There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types that are mainly utilized within the industry: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Normally, electric forklifts are utilized away from the elements in indoor applications. These units are a lot easier to operate in a confined warehouse space. They produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to operate.
The internal combustion lift truck however are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC model, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your business, it is a great idea to go over the pros and cons that a particular kind of lift will bring to your company. For example, would a propane lift be best for your specific business or application? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane lift truck is amongst their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a great thing to take into consideration as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing expenses of a propane forklift can be its biggest disadvantage. The repair costs and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these models than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Moreover, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models than gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly vary from place to place.