The electric lift truck and the IC or internal combustions lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used within the industry.
Usually, 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 are much quieter to run and make no emissions which have to be vented or collected.
However, IC forklifts are superior in outdoor applications and are normally utilized in construction zones and external loading docks. These units are offered with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, because these require several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an internal combustion model, the next decision which is usually faced is the fuel type that you will use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common kinds of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your business, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages which a specific type of lift would bring to your company. For example, would a propane lift be right for your particular company or application? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a huge thing to consider since it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite fast to swap out and require no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift may be its biggest disadvantage. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really vary from place to place.