There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mainly used within the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is normally used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to utilize in a confined warehouse space. They are much quieter to use and make no emissions that need to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion forklift on the other hand are great in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These units come with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, as these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to select the IC route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your business, examining the pros and cons of each type of machine is a good idea. For example, will a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to take into account because it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane lift truck could be its biggest disadvantage. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Additionally, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is very essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly differ from place to place.