The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main types of fuel for forklifts used within the industry.
The electric forklift is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to use in a confined warehouse space. They make no emissions which need to be collected or vented and are much quieter to operate.
The internal combustion forklift on the other hand are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are available with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, as their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to choose the internal combustion route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your machine? There are some newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of each kind of equipment is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be right for your specific application or company? Make time to read on in order to know more.
Among the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a huge thing to take into consideration because it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts require hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing expenses. The regular maintenance and repair expenses will be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Moreover, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models than gas or diesel. It is really essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly differ from place to place.