklift truck. For example, the engine power of common fuel forklifts can reach tens of kilowatts or even higher, which makes fuel forklifts able to cope with heavier goods more easily when handling them. For example, when handling heavy machinery and equipment in some large logistics warehouses or large construction materials (such as heavy steel beams) in construction sites, the strong power of fuel forklift trucks can ensure their smooth handling, while electric forklift trucks may have difficulty in handling due to insufficient power.
In terms of torque, the internal combustion engine of fuel forklift trucks also has an advantage. The internal combustion engine is able to output large torque at low speeds, which is very favourable for forklift trucks in starting, climbing and other situations that require large power. When the forklift truck is fully loaded and starting from a standstill or travelling on a road with a certain slope (such as a warehouse slope or a gentle slope in an outdoor construction site), the high torque of the fuel forklift truck enables the drive wheels to grip the ground better and avoid skidding, thus completing the start-up and hill climbing operations more efficiently.
Acceleration
Fuel forklift trucks typically accelerate better than electric forklift trucks. Due to the responsive nature of the internal combustion engine, fuel forklifts take less time to accelerate from a standstill to operating speed. In some work scenarios that require frequent starting and stopping and high transport efficiency (e.g., container loading and unloading in ports, which require fast round trips between terminals and yards), fuel forklift trucks are able to reach the working speed faster, reduce transport time and improve the overall work efficiency.
Second, the endurance
Continuous working time
The range of fuel forklift trucks mainly depends on the size of the fuel tank and fuel supply. Generally speaking, fuel forklift trucks can work continuously for 8 – 10 hours or even longer after refuelling (the specific duration varies according to the forklift model and fuel tank capacity). In contrast, electric forklift trucks need to be recharged when the battery is depleted, which usually takes a few hours, and the battery life is usually around 6 – 8 hours, or even less if the truck is used intensively.
In some large industrial plants or logistics centres, forklift trucks may need to work continuously for a whole day or even longer. Fuel forklift trucks have more advantages in terms of range and do not need to be recharged as often as electric forklift trucks, which reduces the interruption of work caused by charging.
Refuelling Convenience and Range Stability
Fuel forklift trucks are relatively convenient to refuel, in the petrol station or fuel supply place can be quickly filled with fuel, and with the consumption of fuel, its power output is relatively stable, there will not be like an electric forklift battery power drop lead to power reduction. For example, when working in the field or remote areas, as long as there is fuel reserve, the fuel forklift can work continuously and stably, while the electric forklift may not work normally because of insufficient battery power.
Adaptable to a wide range of fuels, some fuel forklift trucks can use not only the traditional petrol and diesel as fuel, but also liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other gaseous fuels. This diversity allows fuel forklift trucks to have more choices in different working environments and fuel supply conditions. For example, in areas with high environmental protection requirements or abundant gas resources, the use of gaseous fuel oil forklift trucks can ensure the power while reducing the pollution to the environment.
High maturity of power system
The internal combustion engine technology of fuel forklift trucks has been very mature after a long period of development, and the reliability of its power transmission system is high. Whether it is the clutch, transmission or drive shaft and other components, there is a perfect technical system support, in the complex working environment to ensure the stable transmission of power. Although the development of electric forklift is also very rapid, but in some extreme working conditions (such as high temperature, high humidity, dusty environment), the stability of its power system may be affected.
