There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties that are mainly utilized in the industry: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Normally, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements within indoor applications. These units are easier to use in a confined warehouse area. They make no emissions that have to be vented or collected and are a lot quieter to operate.
The internal combustion lift truck 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 less upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, 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 normally faced is the fuel type which you will use to power your equipment. There are some newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most common types of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your company, it is a great idea to go over the pros and cons which a particular kind of lift would bring to your business. 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 one of their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill that is a great thing to take into account since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts need 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 require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift could be its biggest disadvantage. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel costs are usually higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is really important to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.