There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mainly used within the marketplace: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is normally used indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to operate in a confined warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to operate and make no emissions that need to be collected or vented.
However, IC lift trucks are superior in outdoor operations and are normally used in external loading docks and construction zones. These units are offered with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your company does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is usually faced is the fuel type which you would utilize to power your equipment. There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your business, examining the pros and cons of each type of machine is a good idea. Like for instance, will a propane lift be best for your specific company or application? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
Among the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to take into account because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift can be its biggest disadvantage. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. In addition, fuel costs are usually higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.