There are 2 main forklift fuel varieties and types which are mainly used within the industry: electric forklifts and IC or internal combustion forklifts.
The electric lift truck is normally used indoors away from the elements. These units are a lot easier to use in a tight warehouse area. They make no emissions that need to be collected or vented and are a lot quieter to use.
The internal combustion lift truck on the other hand are great in outdoor applications and are most common on external loading docks or on construction sites. These models come with a less upfront cost. Moreover, internal combustion forklifts are faster to refuel compared to the electric units, as these require a few hours of recharging time for their internal batteries.
If you have decided to choose the IC route, the next decision you would face is what type of fuel do you want to utilize to power your machinery? There are several newer hybrid models offered on the market, but the most popular kinds of fuel are gasoline, propane or diesel lift trucks.
When choosing the best forklift for your company, it is a great idea to go over the disadvantages and advantages that a particular kind of lift will bring to your business. For instance, would 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 lift trucks have to offer is their immense flexibility. They are the fastest and easiest models to refill which is a huge thing to consider because it significantly lessens downtime on your warehouse floor. Like for instance, electric lifts require hours to recharge and diesel forklifts require a pump system and an on-site storage tank. On the other hand, propane cylinders are fairly quick to swap out and require no lift or crane to handle them.
The biggest drawback of propane costs would likely be their ongoing costs. The repair expenses and regular maintenance would be more frequent with these units than gasoline or diesel lift trucks. Furthermore, fuel costs are typically higher on propane units as composed to diesel or gas. It is very vital to consider the fact that fuel costs can greatly differ from place to place.