There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types which are mainly utilized within the marketplace: electric lift trucks and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric lift truck is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These models are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse area. They make no emissions that have to be vented or collected and are a lot quieter to operate.
The IC lift truck however are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These units come with a less upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to pick the internal combustion route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to use to power your machine? There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most common fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When deciding on the best lift truck for your business, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a specific kind of lift will bring to your business. For example, will a propane lift be right for your particular company or application? Make time to read on in order 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 which is a huge thing to take into account because it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system 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 biggest drawback of propane expenses will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these models than diesel or gasoline forklifts. In addition, fuel expenses are usually higher on propane models than gas or diesel. It is very important to consider the fact that fuel expenses could really differ from place to place.