The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC lift truck are the two main fuel types for forklifts utilized in the industry.
The electric forklift is typically used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse space. They produce no emissions that need to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to run.
On the other hand, IC forklifts are great in outdoor applications and are normally used in external loading docks and construction zones. These models come with a lower upfront cost. Furthermore, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric models, since their internal batteries require several hours of recharging time.
If your company does choose an internal combustion unit, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type that you would utilize to power your equipment. There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your company, examining the pros and cons of every kind of machinery is a good idea. For instance, would a propane lift be right for your specific business or application? Make time to read on to be able to know more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill that is a great thing to take into consideration as it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts require 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 require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing expenses. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel forklifts. Furthermore, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units as composed to gas or diesel. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly vary from place to place.