The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main types of fuel for forklifts used within the industry.
Normally, electric lift trucks are used away from the elements within indoor applications. These models are easier to use inside of a confined warehouse area. They produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to operate.
However, internal combustion lift trucks are great in outdoor applications and are usually used in construction zones and external loading docks. These units are available with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machine? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your company, it is a good idea to go over the pros and cons that a specific type of lift would bring to your company. Like for instance, would a propane lift be right for your particular business or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane lift trucks have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a great thing to consider as it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models as compared to gasoline or diesel forklifts. Additionally, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is very essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.