The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main types of fuel for forklifts used within the industry.
The electric lift truck is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to use inside of a confined warehouse area. They are much quieter to run and produce no emissions that have to be collected or vented.
The internal combustion lift truck on the other hand are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units are offered with a less upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC unit, the next decision which is usually faced is the fuel type that you will use to power your machine. There are some newer hybrid units on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When choosing the best forklift for your business, it is a good idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific kind of lift will bring to your business. For instance, would a propane lift be best for your specific business or application? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest units to refill that is a great thing to take into account as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders require no cranes or lift to handle them and are quite quick to swap out.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift may be its biggest disadvantage. The regular maintenance and repair costs would be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline lift trucks. In addition, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.