The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main types of fuel for forklifts utilized in the industry.
Normally, electric forklifts are used away from the elements in indoor operations. These units are easier to operate in a confined warehouse area. They are much quieter to operate and produce no emissions which have to be vented or collected.
The IC forklift however are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models are offered with a less upfront cost. In addition, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, since their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an IC model, the next decision that is often faced is the fuel type that you will use to power your machine. There are some newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When choosing the best lift truck for your business, it is a great idea to go over the pros and cons that a specific kind of lift would bring to your business. For example, would a propane lift be right for your specific company or application? Take time to read on to be able to know more.
Among the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider 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 fast to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Moreover, fuel costs are usually higher on propane models as composed to gas or diesel. It is really essential to consider the fact that fuel costs could greatly vary from place to place.