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 forklift is typically used indoors away from the elements. These units are easier to operate inside of a tight warehouse area. They make no emissions that need to be collected or vented and are much quieter to operate.
The IC forklift however are great in outdoor applications and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models come with a less upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, since these need several hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision that is often faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your equipment. There are several newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your company, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages which a particular kind of lift will bring to your company. For example, will a propane lift be best for your specific business or application? Make time to read on in order to find out more.
The immense flexibility of the propane forklift is among their best advantages. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a great thing to consider as it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift could be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. In addition, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.