The electric forklift and the IC or internal combustions lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts used in the industry.
The electric forklift is typically used indoors away from the elements. These models are a lot easier to utilize inside of a tight warehouse space. They make no emissions which need to be vented or collected and are a lot quieter to operate.
On the other hand, internal combustion lift trucks are great in outdoor operations and are normally used in external loading docks and construction zones. These models are offered with a less upfront cost. In addition, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your company does choose an IC 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 types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your business, examining the pros and cons of every type of machine is a good idea. Like for example, would a propane lift be right for your specific application or business? Take time to read on in order to know more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a huge thing to take into account as it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing expenses. The regular maintenance and repair costs would be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel costs can really vary from place to place.