There are 2 main lift truck fuel varieties and types which are mostly utilized within the industry: electric forklifts and internal combustion or IC forklifts.
The electric lift truck is usually used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to utilize in a confined warehouse space. They make no emissions which need to be vented or collected and are a lot quieter to use.
The internal combustion lift truck however are superior in outdoor operations and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a lower upfront cost. Additionally, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel than the electric units, as their internal batteries need a few hours of recharging time.
If you have decided to select the IC route, the next decision you would face is what kind of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most common types of fuel are diesel, gasoline or propane forklifts.
When in the decision process to find the right forklift for your company, examining the advantages and disadvantages of every type of machinery is a good idea. For example, would a propane lift be best for your specific application or company? Take time to read on in order to know more.
One of the best advantages propane lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the easiest and fastest units to refill that is a great thing to take into account since it significantly minimizes downtime on your warehouse floor. For example, diesel forklifts need a pump system and an on-site storage tank and electric lifts need hours to recharge. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and need no cranes or lift to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane costs will likely be their ongoing expenses. The repair expenses and regular maintenance will be more frequent with these units than diesel or gasoline lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel costs are normally higher on propane units than gas or diesel. It is essential to consider the fact that fuel costs can really vary from place to place.