Forklift Buying Guide: Electric vs Diesel, Capacity and Mast Height

A forklift is defined by three numbers — power source, capacity and mast — and getting any one wrong means a machine that cannot do the job.

Electric vs diesel

Electric forklifts are quiet, emission-free and cheap to run — the right choice indoors, in food or retail environments, and where noise matters. Diesel forklifts are more powerful, refuel in minutes and run all shift outdoors — the right choice for yards, ports and heavy loads. The rule of thumb: indoors and light is electric, outdoors and heavy is diesel.

Capacity and mast

Capacity is rated at a specific load centre — a “3-tonne” forklift lifts 3 tonnes only at the rated centre, and less at a wider centre or higher lift. The mast sets how high you can lift and whether the forklift fits under a door when lowered. A three-stage mast lifts higher than a two-stage but needs more clearance.

What to check on a used forklift

• Mast and chains — wear on the rails, rollers and lift chains.
• Battery (electric) — battery age and capacity; a replacement battery is a major cost.
• Engine and transmission (diesel) — cold start and drive test under load.
• Tyres and brakes — solid vs pneumatic tyres and brake condition.

Every one of these is in the written 29-point inspection, so you can verify a used forklift’s condition before paying.

Bottom line: power source is set by where you work, capacity by the heaviest pallet, mast by your racking height. Lock those three, then verify condition in writing.