The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main types of fuel for forklifts used in the industry.
Typically, electric forklifts are utilized away from the elements in indoor applications. These models are a lot easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse space. They make no emissions that have to be collected or vented and are much quieter to run.
On the other hand, IC forklifts are superior in outdoor applications and are normally used in construction zones and external loading docks. These models are available with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as their internal batteries require a few hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC unit, the next decision which is usually faced is the fuel type which you would use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of every type of machinery is a good idea. For example, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Take 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 fastest and easiest models to refill that is a great thing to take into consideration because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units as compared to gasoline or diesel forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is really vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly differ from place to place.