There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties which are mostly used in the industry: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
Typically, electric forklifts are used away from the elements in indoor operations. These units are easier to operate in a confined warehouse space. They are a lot quieter to utilize and make no emissions which need to be collected or vented.
The internal combustion lift truck however are superior in outdoor applications and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models are offered with a less upfront cost. Furthermore, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, since their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you will face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your equipment? There are several newer hybrid units offered on the market, but the most popular fuel types are gasoline, propane or diesel forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the best lift truck for your business, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each type of equipment is a great idea. Like for instance, will a propane lift be right for your particular application or business? Take time to read on in order to find out more.
Amongst the best advantages propane forklifts have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest models to refill which is a great thing to take into account as it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel lift trucks require an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders require no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly quick to swap out.
The ongoing expenses of a propane lift truck can be its biggest drawback. The regular maintenance and repair costs would be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. Moreover, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane models as composed to diesel or gas. It is vital to consider the fact that fuel expenses can greatly differ from place to place.