FORKLIFT TRUCKS A
t the same time, diesel engines still make sense for a number of sectors, the choice of drive concept depends heavily on the operating conditions. Daily operating time, infrastructure conditions,
applicable emission standards and economic considerations all influence this decision. To make the right choice, the respective strengths and weaknesses of the drive types must be carefully considered. What about forklifts in particular? E-mobility is increasingly becoming
a strategic factor in logistics. Political framework conditions aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are accelerating the switch to electric industrial trucks. At the same time, technological advances, particularly in battery systems, are creating The further development of lithium-ion
technology plays a central role. Like other companies, Bobcat is also looking for modern alternatives to the classic lead-acid battery, in warehouse technology, for example. Lithium- are up to two-thirds smaller, maintenance- free, allow for fast charging and their service life is three times longer. Their more compact design opens up new possibilities in future vehicle design and maintenance and charging
WHAT DO DIESEL FORKLIFTS STILL HAVE TO OFFER? Despite the increasing proportion of electric industrial trucks, there is still a large market for diesel and gas forklifts across a range of applications. Stricter emission standards and the trend towards greater sustainability development of diesel-powered industrial trucks. Since 1 January 2020, the Stage V emission standard has been in force for so- called non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), i.e. construction machinery, generators and also forklifts with diesel engines. Diesel-powered models remain a popular
option, particularly in challenging areas of application such as ports or heavy industry. Their performance is particularly appreciated for heavy-duty tasks and outdoor use in areas like agriculture. Diesel forklifts are characterised by their robust construction. Weather conditions such as rain, heat or frost have little effect on their operation, and the quick refuelling process further increases uptime. A diesel forklift can be made ready for a full shift within just a few minutes, minimising downtime. There are also economic advantages. The purchase costs are often lower than those of comparable electric models. On the other hand, electric models score highly for lower maintenance and operating costs.
STAGE V REDUCES EMISSIONS, BUT IT TAKES MORE TO ACHIEVE REAL CLIMATE NEUTRALITY Compliance with the new limits calls for more complex exhaust technology. This also affects
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THE FUTURE OF FORKLIFTS: ELECTRIC OR DIESEL?
By Jan Droogendijk, Product Manager of Material Handling, Doosan Bobcat EMEA
Overall, the intralogistics market is seeing an increasing trend towards electrification, a development driven by factors such as stricter environmental regulations and technical advances in electric drive systems
the price of diesel forklifts, since Stage V forklifts are generally more expensive than models based on older emission standards. In addition, larger models (optional from six tons and mandatory from eight tons) use AdBlue, a urea solution that converts harmful nitrogen oxides into water vapour and nitrogen using selective catalytic reduction (SCR). On the much lower fuel consumption with the latest generation of machines.
APPLICATION AND COSTS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT DRIVE SYSTEM FOR FORKLIFTS Actual use cases should be thoroughly analysed before deciding between a diesel or an electric forklift. A key indicator here is the intensity of use. If a forklift is only used occasionally, for example, a few times a week, a diesel-powered model may make more economic sense. The purchase costs of diesel forklifts are sometimes up to 20 per cent lower than those of electric models with comparable performance. Moreover, operating and maintenance costs are less
FEBRUARY 2026 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
use or shift operation, on the other hand, an electric forklift pays off in the long term. Even though intralogistics is moving
indispensable for certain applications: robustness, fast refuelling and lower acquisition costs are arguments in favour of diesel forklifts. The stricter Stage V emissions standard has noticeably improved their environmental footprint. For in-plant transport and numerous related areas, however, electric forklifts are now on a par with their fossil fuel counterparts. Last but not least, they are the only way of achieving a noise and exhaust-free working environment.
Bobcat
www.bobcat.com
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