These days, material handling equipment buyers and renters have numerous options regarding forklift power sources. You can choose a model that operates on traditional fuel sources, electricity or even hydrogen fuel cells.
At Fairchild Equipment, we can deliver machines offering the forklift power technology that best meets your needs and aligns with your preferences. We can also provide information to help you make the right decision for your business.
Internal Combustion Forklifts
A forklift with an internal combustion engine (ICE) can run on fuels such as gasoline, diesel, liquid propane gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). These fuel-powered machines are typically the best choice for high-capacity material handling applications due to their ability to provide continuous, reliable power under challenging conditions. The engines have exceptional durability even after prolonged exposure to dirty or cold environments.
You can also refuel these forklifts quickly and efficiently. Fill a gas or diesel tank just like an automobile or make a fast switch to an empty LPG tank without additional maintenance steps.
Forklift Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries represent an “old-school” forklift electrification solution that works best for fleets with moderate electrical requirements. Lead-acid batteries have a proven track record in a wide variety of applications. With over a 50-year history in material handling operations, you can take advantage of this widely adopted solution. Although lead-acid batteries have one of the lowest acquisition costs, they do require the most maintenance of any power source. It is recommended that your operation ensure it has the capacity to support regular maintenance and charging when choosing lead-acid batteries.
Forklift Lithium-Ion Batteries
Electric forklifts can also operate on lithium-ion batteries that represent a technological upgrade. They charge faster than their lead-acid counterparts and have no maintenance or equalization requirements. They also offer more consistent power delivery until full depletion. From an environmental perspective, these batteries produce no harmful emissions during recharging or machine operation, eliminating the need for separate maintenance and charging areas. While lithium-ion batteries are virtually maintenance free, they do come with an increased price tag. The return on investment (ROI) on these batteries is well suited for a multi-shift operation with a large fleet and a fast recharge capability.
Forklift Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Forklifts powered by hydrogen fuel cells combine many of the advantages of ICE and electric models. They provide the simplicity and long-lasting performance of fuel-powered equipment with the environmental benefits of electricity. You can refuel them in as little as three minutes, enabling you to maintain high productivity levels and minimize downtime. You also won’t need to waste precious storage space on fuel tanks — you’ll only require one hydrogen cell per lift truck.
Learn More About Our Power Technology Options
Fairchild Equipment can offer the most advanced forklift power technology solutions to material handling operations throughout the Midwest. As an authorized Hyster and Yale dealer, we carry the latest products from these leading industry innovators and other manufacturers to enable you to unlock the true power of your operation. You’ll also benefit from our decades of forklift experience and expertise when we help you choose the best option for your machines and applications.
Call us at (844) 432-4724 or submit our online contact form for additional product and pricing information.
