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The right lift
for your business

Supplying forklifts since 1976

What we do

Since 1976 H&F Trucks have provided local business with high quality materials handling solutions. For nearly four decades we have achieved steady growth year on year, enabling us to provide superior service to our customers from a stable & sustainable business platform.

The pros and cons of diesel, gas and electric forklifts

Here at H&F Lift Trucks, we stock a range of diesel, gas and electric forklifts – all of the highest quality. But what are the differences between the range of forklifts, and which should be used in each specific environment? We’re going to take you through the pros and cons of diesel, gas and electric forklifts so you can decide which type will suit your individual requirements.

Diesel Forklifts

Pros:

  • They are more fuel efficient than gas forklifts.
  • The higher torque makes them better on gradients and more powerful for towing duties than other types of forklifts.
  • The cost of fuel is cheaper than gas forklifts.
  • Have a longer engine/shelf-life than gas forklifts.
  • Can be used at any time, day or night without charging for complete convenience.
  • Performance is superior than electric forklifts
  • Rearward visibility is great.

Cons:

  • The emissions produced from diesel forklifts are bad for the environment
  • Realistically they should only be used outdoors, however they can occasionally be used indoors with the addition of exhaust catalysts and purifiers which come with an added expense. Proper ventilation must also be available.
  • Have the second highest maintenance costs after, propane gas forklifts.
  • The price of fossil fuels is rising so running costs may increase.
  • They can be quite noisy when operated.
  • Purchase price is usually higher than a propane gas forklift.

Electric Forklifts

Pros:

  • The most environmentally-friendly forklifts with no harmful emissions.
  • The quietest forklift to use.
  • Very maneuverable.
  • Cheaper to run due to the lack of fuel needed.
  • Can be very compact in size which makes for easy storage.
  • Maintenance and servicing costs are cheaper compared to fuel driven forklifts.
  • Easier to drive than engine powered forklifts.

Cons:

  • Higher initial cost due to the battery and charger.
  • Because they need charging, they are sometimes out of use which isn’t convenient.
  • Not really suitable for use outside, especially in wet weather.
  • Limited use on gradients and floors such as shale or hard standing.
  • Repairs are not easy to do and often need a specialist.
  • Performance isn’t as high as engine powered forklifts.

Gas Forklifts

Pros:

  • The initial purchase is cheaper than both electric and diesel forklifts.
  • Can be used both inside and outside.
  • Parts for the engines are readily available and are often at competitive prices.
  • Are quieter to run than diesel forklifts.
  • Travel speeds and acceleration levels are higher than both diesel and electric forklifts, as is performance in general.
  • Very manoeuvrable.
  • Can be used at any time, day or night.

Cons:

  • Maintenance and fuel costs are higher than any other type of forklift.
  • They need a winter service to ensure they stay operational during colder temperatures.
  • Can often run out of fuel without warning as pressure switches and gauges are quite poor/often missing.
  • Require an operator that has a higher skill level than what you need on diesel or electric forklifts.
  • Can be hard to tell when there’s a problem with a gas forklift which can lead to more repair costs if it continues to be used.
  • The price of fossil fuels is rising so running costs may increase.
  • Including running costs, servicing, maintenance and repair, gas forklifts are the most expensive to have overall despite their cheap initial purchase price.

Whether you want to contact us about forklift truck hire, or are looking for used or new forklifts for sale, we have a range of diesel, gas and electric forklifts available. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

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Testimonials

H&F have supplied us with all our fork lift equipment for in excess of ten years now, and have maintained it in accordance with our stringent operation requirements. During this time they have provided a consistently high level of service (including short term hire when required) whilst never failing to support us in a totally honest and professional manner.

Ashley Basset, Director
R G Bassett & Sons Ltd

H&F Lift Trucks are a pleasure to deal with. All staff, Technicians, Sales and Directors have hands-on experience of all ranges of vehicles they supply. From initial assessments and listening to all users of a potential new vehicle requirement, they keep us informed of all aspects of specification and lead times through to delivery. Their maintenance service is superb – they organise suitable times around our busy working day with our Yard Managers. Any accidental damage or operator error faults are always discussed with me and dealt with fairly – not like some unscrupulous suppliers who seek to profit at every service visit! In a cut-throat market, where we are offered “good deals” a few quid cheaper every day, we are never tempted to stray.

James Hipkins, Managing Director
Emerys

Pym and Wildsmith have been working closely with H&F Fork Trucks for many years. Their service is excellent, ranging from prompt callouts to breakdowns through to the supply of new trucks. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ian Pym, Operations Manager
Pym & Wildsmith

We cover a 30 mile radius