Can Forklifts Use Red Diesel?

Red diesel, also known as red oil or dyed diesel, is a type of diesel used for specific purposes in some countries whose color is dyed red to distinguish it from diesel used in road vehicles. This fuel is commonly used in agricultural, construction and industrial equipment, as well as certain heating systems. In the UK and some other countries, the use of red diesel is illegal in unauthorised road vehicles because it is designed to evade tax and environmental regulations.

For forklifts, it is usually designed to use standard diesel fuel, which is colorless or light yellow and meets emission standards for road vehicles. If a forklift uses red diesel, it may negatively affect its performance and violate local laws. Red diesel may contain different additives or ingredients that may not be suitable for the engine of a forklift truck, which may lead to reduced combustion efficiency, reduced engine performance, increased maintenance costs, and possibly even damage to the engine.

In addition, the use of red diesel can lead to excessive forklift emissions, as this fuel may not contain the appropriate cleaning agent for emission control systems for road vehicles. This not only affects the forklift's environmental compliance, but can also result in fines or other legal consequences.

Therefore, red diesel should not be used in forklifts unless they are specifically designed to run on red diesel and have been properly modified to ensure compliance with emission standards and performance requirements. When using a forklift, you should always follow the manufacturer's specifications and local laws and regulations to ensure the normal operation and compliance of the forklift.