There are actually 2 types of forklifts, based mostly on whether or not they run on electricity or gas:
Internal Combustion or IC Lift trucks: The IC Forklifts run on liquid propane, gas, CNG or compressed natural gas or diesel. The gas powered units are made to be utilized outdoors because they produce gases and pollutants which could be dangerous if inhaled. Models that run on gasoline are also suitable for use in the rain and in bad climate. These models can lift weights around 15,000 to 35,000 pounds. Due to the fuel costs and maintenance, models which run on gas are much more costly to use compared to the electric units, however, they cost less up front than electric powered units. The liquid propane units are the best choice to be used in indoor applications.
Electric Forklifts: The electric forklift units are powered by very huge batteries that must be recharged. The vehicles do not produce any polluting air emissions as these units do not burn any fuel. They are the right alternative for indoor use and warehouses. Also, forklifts which run on electricity are a lot quieter to run compared to other models and they do not require any fuel storage units. Among the downsides of electric powered units is that they can not lift loads more than 15,000 pounds and therefore, have a slower acceleration than the models that use gasoline.
Forklifts are particularly designed to easily and quickly transport heavy loads with simplicity. As the case with nearly all kinds of machines, unfortunately, forklift accidents do happen on a regular basis. There are specific safety rules which must be followed in order to keep everybody safe. The most important problem is recruiting a qualified operator, who will be able to show you a valid lift truck license.
On the market nowadays, there are numerous different kinds of forklifts available. Deciding which one is right for your specific needs would be based on the type of environment your machinery would need to operate in, like for example, outdoors or indoors or both and what types of loads which you need to transport. When you understand your particular needs, it will be easy to match up to the right kind of forklift. When you know your needs precisely you would be able to make a correct choice.
Leasing is another good way to try out various models if you want to try out various features and see what kind of options are available. This is a less expensive way to know if the equipment you have chosen could keep up with you on the job site.