Duodeluxe...is there a reason why you would choose diesel over the gasoline engine? The forklift brands that I am leaning towards are Hyster & Toyota and both are tier 4 diesel engines.

Thank you for your time,
Shedman

I would recommend diesel no matter how light the application is.
How old are your quotes? Are you getting quoted Tier III engines or Tier IV? If you are getting quoted Tier III engines you might want to check to make sure that you can still get them because all manufacturers are required to meet the Tier IV EPA emissions standard which is going to add $4000.00 to $6,000.00 to the average price of a diesel forklift truck. Some manufacturers may have enough components left to still offer the Tier III product.

Thanks for the replies folks.... please keep them coming...I have learned "alot" from the 1st three already...I like the idea of the soft ride solid tires, I will look into that! As far as an electric truck, there is a lack of power in the storage facility! We have other diesel equipment but I was concrned with the minimal use of the forklift, would the diesel be the right choice for this application!

Thanks again for the suggestions, it will really help in making the right decision,
Shedman

1. Fork extensions should be no longer than 1/3 - 1/2 longer than the length of the original fork depending on the manufacturer of the extension - so you will need longer forks than 72". Check with your authorized fork lift dealer. And have them provide a net lifting capacity rating to be certain this unit will fit your needs.

2. With low hour usage I would recommend gasoline or LPG fuel - no diesel. Diesel engines are most efficient when they are full warmed up, under load and operated at a constant speed vs slow, stop & go. In the long run this means less maintenance on the engine, especially the fuel injection system.

3. I understand the need for dual front tires - but I would suggest you go with solid soft ride pneumatic tires (all the way around) vs air filled. Save you time & money in the long run - amazingly most flat tires are discovered in the morning when you are coming to work. It is not uncommon on a hard pack gravel yard that a rock can get lodged in between the dual tires & cause two tires to go flat Secondly, with air tires you will need to have an air compressor that can provide a line pressure equal to or greater than the required air fill pressure of the tires - these can be in the range of 95 -125 psi - check with the dealer. Tire pressure must be maintain to assure rated lift capacity.

Hey. this is my "free" 2.5 cents worth.

Any reason your not looking at an electric option?

Do you really need internal combustion power with that low amount of usage?

Shedman;
The first thing I see with what you propose to do is that you will be required to have written approval by the forklift manufacturer, which ever truck you elect to use the fork extensions on.