There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties which are mainly used within the industry: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric lift truck is normally used indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse area. They produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented and are much quieter to run.
The IC lift truck on the other hand are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These units are offered with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, as their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is usually faced is the fuel type which you will utilize to power your equipment. There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of each type of machinery is a good idea. Like for instance, would a propane lift be best for your specific business or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane forklifts have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider as it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs would likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models as composed to diesel or gas. It is very essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could greatly differ from place to place.