There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mostly used within the industry: electric lift trucks and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric forklift is typically utilized indoors away from the elements. These models are easier to operate inside of a confined warehouse space. They make no emissions which have to be collected or vented and are much quieter to run.
On the other hand, internal combustion lift trucks are great in outdoor operations and are commonly used in external loading docks and construction zones. These models come with a less upfront cost. Additionally, IC forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, since their internal batteries need several hours of recharging time.
If your business does choose an IC model, the next decision which is normally faced is the fuel type which you will use to power your machinery. There are some newer hybrid units available on the market, but the most common kinds of fuel are propane, diesel or gasoline lift trucks.
When choosing the best lift truck for your business, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a particular type of lift will bring to your company. For example, will a propane lift be right for your specific application or business? Take time to read on to be able 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 that is a huge thing to consider as it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. For instance, diesel forklifts need an on-site storage tank and pump system and electric lifts require hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders need no lift or crane to handle them and are fairly fast to swap out.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing costs. The regular maintenance and repair costs will be more frequent with these units as compared to diesel or gasoline forklifts. In addition, fuel costs are normally higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is really essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly vary from place to place.