There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mostly utilized within the marketplace: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
Typically, electric forklifts are utilized away from the elements within indoor applications. These units are a lot easier to use inside of a confined warehouse area. They produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected and are much quieter to use.
The internal combustion forklift on the other hand are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a lower upfront cost. In addition, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, since their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an internal combustion model, the next decision that is often faced is the fuel type that you would utilize to power your machinery. There are several newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When deciding on the right forklift for your company, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific type of lift will bring to your business. For example, will a propane lift be best for your particular company or application? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane lift truck is among their best advantages. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill which is a huge thing to take into consideration as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and require no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback 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 diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is very vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly vary from place to place.