There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties that are mostly utilized in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to operate in a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to operate and produce no emissions that have to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion lift truck however are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision which is usually faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of each type of equipment is a great idea. For example, would a propane lift be best for your specific company or application? Take time to read on to be able to know more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is amongst their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill that is a great thing to consider since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite fast to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Moreover, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is important to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.