8 October 2020

Diesel forklifts offer many benefits to businesses and operators. They are some of the toughest workhorses in the materials handling industry and as such, are suited to a wide range of applications. And, with modern advancements such as the stage V engines that now feature in all of our diesel forklifts, these trucks are more environmentally friendly and comfortable than ever before.

If you’re considering a diesel forklift for your business, here is everything you need to know.

What industries and applications are diesel forklifts most suitable for?

Diesel powered forklifts are designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor work. They are often used in harsh environments that are wet and dirty. Most frequently, diesel forklifts are used by those who operate outdoors, such as ports, construction sites, freight facilities, and metal and brick businesses. For that reason, the applications that diesel-powered forklifts are most suitable for include:

  • Loading and unloading goods vehicles
  • Container stuffing and moving goods into or out of external storage areas
  • Transferring items from one site location to another - for example, between two different production areas

Due to the fuel type, diesel forklifts are not designed for heavy indoor use. So, if you will be primarily using your forklift in indoor settings, you may want to consider LPG or electric alternatives.

When to choose a diesel forklift

  1. If you’re using the truck outdoors – diesel forklifts are the most suitable option if you’re using the truck outdoors in wet and dirty environments.
  2. If you’re using attachments – electric forklifts can struggle with battery capacity when forklift attachments are used. With diesel forklifts, there are no battery capacity issues.
  3. For better uptime – as diesel forklifts do not require recharging, they have better uptime than their electric counterparts. These trucks are powered by a fuel that is easy to get hold of and quick and simple to use.
  4. For longer life and low maintenance costs – diesel forklifts have simpler engines and mechanics than some of their alternatives, making these trucks more reliable and easier to fix. With sturdier engines, these trucks also operate well at lower revs, meaning the lifespan of these trucks tends to be longer.
  5. For better acceleration and lift speeds – these trucks tend to be more powerful than their alternatives, giving better acceleration and lift speeds. The powerful engines of these trucks also mean they perform better on gradients than alternatives.
  6. If price is a limiting factor – diesel forklifts are often cheaper to purchase than electric forklifts and running costs are usually lower when compared to LPG forklifts.

A look at our diesel forklift range – with new stage V engines

Our diesel forklift trucks come in a comprehensive range of sizes and lift capacities. Having exceptional endurance and power, they effortlessly handle even the most difficult heavy loads and can carry everything from a small pallet of bulk materials to individual components weighing several tonnes.

And now they come with stage V engines…
These powerful engines deliver high gradability and travel speeds for heavy duty tasks. They are highly fuel-efficient and meet the stringent EU limits on emissions. The low noise, low-vibration engine design which is built into a fully floating powertrain with a smooth transmission system helps to keep drivers comfortable. This tough, electronically controlled, common rail unit allows each cylinder to work at peak efficiency regardless of load and speed.

The new stage V engines offer improved emissions, noise and operator comfort. They release fewer harmful emissions, whilst the new design means less vibration to reduce noise and keep operators comfortable.
Take a look at our full range of diesel forklifts:

  • DP20-35N3 – the 2-3.5 tonne forklift ideal for industrial applications
  • DP40-55(C)N3 – the 4-5.5 tonne forklift for heavy duty applications
  • DP60-100N3 – the 6-10 tonne forklift for super heavy-duty applications such as stevedoring, empty container handling and lumber

Getting the right truck for the job

Getting the right truck is important, regardless of price, lead times or availability. Afterall, investing in the wrong truck could lead to more expense, thwarted productivity, and other more damaging consequences in the long run.To help you find the right truck for your application, it’s best to speak to your local forklift dealer. Alternatively, you can try our lift truck selector which helps you to identify the right truck for your business based on your individual requirements.

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DP20-35N3 range
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cat fork lift DP40-55(C)N3
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DP60-100N3 Diesel Forklifts
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Diesel Powered