Internal Combustion Lift Trucks
IC lift trucks are members of classes IV and V. Typically, they are available in diesel, liquid propane or gas models. Primarily, the ICE or internal combustion engine units are used outdoors, since they are able to operate in severe climate and produce some emissions. Propane-powered units, on the other hand, can be utilized indoors provided that proper ventilation is utilized. It is better to determine what kinds of environments you will be operating in and what specific requirements you need to utilize the forklift for, in order to ensure you pick the best unit which would meet all your requirements.
ICE Benefits
Several of the advantages of ICE include a lower initial purchase price, compared to a similar capacity electric truck. This can range anywhere from 20% to 40% less. The Internal Combustion Engine units are very easy and fast to refuel. This feature greatly lessens downtime since there is no need to recharge any batteries, as there is with electric models.
Normally, Internal Combustion Engine models offer higher performance capabilities compared to the similarly equipped electric truck. The heavier capacity is often available in these units compared to electric trucks. Over recent years, there have been many advancements regarding emissions technology and this has resulted in lesser total levels of emission. ICE trucks remain popular with load sizes about 8,000 pounds and even much higher in specific operations such as ports, lumberyard settings and steel manufacturing facilities.
ICE Drawbacks
The Internal Combustion models do suffer from several drawbacks including a higher cost-per-hour to operate as compared to electric trucks, due to the excess needs for fuel. Additionally, these models usually create more noise than the electric units because they run louder. Internal Combustion Engine trucks also have fuel-storage requirements to take into consideration as well.