There are 2 main lift truck fuel types and varieties that are mostly used in the industry: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric forklift is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to use in a confined warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to utilize and produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
However, internal combustion forklifts are superior in outdoor operations and are usually utilized in construction zones and external loading docks. These units are offered with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, as these require several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to select the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of every type of machine is a good idea. For instance, would a propane lift be right for your specific application or company? Make time to read on to be able to find out more.
Among the best advantages propane lift trucks have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider since it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts require hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift may be its biggest disadvantage. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models than gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.