There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types that are mostly utilized within the industry: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Typically, electric forklifts are utilized away from the elements within indoor applications. These models are easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to use and produce no emissions that need to be collected or vented.
The internal combustion forklift on the other hand are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These units are available with a less upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to pick 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 several newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of every kind of machinery is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be best for your specific business or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is amongst their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill that is a huge thing to take into account as it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, 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 need no lift or crane to handle them and are quite fast to swap out.
The biggest drawback 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. Additionally, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane units as composed to diesel or gas. It is really vital to consider the fact that fuel costs could really vary from place to place.