There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types that are mostly utilized in the marketplace: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is normally utilized indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to utilize inside of a tight warehouse space. They make no emissions which need to be vented or collected and are much quieter to use.
The internal combustion lift truck however 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. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric models, because these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an internal combustion unit, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type which you will use to power your machine. There are some newer hybrid units on the market, but the most common 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 each kind of machinery is a good idea. Like for example, will a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Take time to read on to be able to find out more.
Among the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a great thing to take into consideration as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for example, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system. On the other hand, propane cylinders need no cranes or lift to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The biggest drawback of propane expenses would likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs would be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane units than diesel or gas. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses could greatly vary from place to place.