The electric lift truck and the internal combustion or IC forklift are the two main fuel types for forklifts utilized in the industry.
Normally, electric forklifts are used away from the elements in indoor operations. These units are a lot easier to utilize inside of a tight warehouse area. They make no emissions that need to be vented or collected and are much quieter to use.
However, internal combustion forklifts are superior in outdoor applications and are normally used in construction zones and external loading docks. These models are offered with a lower upfront cost. Moreover, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, since these need a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an internal combustion model, the next decision which is often faced is the fuel type that you would use to power your equipment. There are several newer hybrid models on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right lift truck for your business, examining the pros and cons of every kind of machinery is a good idea. Like for instance, will a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Take time to read on to be able to know 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 consider as it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders are fairly fast to swap out and need no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest disadvantage of propane costs would likely be their ongoing costs. The repair costs and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Furthermore, fuel expenses are normally higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is really important to consider the fact that fuel costs could greatly vary from place to place.