The electric forklift and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts utilized in the industry.
Typically, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements in indoor operations. These models are a lot easier to use in a confined warehouse space. They make no emissions which have to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to run.
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 lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, because their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.
If your business does choose an internal combustion unit, the next decision which is normally faced is the fuel type which you will utilize to power your machinery. There are several newer hybrid models available on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your company, examining the pros and cons of each kind of machine is a good idea. Like for instance, would a propane lift be right for your specific application or company? Take time to read on to be able to know more.
Amongst the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill which is a great thing to take into account as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks need an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs would likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is important to consider the fact that fuel costs could really differ from place to place.