There are 2 main forklift fuel types and varieties which are mainly used within the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is typically used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to operate in a confined warehouse area. They are a lot quieter to utilize and produce no emissions which need to be collected or vented.
The IC forklift on the other hand are great in outdoor applications and are most common on construction sites or on external loading docks. These models are offered with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, as these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision which is usually faced is the fuel type which you would use to power your equipment. There are some newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When choosing the right lift truck for your company, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages which a particular kind of lift would bring to your business. Like for instance, will a propane lift be right for your specific application or company? Make time to read on to be able to find out more.
Among the best advantages propane lift trucks have to provide is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill which is a great thing to consider because it drastically lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, electric lifts need hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require an on-site storage tank and pump system. Conversely, propane cylinders are quite quick to swap out and require no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units as compared to gasoline or diesel forklifts. Additionally, fuel expenses are typically higher on propane units as composed to diesel or gas. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly differ from place to place.