The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main fuel types for forklifts used within the industry.
Typically, electric lift trucks are utilized away from the elements in indoor operations. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse space. They make no emissions that need to be collected or vented and are much quieter to operate.
However, internal combustion forklifts are great in outdoor applications and are normally utilized in external loading docks and construction zones. These units come with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC unit, the next decision which is normally faced is the fuel type which you would use to power your machinery. There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When deciding on the best forklift for your business, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages which a particular type of lift will bring to your business. For instance, will a propane lift be right for your specific application or business? Take time to read on to be able 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 which is a great thing to consider since it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts require hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are quite fast to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck could be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these models as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane models as composed to diesel or gas. It is very vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.