A diesel forklift consists of several essential components that work together to provide reliable performance. These components include:

• Engine–Located under the forklift operator’s seat, the diesel engine supplies the power needed for the truck to do its job.
• Counterbalance–A heavy weight at the back of a sit down lift that counteracts the weight of the load being lifted by the forks in the front.
• Forks–These are horizontal components that extend from the front of the fork truck. They support the load and come in different widths and lengths, depending on their use.
• Mast–Also known as an upright, this is the lifting, lowering, and positioning part of the vehicle. Parts the mast contain include:
  • Carriage And Load Backrest
  • Outer And Inner Rails
  • Mast Guide Rollers
  • Lift And Tilt Cylinders
  • Lift Chains And Anchors
• Transmission–Transfers the engine’s power to the forklift wheels, converting it into rotational motion. This enables the forklift to move forward, reverse, and steer effectively.
• Overhead Guard–Prevents large objects from falling into the forklift cab and injuring the operator. Its grid style design does not prevent small objects from falling into the cab, however.

If you are still on the fence about buying a diesel forklift, you can evaluate the following pros and cons of them to guide your decision.

Advantages

• High Power and Torque–Diesel forklifts deliver greater horsepower and torque when compared to other types. This advantage makes them ideal for lifting heavy loads and ensuring quick acceleration.
• Fuel Efficiency–Diesel models are very fuel-efficient. They provide more power per unit of fuel than electric and gas-powered models.
• Cheaper Fuel Costs–Another key advantage is that diesel fuel is typically cheaper than the energy used in electric fork trucks with lead-acid batteries.
• Uninterrupted Operation–Unlike electric forklifts, which require downtime for battery recharging, diesel lifts are always ready to go. This reliability makes them especially suitable for companies with demanding, long-hour operations.
• Versatility–Whether for indoor or outdoor applications, diesel forklifts offer exceptional adaptability across an array of industrial applications.

Disadvantages

• Initial cost–Diesel forklifts often come with a higher upfront price than others. This can make their purchase a significant investment especially for small to medium businesses.
• Fuel cost–Although diesel is generally more efficient, it can be more expensive than liquid propane gas (LPG), depending on fuel market fluctuations.
• Size and Maneuverability–Diesel forklifts are typically larger, requiring aisle clearances of 12 to 13 ft to maneuver. These limitations affect their suitability for warehouses with narrow aisles. Reach or very narrow aisle forklifts may perform better if the facility configuration has narrow aisles.

According to the National Safety Council, forklift incidents in 2021-22 lead to nearly 25,000 injury-related DART Cases (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred Cases). In most of these cases, forklift operators faced injuries from events such as contact with an object or equipment or transportation incidents.

Again, these incidents are often avoidable. You can carefully plan your operation and adhere to safe forklift operations to minimize forklift-related DART Cases in your workplace.

You can see a complete list of Safe Forklift Operation key points and tips for planning your forklift operation on OSHA’s Quick Card here. The card also makes a quick and easily referenced training tool to laminate and give to operators to use during their shift.

Material handling equipment is a valuable investment, so you want to see to its upkeep. An excellent way to accomplish this is through a routine maintenance schedule that’s recommended by the forklift manufacturer.

With scheduled maintenance tasks, you address potential mechanical failure early, keep your warranty in excellent standing, and promote a safe workplace environment.

The following tasks should be part of your schedule if you want to reap the benefits a routine maintenance program brings.

Periodic Maintenance

Periodic maintenance typically contains pre-shift checks, in-depth monthly checks, and professional maintenance services that take place every 200-250 hours of operation.

Pre-Shift Inspections

Before anyone climbs on a diesel lift to work during their shift, they should conduct a pre-shift inspection.  The inspection includes checking fluid levels and warning devices, inspecting tires and brakes. It also includes testing lights and the condition of the mast, forks, and hoses.

Routine Maintenance Tasks

To keep your forklift in top condition, regularly perform the following:

• Lubricate all moving parts to reduce wear and friction.
• Clean or replace air filters to maintain efficient engine performance.
• Inspect the fuel system for leaks and check for worn hoses or belts.
• Examine the exhaust system for damage or blockages.
• Monitor the battery and electrical system to ensure consistent functionality.

Forklift Maintenance Checklists

A forklift maintenance checklist aids compliance and long-term record-keeping. Using a pre-made checklist can simplify pre-shift and routine maintenance. They also ensure all required tasks are performed and recorded.

You can create your own or make things simple by requesting a template that’s specific to your diesel truck. Think about keeping blank checklists and the lift’s operator’s manual on the vehicle to make them readily available to people that need them.

OSHA mandates that all employees operating forklifts operators must be trained and certified by their organizations before beginning to work on one. This certification involves a written test and a practical skills test.

During forklift certification, the operator must demonstrate their knowledge about forklifts, the unique way they work, and their safe operation. Ongoing safety education and refresher courses should reinforce what they have learned.

For training assistance, including starting your own forklift training program, the Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool is a helpful resource for forklift training and developing your own training program. You can access the eTool here.

More dedicated safety training materials and accessory-related information is available through CLARK’s Safety & Accessory Page.

OSHA mandates that all employees operating forklifts operators must be trained and certified by their organizations before beginning to work on one. This certification involves a written test and a practical skills test.

During forklift certification, the operator must demonstrate their knowledge about forklifts, the unique way they work, and their safe operation. Ongoing safety education and refresher courses should reinforce what they have learned.

For training assistance, including starting your own forklift training program, the Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool is a helpful resource for forklift training and developing your own training program. You can access the eTool here.

More dedicated safety training materials and accessory-related information is available through CLARK’s Safety & Accessory Page.

The operation of diesel forklifts come with environmental considerations that can potentially limit their use in certain settings. They range from noxious emissions and noise to proper disposal methods of fuel containers.

You’ll need to weight the following considerations carefully before purchase and during the diesel vehicle’s use:

• Emissions–Diesel trucks emit byproducts when they’re running, including poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas. These emissions present challenges for indoor operations, requiring proper ventilation to prevent injury.
• Noise Levels–Diesel engines are very loud, which poses problems for indoor operations. You can often control exposure to noise decibels and maintain workplace health and safety through the use of hearing protection.
• Waste Recycling–Disposal of spent diesel fuel canisters is essential. Recycling centers and hazardous waste facilities offer drop-off and pickup services that handle diesel waste safely.
• Cleanup–All forklifts have leaks that can be minimized by a routine maintenance program. Fluid spills should be properly cleaned immediately to avoid slips and falls. If the truck is leaking, park it and determine where the leak is coming from. Have the leak repaired before placing the vehicle in operation again.

CLARK internal combustion forklifts have industry-leading ergonomics, advanced safety features, and modern technology to keep your operations moving forward. Our trained dealership experts will perform a detailed plant survey to evaluate your operation. After that, we will work hard to make sure you have the right equipment for your applications.

To determine suitability, we’ll assess load size, weight, and dimensions in comparison to the forklift’s rated capacity. We’ll also take into account factors such as plant layout, fuel type, environmental conditions, and tire suitability to determine if an IC sit down lift or another type of fork truck is the  right fit for your needs.

Whether you will be using your diesel forklift indoors or outdoors, let us find the perfect CLARK model to elevate your operation to new levels. Find an Expert CLARK Dealer near you today!