There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mostly utilized within the marketplace: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Usually, electric forklifts are used away from the elements within indoor operations. These units are a lot easier to utilize inside of a tight warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to utilize and produce no emissions which need to be vented or collected.
The internal combustion lift truck on the other hand are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a less upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to pick the IC route, the next decision you will face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most popular fuel types are propane, diesel or gasoline forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best forklift for your business, examining the advantages and disadvantages of every type of machinery is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Take 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 units to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration because it drastically minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts need hours to recharge. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.
The ongoing costs of a propane forklift can be its biggest disadvantage. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units as compared to gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel costs are normally higher on propane models than diesel or gas. It is very vital to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly differ from place to place.