The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main fuel types for forklifts utilized within the industry.
The electric forklift is usually used indoors away from the elements. These models are a lot easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to run and make no emissions which have to be vented or collected.
On the other hand, internal combustion forklifts are superior in outdoor operations and are usually utilized in external loading docks and construction zones. These models are available with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since these require several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC unit, the next decision that is normally faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid models available on the market, but the most popular types of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of every type of machinery is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be right for your specific application or company? Make time to read on to be able to find out more.
Among the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a huge thing to consider since it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane lift truck can be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair expenses would be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly vary from place to place.